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Compass and Blade #1
Compass and Blade
This world of sea and storm runs deep with bargains and blood.
On the remote isle of Rosevear, Mira, like her mother before her, is a wrecker, one of the seven on the rope who swim out to shipwrecks to plunder them. Mira’s job is to rescue survivors, if there are any. After all, she never feels the cold of the frigid ocean waters and the waves seem to sing to her soul. But the people of Rosevear never admit the truth: that they set the beacons themselves to lure ships into the rocks.
When the Council watch lays a trap to put an end to the wrecking, they arrest Mira’s father. Desperate to save him from the noose, Mira strikes a deal with an enigmatic wreck survivor guarding layers of secrets behind his captivating eyes, and sets off to find something her mother has left her, a family secret buried deep in the sea.
With just nine days to find what she needs to rescue her father, all Mira knows for certain is this: The sea gives. The sea takes. And it’s up to her to do what she must to save the ones she loves.
On the remote isle of Rosevear, Mira, like her mother before her, is a wrecker, one of the seven on the rope who swim out to shipwrecks to plunder them. Mira’s job is to rescue survivors, if there are any. After all, she never feels the cold of the frigid ocean waters and the waves seem to sing to her soul. But the people of Rosevear never admit the truth: that they set the beacons themselves to lure ships into the rocks.
When the Council watch lays a trap to put an end to the wrecking, they arrest Mira’s father. Desperate to save him from the noose, Mira strikes a deal with an enigmatic wreck survivor guarding layers of secrets behind his captivating eyes, and sets off to find something her mother has left her, a family secret buried deep in the sea.
With just nine days to find what she needs to rescue her father, all Mira knows for certain is this: The sea gives. The sea takes. And it’s up to her to do what she must to save the ones she loves.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published February 29, 2024
214 people are currently reading
16933 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Greenlaw
7 books383 followersRachel Greenlaw is the author of ONE CHRISTMAS MORNING, THE WOODSMOKE WOMEN'S BOOK OF SPELLS the COMPASS AND BLADE series and THE ORDEALS duology. She lives on an island in the middle of the Atlantic, where you'll find her wandering the white sand beaches, searching for cowrie shells and writing her next story.
For up to date information on Rachel's books, giveaways and news, sign up for her newsletter at https://rachelgreenlaw.com
And follow her on instagram and TikTok @rachelgreenlaw_ for a window into her world.
For up to date information on Rachel's books, giveaways and news, sign up for her newsletter at https://rachelgreenlaw.com
And follow her on instagram and TikTok @rachelgreenlaw_ for a window into her world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 748 reviews
October 22, 2024
This was bad.
Like, laughably bad.
I'm honestly shocked Compass and Blade is getting rated higher than 3 stars by anyone. The plot of the book itself makes almost no sense. Our main character, Mira, lives on an island where the majority of people make money by wrecking boats. They lure a ship into the rocks, then go out and strip it bare. Then they sell what they find and voila. Not only is this illegal, it's highly dangerous. We find out this is how Mira's mother died very quickly. So with wrecking being illegal, of course someone gets caught doing it and imprisoned. Mira's father, naturally.
SO SHE DECIDES SHE NEEDS TO RESCUE HIM. But instead of making any like...normal, sensible plan she decides she needs to open the super secret chest that her father has kept of her mother's things. When she does so, she finds some coordinates on a journal her mother kept. NOW WHY ON EARTH WOULD THESE COORDINATES HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH HER FATHER BEING IMPRISONED?
IT. MAKES. NO. SENSE.
Of course, the crew she hires to go out to the coordinates is full of secrets. They only have eight days before her father is hanged. Eight. Days. Over the course of these eight days, of course, OF COURSE Mira falls in love with the most mysterious crew member. Because why wouldn't she???? Even though she knows nothing about him, and what he does tell her is quite obviously lies.
This book made me angry. The reveals towards the end are so laughably obvious that it didn't even feel like a reveal. It just felt like WELL, OF COURSE THAT'S WHAT'S HAPPENING NOW. I'm not even going to go into the other mysterious guy with shadow powers that bargains with Mira to rescue her. He's so obviously the true love interest in this series that the author might as well have named him Rhysand.
I regret not DNFing this. I really do.
I'm not sure how you'd fix this other than going back to completely rewrite the book and make it make some sort of sense. Two stars.
Like, laughably bad.
I'm honestly shocked Compass and Blade is getting rated higher than 3 stars by anyone. The plot of the book itself makes almost no sense. Our main character, Mira, lives on an island where the majority of people make money by wrecking boats. They lure a ship into the rocks, then go out and strip it bare. Then they sell what they find and voila. Not only is this illegal, it's highly dangerous. We find out this is how Mira's mother died very quickly. So with wrecking being illegal, of course someone gets caught doing it and imprisoned. Mira's father, naturally.
SO SHE DECIDES SHE NEEDS TO RESCUE HIM. But instead of making any like...normal, sensible plan she decides she needs to open the super secret chest that her father has kept of her mother's things. When she does so, she finds some coordinates on a journal her mother kept. NOW WHY ON EARTH WOULD THESE COORDINATES HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH HER FATHER BEING IMPRISONED?
