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The Pirate Queen
Not yet published
Expected 10 Sep 26Grace O'Malley was born to be at sea. Raised alongside her brother by their father, chief of the name of clan O'Malley, Grace learns early that her dreams of the open water are not compatible with the life she's expected to lead as the daughter of a noble family. And when her father marries her to the wrong man, a neighbouring chief named Donhal, Grace's world shifts for the worse.
Undaunted, Grace raises a family without abandoning her passion, aiding her hot-tempered husband in his campaigns against rival tribes. Eventually ousted from her husband's land in the wake of his death, Grace returns to her childhood home and begins her career as a pirate in earnest, claiming new territories and finding deeper love, only to see her livelihood threatened by English incursions into Ireland, and her family endangered in an attempt to check her power.
Tenderly observed and fiercely written, Ariel Lawhon's gripping latest novel channels the natural beauty of sixteenth-century Ireland alongside the brutality of the period as seen through the eyes of an unforgettable heroine and defender of her people, who truly earned the title 'the Pirate Queen of Ireland.'
A thrilling historical adventure inspired by the life of Grace O'Malley, an infamous Irish sea captain and folk heroine who risked everything to protect her people against the powerful Elizabethan regime
Undaunted, Grace raises a family without abandoning her passion, aiding her hot-tempered husband in his campaigns against rival tribes. Eventually ousted from her husband's land in the wake of his death, Grace returns to her childhood home and begins her career as a pirate in earnest, claiming new territories and finding deeper love, only to see her livelihood threatened by English incursions into Ireland, and her family endangered in an attempt to check her power.
Tenderly observed and fiercely written, Ariel Lawhon's gripping latest novel channels the natural beauty of sixteenth-century Ireland alongside the brutality of the period as seen through the eyes of an unforgettable heroine and defender of her people, who truly earned the title 'the Pirate Queen of Ireland.'
A thrilling historical adventure inspired by the life of Grace O'Malley, an infamous Irish sea captain and folk heroine who risked everything to protect her people against the powerful Elizabethan regime
Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 8, 2026
About the author
Ariel Lawhon
12 books13.3k followersAriel Lawhon is the critically acclaimed, New York Times Bestselling author of THE WIFE, THE MAID, AND THE MISTRESS, FLIGHT OF DREAMS, I WAS ANASTASIA, and CODE NAME HELENE. Her books have been translated into numerous languages and have been Library Reads, One Book One County, Indie Next, Costco, and Book of the Month Club selections. She lives in the rolling hills outside Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband, four sons, and black Lab—who is, thankfully, a girl. Ariel splits her time between the grocery store and the baseball field.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
April 10, 2026
I adore 1500s history and am particularly fond of the Tudor time period. I’m utterly shocked I knew nothing about Grace O’Malley and her incredible accomplishments as Queen Elizabeth’s contemporary. This novel does a wonderful job of unpacking the limited accounts of her life that history has preserved while creating an engaging read. It hops around to her various ages, though the flow is strong and I enjoyed how the chapters jumped around. Grace’s story is filled with so much intrigue and explores feminist themes as well as lighter troupes like her romantic endeavors. A fantastic read!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Alice Lawhon's The Pirate Queen is a masterfully written, meticulously researched epic that delivers everything that I love about her work: a classic, badass female protagonist and storytelling that feels like a genuine work of art. It’s a complex, rich narrative that gives you plenty to digest.
A few things that make this book an absolute standout:
The Atmosphere: The setting is so well-developed and vivid. Think Game of Thrones and Outlander vibes.
The Structure: The story jumps between timelines, which the author beautifully explains in her afterword as being structurally inspired by a Celtic knot. I absolutely loved her suggestion to re-read the book in chronological order next time—what a brilliant way to experience the same story from a completely new perspective! And there is enough content in this story to warrant a second read.
The Depth: While the length of the book and the complexity of the narrative require some focus and time commitment, it is 100% worth the effort.
If you appreciate deep character development, rich history, and intricate plotting, do not miss this one.
A few things that make this book an absolute standout:
The Atmosphere: The setting is so well-developed and vivid. Think Game of Thrones and Outlander vibes.
The Structure: The story jumps between timelines, which the author beautifully explains in her afterword as being structurally inspired by a Celtic knot. I absolutely loved her suggestion to re-read the book in chronological order next time—what a brilliant way to experience the same story from a completely new perspective! And there is enough content in this story to warrant a second read.
The Depth: While the length of the book and the complexity of the narrative require some focus and time commitment, it is 100% worth the effort.
If you appreciate deep character development, rich history, and intricate plotting, do not miss this one.
June 3, 2026
After loving The Frozen River, I was so excited to read this new novel from Ariel Lawhon. Like The Frozen River, this novel was based on a real person - Grace O'Malley - the Irish pirate who lived during the 16th century. The book takes us through Grace's childhood where she develops her love for the water, abusive marriages, love affairs, piracy, murder, the corruption of the Irish government, family ties, and the deep love of a mother. This book had something for everyone.
The novel was organized around three eras of Grace's life - maiden, mother, and matriarch. However, the book is not linear; it is not told chronologically, but rather the reader gets a snippet of each at different times throughout the book. AL does a really fantastic job of giving the reader just enough information in each of the chapters to inform Grace's life at other times. What you get is that the novel skips about, but not in a disorganized way. Rather, you get an overarching storyline about her love for her family, her determination to protect herself and her family from those who would do harm, and her love for Ireland and the Irish people.
There were some really well developed characters in the novel. Grace, of course, but her four traveling partners, Gutty, Ultan, and the twins, were so wonderfully done. I laughed at some of their antics, cheered when the good guys got ahead, and shed some tears when things didn't go their way. It sounds so cliche, but I felt like I knew these characters by the end of the novel.
The only complaint I had about the book is that there were A LOT of characters, many with very similar names (Donal O'Malley and Donal O'Flaherty as examples). At the beginning of the novel there is a character list, which I found myself consulting many times. Even so, you have to really pay attention while reading. It's not one of those books you can skim and still understand things that happen later in the novel. But, once you start reading it, you'll want to pay close attention; it's action packed!
5 well-deserved ⭐s from me. Put this one your TBR!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Doubleday Books for an advanced copy of this book. It's scheduled to be published on September 8, 2026.
The novel was organized around three eras of Grace's life - maiden, mother, and matriarch. However, the book is not linear; it is not told chronologically, but rather the reader gets a snippet of each at different times throughout the book. AL does a really fantastic job of giving the reader just enough information in each of the chapters to inform Grace's life at other times. What you get is that the novel skips about, but not in a disorganized way. Rather, you get an overarching storyline about her love for her family, her determination to protect herself and her family from those who would do harm, and her love for Ireland and the Irish people.
There were some really well developed characters in the novel. Grace, of course, but her four traveling partners, Gutty, Ultan, and the twins, were so wonderfully done. I laughed at some of their antics, cheered when the good guys got ahead, and shed some tears when things didn't go their way. It sounds so cliche, but I felt like I knew these characters by the end of the novel.
The only complaint I had about the book is that there were A LOT of characters, many with very similar names (Donal O'Malley and Donal O'Flaherty as examples). At the beginning of the novel there is a character list, which I found myself consulting many times. Even so, you have to really pay attention while reading. It's not one of those books you can skim and still understand things that happen later in the novel. But, once you start reading it, you'll want to pay close attention; it's action packed!
5 well-deserved ⭐s from me. Put this one your TBR!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Doubleday Books for an advanced copy of this book. It's scheduled to be published on September 8, 2026.
May 27, 2026
Thank you to Doubleday Books for providing me with an ARC of The Pirate Queen in exchange for an honest review.
