The Pirate's Wish (The Assassin's Curse, #2) by Cassandra Rose Clarke

Jun 04, 2013 Jasprit rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: love-the-cover, out-2013, arc-galley, read-in-2013

Cover update! Isn't it gorgeous?

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May 08, 2013 KM rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: high-fantasy, angry-robot, netgalley-edelweiss, kindle-books

The Assassin's Curse was one of my favorite books I read last year. It blew me away with its originality and creativity, and it had me wishing there were pirates and assassins in every YA high fantasy. So when Strange Chemistry emailed me about digital copies of The Pirate's Wish on NetGalley, I freaked out. I NEEDED this book to be good. And it so was!

Cassandra Rose Clarke has written two books that are crazy original. A lot of high fantasy (specifically in YA) is really similar - medieval-esqu...more The Assassin's Curse was one of my favorite books I read last year. It blew me away with its originality and creativity, and it had me wishing there were pirates and assassins in every YA high fantasy. So when Strange Chemistry emailed me about digital copies of The Pirate's Wish on NetGalley, I freaked out. I NEEDED this book to be good. And it so was!

Cassandra Rose Clarke has written two books that are crazy original. A lot of high fantasy (specifically in YA) is really similar - medieval-esque setting, a big prophesy, a "Chosen One," and lots of sword fighting. But Clarke gave us something else - pirates, an underwater kingdom, a talking minotaur that has immaculate manners, and a hero who's crazy hot, despite being disfigured. The originality is definitely still here, and it's so refreshing!

My favorite character in this series is totally the minotaur. She. Is. Hysterical. All her scenes were the best, and I seriously wanted her to be in the entire book (which, sadly, she is not). I also really love Ananna and Naji, who are both so different than other YA characters I've read.

The adventure is great too! I loved all the battles and the cities they visit and the journey of curing Naji of his curse. I never knew where the group was headed next or how Clarke was going to wrap everything up in the end. And while the ending isn't necessarily final, it's satisfying.

Something I feel like needs to be mentioned is the romance. It's NOT your traditional YA romance; nor does it end the way you think it's going to. I've read some early reviews, and there seems to be some discontent with the romance as a whole. But I liked it, and honestly, how could we expect anything traditional from Clarke, who has broken all conventions so far? I think the romance fits the book really well, even if it isn't necessarily pretty and perfect and wrapped up in the end. Also, I kind of like the whole girl-yearning-for-boy-who-doesn't-like-her-back thing. That's such a universal thing, and I think Clarke balanced that well.

I always have a hard time expressing my thoughts on a book I really liked, so I'll just end by saying that this was a satisfying conclusion to The Assassin's Curse duology. A part of me wanted there to be another book, just so I could stay in this world some more, but I'll just have to content myself with the companion duology that Clarke is writing.

Loved this book. Loved this series. Definitely an author I'll be reading more from!
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Apr 26, 2013 Catie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, for-review, high-seas-adventures, read-in-2013, romance, series

Above all else, this is a pretty satisfying conclusion to a story that began not so long ago with one runaway pirate bride on a camel. I thought I would have to wait a whole year to find out how the dreaded Assassin’s Curse was dealt with, but lo – the internet is generous to me. I read this book in about four noncontiguous hours of metro riding and would have happily holed up with it somewhere if I’d had the chance. It was a quick, enjoyable read. However, this second installment was not as enj...more

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Apr 03, 2013 Trinity rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013, awesome-sauce, easy-read, favourite, heart-warmer, lets-hear-it-for-the-boys, read-in-2013, sawoon, swim-fan, up-all-night, what-the-what, woman-of-awesome, young-adult, net-galley

4.5 stars

Good grief these books are good. If you haven't read The Assassin's Curse yet then away with you! Shoo!

There is so much to love here. Gutsy heroine, surly but loveable assassin, amazing world building. I really hope Clarke has more stories for this world because it's too rich to be done with.

Like the previous book this book sucks you in from the first page. Nothing lags or drags. Everything is punchy and awesome. I loved the new characters. Manticore! And I loved how each of the imposs...more

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Apr 26, 2013 Litchick rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: netgalley, arc, dark-side-sequel-challenge, fantasy-fun

I enjoyed this book. I enjoyed this book IMMENSELY.

You know a book is good when you try to think of how to do it justice in a review and all you can come up with is something like this:

Since I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review I’ll try to abstain from that and use actual words to describe its epicness.

The first book, The Assassin's Curse, ends with our main character, Ananna, stranded on the spooky, mist shrouded Isles of the Sky with Naji, the perma-grumpy assassin forced to p...more

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Apr 05, 2013 Stuti rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fairy-tale-and-or-retelling, fantasy-pr-everything-untoward, more-please, let-me-down

Warning: Many teasers in the review.