IT. MAKES. NO. SENSE.
Of course, the crew she hires to go out to the coordinates is full of secrets. They only have eight days before her father is hanged. Eight. Days. Over the course of these eight days, of course, OF COURSE Mira falls in love with the most mysterious crew member. Because why wouldn't she???? Even though she knows nothing about him, and what he does tell her is quite obviously lies.
This book made me angry. The reveals towards the end are so laughably obvious that it didn't even feel like a reveal. It just felt like WELL, OF COURSE THAT'S WHAT'S HAPPENING NOW. I'm not even going to go into the other mysterious guy with shadow powers that bargains with Mira to rescue her. He's so obviously the true love interest in this series that the author might as well have named him Rhysand.
I regret not DNFing this. I really do.
I'm not sure how you'd fix this other than going back to completely rewrite the book and make it make some sort of sense. Two stars.
December 16, 2023
An interesting idea weighed down by every YA trope ever.
This one actually started out okay - Mira and her island fellows wreck ships so they can survive on the spoils, but Mira is determined to save as many lives as possible when they do. She feels at home in the sea, and it's clear she's a little bit different to those she calls friends.
Nothing new in a YA protagonist being 'a little bit different' and feeling a 'calling' that pulls them away from tradition. There's also a strange boy who is ridiculously attractive that is the obvious love interest, and a bunch of teenagers running around doing things that are not usually done by teens.
From the get-go, this was far too predictable while trying far too hard to pretend it wasn't. I wish we didn't have to pretend we didn't know what was going on, because it just became awkward. I wanted Mira to see the obvious clues and work it out but she was super thick, refusing to see what was right in front of her face.
Even the romance was full of stars and heat and all the other common YA tropes that make scenes more cringe-y than heartwarming. The love is instant and all about appearances and kisses of fire and it just made me sad that it couldn't come up with something fresh and new. Definitely reminded me of the Court series by Sarah J. Maas but in a 'pale copy' sense rather than 'respectful nod of similarity'.
Ultimately, it was a frustrating read that I really wanted to like more than I did. If it wasn't trying so hard to be like every other YA book out there, this could have been so much more satisfying.
With thanks to Harper Collins for an ARC
This one actually started out okay - Mira and her island fellows wreck ships so they can survive on the spoils, but Mira is determined to save as many lives as possible when they do. She feels at home in the sea, and it's clear she's a little bit different to those she calls friends.
Nothing new in a YA protagonist being 'a little bit different' and feeling a 'calling' that pulls them away from tradition. There's also a strange boy who is ridiculously attractive that is the obvious love interest, and a bunch of teenagers running around doing things that are not usually done by teens.
From the get-go, this was far too predictable while trying far too hard to pretend it wasn't. I wish we didn't have to pretend we didn't know what was going on, because it just became awkward. I wanted Mira to see the obvious clues and work it out but she was super thick, refusing to see what was right in front of her face.
Even the romance was full of stars and heat and all the other common YA tropes that make scenes more cringe-y than heartwarming. The love is instant and all about appearances and kisses of fire and it just made me sad that it couldn't come up with something fresh and new. Definitely reminded me of the Court series by Sarah J. Maas but in a 'pale copy' sense rather than 'respectful nod of similarity'.
Ultimately, it was a frustrating read that I really wanted to like more than I did. If it wasn't trying so hard to be like every other YA book out there, this could have been so much more satisfying.
With thanks to Harper Collins for an ARC
April 5, 2024
Compass and Blade by Rachel Greenlaw is a young adult fantasy novel. I believe this one may be just the beginning of a series but not totally certain on that as it’s listed like a standalone for now on most sites, there is mention of it being a trilogy though.
Mira has grown up on the remote island of Rosevear where she has learned to be just like her mother once was a powerful swimmer and one with the water. Mira is one of seven that are sent out to shipwrecks to plunder them but it’s Mira’s job to rescue any survivors.
One day however the Council set in motion a plan to stop the wrecking and obtain Mira’s father taking him away. Mira becomes determined to do whatever she can to rescue her father before he is executed so she teams up with a survivor of the latest shipwreck and set out to find her father before it’s too late.
Compass and Blade by Rachel Greenlaw was compared to a couple of other young adult fantasy novels that I really enjoyed and I’ve read this author before so I had to take a chance and try this one out. I’m always a bit hit or miss with young adult fantasy though and this one while not bad wasn’t a total hit for me either. I just felt the pacing on this story was a little slow for my taste which is one of my biggest drawbacks to a lot of fantasy, wanting more. Compass and Blade wasn’t a bad read by any means but for me just came in at average at three stars but I do seem to be in the minority so if it sounds good to you I’d suggest checking it out.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Mira has grown up on the remote island of Rosevear where she has learned to be just like her mother once was a powerful swimmer and one with the water. Mira is one of seven that are sent out to shipwrecks to plunder them but it’s Mira’s job to rescue any survivors.
One day however the Council set in motion a plan to stop the wrecking and obtain Mira’s father taking him away. Mira becomes determined to do whatever she can to rescue her father before he is executed so she teams up with a survivor of the latest shipwreck and set out to find her father before it’s too late.