Ariel Lawhon has done it again. The Pirate Queen is filled with incredibly immersive writing that completely pulls you into the world of Grace O’Malley — a woman who is tenacious, driven, unflappable, wonderfully stubborn, and fiercely quick-witted.
Lawhon is a master at writing powerful women, and Grace may be one of her most compelling yet. In a time when women were viewed as incapable of leadership and treated as little more than the property of their husbands, Grace rebels against every expectation placed upon her. She refuses to be confined by the limitations of womanhood in her era — so fiercely, in fact, that she even refuses to bow before the Queen of England.
This story is a beautiful depiction of resilience and survival. Told across three periods of Grace’s life — maiden, mother, and matriarch — the narrative weaves together like a beautifully braided tapestry.
What makes this novel especially powerful is that Grace O’Malley’s story has historically been told through the perspective of her enemies. Here, Ariel Lawhon gathers the scattered pieces of history and gives Grace the chance to tell her own story. The result is vivid, emotional, and unforgettable.
Ariel Lawhon has done it again. The Pirate Queen is filled with incredibly immersive writing that completely pulls you into the world of Grace O’Malley — a woman who is tenacious, driven, unflappable, wonderfully stubborn, and fiercely quick-witted.
Lawhon is a master at writing powerful women, and Grace may be one of her most compelling yet. In a time when women were viewed as incapable of leadership and treated as little more than the property of their husbands, Grace rebels against every expectation placed upon her. She refuses to be confined by the limitations of womanhood in her era — so fiercely, in fact, that she even refuses to bow before the Queen of England.
This story is a beautiful depiction of resilience and survival. Told across three periods of Grace’s life — maiden, mother, and matriarch — the narrative weaves together like a beautifully braided tapestry.
What makes this novel especially powerful is that Grace O’Malley’s story has historically been told through the perspective of her enemies. Here, Ariel Lawhon gathers the scattered pieces of history and gives Grace the chance to tell her own story. The result is vivid, emotional, and unforgettable.
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May 23, 2026I can see how the structure of this book will leave some people confused (like poor Tammy) - but I thought it was brilliant. I agree with the authors note at the end that to tell it strictly chronological would have made it less impressive. It’s basically told from three different points in Grainne’s life in alternating chapters. The first and very third after chapters are her childhood, the second and every 3rd chapter are her mothering years and the third and every third thereafter are her old age. It’s novel.
July 9, 2026
Structurally, I loved this. More romance than my typical taste, but that’s just personal preference.
June 26, 2026
Grace O’Malley is a very intriguing historical character and I commend Lawhon for attempting to bring more awareness to her life through this novel. But, though I am sure it’s a reflection of reality, elements of her life made for a very complicated, violent, and at times vulgar story. But I’ll hand it to her, Lawhon certainly does her research due diligence - this book absolutely breaths the lush setting of Ireland and starkly conveys the political tension of the time.
The book is written in a triple timeline format, each chapter alternating between three different periods of Grace’s life (maiden, mother, matriarch). On the surface I like this creative approach, but I personally had a hard time following the layers of the story with this flip-flop format.
Grace was a very challenging protagonist for me to connect with or root for. Much of the plot was based upon an immensely complicated clan structure that involved rival chieftains, family lands, and a tangled web of family connections that were very difficult to keep straight. Additionally, consistent harsh language, the continual vulgarity in reference to women, and the violent incidents made it a book that made me cringe more often than not.
All of those things made it so I never truly felt invested in the story.
Content to consider:
consistent harsh language throughout, sexual references, vulgar speech about women, descriptions of violent incidents & killings, attempted sexual assault
The book is written in a triple timeline format, each chapter alternating between three different periods of Grace’s life (maiden, mother, matriarch). On the surface I like this creative approach, but I personally had a hard time following the layers of the story with this flip-flop format.
Grace was a very challenging protagonist for me to connect with or root for. Much of the plot was based upon an immensely complicated clan structure that involved rival chieftains, family lands, and a tangled web of family connections that were very difficult to keep straight. Additionally, consistent harsh language, the continual vulgarity in reference to women, and the violent incidents made it a book that made me cringe more often than not.
All of those things made it so I never truly felt invested in the story.
Content to consider:
consistent harsh language throughout, sexual references, vulgar speech about women, descriptions of violent incidents & killings, attempted sexual assault
June 1, 2026
4.5 stars
Author does a fantastic job of bringing to life such an enigmatic person! Not much is verifiably known about Grainne but I felt like her story was well rounded and compelling as Maiden, Mother and Matriarch. I gotta get my hands on the audiobook when it comes out.
Author does a fantastic job of bringing to life such an enigmatic person! Not much is verifiably known about Grainne but I felt like her story was well rounded and compelling as Maiden, Mother and Matriarch. I gotta get my hands on the audiobook when it comes out.
July 17, 2026
My new hyperfixation is Gráinne Ní Mháille and no I will never shut up about her <3
Thank you Ariel for introducing me to Gráinne and putting her in the limelight as she deserves to be. I think this is a great fictionalized account of her life and fills in the parts we don’t know about very naturally and authentically.
Thank you Ariel for introducing me to Gráinne and putting her in the limelight as she deserves to be. I think this is a great fictionalized account of her life and fills in the parts we don’t know about very naturally and authentically.
July 22, 2026
thank you to netgalley and swift group for providing me with this arc of ariel lawhon’s the pirate queen
1.75
when i read the premise of the book, i thought that it would be good, especially as it was about women pirates, especially grace o‘malley, also known as gráinne ní mháille; i really liked how ariel lawhon focused on that topic. however, i found that the writing wasn’t as good as what i thought; i’m not sure if me not having read the frozen river by lawhon has anything to do with how i feel about her writing, but i felt i couldn’t get into the story as well as i hoped
i’m also not a fan of how the chapters have switching timelines every single time. each chapter focuses on one aspect of gráinne’s life: gráinne seen as a maiden; gráinne seen as a mother; or gráinne seen as a matriarch. i feel like lawhon could’ve organised this a bit differently, through having three parts, especially as gráinne is seen at different ages: part 1 being gráinne as a maiden; part 2 being gráinne as a mother; and part 3 being gráinne as a matriarch. i do think that, along with the writing, the constant switching of timelines threw me off a lot
finally, i’m not sure why lawhon, when speaking about gráinne, keeps switching between her original name of gráinne ní mháille and the anglicised version of grace o’malley. i would understand if, in the context of when an english person is speaking or the chapter briefly switches to an english character’s perspective, that the anglicised spelling would be used, but i feel as though lawhon could’ve approached this better in that she was more consistent with which spelling she used
overall, not a fan of the book and i don’t think i’d be reading any other books by lawhon
1.75
when i read the premise of the book, i thought that it would be good, especially as it was about women pirates, especially grace o‘malley, also known as gráinne ní mháille; i really liked how ariel lawhon focused on that topic. however, i found that the writing wasn’t as good as what i thought; i’m not sure if me not having read the frozen river by lawhon has anything to do with how i feel about her writing, but i felt i couldn’t get into the story as well as i hoped
i’m also not a fan of how the chapters have switching timelines every single time. each chapter focuses on one aspect of gráinne’s life: gráinne seen as a maiden; gráinne seen as a mother; or gráinne seen as a matriarch. i feel like lawhon could’ve organised this a bit differently, through having three parts, especially as gráinne is seen at different ages: part 1 being gráinne as a maiden; part 2 being gráinne as a mother; and part 3 being gráinne as a matriarch. i do think that, along with the writing, the constant switching of timelines threw me off a lot
finally, i’m not sure why lawhon, when speaking about gráinne, keeps switching between her original name of gráinne ní mháille and the anglicised version of grace o’malley. i would understand if, in the context of when an english person is speaking or the chapter briefly switches to an english character’s perspective, that the anglicised spelling would be used, but i feel as though lawhon could’ve approached this better in that she was more consistent with which spelling she used
overall, not a fan of the book and i don’t think i’d be reading any other books by lawhon
June 25, 2026
Ooooh my goodness. Yesss. Ariel Lawhorne’s tale of the Irish pirate queen, Grace OMalley (“a rather shrewd and murderous granny”) is absolute GOLD. It’s giving Maggie O’Ferrell. Beautifully written; both in technical aspects and in the weaving of a tale together from a combination of bits and bobs in the historical, and folklore-ic tall tales. The exploits of this obscure, but vibrant woman are absolutely riveting! Fav moment: giving birth in the captain’s cabin during a battle at sea!