I have some very conflicting feelings about this book. The rational side of my mind says,"That is so expended" but the reader in me snarls back in contempt,"That's what makes it so awesomesauce. Using so many cliches and still managing to produce a very, very fine book is the mark of some fairly clever author skills."

And my final verdict is to kick out the annoying rational side. I did have problems with this book but nothing that thirteen hours deep sleep an...more

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Jun 07, 2013 Sam rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-or-galley, romance, fantasy-or-paranormal, fantasy

3.5 stars

Following in the footsteps of The Assassin’s Curse (the first part of this two-book series), The Pirate’s Wish delivers an original and adventurous tale that is (wonderfully) quite difficult to predict. Our pirate and assassin duo provide as much entertainment this time around as they did in the first book, now finally setting off to break the curse binding them together.

From this point forward, and as so many of us have been anticipating, the romance develops into something more substa...more

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Apr 21, 2013 inga rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: pirates, arc, 2013, 5-stars, books-i-own, bounty-hunter-mercenary-assassin, cross-dressing-gender-bender, fairy-tale-or-fairy-tale-ish, favorites, favorites-2013, i-ship-them-so-hard, love-the-hero, love-the-heroine, love-the-title, own-on-kindle, reviewed, reviewed-2013, witches-and-the-like, reviewed-arc

The Pirate's Wish was one of my most anticipated reads of 2013. And I'm thrilled to say, it did not disappoint and was everything and more than I had hoped it would be.

A novel can pretty much rise and fall for me depending on my relationship with the main characters. Do I like them? Can I sympathize with them? Do I relate to them? Do they get to me?
Considering Ananna is a pirate, and I love pirates (in fiction) to death, that pretty much sealed the deal for me. To be honest, I was a little unde...more

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Jun 13, 2013 Jessie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013-publication, 2013, annoying-main-character, angsty-main-character, couldnt-stop-reading, disappointment, open-ending, won-t-order, reviewed

Actual rating: 2.5 stars

Spoilers below.

Ananna:
Unfortunately, she was pretty annoying in this book. What happened to her? All she thinks about is Naji, and I'm freaking tired of it. What's up with the sudden "I love you"s? I thought she only *liked* him in TAC. Ugh. Despite that, she kept on whining about loads of stuff, for example, Naji doesn't love me back, Marjani should be asking about the starstones, Naji doesn't want me, Naji this, Naji that, it's getting old. I really really couldn't sta...more

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Apr 22, 2013 Kate rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2013

Last year, The Assassin's Curse blew my mind with its creativity. I have been waiting on pins and needles for the next installment, The Pirate's Wish, ever since I finished that last page of The Assassin's Curse.

The Pirate's Wish starts off right after the events of The Assassin's Curse. Ananna and Naji are still trapped on the island looking for ways to get off of it, as well as ways to break Naji's curse. Sure, Ananna knows (or at least thinks she does) one way to break one of the three impos...more Last year, The Assassin's Curse blew my mind with its creativity. I have been waiting on pins and needles for the next installment, The Pirate's Wish, ever since I finished that last page of The Assassin's Curse.

The Pirate's Wish starts off right after the events of The Assassin's Curse. Ananna and Naji are still trapped on the island looking for ways to get off of it, as well as ways to break Naji's curse. Sure, Ananna knows (or at least thinks she does) one way to break one of the three impossible tests. But I guess it is called 'impossible' for a reason. With Ananna stuck strictly in the 'friend zone' with Naji, and the other tests still a complete mystery, time may be running out for both of them.

There is so many thoughts floating around my head regarding this read. On one hand, I loved, loved this book to pieces. I mean The Pirate's Wish is in the running for best book of the year, in my opinion. Or at least, best sequel. I laughed. I cried. I yelled. I cried. Then laughed and cried some more. The Pirate's Wish brought out so many emotions in me. So much so, that I was an emotional wreck. I was so emotionally invested in these two characters and their journey. I didn't know how much more I could take of all the tension going on.

However, The Pirate's Wish wasn't all sunshine and rainbows. Ananna (at times) was the foil to my emotional response to this read. In the beginning, she was the fantastic, strong female character that I remembered. She even gave probably the best inner monologue speech about not needing a boy to happy that I have ever read. Seriously, this book needs to be read just for that conversation alone. I literally wanted to give her a fist bump for it. It was that amazing.

Then, strangely along the way, Ananna changed. Personally, I am not 100% sure why it happened, it just did. In a matter of chapters, Ananna is transformed from a girl who doesn't need a boy to be happy to a girl whose whole happiness is dependent on the boy liking her back. Yes, there is a bunch more to it than that, and I know I am giving it a generalized description, but it was crazy weird for me as a reader to have her basically do a complete personality flop. Does it take away from the read over all? No, not really. I just wish she had been a little more mature about the whole situation.