Compass and Blade by Rachel Greenlaw was compared to a couple of other young adult fantasy novels that I really enjoyed and I’ve read this author before so I had to take a chance and try this one out. I’m always a bit hit or miss with young adult fantasy though and this one while not bad wasn’t a total hit for me either. I just felt the pacing on this story was a little slow for my taste which is one of my biggest drawbacks to a lot of fantasy, wanting more. Compass and Blade wasn’t a bad read by any means but for me just came in at average at three stars but I do seem to be in the minority so if it sounds good to you I’d suggest checking it out.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
March 9, 2024
DNF@13% this is a little too YA for me
January 16, 2024
4.5 stars
I was given an arc copy of the book from Goodreads so thank you to the author, publishers, and Goodreads for that!
Now what do I say about this. I was surprised by how much I liked this. The cover is super pretty and blurb is interesting but they are misleading because there is so much more to this then you would expect.
Yes, there were parts that I did not like: the predictability, the insta-love, the insta-forgiveness, etc. but those things are pretty common in ya books and I feel like they weren’t to heavily involved that it hindered the story. The way this one ended also seems as though the next few in the series are going to lean away from that so I am willing to forgive it in this book. I also heard a few say it was trope heavy but I personally didn’t really notice many tropes other than the insta stuff.
I loved the way it was written. In super simple terms that were interesting and easy to follow. It drew me in and kept me there. I have been sick for the last few days and I’m finally feeling a little better so I picked this one up hoping to get my mind of things for a little and I just now put it down when I finished it.
I loved how it was unique and different from other stories I have read but also reminiscent of some of my favorites. If you loved the Little Mermaid as a kid, and then grew up on Pirates of the Caribbean after, this one will call to you. I also got vibes similar to Daughter of the Pirate King which is one of my favorites.
There were a lot of characters that I liked too. I loved the whole crew, Mer, Pearl, and Joby. Their loyalty really shown through and I can’t want to learn more about them in the next book. Mira got on my nerves at times but I also found myself liking her and relating to her at other times. I think after that ending she’s gonna become a badass tho so I can’t wait to see that transformation. And I loved Eli. I know I probably shouldn’t yet but what can I say, I’m weak for a new shadow daddy with dimples and a darker sides who’s desperate for love and that one female.
Just so y’all know there is a sorta love triangle but it’s not terrible. Sorta leaning on a more Tamlin/Rhysand type vibe right now. Aka the Tamlin in this case does have even half of a shot.
The pirate stuff was fun like the pillaging, wrecking, and fights. I’m looking forward to more of that in the future as well as a girl out for vengeance.
I would definitely give this one a read when it comes out!
I was given an arc copy of the book from Goodreads so thank you to the author, publishers, and Goodreads for that!
Now what do I say about this. I was surprised by how much I liked this. The cover is super pretty and blurb is interesting but they are misleading because there is so much more to this then you would expect.
Yes, there were parts that I did not like: the predictability, the insta-love, the insta-forgiveness, etc. but those things are pretty common in ya books and I feel like they weren’t to heavily involved that it hindered the story. The way this one ended also seems as though the next few in the series are going to lean away from that so I am willing to forgive it in this book. I also heard a few say it was trope heavy but I personally didn’t really notice many tropes other than the insta stuff.
I loved the way it was written. In super simple terms that were interesting and easy to follow. It drew me in and kept me there. I have been sick for the last few days and I’m finally feeling a little better so I picked this one up hoping to get my mind of things for a little and I just now put it down when I finished it.
I loved how it was unique and different from other stories I have read but also reminiscent of some of my favorites. If you loved the Little Mermaid as a kid, and then grew up on Pirates of the Caribbean after, this one will call to you. I also got vibes similar to Daughter of the Pirate King which is one of my favorites.
There were a lot of characters that I liked too. I loved the whole crew, Mer, Pearl, and Joby. Their loyalty really shown through and I can’t want to learn more about them in the next book. Mira got on my nerves at times but I also found myself liking her and relating to her at other times. I think after that ending she’s gonna become a badass tho so I can’t wait to see that transformation. And I loved Eli. I know I probably shouldn’t yet but what can I say, I’m weak for a new shadow daddy with dimples and a darker sides who’s desperate for love and that one female.
Just so y’all know there is a sorta love triangle but it’s not terrible. Sorta leaning on a more Tamlin/Rhysand type vibe right now. Aka the Tamlin in this case does have even half of a shot.
The pirate stuff was fun like the pillaging, wrecking, and fights. I’m looking forward to more of that in the future as well as a girl out for vengeance.
I would definitely give this one a read when it comes out!
March 30, 2024
This was everything I wanted in the start of a new pirate adventure series!
Because this better be the start of a new series.
All the characters are well developed and make you want to jump into the story to hangout with them.
High seas, found family, intrigue, high stakes, adventure and some kissing.
I really enjoyed everything about this and want more more more!!!
Much love to Inkyard Press for my ARC!
Because this better be the start of a new series.
All the characters are well developed and make you want to jump into the story to hangout with them.
High seas, found family, intrigue, high stakes, adventure and some kissing.