Don’t skip the author’s notes at the end, either. The backstory of Lawhorne’s research and writing journey is another excellent read.
I noticed that almost all of the 3-and-below-star ratings on this book reference the Maiden/Mother/Matriarch timeline-hopping. I get that. I did struggle at first with the time-jumps and felt that it tended to pull me out of the story. However, in the end I think it worked. And in her afterword, the author recommends reading all the Maiden chapters, then the Mother chapters, then the Matriarch chapters as a “different way to experience Grace’s story”. I think I would recommend that, too, especially if you already dislike flashbacks and time-jumps when reading thru a plot.
Don’t skip the author’s notes at the end, either. The backstory of Lawhorne’s research and writing journey is another excellent read.
I noticed that almost all of the 3-and-below-star ratings on this book reference the Maiden/Mother/Matriarch timeline-hopping. I get that. I did struggle at first with the time-jumps and felt that it tended to pull me out of the story. However, in the end I think it worked. And in her afterword, the author recommends reading all the Maiden chapters, then the Mother chapters, then the Matriarch chapters as a “different way to experience Grace’s story”. I think I would recommend that, too, especially if you already dislike flashbacks and time-jumps when reading thru a plot.
June 30, 2026
Lawhon's newest historical fiction novel follows Gráinne Ní Mháille (or as she is more commonly known, Grace O'Malley), pirate queen. The book's format is a three-timeline structure inspired by the triquetra where the novel is told during three phases of life -- maiden, mother, and matriarch. Although I'm not normally a fan of split timelines, the structure is so well done that I didn't mind the back and forth.
The reader follows Grace throughout her life as a chieftain's daughter learning to become a lady, as a married woman with children, and as the leader of her clan and crew. Toward the end of her story, we also get to see her famous meeting with Queen Elizabeth I where Grace refused to bow as she considered herself a fellow queen.
Recommended for all historical fiction readers.
I received an electronic ARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The reader follows Grace throughout her life as a chieftain's daughter learning to become a lady, as a married woman with children, and as the leader of her clan and crew. Toward the end of her story, we also get to see her famous meeting with Queen Elizabeth I where Grace refused to bow as she considered herself a fellow queen.
Recommended for all historical fiction readers.
I received an electronic ARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 23, 2026
3.5 This is an extremely well written, well researched novel about the life of Ireland’s famous heroine pirate Grace O’Malley. The novel switches back and forth between three phases of Grace’s life. I found that structure gives the novel a choppy feel but I think a lot of readers will disagree. Lovers of serious, historical fiction (with a good dose of romance) will find a lot to like here.
July 30, 2026
3.75 rounded up but I need to marinate my thoughts before writing full review.
Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher for the gifted early copy.
Rating: 3.75 rounded up to 4.
I loved this story, but the storytelling did not work for me (this is a me issue). I had a very hard time with the structure of the book, the 3 stages of MC life taking turns. It did wrap up beautifully and author explained her choice in the end, and I respect that choice, but it was hard to stay grounded while I read the book.
The writing was great, but often times felt like textbook writing. I wanted to DNF more times then I wanted to keep reading the story, but I am so glad I finished it. This is the kind of book I want other people to read and love because I did not love it as much as this book deserves.
I learned a lot about Irish history and honestly this would make amazing limited series on TV.
Bonus shout out for the cover, it fits with the story so well.
Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher for the gifted early copy.
Rating: 3.75 rounded up to 4.
I loved this story, but the storytelling did not work for me (this is a me issue). I had a very hard time with the structure of the book, the 3 stages of MC life taking turns. It did wrap up beautifully and author explained her choice in the end, and I respect that choice, but it was hard to stay grounded while I read the book.
The writing was great, but often times felt like textbook writing. I wanted to DNF more times then I wanted to keep reading the story, but I am so glad I finished it. This is the kind of book I want other people to read and love because I did not love it as much as this book deserves.
I learned a lot about Irish history and honestly this would make amazing limited series on TV.
Bonus shout out for the cover, it fits with the story so well.
July 28, 2026
Without a doubt, this is the best book I’ve read this year and the best historical fiction I’ve ever read. From the very first page, I didn’t want to put it down, and I couldn’t stop talking about it. Three chapters in and I was already telling everyone how obsessed I was and how incredible the book was—and after finishing it, I can confidently say all of that holds true.
The structure was so unique and brilliantly executed. What could have felt slow instead kept me on the edge of my seat and was every bit as impressive as Grace herself.
I can’t remember the last time I was this completely drawn into a book, and that is a testament to Lawhon’s masterful storytelling and her incredible portrayal of such a strong female character.
The structure was so unique and brilliantly executed. What could have felt slow instead kept me on the edge of my seat and was every bit as impressive as Grace herself.
I can’t remember the last time I was this completely drawn into a book, and that is a testament to Lawhon’s masterful storytelling and her incredible portrayal of such a strong female character.
July 10, 2026
This book was fabulous. Top ten of the year. The structure is unique, and I wasn’t sure if it would hamper my reading, but in the end it didn’t matter. This story stands out for its subject matter AND its structure. An Irish pirate queen? Yes please. I can’t wait to read it again. A top 10 indication for sure.
June 27, 2026
Lovely writing, fascinating story, however the chapters were so long, I couldn’t remember what happened to each point of view or keep it straight. It makes me wonder if a chronological timeline would’ve been more manageable to follow. Other than that, this is not one to miss!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I heard Ariel Lawhon speak recently at Calvin University’s Faith and Writing semi-annual event this past April where she stated she didn’t write historical fiction, she wrote mysteries. That is, her writing is about bringing to life the mysteries of the past which she has done splendidly in her most recent novel about a resilient woman defending Ireland during the reign of Elizabeth I.
First, I have to say I wasn’t too excited about the topic of this book. Several previous novels have attempted to bring Grace O’ Malley to life and I’ve been sorrily disappointed in them. Second, I’ve never been a lover of pirate fiction. And probably my biggest objection was the period of British history Grace fell into. So while excited to get this ARC (my thanks to NetGalley and Doubleday), I approached the read with great trepidation only to once again realize that when it comes to Ariel Lawhon, storytelling is at its best and her reason for choosing Grace (don’t forget to read the Author’s Note at the end) made it easier to snuggle down to great read.
Grace O’Malley literally cannot be found in English records of the period she lived in. Since history is usually written by the victors of whom in most cases are men, Lawhon has done a marvelous job of giving life to a woman who defied men and history. Taking legends and what is known about her lineage, we are treated to a story told in three parts: Grace as the “maiden” - from a young girl to her marriage; Grace as the “mother” - in her thirties and forties leading her clan; and Grace the “matriarch” fighting against English tyranny and defending her clan. The book alternates between these three periods of Grace’s life which helps develops her character (this is a character-driven book) and center the historical elements of the story. I think this structure was clever and the best way to tell Grace’s story because a linear novel would be boring.