Final Verdict:

The Pirate's Wish was beyond amazing. I cannot remember the last time a book had me so glued to its pages. I literally was up to about 4 a.m. reading this one. I would not let myself stop until I was finished. If you liked The Assassin's Curse, then be prepared, The Pirate's Wish is ten thousand times more amazing. If you haven't read, The Assassin's Curse… stop what you are doing, and go start it.

Will there be more?

Yes and no. I was really surprised and happy to find that The Assassin's Curse series is a duology. Great, because I don't have to wait another year for another installment. Horrible, because I simply adore our characters and this world. However, I have discovered that the amazing Cassandra Rose Clarke is working on more books set in this world! What this means… I am not sure yet. But hopefully, there will be more Ananna and Naji in some shape, form, or fashion.(less)

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May 01, 2013 StefanieEmmy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Cassandra Rose Clarke lässt mich einfach nicht los. In den letzten 10 Monaten habe ich alle ihre Veröffentlichungen gelesen - das hat angefangen in der Fantasywelt von "The Assassin's Curse", und führte nach dem Science-Fiction Abstecher "The Mad Scientist's Daughter" über die Kurzgeschichte "The Witch's Betrayal" wieder zurück zu Anannas Perspektive in "The Pirate's Wish". Ich kriege einfach nicht genug.

"The Pirate's Wish" fängt da an, wo "The Assassin's Curse" aufgehört hat - das macht auch Si...more Cassandra Rose Clarke lässt mich einfach nicht los. In den letzten 10 Monaten habe ich alle ihre Veröffentlichungen gelesen - das hat angefangen in der Fantasywelt von "The Assassin's Curse", und führte nach dem Science-Fiction Abstecher "The Mad Scientist's Daughter" über die Kurzgeschichte "The Witch's Betrayal" wieder zurück zu Anannas Perspektive in "The Pirate's Wish". Ich kriege einfach nicht genug.

"The Pirate's Wish" fängt da an, wo "The Assassin's Curse" aufgehört hat - das macht auch Sinn, denn im Nachwort schreibt die Autorin, dass das ganze ursprünglich eine Geschichte war, die aufgrund der Länge geteilt wurde. Sonst hätte anscheinend gekürzt werden müssen. Was bin ich froh, dass diese andere Lösung mit den zwei Büchern möglich war!
Ich weiß gar nicht, was ich noch sagen könnte, um euch die Bücher schmackhaft zu machen, was ich nicht schon in meiner Rezension zu "The Assassin's Curse" geschrieben habe. Es gibt nur einen zentralen Punkt, den ich wirklich mal herauskehren möchte, weil man es nicht oft genug sagen kann:

Sowohl Ananna als auch Naji machen in diesem zweiten Buch einen sehr wichtigen Entwicklungsschritt, einen, den ich jedem Menschen nur wünschen kann: Selbstakzeptanz. Und dabei auch die Akzeptanz der Tatsache, dass andere oft mehr in uns sehen als wir selbst - und dass die anderen nicht unbedingt diejenigen sind, die falsch liegen.

Gut, manchmal habe ich mir gewünscht, Naji würde ein bisschen eher preisgeben, was er für Ananna empfindet, aber am Ende ist er einfach wie er ist und wenn man sich vorher die Kurzgeschichte "The Witch's Betrayal" gönnt - die aus Najis Sicht geschrieben ist und zeitlich vor den beiden Romanen angesiedelt ist - lässt sich sein Verhalten etwas besser nachvollziehen. Zum Glück versteht Ananna ihn dann doch gut genug, um den letzten Zweifel aus dem Weg zu räumen und mich hat die Unsicherheit zwischen ihnen nur noch schneller durch das Buch getrieben.

"The Pirate's Wish" ist wie sein Vorgänger ein Buch voller Spannung und Abenteuer. Ananna kämpft mit ihrem Gefühlen und mit ihrer Rolle. Die Piratin in ihr bekommt viel mehr Spielraum und ebenso die Möglichkeiten, die das für ihre Zukunft mit sich bringt. Das Buch hat nicht viele ruhige Sequenzen, aber selbst die waren nie langweilig oder überflüssig.
Kurzum: Ich liebe den zweiten Teil so wie ich den ersten liebe und bei erster Gelgenheit werde ich beide nochmal lesen. Wie ich mich darauf freue!