I really enjoyed everything about this and want more more more!!!
Much love to Inkyard Press for my ARC!
January 6, 2024
I was pleasantly surprised by this book, despite it having quite a few tropes sprinkled here and there that felt slightly forced at times, it was genuinely a great read
Mira, our MC, is very likeable - we understand her motivations, we understand her character and why she does everything that she does. It didn’t feel like we were being told that she’s strong etc, we were actually shown it multiple times which I appreciate, and I really enjoyed her interactions with other characters
The last 100 pages absolutely bumped this up a star, it was INSANE.
Betrayal after betrayal, literally who do you even trust, I was left on the edge of my seat the entire time and I’m very excited to see what comes next in this series
Mira, our MC, is very likeable - we understand her motivations, we understand her character and why she does everything that she does. It didn’t feel like we were being told that she’s strong etc, we were actually shown it multiple times which I appreciate, and I really enjoyed her interactions with other characters
The last 100 pages absolutely bumped this up a star, it was INSANE.
Betrayal after betrayal, literally who do you even trust, I was left on the edge of my seat the entire time and I’m very excited to see what comes next in this series
August 11, 2023
I LOVE the premise of this book. When I studied Early Modern English history in university, I was always the most intrigued by the category of “social crimes” — smuggling, wrecking, poaching, etc. When I saw that wrecking was the subject of this fantasy book, I was so so excited. While I enjoyed that aspect (approximately the first 15% of the book), the truly ridiculous characters, random plot, and clumsy “romance” meant that this book went downhill fast and was overall very disappointing.
While the main character, Mira’s, goal is extremely clear and understandable: to save her father and Bryn from execution, the way that she sets out to accomplish this is extremely confusing. All of Mira’s decisions are based on her super special secret sixth sense, described in the nebulous language of “feelings.” This is lazy writing because the author never needs to provide any justification or reasoning for Mira’s decisions since Mira can just have a “feeling” to do something.
Even worse, her “feelings” frequently lead her astray with no reflection done on her part afterward about maybe using common sense instead.
This gets even worse when Seth, the main “love” interest, is introduced. It’s totally instalove and the reader is never given a real reason to like Seth.
Mira acts in ways that are ridiculous and frankly stupid. It’s difficult for me to reconcile the idea that this is a strong female protagonist, as we are constantly shown in scenes of her being badass when she is so easily swayed by cute boys. Rather than connecting with Mira and being invested in her story, I felt like I was watching a train wreck in slow motion since every “plot twist” was so clearly telegraphed, and yet, Mira is still unable to act with even half a brain.
The writing was also overly flowery with metaphors and analogies being used every other sentence. The dialogue between characters was awkward and completely unrealistic, especially since Seth’s dialogue is all weird foreshadowing, Whenever Mira talks with Seth or Elijah, there always has to be “banter” even when it doesn’t fit the mood. This leads to scenes where they begin talking about a serious topic and then the tone randomly switches to have a few lines of light-hearted “banter” before switching back to the serious topic at hand. It feels so forced.
Thank you to NetGalley and Inkyard Press for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
While the main character, Mira’s, goal is extremely clear and understandable: to save her father and Bryn from execution, the way that she sets out to accomplish this is extremely confusing. All of Mira’s decisions are based on her super special secret sixth sense, described in the nebulous language of “feelings.” This is lazy writing because the author never needs to provide any justification or reasoning for Mira’s decisions since Mira can just have a “feeling” to do something.
Even worse, her “feelings” frequently lead her astray with no reflection done on her part afterward about maybe using common sense instead.
This gets even worse when Seth, the main “love” interest, is introduced. It’s totally instalove and the reader is never given a real reason to like Seth.
Mira acts in ways that are ridiculous and frankly stupid. It’s difficult for me to reconcile the idea that this is a strong female protagonist, as we are constantly shown in scenes of her being badass when she is so easily swayed by cute boys. Rather than connecting with Mira and being invested in her story, I felt like I was watching a train wreck in slow motion since every “plot twist” was so clearly telegraphed, and yet, Mira is still unable to act with even half a brain.
The writing was also overly flowery with metaphors and analogies being used every other sentence. The dialogue between characters was awkward and completely unrealistic, especially since Seth’s dialogue is all weird foreshadowing, Whenever Mira talks with Seth or Elijah, there always has to be “banter” even when it doesn’t fit the mood. This leads to scenes where they begin talking about a serious topic and then the tone randomly switches to have a few lines of light-hearted “banter” before switching back to the serious topic at hand. It feels so forced.
Thank you to NetGalley and Inkyard Press for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
July 23, 2023
This is quite possibly one of the most beautifully written books I’ve ever read. If you watched the Little Mermaid on repeat as a kid, and then realized that Pirates of the Caribbean was more your vibe, the imagery of this book is going to suck you in.
Plot wise it’s almost nonstop adventure and backstabbing and maneuvering and planning and ACTION. I was torn between ripping through this book in a day or two and forcing myself to slow down so I could hang out with the characters longer. I truly didn’t want it to be over.