Lawhon also has done a marvelous job of describing the Irish countryside and the sea. I felt at many points I was literally there in a scene (and I’m not a very visual reader). The book is also action packed as Grace works to protect her clan from rivals and the nefarious Sir Richard Bingham, her arch enemy - this was a guy you just love to hate. Her fiercely loyal clan is brilliantly epitomized in the character of Gully and a few others (all fictional but Grace in legend was known for the loyalty of her clan). I probably enjoyed the Mother and Matriarch sections the best but that was because the hated Bingham would appear.
I’m not sure I like pirate stories much better after finish reading this book, but I do know that the mystery of Grace O’Malley was solved in this finely written novel. I can understand after reading this book why Grace’s legend survives as she is so fierce, so defiant and so willing to buck the norms for woman - how can you not like her.
Highly recommend.
First, I have to say I wasn’t too excited about the topic of this book. Several previous novels have attempted to bring Grace O’ Malley to life and I’ve been sorrily disappointed in them. Second, I’ve never been a lover of pirate fiction. And probably my biggest objection was the period of British history Grace fell into. So while excited to get this ARC (my thanks to NetGalley and Doubleday), I approached the read with great trepidation only to once again realize that when it comes to Ariel Lawhon, storytelling is at its best and her reason for choosing Grace (don’t forget to read the Author’s Note at the end) made it easier to snuggle down to great read.
Grace O’Malley literally cannot be found in English records of the period she lived in. Since history is usually written by the victors of whom in most cases are men, Lawhon has done a marvelous job of giving life to a woman who defied men and history. Taking legends and what is known about her lineage, we are treated to a story told in three parts: Grace as the “maiden” - from a young girl to her marriage; Grace as the “mother” - in her thirties and forties leading her clan; and Grace the “matriarch” fighting against English tyranny and defending her clan. The book alternates between these three periods of Grace’s life which helps develops her character (this is a character-driven book) and center the historical elements of the story. I think this structure was clever and the best way to tell Grace’s story because a linear novel would be boring.
Lawhon also has done a marvelous job of describing the Irish countryside and the sea. I felt at many points I was literally there in a scene (and I’m not a very visual reader). The book is also action packed as Grace works to protect her clan from rivals and the nefarious Sir Richard Bingham, her arch enemy - this was a guy you just love to hate. Her fiercely loyal clan is brilliantly epitomized in the character of Gully and a few others (all fictional but Grace in legend was known for the loyalty of her clan). I probably enjoyed the Mother and Matriarch sections the best but that was because the hated Bingham would appear.
I’m not sure I like pirate stories much better after finish reading this book, but I do know that the mystery of Grace O’Malley was solved in this finely written novel. I can understand after reading this book why Grace’s legend survives as she is so fierce, so defiant and so willing to buck the norms for woman - how can you not like her.
Highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
(4.5/5)
"Imagine that the colorful record of your life is written by your enemies," Lawhon writes, in the author's note. I didn't have any preconceived notion of what Grainne Ni Mhaille's life should look like, so every twist and turn of the narrative felt really exciting. The pieces of her life that were documented through the English State Papers are woven through with Lawhon's imaginings of the people and world she surrounded herself with to create an emotionally rich portrait of this absolute legend of a woman. We see her at three distinct portions of her life: Maiden, Mother and Matriarch, and we alternate through those POVs throughout the book.
I've actually never read the narrative of a battle that is as well written as her chapter detailing the battle for Hen's Castle, a real battle that took place with some also historically verified good-for-her comeuppance for her enemies. You stay with Grainne for the duration of a harrowing, brave, and emotionally charged tactical play to retain power.
But we also get to stand with Grainne as she faces down Elizabeth I, making her case that her family members be released and speaking with her in Latin -- a completely different but equally tactical kind of battle, in which Grainne famously didn't bow to the English Queen.
But in addition to adding color to the historical events, Lawhon also created a rich emotional life for her that didn't exist in the dry documentation of her piracy. The fierce advocacy of her mother that she should have access to the sea, a love full of pining and longing, complicated but dedicated relationships with her children, and lifelong friendships with a crew that would protect her until the end.
While especially having read the author's note, I understand why Lawhon chose to braid the three timelines together, reading it that way made for a sometimes disjointed experience. I'd end a chapter with one version of Grainne, wishing to spend more time with her there, only to be transported forward or backward in time to another point. To be fair, in her note, Lawhon suggests that a chronological reread would present a wholly different look at Grainne, and encouraged rereaders to do just that.
If you love a historical retelling in which a woman finally gets the respect history has denied her, in which she gets to reclaim her power and her story, this is for you. I'm thinking fans of Madelline Miller's Circe or Natalie Haynes Stone Blind would love this too.
Thank you to Netgalley and Doubleday Books for an advance copy of The Pirate Queen in exchange for my honest thoughts.
"Imagine that the colorful record of your life is written by your enemies," Lawhon writes, in the author's note. I didn't have any preconceived notion of what Grainne Ni Mhaille's life should look like, so every twist and turn of the narrative felt really exciting. The pieces of her life that were documented through the English State Papers are woven through with Lawhon's imaginings of the people and world she surrounded herself with to create an emotionally rich portrait of this absolute legend of a woman. We see her at three distinct portions of her life: Maiden, Mother and Matriarch, and we alternate through those POVs throughout the book.
I've actually never read the narrative of a battle that is as well written as her chapter detailing the battle for Hen's Castle, a real battle that took place with some also historically verified good-for-her comeuppance for her enemies. You stay with Grainne for the duration of a harrowing, brave, and emotionally charged tactical play to retain power.
But we also get to stand with Grainne as she faces down Elizabeth I, making her case that her family members be released and speaking with her in Latin -- a completely different but equally tactical kind of battle, in which Grainne famously didn't bow to the English Queen.
But in addition to adding color to the historical events, Lawhon also created a rich emotional life for her that didn't exist in the dry documentation of her piracy. The fierce advocacy of her mother that she should have access to the sea, a love full of pining and longing, complicated but dedicated relationships with her children, and lifelong friendships with a crew that would protect her until the end.
While especially having read the author's note, I understand why Lawhon chose to braid the three timelines together, reading it that way made for a sometimes disjointed experience. I'd end a chapter with one version of Grainne, wishing to spend more time with her there, only to be transported forward or backward in time to another point. To be fair, in her note, Lawhon suggests that a chronological reread would present a wholly different look at Grainne, and encouraged rereaders to do just that.
If you love a historical retelling in which a woman finally gets the respect history has denied her, in which she gets to reclaim her power and her story, this is for you. I'm thinking fans of Madelline Miller's Circe or Natalie Haynes Stone Blind would love this too.
Thank you to Netgalley and Doubleday Books for an advance copy of The Pirate Queen in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If Ariel Lawhon announced tomorrow that she had written an 800-page novel about a woman watching paint dry in the sixteenth century, I would probably clear my schedule and start reading immediately. She has become one of those rare authors I trust completely, and The Pirate Queen is exactly the reason why.
This book didn't simply entertain me—it completely swept me away.
Grace O'Malley is the kind of heroine who storms onto the page and refuses to leave your mind long after you've finished reading. Fierce, intelligent, rebellious, vulnerable, and endlessly determined, she is a woman born centuries ahead of her time. From childhood, she knows the sea is where she belongs, yet she is constantly reminded that her ambitions matter far less than the expectations placed upon her as a daughter, wife, and mother. Watching her challenge those limitations again and again became one of the most satisfying reading experiences I've had this year.
What I love most about Ariel Lawhon's writing is her ability to take a figure buried beneath layers of history and transform her into a living, breathing human being. Grace is not presented as an untouchable legend. She is a daughter struggling for approval, a woman navigating impossible choices, a mother fighting for her children, and a leader willing to risk everything for her people. Her victories felt triumphant. Her losses genuinely hurt. More than once, I found myself furious on her behalf as powerful men attempted to control her future, only to cheer when she found a way to outsmart them.