Bis es soweit ist, erfreue ich mich an der Nachricht, dass ab 2014 eine weitere Duologie aus Clarkes Feder bei Strange Chemistry erscheinen wird. Diese spielt in der selben Welt wie Anannas und Najis Geschichte und wird unter den Titeln "The Wizard's Promise" und "The Nobleman's Revenge" zu lesen sein. Haha, Freude! :D

A great thanks to NetGalley and Strange Chemistry for the chance to read and review the ARC!(less)

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Jun 01, 2013 Maja rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: magic, netgalley, arc-2013, best-of-2013, all-the-right-choices, favorites, just-another-book-crush, reviewed-in-2013

While I wasn’t the biggest fan of The Assassin’s Curse, not even close, I was still very much looking forward to The Pirate’s Wish. If there’s one thing I admire about Clarke, it’s that you never know what to expect with one of her books. She takes risks and they usually pay off.

Compared to The Assassin’s Curse, The Pirate’s Wish showed significant improvement in narrative structure. While the first book started had a promising start, only to flatline after the first few scenes, The Assassin’s...more While I wasn’t the biggest fan of The Assassin’s Curse, not even close, I was still very much looking forward to The Pirate’s Wish. If there’s one thing I admire about Clarke, it’s that you never know what to expect with one of her books. She takes risks and they usually pay off.

Compared to The Assassin’s Curse, The Pirate’s Wish showed significant improvement in narrative structure. While the first book started had a promising start, only to flatline after the first few scenes, The Assassin’s Curse had a solid beginning, a thrilling climax and a satisfying ending. Just like before, Ananna’s world is enthralling, but Clarke makes it even better this time. Her deftly crafted world expands further to include more magnificent creatures, more sea battles and magical objects.

However, somehow, somewhere along the line, the feisty, courageous, unique Ananna was lost. In her place, The Pirate’s Wish brings an almost unrecognizable, surly, petulant girl. The Ananna we all remember would never allow a boy to turn her into a whiny mess, but this Ananna, the new version, did exactly that. The insecurities that made her more charming before weren’t nearly as cute and relatable this time around.

It was odd how the two switched places. I didn’t much care for Naji in the first book, but here he was the more reasonable of the two, even when he was too afraid to admit his feelings. In the end, I didn’t understand where his change of heart came from. By the time he admitted it, there was nothing even remotely likeable left in Ananna. Just like I didn’t understand what she saw in him before, now I couldn’t see why he would want to be with her. I suppose it’s safe to say that Clarke’s romances just don’t work for me, and I can’t pinpoint exactly why. The best I can tell you is that it has something to do with the timing, and the amount of damage each of the characters does to the relationship before it even starts.

Those who were bothered by the language in the first book might be a bit more relaxed this time. I, on the other hand, missed Clarke’s experiments. Ananna’s language was still far from polished, but it wasn’t nearly as pronounced as before.

If you enjoy adventures that are anything but formulaic, I highly recommend this duology. Even if it is far from perfect, it’s undeniably a much needed breath of fresh air in young adult literature.

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Jun 10, 2013 Juhina rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013, review-books, ebook, netgalley

4.5/5 stars

The Pirate's Wish was as good as The Assassin's Curse if not better. This review is spoiler free for both books. While The Assassin's Curse was mostly spent building and solidifying the relationship between Ananna, a runaway pirate, and Naji, a ninja assassin, we get so much more in The Pirate's Wish. The romantic attraction definitely increases, but we meet some fantastic characters as well as follow them through a fantastic adventure.

I don't read enough adventure novels, I have to...more 4.5/5 stars

The Pirate's Wish was as good as The Assassin's Curse if not better. This review is spoiler free for both books. While The Assassin's Curse was mostly spent building and solidifying the relationship between Ananna, a runaway pirate, and Naji, a ninja assassin, we get so much more in The Pirate's Wish. The romantic attraction definitely increases, but we meet some fantastic characters as well as follow them through a fantastic adventure.

I don't read enough adventure novels, I have to say that. Most of the novels I read concentrate too much on the romance or have some paranormal aspects or a dystopian world that cares too much about the world building and too little on the characters' journeys. The Pirate's Curse at the beginning was a bit slow because it was set in one place, on land. I wanted to get back to the ocean as much as Ananna did however we meet an unlikely alley and a very pleasant character: The Manticore. The Manticore basically eats humans and is a giant blob of an animal, however Ananna strikes a deal with her in exchange for not eating both. At the beginning I was slightly put off by her and was waiting for the other shoe to drop, however the manticore was a big source of humor for this novel. We see a bit less of the banter between Naji and Ananna but I didn't mind because the manticore was just so freaking hilarious to be around. I just thought this was an awesome input from the author.

