The Lusty Literarians's Reviews > Across Dark Seas

Across Dark Seas may be listed as “Beneath Black Sails #0.5”, but at 236 pages it merits the distinction of being a full length novel. This story is action packed and the ultimate page turner! I absolutely loved the mix of victorian era history, mythological creatures, societal expectations, and high seas pirate adventure. Sager provides a unique take on what one can only assume is the 16th or 17th century. There are references to real world events/people with mythological creatures as a day to day, normal occurrence, for the characters. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that dichotomy before and I loved it.

Sager also does a great job of portraying the crushing patriarchal rule that women used to face. The subtle nod to feminism was wonderfully unexpected. Avice struggles to free herself from the crushing bonds of society and what is expected of her in terms of behavior and societal contribution. Her growth as a character was wonderful. She went from a timid girl wanting more out of life to a high seas adventurer by the end of the story. I could vividly picture her screaming into the void that this life isn’t good enough and she refuses to settle.

Across Dark Seas is part love story, part adventure story, and wholly unique. While reading this story before Beneath Black Sails isn’t required I highly recommend it. It was a fantastic read and I think you’ll fall in love with Avice and all of her adventures.