The structure of the novel worked beautifully for me. Moving through different stages of Grace's life allows the reader to understand how every triumph, heartbreak, betrayal, and sacrifice shaped the woman history would later remember as the Pirate Queen of Ireland. Each timeline adds another layer to her character, slowly revealing the full scope of her remarkable life.
And can we talk about the atmosphere for a moment?
The Irish coastline practically becomes a character of its own. I could hear the crashing waves, feel the cold sea spray, and picture the ships cutting through dangerous waters. The setting is so vivid and immersive that I often forgot I was sitting on my couch instead of standing on the deck of Grace's ship preparing for battle. Lawhon's research is extraordinary, but what makes the book special is how effortlessly she weaves those historical details into a compelling story without ever making the reader feel like they're sitting through a history lesson.
The political intrigue, clan rivalries, betrayals, shifting alliances, and constant threats from English authority create plenty of tension, but the emotional core of the story is what truly captured me. At its heart, this is a novel about resilience. It is about refusing to surrender your identity when the world insists you should. It is about protecting the people you love, fighting for your homeland, and finding the courage to chart your own course when everyone expects you to follow theirs.
The supporting characters are equally memorable. Some made me laugh, some broke my heart, and some inspired a deep desire to throw them overboard and let the Atlantic handle the rest. That's always a sign of a great book.
What makes Grace's story even more powerful is knowing that she was a real woman whose accomplishments have often been overshadowed by the men surrounding her. Ariel Lawhon once again accomplishes what she does best: resurrecting an extraordinary woman from the margins of history and ensuring readers will never forget her.
This is historical fiction at its absolute finest—epic, emotional, adventurous, inspiring, and impossible to put down. I laughed, I worried, I celebrated, I got angry, and I may have become slightly obsessed with researching Grace O'Malley after finishing the final chapter.
Without question, this is one of my favorite historical fiction novels of the year and another reminder that Ariel Lawhon remains one of the most talented storytellers working today.
A very special thanks to NetGalley and Doubleday Books for sharing this stunning period drama with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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This book didn't simply entertain me—it completely swept me away.
Grace O'Malley is the kind of heroine who storms onto the page and refuses to leave your mind long after you've finished reading. Fierce, intelligent, rebellious, vulnerable, and endlessly determined, she is a woman born centuries ahead of her time. From childhood, she knows the sea is where she belongs, yet she is constantly reminded that her ambitions matter far less than the expectations placed upon her as a daughter, wife, and mother. Watching her challenge those limitations again and again became one of the most satisfying reading experiences I've had this year.
What I love most about Ariel Lawhon's writing is her ability to take a figure buried beneath layers of history and transform her into a living, breathing human being. Grace is not presented as an untouchable legend. She is a daughter struggling for approval, a woman navigating impossible choices, a mother fighting for her children, and a leader willing to risk everything for her people. Her victories felt triumphant. Her losses genuinely hurt. More than once, I found myself furious on her behalf as powerful men attempted to control her future, only to cheer when she found a way to outsmart them.
The structure of the novel worked beautifully for me. Moving through different stages of Grace's life allows the reader to understand how every triumph, heartbreak, betrayal, and sacrifice shaped the woman history would later remember as the Pirate Queen of Ireland. Each timeline adds another layer to her character, slowly revealing the full scope of her remarkable life.
And can we talk about the atmosphere for a moment?
The Irish coastline practically becomes a character of its own. I could hear the crashing waves, feel the cold sea spray, and picture the ships cutting through dangerous waters. The setting is so vivid and immersive that I often forgot I was sitting on my couch instead of standing on the deck of Grace's ship preparing for battle. Lawhon's research is extraordinary, but what makes the book special is how effortlessly she weaves those historical details into a compelling story without ever making the reader feel like they're sitting through a history lesson.
The political intrigue, clan rivalries, betrayals, shifting alliances, and constant threats from English authority create plenty of tension, but the emotional core of the story is what truly captured me. At its heart, this is a novel about resilience. It is about refusing to surrender your identity when the world insists you should. It is about protecting the people you love, fighting for your homeland, and finding the courage to chart your own course when everyone expects you to follow theirs.
The supporting characters are equally memorable. Some made me laugh, some broke my heart, and some inspired a deep desire to throw them overboard and let the Atlantic handle the rest. That's always a sign of a great book.
What makes Grace's story even more powerful is knowing that she was a real woman whose accomplishments have often been overshadowed by the men surrounding her. Ariel Lawhon once again accomplishes what she does best: resurrecting an extraordinary woman from the margins of history and ensuring readers will never forget her.
This is historical fiction at its absolute finest—epic, emotional, adventurous, inspiring, and impossible to put down. I laughed, I worried, I celebrated, I got angry, and I may have become slightly obsessed with researching Grace O'Malley after finishing the final chapter.
Without question, this is one of my favorite historical fiction novels of the year and another reminder that Ariel Lawhon remains one of the most talented storytellers working today.
A very special thanks to NetGalley and Doubleday Books for sharing this stunning period drama with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
medium blog
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I hate to say that this wasn't as great as I hoped it would be.
This book has such a great backbone, and reading about Grace O'Malley, a legendary Irish pirate queen, was so intriguing. However, this did not capture my attention as much as I wish.
Research, passion, and good writing unfortunately are not enough for me to give a book a high rating, I have to actually enjoy it or stay interested in it while reading and this did not keep my attention at all and found myself quite bored throughout the story. It just didn't feel like there was any real character given to Grace, she was so at arms length the entire time and read a lot more like a textbook than a personal biography.
I was counting down the pages, bored, for most of the time. There was the occasional moments where the writing did grab be and suck me in, but then it was lost quickly and I couldn't keep a focus.
I think a lot of my issues stem with the writing style and narrative structure. I touched on the style, how it was very textbook, and surface level and didn't appeal to any level of whimsy I felt this book needed. The other issue is the structure. This is told in three different timelines following Grace at different ages. I adored the youngest chapters because I grew an attachment for her. But we jumped back and forth between those three ages instead of following it chronologically and it made me unable to connect further. I personally connect with a character when I spend time with them and even grow with them, but that was not an option here. Lawhon even touches on this in an authors note and recommends people who re-read the book to read it chronologically. I feel as though that should have been the actual structure.
There was also an incredible amount of focus on politics. I totally understand how that is necessary to tell a story like this, but I felt as though it bogged down the story as it was a huge focus. I wanted more on her personally, not what she had done and affected, if that makes sense. She is such a badass character and I can see how the interest was sparked but this fell really flat for me.
I love a historical story, especially one inspired by true events, but this was just not what I was wanting.
2.5/5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book has such a great backbone, and reading about Grace O'Malley, a legendary Irish pirate queen, was so intriguing. However, this did not capture my attention as much as I wish.
Research, passion, and good writing unfortunately are not enough for me to give a book a high rating, I have to actually enjoy it or stay interested in it while reading and this did not keep my attention at all and found myself quite bored throughout the story. It just didn't feel like there was any real character given to Grace, she was so at arms length the entire time and read a lot more like a textbook than a personal biography.
I was counting down the pages, bored, for most of the time. There was the occasional moments where the writing did grab be and suck me in, but then it was lost quickly and I couldn't keep a focus.
I think a lot of my issues stem with the writing style and narrative structure. I touched on the style, how it was very textbook, and surface level and didn't appeal to any level of whimsy I felt this book needed. The other issue is the structure. This is told in three different timelines following Grace at different ages. I adored the youngest chapters because I grew an attachment for her. But we jumped back and forth between those three ages instead of following it chronologically and it made me unable to connect further. I personally connect with a character when I spend time with them and even grow with them, but that was not an option here. Lawhon even touches on this in an authors note and recommends people who re-read the book to read it chronologically. I feel as though that should have been the actual structure.