Naji and Ananna's romance was more directly addressed than in The Pirate's Wish. I loved the slow progression. I know I mention this many times but I hate how romantic lines nowadays progress at lighting speed in YA novels. I am personally a big fan of romance in YA books but quantity isn't better than quality in my opinion. A few scenes that are incredibly adorable, of course with a side of tension in the beginning, is better than outright romance throughout the whole novel until I just get sick of it.

Character wise, I was slightly frustrated at Ananna at times for not listening to Naji, always doubting herself, as well as the decisions she makes, or at least ones she thinks of making. I felt so sorry for Naji because Ananna was such a pain in the butt at times. However Ananna is an endearing character and you can't help liking her even with all her faults. The ending is a bit bittersweet because it is a bit open ended and I didn't expect this to be the final book and the series being a duology. I am definitely going to miss Naji and Ananna however the author is writing another duology in the same world so I at least don't have to say goodbye to that! (less)

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Jun 12, 2013 Amy (Amy's Book Den) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

The Pirate’s Wish comes with new characters, surprising events, sea battles and more!

Stranded on an enchanted island with nothing but each other for company, has Ananna and Naji on edge. Now that our heroes know what the three impossible tasks are, they concentrate on unraveling them in this second book. And yes, they deal with all three tasks in this book because it’s the last one. I definitely had issues with this. The Pirate’s Wish, while entertaining as hell and amazing, felt too rushed. The...more The Pirate’s Wish comes with new characters, surprising events, sea battles and more!

Stranded on an enchanted island with nothing but each other for company, has Ananna and Naji on edge. Now that our heroes know what the three impossible tasks are, they concentrate on unraveling them in this second book. And yes, they deal with all three tasks in this book because it’s the last one. I definitely had issues with this. The Pirate’s Wish, while entertaining as hell and amazing, felt too rushed. The series could’ve easily been turned into a trilogy instead of a duology. The material is there, and it would’ve allowed the character relationships and completion of the tasks to be more natural. As it is…it’s rushed. But I did like the message though: that nothing is impossible, it just seems that way.

The first task and most important one was solved too easily. I expected hours of delicious tension and a big ‘reveal of feelings’ moment, but that’s not how it happens. It was ABRUPT to say the least and left me and Ananna unsatisfied. There’s a lot of angst after this. The pirate girl is sick of playing ‘princess in a tower all safe and sound,’ a role Naji continually puts her in because of the curse. She knows he hurts every time she’s in danger, but she just wants to be in the middle of the action! This both amused me and bothered me. I mean, because of Ananna’s stubbornness Naji keeps suffering! Gahhh Then because of misunderstandings and an unwanted spell, Ananna becomes even more stubborn and pushes poor Naji away. The angst was at least tempered by their obvious care for each other.

Naji is once again the perfect assassin and gentleman, two characteristics that seem at odd but he pulls it off. I love, love, love his resolve. When Naji says he’ll do something, he’ll do it no matter what cost. Misunderstandings abound where he is concerned, but he is such a cutie trying to make things right again. Though that plan goes all to hell when he’s forced to strengthen the link between him and Ananna. Reading each other’s thoughts…awkward! His final decision…well, though it didn’t lead to the usual happily ever after, I loved it. It showed a level of maturity and realism to this fantastic story.

But once again, I felt this could’ve been a trilogy. There were a lot of characters introduced here and I was left wanting to know more about them. Like, what happens to the manticore and the promise between her and Ananna? What happens to the King of Salt and Foam and their curiosity to know exactly how they came to be? What happens to Naji’s assassin pals? What happens to Jeric yi Niru? WHAT ABOUT SAMUEL THE ALBATROSS? It’s my understanding that there will be more books set in the Assassin’s Curse universe, so maybe some of these people will appear. I certainly hope so, and I hope it’s not the last of Ananna and Naji.

*Arc copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley*
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Jun 08, 2013 Morgan Colleen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-that-left-me-aching

My Wish was granted a MILLION-TIMES OVER ♥ ♥ ♥

Such an AMAZING SEQUEL about how two people who were forged together by a curse and bound on a mission to break it grew to know and truly love each other.
This was everything I wanted and more for Naji & Ananna! It's a story about them growing to really understand and love each other by healing each other and in the end by saving each other through their love for one another. I'm really going to miss Ananna's fierce soul & Naji's magical ways...more

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Jun 17, 2013 Jennifer rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, series, young-adult

The plot definitely picked up in this book, and I'm extremely glad that this wasn't stretched out into a trilogy. I just don't have much to say. It was a quick read and moderately entertaining. I liked most of the characters (but never loved any of them). I think the romance was paced fairly appropriately (although a significant issue from the first book was never re-adressed and there was never a climactic discussion, everything just kind of fell into place).