Shouts out to NetGalley for providing the ARC and I can’t wait to see others get as hype about this book as I am
Plot wise it’s almost nonstop adventure and backstabbing and maneuvering and planning and ACTION. I was torn between ripping through this book in a day or two and forcing myself to slow down so I could hang out with the characters longer. I truly didn’t want it to be over.
Shouts out to NetGalley for providing the ARC and I can’t wait to see others get as hype about this book as I am
May 7, 2024
Mira strikes a deal with an enigmatic wreck survivor guarding layers of secrets behind his captivating eyes, and sets off to find something her mother has left her, a family secret buried deep in the sea.
March 1, 2024
Imagine you have a super important task to complete (save your father) and your timeline is only 9 day. So you do a bunch of random side quests that provide very little to your knowledge and growth, let alone the saving of your father. You spend a lot of time lusting after hot boys even after one betrays you multiple times…you never learn. Just for you to basically fail completely at the task at hand.
I really wanted to like this but there were so many cliches, plot twists that I found predictable, lack of character growth… I just wanted a lot more. I love the idea of the world where the people survive by shipwrecking. Love the idea of pirates, sirens, magic, found family, etc. But it really didn’t deliver for me. I’d struggle to read a second book if there is one. And girl. Leave. Seth. Alone.
I really wanted to like this but there were so many cliches, plot twists that I found predictable, lack of character growth… I just wanted a lot more. I love the idea of the world where the people survive by shipwrecking. Love the idea of pirates, sirens, magic, found family, etc. But it really didn’t deliver for me. I’d struggle to read a second book if there is one. And girl. Leave. Seth. Alone.
December 22, 2023
Book two of my NYC win. I received this book and two others.
Compass and Blade is a book I don't think I would have navigated to on my own. It's billed as a romantasy, which has been a bit of a issue with me prior. Books that focus on the romance more than the plot have been misses for me than they have been hits. Something about sacrificing a story for the sake of a romance - no matter how much I want parings to take place or moments shared - is a problematic thing for me. Could be that my asexual ass clings heavily to chemistry and or building a friendship / camaraderie before we get to love. Or maybe I'm just a bit of a bitch.
Whatever the reason, this one wasn't that bad. I think it could be better, and I'm hoping it's something book two will iron out.
Billed also as Little Mermaid meets Pirates of the Caribbean, I can see where that comes from. The book borrows heavily from both ideas and the story is somewhat of one not quite unique. Girl's father is keeping secrets from her about her dead mom. Girl saves boy from wreck. Girl is being haunted by a demon lord (who you don't quite understand why he is a demonic lord of magic in the first place), and is tied into a deal that jeopardizes who she is and her people.
I feel the amount of times the book heavily focuses on the Lord - the way he moves, the way he ALWAYS shoves his hands in his pockets, the way that she is obsessed with how he fits into his black coat and shirt like it's ready to bust right off his body - is way, way too much. The boy she rescues from the sea has an interesting angle to him, but he comes across really abusive and not a thing to like about him. If they're setting this up to be a love triangle, save it - I know her horny ass is gonna choose the dark lord.
So, why am I giving this a good ol 3 stars? In the world of romantasy, I think this one held my interest. Again. I'm a picky bitch who usually DNF's these books, but the fact this one entertained me somewhat until the end says something. Or perhaps I'm softening to them. Either way, it's a better choice than most, but still has issues. Hopefully book two will solve it. Otherwise, this is probably no a series I'll continue with high interest.
Compass and Blade is a book I don't think I would have navigated to on my own. It's billed as a romantasy, which has been a bit of a issue with me prior. Books that focus on the romance more than the plot have been misses for me than they have been hits. Something about sacrificing a story for the sake of a romance - no matter how much I want parings to take place or moments shared - is a problematic thing for me. Could be that my asexual ass clings heavily to chemistry and or building a friendship / camaraderie before we get to love. Or maybe I'm just a bit of a bitch.
Whatever the reason, this one wasn't that bad. I think it could be better, and I'm hoping it's something book two will iron out.
Billed also as Little Mermaid meets Pirates of the Caribbean, I can see where that comes from. The book borrows heavily from both ideas and the story is somewhat of one not quite unique. Girl's father is keeping secrets from her about her dead mom. Girl saves boy from wreck. Girl is being haunted by a demon lord (who you don't quite understand why he is a demonic lord of magic in the first place), and is tied into a deal that jeopardizes who she is and her people.
I feel the amount of times the book heavily focuses on the Lord - the way he moves, the way he ALWAYS shoves his hands in his pockets, the way that she is obsessed with how he fits into his black coat and shirt like it's ready to bust right off his body - is way, way too much. The boy she rescues from the sea has an interesting angle to him, but he comes across really abusive and not a thing to like about him. If they're setting this up to be a love triangle, save it - I know her horny ass is gonna choose the dark lord.
So, why am I giving this a good ol 3 stars? In the world of romantasy, I think this one held my interest. Again. I'm a picky bitch who usually DNF's these books, but the fact this one entertained me somewhat until the end says something. Or perhaps I'm softening to them. Either way, it's a better choice than most, but still has issues. Hopefully book two will solve it. Otherwise, this is probably no a series I'll continue with high interest.