There was also an incredible amount of focus on politics. I totally understand how that is necessary to tell a story like this, but I felt as though it bogged down the story as it was a huge focus. I wanted more on her personally, not what she had done and affected, if that makes sense. She is such a badass character and I can see how the interest was sparked but this fell really flat for me.
I love a historical story, especially one inspired by true events, but this was just not what I was wanting.
2.5/5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book. The opinions in this review are my own. I don’t have enough good things to say about this book. And I have absolutely nothing negative to say about it. This book serves as yet another demonstration of how absolutely gifted a writer Ms. Lawhon truly is. Her prose is poetic and flows beautifully. Her language is raw and emotional, and I appreciate her decision to incorporate as much of the true Irish as possible. The magic of this novel, however, is in how Ms. Lawhon effortlessly weaves all three phases of Grace’s life like a braid, with each period taking center stage in its turn. The device of the three timelines works brilliantly, and Ms. Lawhon masterfully tells all three stories one at a time without giving anything away about the other two, allowing each to unfold to its own culmination. One feels they should have been confused jumping back and forth in time, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. The characters in this novel are ones the reader will become attached to. The shifting vantage points help build each character, for good or ill. Grainne is a true badass, imperfections, doubts, and all. She refuses to be confined to traditional womanhood, while never fully eschewing her femininity. She embraces love, family, motherhood, and fealty. I truly believe that the real Grainne would have loved Ms. Lawhon’s characterization in this book. Reading this book was one of my favorite reading experiences in recent memory, and I was absolutely riveted during each reading session - I couldn’t wait to pick it back up after putting it down. I WILL be reading this book again, and I’ll try it using Ms. Lawhon’s alternate method as described in her author’s note. This book is for anyone who appreciates beautiful prose, developed characters, and historical fiction at its finest. Thank you, Ms. Lawhon, for this experience.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
(4.5 stars) Ariel Lawhon is back, with a heroine that is perhaps even stronger than the unbeatable Martha Ballard from The Frozen River. Grace O’Malley is “the pirate queen”, a real-life, 16th century woman born to rule the seas and face down those who threaten her family and her country. Ariel Lawhon has meticulously researched Grace and her exploits and she fairly jumps off the page. The setting itself is a character, the wild Irish landscape, rough-built structures and the unpredictable sea drawing the reader into their rich atmosphere.
Grace’s story is told in three parts – Maiden, Mother, Matriarch – that skip around in time. I found it an interesting method, one that kept me on my toes. And the reader does have to keep on their toes because there are many characters (some with the same name) and somewhat complicated clans to manage. There is also a lot of graphic violence, true to the time, but distressing, nonetheless. This is not an easy-breezy read. The reader earns their time with Grace.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, even though it didn’t quite deliver the *magic* of The Frozen River. Don’t get me wrong, Grace O’Malley is a character for the ages and her trials and tribulations are highly entertaining, but the slew of tough characters and their battles tend to give the novel an overall similar feel. At 528 pages, The Pirate Queen feels a little long, especially the first half. But I sped through the second half and loved the way things ended up, especially Grace’s encounter with Queen Elizabeth. I absolutely recommend The Pirate Queen for all readers…with a caution for graphic violence.
Much thanks to NetGalley and Doubleday for providing me with an early version of this title in exchange for my opinions. The Pirate Queen hits the shelves on September 8, 2026.
Grace’s story is told in three parts – Maiden, Mother, Matriarch – that skip around in time. I found it an interesting method, one that kept me on my toes. And the reader does have to keep on their toes because there are many characters (some with the same name) and somewhat complicated clans to manage. There is also a lot of graphic violence, true to the time, but distressing, nonetheless. This is not an easy-breezy read. The reader earns their time with Grace.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, even though it didn’t quite deliver the *magic* of The Frozen River. Don’t get me wrong, Grace O’Malley is a character for the ages and her trials and tribulations are highly entertaining, but the slew of tough characters and their battles tend to give the novel an overall similar feel. At 528 pages, The Pirate Queen feels a little long, especially the first half. But I sped through the second half and loved the way things ended up, especially Grace’s encounter with Queen Elizabeth. I absolutely recommend The Pirate Queen for all readers…with a caution for graphic violence.
Much thanks to NetGalley and Doubleday for providing me with an early version of this title in exchange for my opinions. The Pirate Queen hits the shelves on September 8, 2026.
June 25, 2026
I really enjoyed this historical fiction about Grace O’Malley, Ireland’s 16th century pirate queen. Lawhon didn’t have a lot of detailed source material to go on here - she explains in the afterward that most of what we know about Grace was written by a bunch of English guys who hated her, and was thin on details - but you’d never know that the way she pulls together the timeline and fills in the nuances.
It’s not necessarily an easy book to read. The book is split into three timelines - Maiden (when Grace is a child and teenager), Mother (her 30s and 40s) and Matriarch (her late 50s and 60s) - and chapters swing between the three in third person. It’s actually a really beautiful narrative structure; it’s just tough to keep track of all the rich historical details and characters within a timeline most of us have no prior familiarity with. I read the book pretty continuously and still found myself realizing I’d missed or forgotten details, or that she’d cleverly tied storylines together that I had missed. It’s probably worth a reread to catch these nuances, if you could do it without making yourself crazy.
But despite that frustration, I couldn’t help but love and admire Lawhon’s storytelling. Even the side characters are interesting. Grace is a force of nature I instantly loved. I was puzzled to see so little actual piracy details, and yet feel so completely her power and rule over the Irish coast. How did Lawhon’s writing accomplish this for me? The description of her ships? Her gift with the sea? The scenes where we see her strategizing and negotiating? Whatever it was, it worked.
So be patient with the timeline and the details and all the guys named Richard and Donal. This book will reward you for it.
It’s not necessarily an easy book to read. The book is split into three timelines - Maiden (when Grace is a child and teenager), Mother (her 30s and 40s) and Matriarch (her late 50s and 60s) - and chapters swing between the three in third person. It’s actually a really beautiful narrative structure; it’s just tough to keep track of all the rich historical details and characters within a timeline most of us have no prior familiarity with. I read the book pretty continuously and still found myself realizing I’d missed or forgotten details, or that she’d cleverly tied storylines together that I had missed. It’s probably worth a reread to catch these nuances, if you could do it without making yourself crazy.
But despite that frustration, I couldn’t help but love and admire Lawhon’s storytelling. Even the side characters are interesting. Grace is a force of nature I instantly loved. I was puzzled to see so little actual piracy details, and yet feel so completely her power and rule over the Irish coast. How did Lawhon’s writing accomplish this for me? The description of her ships? Her gift with the sea? The scenes where we see her strategizing and negotiating? Whatever it was, it worked.
So be patient with the timeline and the details and all the guys named Richard and Donal. This book will reward you for it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Pirate Queen is another wonderful novel by author Ariel Lawhon. I absolutely loved the Frozen River and when I saw another novel being written about a strong, female character, I was instantly intrigued. My knowledge of the time era in the culture of Ireland is something I knew nothing about prior to reading this book. I feel I now have a great understanding of the time frame, culture, dynamics of political systems back in that era, and the resiliency needed for women during this time.
Grace O'Malley is a driven, strong, quick-witted, and tenacious character.
During this era, women were not viewed as strong and capable and did not typically hold positions of leadership. They were expected to keep the house and raise the children. Grace shows us another side, refusing to be limited based on her gender, and she even displays this rebellion later in the novel by not bowing to the Queen of England! Ironically, Grace and Queen Elizabeth I find they share some commonalities, based on their strong personalities and desires to lead in integrity and for the betterment of others.