Overall, the world never felt full,...more

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Jun 02, 2013 Kathy Martin rated it 4 of 5 stars

THE PIRATE'S WISH was an exciting adventure and romance that neatly wraps up the story of Ananna and Naji begun in THE ASSASSIN'S CURSE. The story begins with Ananna and Naji marooned on a magical island and trying to break the curse that binds them together. They learned in the previous book that three impossible things had to happen before the curse could be broken.

One of the things that needs to happen--true love's kiss--doesn't seem at all impossible to Ananna because she knows she love him...more

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Jun 01, 2013 The Twins Read rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: earc, michelle-s-shelf, nicole-s-shelf, requested-from-publisher

This review can originally be found at The Twins Read.

The Pirate's Wish starts off with Naji and Ananna stranded on an island, waiting for someone to save them and wondering just how in the world they're going to lift Naji's curse. To break Naji's curse, he needs to rub a princess' starstone on his skin, create life out of violence, and get a taste of true love's kiss (our personal favorite because we love Ananna).

You know that manticore we expected in the first book? You'll find her here. She...more This review can originally be found at The Twins Read.

The Pirate's Wish starts off with Naji and Ananna stranded on an island, waiting for someone to save them and wondering just how in the world they're going to lift Naji's curse. To break Naji's curse, he needs to rub a princess' starstone on his skin, create life out of violence, and get a taste of true love's kiss (our personal favorite because we love Ananna).

You know that manticore we expected in the first book? You'll find her here. She's got a name we can't pronounce and a diet consisting mainly of human flesh. We found ourselves falling in love with this manticore because of her prissy attitude and adorable comebacks and quirks. It's basically because of the manticore that Ananna gets that much needed push to do something about her feelings.

Ananna is as endearing as ever. She's finally come to terms with her feelings for Naji - this assassin should just admit that he adores her too so they can live happily ever after - and despite knowing that Naji will probably not return her feelings, she's still determined to help him rather than feed him to the manticore. Naji is still as morose and insecure as he was in the first book but it didn't really irk us because that's just how Naji is. We couldn't help but love him even when we were kind of hoping he would be fed to the manticore after the curse was lifted for not grabbing Ananna and kissing her senseless.

There's never a dull moment in Pirate's Wish and we found ourselves highly entertained and unable to stop ourselves from finishing this book once we started on it. Naji and Ananna are an adorable pair and the twists and turns of this book kept us immersed in the story. Just when things seem to finally fit right, there were certain other aspects that Clarke had to make us respect to give credence to her characters.

Wonderfully entertaining and worthy of its own theme ride at an amusement park, The Pirate's Wish is exactly what we expected The Assassin's Curse to turn out to be. If you're a bit hesitant because of the first book, pick up The Pirate's Wish and prepare to root for Ananna because it's going to be a wild ride.(less)

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May 07, 2013 Kristy Sartain- Whispering Pretty Stories Reviews rated it 4 of 5 stars

I read the first in this series months ago and devoured it. I think that review is on this site somewhere. This book was no different.

I will admit I had to go back and read the last few chapters of The Assassin's Curse because it had been so long and I couldn't remember some of the details.

I hate reviewing 2nd and 3rd books in a series because I don't want to ruin it for the people who haven't read the 1st book. So go read the 1st book! The 2nd one is almost out!!!

Overall, I love Ananna. She...more

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May 06, 2013 Samantha rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book just jumps right into action and keeps the reader engaged the entire way. I enjoyed how even though there is romance in the book it is flawed and takes understanding from both parties to come to terms. I loved how old friends such as Marjani come into focus and we learn much more about their history. Plus who doesn't love a manticore

who wants to eat men with tasty magic. It was interesting how the heroine is badass and can stand on her own, and even made the first move. So let's make...more

