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A review by luluwoohoo
Running Close to the Wind by Alexandra Rowland
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Running Close To The Wind by Alexandra Rowland (audiobook narrated by Casey Jones)
☀️☀️☀️☀️🌤️
A laugh-out-loud queer pirate romp that manages impressive world-building and a captivating plot without compromising on the humour at its heart.
I don't think I've ever laughed quite so hard reading a book! This story has a very specific type of humour - silly, vulgar and slapstick in nature - which appeals to me however unexpectedly. Rowland walks the tightrope well, never letting a running joke get tiresome, and balances this humour with a great deal of earnestness. There is a lot of talk about sex but the most we get is fade to black, which is surprising but not overly disappointing.
A story such as this cannot succeed without a cast of colourful characters. Avra is undoubtedly cringey but is equally endearing; Tev is gruff but loveable; Julian is intriguing and hot. With the exception of Julian, who I'd like a bit more exploration of, I found all of the characters well developed with unique voices. And speaking of voices: Casey Jones absolutely delivers with the audiobook - his accents and comedic timing are perfect for this!
The world-building is surprisingly comprehensive, though this is in part due to existing in the same universe as Rowland's previous book. I appreciate the details we are given on pirate history, ministerial positions, and the utmost importance of the cake competition.
This book strikes me as one that will be loved or hated based entirely on a person's interpretation of the humour. For me, it is outstanding and something I will revisit again and again. What a delight!
☀️☀️☀️☀️🌤️
A laugh-out-loud queer pirate romp that manages impressive world-building and a captivating plot without compromising on the humour at its heart.
I don't think I've ever laughed quite so hard reading a book! This story has a very specific type of humour - silly, vulgar and slapstick in nature - which appeals to me however unexpectedly. Rowland walks the tightrope well, never letting a running joke get tiresome, and balances this humour with a great deal of earnestness. There is a lot of talk about sex but the most we get is fade to black, which is surprising but not overly disappointing.
A story such as this cannot succeed without a cast of colourful characters. Avra is undoubtedly cringey but is equally endearing; Tev is gruff but loveable; Julian is intriguing and hot. With the exception of Julian, who I'd like a bit more exploration of, I found all of the characters well developed with unique voices. And speaking of voices: Casey Jones absolutely delivers with the audiobook - his accents and comedic timing are perfect for this!
The world-building is surprisingly comprehensive, though this is in part due to existing in the same universe as Rowland's previous book. I appreciate the details we are given on pirate history, ministerial positions, and the utmost importance of the cake competition.
This book strikes me as one that will be loved or hated based entirely on a person's interpretation of the humour. For me, it is outstanding and something I will revisit again and again. What a delight!
'Are you crying?'
'I am a poet, Julian, of course I am crying!' Avra wailed. 'A poet's whole job is to celebrate sluts and cry about beautiful things coming to tragic, untimely ends!'