The story is told across three periods of time during Grace's life: Maiden, Mother, and Matriarch. The storylines may be hard to follow if doing an audiobook, but I found myself riveted by the scenes displayed in each period and think Lawhon's storytelling in this manner was genius!
Lawhon did a great job-sharing historical data on Grace O'Malley, while weaving in some components of elaboration and storytelling, to share about a sensational woman of strength, honor, and courage. I highly recommend this book to others. Thank you to NetGalley and DoubleDay books for the advanced review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Grace O'Malley is a driven, strong, quick-witted, and tenacious character.
During this era, women were not viewed as strong and capable and did not typically hold positions of leadership. They were expected to keep the house and raise the children. Grace shows us another side, refusing to be limited based on her gender, and she even displays this rebellion later in the novel by not bowing to the Queen of England! Ironically, Grace and Queen Elizabeth I find they share some commonalities, based on their strong personalities and desires to lead in integrity and for the betterment of others.
The story is told across three periods of time during Grace's life: Maiden, Mother, and Matriarch. The storylines may be hard to follow if doing an audiobook, but I found myself riveted by the scenes displayed in each period and think Lawhon's storytelling in this manner was genius!
Lawhon did a great job-sharing historical data on Grace O'Malley, while weaving in some components of elaboration and storytelling, to share about a sensational woman of strength, honor, and courage. I highly recommend this book to others. Thank you to NetGalley and DoubleDay books for the advanced review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.5⭐️
Thank you so much, Doubleday Books, for sending me a physical ARC ahead of pub date to read in exchange for my honest thoughts.
After having read and loved The Frozen River (along with the rest of the world), I absolutely could not wait until Ariel’s follow-up. And when I saw the title…I was frothing at the mouth. PIRATES!? Gimme. This book has everything we have come to expect from Ariel Lawhon. Exquisite writing. Extensive research. Epic scale. Immersive setting. A complex narrative. And a woman protagonist who is so bad ass it makes you want to straight up fist pump the air (and I did).
The book covers Grace’s entire life - from five years old until she is a granny, so it is quite sweeping and epic. Told through three alternating timelines, Maiden (her youth), Mother (middle age), and Matriarch (late in life), it jumps around quite a bit. And truthfully, I struggled with this story telling choice. After reading the author’s note at the end, Ariel says she decided to organize the book this way to avoid Grace’s life coming across episodic and upon reflection I can see how it would lend itself that way. HOWEVER, I will say, given the sheer amount of characters (many with the same name), and scope of the story, I sometimes had a difficult time with the jumps. It could be difficult to follow and often took me out of the moment’s tension.
Ok, but GRACE. What a WOMAN. I was struck by her fierceness and otherness in a world where women were expected to be so much smaller. She was beyond her time. She was driven. A rebel. Witty. Daring. And loyal. Additionally, Ariel treats the reader with such a full and rich cast of characters. Relationships and love to swoon over and cheer for. Family bonds that astound. Characters to collectively hate. And ohhhhh her sweet Murray twins and Gutty. My boys!! Their loyalty. Their love. Their commitment. It was awe-inspiring and so heartwarming. They were some of my favorite characters.
One of the things I loved so much about The Frozen River was the sheer break-neck pacing of the story. I found it SO conversational and accessible, which I think is why the masses also enjoyed it (not to downplay Martha Ballard’s bad-assness, but the ease of readability helped). My experience of this one’s pacing was different given the time-line jumps; and the sixteenth century Irish setting made me work a little harder as a reader. All that to say, don’t expect this to be exactly like The Frozen River, as it errs on the side of much more serious historical fiction.
🔥 Fade to black
CW: Violence and gore, vulgar language, attempted SA
Thank you so much, Doubleday Books, for sending me a physical ARC ahead of pub date to read in exchange for my honest thoughts.
After having read and loved The Frozen River (along with the rest of the world), I absolutely could not wait until Ariel’s follow-up. And when I saw the title…I was frothing at the mouth. PIRATES!? Gimme. This book has everything we have come to expect from Ariel Lawhon. Exquisite writing. Extensive research. Epic scale. Immersive setting. A complex narrative. And a woman protagonist who is so bad ass it makes you want to straight up fist pump the air (and I did).
The book covers Grace’s entire life - from five years old until she is a granny, so it is quite sweeping and epic. Told through three alternating timelines, Maiden (her youth), Mother (middle age), and Matriarch (late in life), it jumps around quite a bit. And truthfully, I struggled with this story telling choice. After reading the author’s note at the end, Ariel says she decided to organize the book this way to avoid Grace’s life coming across episodic and upon reflection I can see how it would lend itself that way. HOWEVER, I will say, given the sheer amount of characters (many with the same name), and scope of the story, I sometimes had a difficult time with the jumps. It could be difficult to follow and often took me out of the moment’s tension.
Ok, but GRACE. What a WOMAN. I was struck by her fierceness and otherness in a world where women were expected to be so much smaller. She was beyond her time. She was driven. A rebel. Witty. Daring. And loyal. Additionally, Ariel treats the reader with such a full and rich cast of characters. Relationships and love to swoon over and cheer for. Family bonds that astound. Characters to collectively hate. And ohhhhh her sweet Murray twins and Gutty. My boys!! Their loyalty. Their love. Their commitment. It was awe-inspiring and so heartwarming. They were some of my favorite characters.
One of the things I loved so much about The Frozen River was the sheer break-neck pacing of the story. I found it SO conversational and accessible, which I think is why the masses also enjoyed it (not to downplay Martha Ballard’s bad-assness, but the ease of readability helped). My experience of this one’s pacing was different given the time-line jumps; and the sixteenth century Irish setting made me work a little harder as a reader. All that to say, don’t expect this to be exactly like The Frozen River, as it errs on the side of much more serious historical fiction.
🔥 Fade to black
CW: Violence and gore, vulgar language, attempted SA
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was lucky to receive an advanced copy of Ariel Lawhon's new book, The Pirate Queen. I was immediately drawn to the beautiful cover and the little ship floating along (I challenge you to guess what exactly the ship is sailing on...) 🤔 Much like her previous historical novels, you're quickly drawn into the well researched world of 16th century Ireland.
Grace O'Malley (or Gráinne Ní Mháille) is the daughter and only legitimate son of a chieftain known as The O'Malley. She and her half-brother Donal are raised on the sea and it is clear from a young age that Grace has a strong affinity for it. Much like any woman of this time period, she struggled to be taken seriously in a world dominated by men and tradition. Her path was already chosen for her by her father and it was her role to fall in line. We continue on to check in with Grace during several different periods of her life as a Maiden, then a Mother and finally a Matriarch. Through two marriages and four children, Grace still manages to follow in her father's footsteps and become a fearless captain of his ships and a tireless fighter for Irish rights and sovereignty. While I enjoyed the different stages of her life, I found it hard to keep up with what was going on, due to the non-linear timeline of the story. I can understand why the author chose to do with and I did finally get a handle on everything by the end 😅. My favorite characters were Gutty, Ultan, and the Murray twins; all fictional characters supporting Grace both on land and at sea. It was nice to see that these were also favorites of the author. I highly recommend this book for anyone with an interest in little known historical figures. Another solid history fiction novel from Ariel Lawhon.