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Apr 25, 2013 Sue rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is the second half of The Assassin's Curse and it may be read as a stand-alone, but this would be an insane mistake. There's no reason to deprive yourself of the start of Anana's and Naji's story, and reading the two books one right after the other is the ideal way to go about it. It took me a little while to get back into the story since I read Book 1 a few months ago, the beginning does not immediately grab. But a little patience is rewarded and the pacing picks right up. These books take...more This is the second half of The Assassin's Curse and it may be read as a stand-alone, but this would be an insane mistake. There's no reason to deprive yourself of the start of Anana's and Naji's story, and reading the two books one right after the other is the ideal way to go about it. It took me a little while to get back into the story since I read Book 1 a few months ago, the beginning does not immediately grab. But a little patience is rewarded and the pacing picks right up. These books take place in a world with magic and pirates--who wouldn't want to be there?--and the setting is marvelously realized. The Assassin's Curse was a story of the desert, and The Pirate's Wish a story of Ananna's home: the sea. Ms. Clarke paints both settings and this whole magical world beautifully and with detail, also unobtrusively. The setting is always dovetailed with the story. Ananna's voice is unique: crabby, crude, heroic, lovable, loyal, sarcastic; not your typical young heroine. She carries the story and you root for her to find happiness. Female relationships and characters are strong in The Pirate's Wish and I loved that. Ananna and the manticore, Marjani, Princess Saida--I don't want to give too much away, but these relationships are a strong and interesting theme in the book. Of course there is also the romance of Ananna and Naji. Naji is a wonderful romantic hero: dark, brooding, scarred, magical, glowing tattoos, I mean Wow! Where are these guys? They are well matched as sparring and bantering partners, but real love is still undecided. The romance is a bit complicated with curses and blood magic, but the question of how Naji really feels seems to go on a bit long, and, even with the magical help they receive, Ananna's insight and understanding seem artificially slowed to fit the timing of the plot. These are really just quibbles, though. Both books, and they are really one book, are highly entertaining and original and so very not to be missed. I would be very happy if Ms. Clarke would write more stories of this world, and maybe revisit these characters. Thank you to the publisher for my advance copy.(less)

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Apr 17, 2013 Jane rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

After I read The Assassin’s Curse, I could hardly wait to read The Pirate’s Wish, and it was every bit as good as I had hoped. My only disappointment is that the series is a duology – I would happily read more of Naji and Ananna’s adventures.

I would recommend reading The Assassin’s Curse before The Pirate’s Wish, though there is enough backstory included to make sense of the characters’ relationships and the plot. The story picks up right after the first book ends, with Naji and Ananna stuck on...more

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Apr 17, 2013 Kathi Wallace rated it 5 of 5 stars

Omg. This is going to go on my “ALL TIME FAVS” list.

Seriously.

In the interest of full disclosure, I need to state up front that I got an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Just sayin’.

I admit to being slightly OCD in that I just can’t read books in a series out of order and this book, The Pirate’s Wish, is book two of two. That was a problem for me, but one with a relatively easy solution. I read the sample for book one, The Assassin’s Curse and fell hard. I had to...more Omg. This is going to go on my “ALL TIME FAVS” list.

Seriously.

In the interest of full disclosure, I need to state up front that I got an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Just sayin’.

I admit to being slightly OCD in that I just can’t read books in a series out of order and this book, The Pirate’s Wish, is book two of two. That was a problem for me, but one with a relatively easy solution. I read the sample for book one, The Assassin’s Curse and fell hard. I had to buy the book so that I could finish it - stayed up late – the whole nine. But this isn’t a review for The Assassin’s Curse, is it?

I started The Pirate’s Wish around dawn and could not stop reading. I neglected EVERYTHING in order to finish it later that day (sorry, familia).

*Le.Sigh*

This is one terrific book.

I have to say, I am an incredibly picky reader. When something isn’t good, I mentally make corrections as I read, switch dialogue around …. You get the picture. Writers can be annoying readers. So when I find a book that I fall into and wish would never end, it’s a big deal. The worst books are the ones that have more than one in a series and the series starts off really great and then, book by book, begins to decline. There was NO drop-off at all in quality. The writing was superb, the characters were true to their behaviors in book one and the payoff was great in the end. I was just sad that it ended.

It was nice to see such a strong female voice. I loved that Ananna wasn’t annoyingly drawn as a character – ugh, I detest female leads that are “pretty” in a vacuous way or dependent on a male character. I’ve tried to raise my daughters to be self-reliant and it’s nice to see that sentiment echoed in a book. Hey – I’m all for love – I’ve been married 33 years after all to a great guy, but I don’t think LURVE should make a woman (or a guy) stupid all of a sudden.

I don’t want to give away too much plot. Suffice it to say that the threads that were dangling in The Assassin’s Curse are all nicely tied up. I envy all of you who have not yet had a chance to read this and get to experience it all over again for the first time.

Enjoy!!(less)

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Apr 12, 2013 Hannah Cobb rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya-fantasy

Ananna (a runaway pirate) and Naji (a cursed assassin) are trapped: on a magical island they can't leave without a boat; in the curse that binds Naji to Ananna; in their own confusion over what they feel for each other. Worse yet, a monster with a taste for assassins lurks somewhere on the island. Ananna has hopes that her pirate friends will rescue her and Naji from the island, but they will still face three impossible tasks if they want to break the curse. And if Ananna does help Naji break th...more

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Apr 11, 2013 Sebrina Parker rated it 4 of 5 stars

The Pirate's Wish was the perfect sequel and conclusion to The Assassin's Curse. When I read The Assassin's Curse last year, I really enjoyed it but was a bit disappointed because it felt like one long introduction to get to the plot advertised in the Publisher's summary (which has since been updated).
I understand now that is because initially The Assassin's Curse and The Pirate's Wish were one big mega book that would have been 640 pages long. So I am happy that the books were split and readin...more