July 26, 2023
If you loved the fast-paced, high-stakes plot and sizzling romance of FOURTH WING, then you will absolutely love this book!! Morally gray characters and deliciously charming villains abound in this pirate-esque fantasy, complete with hilarious banter and beautifully descriptive prose, and a fantastic twist at its climax that will have you screaming out loud as you read. An absolute must-read for YA fantasy romance fans!
February 29, 2024
2024 reads: 49/250
i received an advanced review copy as part of the epicreads insiders program. this did not affect my rating.
mira is one of the seven wreckers who plunder shipwrecks. her people never admit the truth, that they intentionally cause the wrecks, but the council watch lays a trap to catch them in the act and arrests mira’s father. mira has nine days to save her father from the noose, spurring her to take risks and form dangerous alliances.
this book initially caught my eye due to the pirate aspect, which i do not see enough of in books! i really liked this aspect of the book, especially the fact that these shipwrecks were not on accident. i also liked how fast-paced this book was, as i needed a quick read!
something i didn’t really care for was the romance. i didn’t feel enough chemistry between the characters and it moved too quickly to make sense, in my opinion. still, i enjoyed the book, and this aspect did not take away from that enjoyment.
i received an advanced review copy as part of the epicreads insiders program. this did not affect my rating.
mira is one of the seven wreckers who plunder shipwrecks. her people never admit the truth, that they intentionally cause the wrecks, but the council watch lays a trap to catch them in the act and arrests mira’s father. mira has nine days to save her father from the noose, spurring her to take risks and form dangerous alliances.
this book initially caught my eye due to the pirate aspect, which i do not see enough of in books! i really liked this aspect of the book, especially the fact that these shipwrecks were not on accident. i also liked how fast-paced this book was, as i needed a quick read!
something i didn’t really care for was the romance. i didn’t feel enough chemistry between the characters and it moved too quickly to make sense, in my opinion. still, i enjoyed the book, and this aspect did not take away from that enjoyment.
August 5, 2023
I clearly read a very different book than others. Plot was okay - romance was so ridiculous and just awful
February 26, 2024
Firstly, thank you to the publisher for sending me a proof copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.
I've been excited for this ever since I saw it making the rounds on Bookstagram! It has a gorgeous cover and I'm a sucker for adventures at sea! 🌊
This was a mysterious and magical story filled with adventure, secrets and deception. It reminded me alot of Fable at times which is one of my all time fave fantasy series!
Im excited to read more from this author in the future!
I've been excited for this ever since I saw it making the rounds on Bookstagram! It has a gorgeous cover and I'm a sucker for adventures at sea! 🌊
This was a mysterious and magical story filled with adventure, secrets and deception. It reminded me alot of Fable at times which is one of my all time fave fantasy series!
Im excited to read more from this author in the future!
May 9, 2024
You can check out my review here! https://youtu.be/PT7ueizhMZE?si=Eevuo...
May 1, 2023
I could not stop reading this book! It's a heart-pounding sea adventure but it's also so grounded, with the beautiful island and ocean descriptions. The love story is beautiful, and Mira is the kind of MC who feels so raw and real that you can't help but root for her. The magic and mythology add another gripping layer to this story. This one will consume you - in the best way!
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February 28, 2024DNF at the one bed trope in this extremely Y YA book.
March 12, 2025
2.5.
This is a YA fantasy about smugglers, wreckers and hidden magic.
I don't even know where to start with this book, literally the first half was a slow start for me. I'm not going to sit here and blast this book as others have as there are people who have liked this book. It just wasn't gripping me like i thought it would
This is a YA fantasy about smugglers, wreckers and hidden magic.
I don't even know where to start with this book, literally the first half was a slow start for me. I'm not going to sit here and blast this book as others have as there are people who have liked this book. It just wasn't gripping me like i thought it would
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February 14, 2024I read the first 30 pages and could tell I was going to hate it so I have DNF’d.
It felt so stale and generic, like every YA book released in 2013.
It felt so stale and generic, like every YA book released in 2013.
April 13, 2025
Už jsem párkrát zmiňovala, že miluju piráty a proto byl Kompas a čepel přímo napsaný pro mě. Kniha má od prvních stran úžasnou atmosféru, která mě instantně vtáhla a bavila od prvních stran.
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Hlavní hrdinka je zde Mira, která byla sympatická a velmi uvěřitelná postava. Její otec před ní skrývá tajemství a ona se samozřejmě rozhodne přijít mu na kloub. Jako členka Sedmi je s rabováním sice spokojená, ale něco uvnitř ní křičí po pravdě. Jediná věc, která mi na ní hrozně vadila, byla přehnaná důvěřivost. Čekala bych, že vzhledem k tomu, v jakém prostředí žije, se naučí lidi prověřovat, ale asi ne. V příběhu jsou také výborné vedlejší postavy, které dostávají zasloužený prostor a všichni mě moc bavili. Mým favoritem se samozřejmě stal tajemný Elijah, který skrývá vlastní velký příběh.