Grace O'Malley (or Gráinne Ní Mháille) is the daughter and only legitimate son of a chieftain known as The O'Malley. She and her half-brother Donal are raised on the sea and it is clear from a young age that Grace has a strong affinity for it. Much like any woman of this time period, she struggled to be taken seriously in a world dominated by men and tradition. Her path was already chosen for her by her father and it was her role to fall in line. We continue on to check in with Grace during several different periods of her life as a Maiden, then a Mother and finally a Matriarch. Through two marriages and four children, Grace still manages to follow in her father's footsteps and become a fearless captain of his ships and a tireless fighter for Irish rights and sovereignty. While I enjoyed the different stages of her life, I found it hard to keep up with what was going on, due to the non-linear timeline of the story. I can understand why the author chose to do with and I did finally get a handle on everything by the end 😅. My favorite characters were Gutty, Ultan, and the Murray twins; all fictional characters supporting Grace both on land and at sea. It was nice to see that these were also favorites of the author. I highly recommend this book for anyone with an interest in little known historical figures. Another solid history fiction novel from Ariel Lawhon.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The gasp I gusped when I saw that not only does the incomparable Ariel Lawhon have a new book coming out, but it’s about famed swashbuckler Grace O’Malley!! The gasp may have even been followed by a dignified squeal when I was approved for the ARC on NetGalley (Thank you NetGalley and Double Day!). I’ve been on a lady pirate kick lately, and it seems I’m tapped into a recent publishing trend because there have been a few feminist, seafaring bangers released recently, and none better than The Pirate Queen.
Grace O’Malley, who lived and died in the 14th century, was so much more than a pirate. She was a sea captain, a Gaelic chieftain, and a formidable politician. She had many novel worthy adventures, but Lawhon decided to provide a fairly comprehensive account of her entire life by splitting the story into three timelines. Maiden, Mother, Matriarch. These chapters are interwoven, each building upon the next with each individual timeline occurring chronologically, so you’re able to connect people and places in a really interesting and entertaining way.
Lawhon tells you of her trials and triumphs, her parents, her extended family, her husbands, her lovers, her children, her friends, and her enemies. It’s a deeply personal story in that way, but also serves as a primer for the political and social history of Ireland during this tumultuous but fascinating time in the Middle Ages. I tell you, NO ONE is better at melding the imagined intimate and emotional aspects of someone's life with the biographical details that will teach you something real about a truly extraordinary woman. This was the easiest, most automatic 5 star rating of my 2026 reading year so far.
Grace O’Malley, who lived and died in the 14th century, was so much more than a pirate. She was a sea captain, a Gaelic chieftain, and a formidable politician. She had many novel worthy adventures, but Lawhon decided to provide a fairly comprehensive account of her entire life by splitting the story into three timelines. Maiden, Mother, Matriarch. These chapters are interwoven, each building upon the next with each individual timeline occurring chronologically, so you’re able to connect people and places in a really interesting and entertaining way.
Lawhon tells you of her trials and triumphs, her parents, her extended family, her husbands, her lovers, her children, her friends, and her enemies. It’s a deeply personal story in that way, but also serves as a primer for the political and social history of Ireland during this tumultuous but fascinating time in the Middle Ages. I tell you, NO ONE is better at melding the imagined intimate and emotional aspects of someone's life with the biographical details that will teach you something real about a truly extraordinary woman. This was the easiest, most automatic 5 star rating of my 2026 reading year so far.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Ariel Lawhon's historical novel, The Frozen River, was one of my top reads of 2025, even though historical fiction is not my favorite genre. Lawhon's new book, The PIrate Queen, set in Ireland in the 16th century, is very different. It tells the story of Grace O'Malley in three rotating timelines-- as Maiden, Mother, and Matriarch. Even as a very young child, she pleads with her father to take her on one of his trading trips to Galway. But as a female, she has little control over her life, forced to choose one of two husbands selected by her parents for political purposes rather than her true love
As the story progresses, we see Grace building her own family as she also builds her reputation as a formidable force, an admired ship captain, and later a feared pirate and clan chieftain. The author has major skills as a storyteller, but some of the things I so loved in the previous book --characters to relate to, described in fascinating detail; mature love relationships; and an intricate but realistic plot that made me want to keep reading--were missing for me. Especially in the Matriarch chapters, where Grace is in her 50s and older, the story consisted mostly of continuous, over-the-top battles and deaths, to the point where it felt tedious and overly extended, and I caught myself skimming to get to the end.
Of course, a book about a female pirate, especially one based on a real-life historical figure, can hardly avoid being over the top and full of adventure. It just wasn't the right book for me, as I looked for more engagement with the characters.
My review is based on a complimentary pre-release copy of the book.
As the story progresses, we see Grace building her own family as she also builds her reputation as a formidable force, an admired ship captain, and later a feared pirate and clan chieftain. The author has major skills as a storyteller, but some of the things I so loved in the previous book --characters to relate to, described in fascinating detail; mature love relationships; and an intricate but realistic plot that made me want to keep reading--were missing for me. Especially in the Matriarch chapters, where Grace is in her 50s and older, the story consisted mostly of continuous, over-the-top battles and deaths, to the point where it felt tedious and overly extended, and I caught myself skimming to get to the end.
Of course, a book about a female pirate, especially one based on a real-life historical figure, can hardly avoid being over the top and full of adventure. It just wasn't the right book for me, as I looked for more engagement with the characters.
My review is based on a complimentary pre-release copy of the book.
July 22, 2026
“Today the matriarch sits with the maiden and the mother, and she feels the braid of her life woven together, like a living story. A legend.”
Ariel Lawhorn has written an amazing and captivating story about Ireland’s almost forgotten Pirate Queen, Grace O’Malley. This book is rich in detail and exploits and emotions. The amount of research that goes into her books is astounding (seriously DO NOT skip the Author’s Notes in any of her books, they give amazing detail to already rich stories!). I LOVED that Lawhorn unraveled the tale of the Pirate Queen in three different timelines; Graces younger “Maiden” years, her middle “Mother” years, and her wiser “Matriarch” years. And I loved that in her Author’s Note she recommends rereading this book in order of her life versus the chapter order. Besides the obvious love I have for the fierce and sharp, sometimes brutal main character, I enjoyed several other things in this book. The love story of Richard and Grace was so heartbreakingly good, “Ego te expectabo”. Grace’s pack of loyal men all wormed their way into my heart as well. I loved the Murray twins, Ultan, and Gutty, and their lifelong placement beside their Queen. The detail in the time period and settings should be noted too. Again you can tell that the author takes the time to research not only the character, but also the things that belong to the time period she is telling the story in. If you were a fan of The Frozen River, I fear it may end up becoming a second favorite after reading this one! I cannot recommend this book enough!!
A HUGE thank you to NetGalley, Doubleday Books, and Ariel Lawhorn for the gifted copy of the read. I loved every page!!
Ariel Lawhorn has written an amazing and captivating story about Ireland’s almost forgotten Pirate Queen, Grace O’Malley. This book is rich in detail and exploits and emotions. The amount of research that goes into her books is astounding (seriously DO NOT skip the Author’s Notes in any of her books, they give amazing detail to already rich stories!). I LOVED that Lawhorn unraveled the tale of the Pirate Queen in three different timelines; Graces younger “Maiden” years, her middle “Mother” years, and her wiser “Matriarch” years. And I loved that in her Author’s Note she recommends rereading this book in order of her life versus the chapter order. Besides the obvious love I have for the fierce and sharp, sometimes brutal main character, I enjoyed several other things in this book. The love story of Richard and Grace was so heartbreakingly good, “Ego te expectabo”. Grace’s pack of loyal men all wormed their way into my heart as well. I loved the Murray twins, Ultan, and Gutty, and their lifelong placement beside their Queen. The detail in the time period and settings should be noted too. Again you can tell that the author takes the time to research not only the character, but also the things that belong to the time period she is telling the story in. If you were a fan of The Frozen River, I fear it may end up becoming a second favorite after reading this one! I cannot recommend this book enough!!
A HUGE thank you to NetGalley, Doubleday Books, and Ariel Lawhorn for the gifted copy of the read. I loved every page!!
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