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Apr 10, 2013 Tehani rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

This must be read in order with the first book, I think (considering they were originally one manuscript, it makes sense) but definitely worth the time investment, because the characters of The Pirate's Wish would definitely suffer for lack of getting to know them in The Assassin's Curse. I like the narrator, Ananna, very much – she knows what she wants, and she goes for it, even when she knows it's probably not necessarily sensible or safe to do so. The supporting cast is diverse and well-drawn...more

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Apr 08, 2013 Rhonda rated it 5 of 5 stars

5 STARS

The Pirate's Wish follows The Assassin's Curse. I enjoyed reading both books. The plot is simple they need to do 3 impossible tasks to free Naji and Ananna. Till they are done they can't be far apart especially if Ananna is in danger it hurts Naji.

Ananna is a pirate's daughter who had arranged marriage. Her fiancé was going to kill her but Ananna was able to kill him. His family is powerful and they hired assassin to kill her in The Assassin's Curse. She ended up causing the curse that bo...more 5 STARS

The Pirate's Wish follows The Assassin's Curse. I enjoyed reading both books. The plot is simple they need to do 3 impossible tasks to free Naji and Ananna. Till they are done they can't be far apart especially if Ananna is in danger it hurts Naji.

Ananna is a pirate's daughter who had arranged marriage. Her fiancé was going to kill her but Ananna was able to kill him. His family is powerful and they hired assassin to kill her in The Assassin's Curse. She ended up causing the curse that bound them together.

They are on a island trapped with only a wizard or so they thought. Naji does not believe he can break the curse at all because they are impossible. Ananna knows one part of the curse should be easy to break. Naji needs a kiss from true love. She loves him.

On the island a monster appears a Manticore. The wizard had imprisoned her. She only eats male humans but Naji is cursed and she won't eat him till he breaks the curse. The curse taints the taste of the meat.

Ananna and the manticore make bargins between them and she promises to get her back to her home.
When they are rescued by Marjani and her pirate crew. Marjani with the Captain's help will find a ship then take it over.

When they find a ship Ananna tells the manticore that she can eat all the soldiers that wear the other ships colors. So the manticore helps them capture the ship.

Lots of drama, pirate battles, romance, magic, and sea creatures the book keeps your attention and you find yourself rooting for the pirate and the assassin.

I like characters of Naji and Ananna. Ananna does not know a lot about magic , and assassins. She has her good side and weakness. She does not give up and makes Naji not give up either. She is willing to fight for him. Too keep him safe. She turns down riches for him and power.

I would read other books by Cassandra Rose Clarke in the future based on the two books in The Assassin's Curse series.

I was given this ebook to read and asked to give honest review of it by Netgalley.
06/04/2013 PUB Angry Robot Strange Chemistry 320 pages ISBN:1908844280 (less)

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Jun 03, 2013 Frk. Hyms rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, kindle, own-and-read, read-in-2013

The Pirate’s Wish is action packed from beginning to end. More characters are introduced, more secrets revealed and more adventures are started. The Pirate’s Wish is not as much a sequel as it is an extension of the first book. Not much where concluded in The Assassin’s Curse and I liked being back with Naji and Ananna.

A lot of new characters where introduced, but I definitely liked Jeric the most. He’s so much fun and sassy and it’s nice to have someone to tell Ananna off, because she seems lik...more

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Apr 08, 2013 Purcheria rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2013, a-fave-author, awesome-sauce, books-on-my-e-reader, favorites, kick-ass-heroine, loved-it-loved-it-loved-it, romance, swoon, un-putdownable

3.5 Stars

This book was awesome.

This was a good sequel to the series. I was so anxious to read it but yet a little aprehensive because you never know what you'll get with a sequel. However, I was not disappointed. This book blew my expectations out of the water. I liked it as much as the first.

Although it did not have as much action and adventure as the previous book, what it did have: the romance, the introduction of new characters and places really brought the book together for me. The relation...more

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May 29, 2013 Sally-Anne rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley-edelweiss, read-fantasy

This and my other reviews can be found at http://sally-annereviews.blogspot.co.uk/

Thanks to Netgalley and Strange Chemistry for giving me this book to review.

Ananna and Naji are still stuck on the island and have to complete the three impossible tasks to cure Naji which are, touching a starstone to his skin, create a life out of violence and have a true loves kiss. However, Ananna knows that not all the tasks are impossible as she loves him. Now with the help of fellow pirate Marjani and a manti...more

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The Pirate's Wish (The Assassin's Curse #2)

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