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Co mě na celé knize hrozně bavilo, pak svět, který je plný lodí, moře, legend a taky pár mořských příšer. Možná se zde mohlo trošku lépe zapracovat na magii, které jsem úplně neporozuměla. Čtení mi hrozně rychle ubíhalo, akce příjemně střídá zvraty, včetně pár nečekaných odhalení a za mě v tomhle kniha neměla moc slepých míst. Ideální kombinace klasického dobrodružství s napětím a taky velkým vývojem postav.
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Pokud jste fandové pirátů, moře, máte rádi dobře zpracované zvraty a tajemství, Kompas a čepel určitě doporučuju. Těším se na pokračování a doufám, že autorka nepoleví ve skvělém tempu.
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spolupráce s BookMedia
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Hlavní hrdinka je zde Mira, která byla sympatická a velmi uvěřitelná postava. Její otec před ní skrývá tajemství a ona se samozřejmě rozhodne přijít mu na kloub. Jako členka Sedmi je s rabováním sice spokojená, ale něco uvnitř ní křičí po pravdě. Jediná věc, která mi na ní hrozně vadila, byla přehnaná důvěřivost. Čekala bych, že vzhledem k tomu, v jakém prostředí žije, se naučí lidi prověřovat, ale asi ne. V příběhu jsou také výborné vedlejší postavy, které dostávají zasloužený prostor a všichni mě moc bavili. Mým favoritem se samozřejmě stal tajemný Elijah, který skrývá vlastní velký příběh.
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Co mě na celé knize hrozně bavilo, pak svět, který je plný lodí, moře, legend a taky pár mořských příšer. Možná se zde mohlo trošku lépe zapracovat na magii, které jsem úplně neporozuměla. Čtení mi hrozně rychle ubíhalo, akce příjemně střídá zvraty, včetně pár nečekaných odhalení a za mě v tomhle kniha neměla moc slepých míst. Ideální kombinace klasického dobrodružství s napětím a taky velkým vývojem postav.
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Pokud jste fandové pirátů, moře, máte rádi dobře zpracované zvraty a tajemství, Kompas a čepel určitě doporučuju. Těším se na pokračování a doufám, že autorka nepoleví ve skvělém tempu.
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spolupráce s BookMedia
May 12, 2024
It started off well enough. A little confusing because it lacked world building but after a while I found my way. My problem wasn't the writing style either. I got the story easily enough.
But the way it unfolded... Most twists I saw coming from a mile away and I'm sorry to say this but Mira (I literally just closed the book and her name is already one I needed to look up) is dumb (Trusting someone just because this person told you that you could? Thathad me laugh out loud.) and otherwise simply 'flat'. I don't know how else to describe it. She just stayed on the page and when I wasn't mad about her being dumb,I just didn't care. No character made me root for them and the only one to spark a little interest was Elijah. If there will be a second book (the ending kind of implied there's more story to be told), I won't be reading it. But if you like stories playing out on the sea with a side of magic, just try if this one is for you!
But the way it unfolded... Most twists I saw coming from a mile away and I'm sorry to say this but Mira (I literally just closed the book and her name is already one I needed to look up) is dumb (Trusting someone just because this person told you that you could? Thathad me laugh out loud.) and otherwise simply 'flat'. I don't know how else to describe it. She just stayed on the page and when I wasn't mad about her being dumb,I just didn't care. No character made me root for them and the only one to spark a little interest was Elijah. If there will be a second book (the ending kind of implied there's more story to be told), I won't be reading it. But if you like stories playing out on the sea with a side of magic, just try if this one is for you!
April 18, 2025
The whiplash I got from this book was crazy
February 26, 2024
I am fully in my pirate era and this book did not disappoint. The world building was very simple and easy to follow. I did want to see more of the magic and creatures so I’m hoping we get more in the next book. The pacing was perfect and I was drawn in from the very beginning.
I loved Mira! She was strong and fiercely loyal to her family. She did make some dumb decisions near the end of the book but I’m hoping she finally learns from her mistakes in the next book. Also I’m here for her turning morally grey!
The romance plot was fantastic and I loved the direction it took. I didn’t see it coming and really enjoyed it.
The ending was so intense and there was a moment that definitely made me tear up. I’m dying for the sequel!!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me a copy to review!
I loved Mira! She was strong and fiercely loyal to her family. She did make some dumb decisions near the end of the book but I’m hoping she finally learns from her mistakes in the next book. Also I’m here for her turning morally grey!
The romance plot was fantastic and I loved the direction it took. I didn’t see it coming and really enjoyed it.
The ending was so intense and there was a moment that definitely made me tear up. I’m dying for the sequel!!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me a copy to review!
July 8, 2024
This book had a really interesting premise, and I love the cover. That's what initially drew me to the book. However, I didn't enjoy it as much as I had hoped. I struggled with the uneven pacing and writing style, and I didn't love the main character or the romance. I actually debated DNFing, but the story picked up about halfway through, and I ended up finishing it.
A pirate from a family of pirates, Mira goes on a swashbuckling and action-packed adventure to rescue her father, and I liked that aspect of the story. The world is intriguing, too, as is Mira's connection to the sea. Initially, I liked Mira as a protagonist, but she kept making horrible choices and the same mistakes, which got really frustrating. Some of the things she does are so illogical, and I didn't really understand her thought process.
The story also makes use of a lot of tropes, and though I like some of them, the love triangle and insta-love vibes did not work for me. It felt kind of forced, and I didn't feel the chemistry. Overall, I think this book could appeal to readers who enjoy YA romantasy, but it just wasn't for me. Thanks to NetGalley and Inkyard Press for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
A pirate from a family of pirates, Mira goes on a swashbuckling and action-packed adventure to rescue her father, and I liked that aspect of the story. The world is intriguing, too, as is Mira's connection to the sea. Initially, I liked Mira as a protagonist, but she kept making horrible choices and the same mistakes, which got really frustrating. Some of the things she does are so illogical, and I didn't really understand her thought process.
The story also makes use of a lot of tropes, and though I like some of them, the love triangle and insta-love vibes did not work for me. It felt kind of forced, and I didn't feel the chemistry. Overall, I think this book could appeal to readers who enjoy YA romantasy, but it just wasn't for me. Thanks to NetGalley and Inkyard Press for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
May 27, 2023
I loved this book. From start to finish it drew me forth on the best kind of choppy seas. I had chills from the very first page, and Mira felt so incredibly real. Mira and her journey will be with me for years to come—I just know it. And Seth! Oh, Seth. I think I'm in love. I've said it before and I'll say it again, this book is like a wave. An enormous wave, too mammoth to surf. The kind where the lip and the wave curl thrusting up and over only to crash and become dangerous white water. The best kind of wave. The best kind of book.
April 30, 2024
Took me a while to get into but it was definitely an interesting read with lots of twists, turns, and betrayals.i enjoyed the fell of the story, about islands and the ocean and the creates within it. Almost gave more of a pirate type vibe but it was good. I would definitely consider reading the second book if one is ever written.
April 11, 2024
This book only pissed me off
February 22, 2024
Compass and Blade is book one of a planned trilogy. Mira is a wrecker, one of the seven crewmembers who swim out to plunder the ships that are wrecked onto her island, Rosevear. She has always been drawn to the sea. One day, immediately after a wreck, the Watch arrives, taking Mira's father away to be hanged for wrecking. She escapes with a wreck survivor, Seth, to find something of value left by her mother so that she can bargain with the Watch for her father's survival.
Right at the start of the book, Mira says that between her and Agnes (her friend), Mira should be the one with fiery red hair based on her personality, rather than Agnes. I remembered this later on with a giggle because for the most part, Mira's personality seems to be "turns to goo whenever an attractive man exists in her vicinity and WILL believe anything he says". Now, gullible, naive female protagonists and insta-love connections are my personal irritation so it's not a surprise to me that I found this a bit infuriating. However, the Mira we get at the end of this book is MUCH more up my alley. The book ends really strongly, and I personally hope that the hardened version of Mira we get right at the end is the one that we get for the next two books.
The story doesn't immediately get into the action. It takes its time to explain life on Rosevear and to set out the personal stakes for Mira. I think I would have liked it to get there a bit quicker though. I made a note of when this story really found its feet for me - it was page 138 to be exact! That's when some of the magical world building starts to come into play and things speed up a bit. I think the last half of the book has more activity in it too, so if you find it slow to start with, you might find that changes when you get half way through. With two books still to come, I think this world has a lot of potential, particularly digging into the magical and I think we'll see a lot more of it, based on how book one ends.
In summary, this book was a very easy read and the lead-in to book two of the trilogy is more exciting. I hope that we've seen the last of Mira's gullible trait, and that we get the stronger, dangerous and more savvy version for the remaining books. I think the potential in the magical side of this world will be explored a lot more now that the world is established and the main players are in play and that's where the next two books could really shine.
Right at the start of the book, Mira says that between her and Agnes (her friend), Mira should be the one with fiery red hair based on her personality, rather than Agnes. I remembered this later on with a giggle because for the most part, Mira's personality seems to be "turns to goo whenever an attractive man exists in her vicinity and WILL believe anything he says". Now, gullible, naive female protagonists and insta-love connections are my personal irritation so it's not a surprise to me that I found this a bit infuriating. However, the Mira we get at the end of this book is MUCH more up my alley. The book ends really strongly, and I personally hope that the hardened version of Mira we get right at the end is the one that we get for the next two books.
The story doesn't immediately get into the action. It takes its time to explain life on Rosevear and to set out the personal stakes for Mira. I think I would have liked it to get there a bit quicker though. I made a note of when this story really found its feet for me - it was page 138 to be exact! That's when some of the magical world building starts to come into play and things speed up a bit. I think the last half of the book has more activity in it too, so if you find it slow to start with, you might find that changes when you get half way through. With two books still to come, I think this world has a lot of potential, particularly digging into the magical and I think we'll see a lot more of it, based on how book one ends.
In summary, this book was a very easy read and the lead-in to book two of the trilogy is more exciting. I hope that we've seen the last of Mira's gullible trait, and that we get the stronger, dangerous and more savvy version for the remaining books. I think the potential in the magical side of this world will be explored a lot more now that the world is established and the main players are in play and that's where the next two books could really shine.
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