Pirate Story Based on Facts!

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“I love the freedom I have now, to wander and daydream and climb the mountains here to my heart’s content. And I want it somewhere new, where I could see more than what I’ve ever known, experience things I’ve only dreamed of.”—C.B. Lee

Pirates of the Caribbean meets Treasure Island in the South China Seas in the early 1800s. Based on true facts, this is a re-imagining of the world’s most infamous female pirate lord Zheng Yi Sao, who was cunning as she was ruthless. The sapphic tale follows two young women, Xiang and Anh, as they chase the legendary pirate treasure of the Dragon Fleet. Xiang’s adventure takes her first to the bustling city of Canton and then out on the high seas where she learns to sail and develops feelings for Anh. The ending had a fantastic twist that really impressed me.

One of my favorite aspects of this book was the authenticity. Ship and sailing life, the world building, and OMG the FOOD. The food descriptions!!!! Especially on the streets of Canton. These were so enticing that I actually had to go out and get some Chinese take-out because I was craving it so badly. That’s when you know an author is killing it!

Everything about this story felt true to the time. It was clear that C.B. Lee put a great deal of effort into research and family influence from her mother’s experience fleeing Vietnam. I enjoyed reading her author’s note at the end about her family history. It added so much more depth to her passion behind writing this story.

“The ocean is a constant, the waves drifting and never ending. There’s a peace here, and also endless possibility, the way the waters connect all the lands of the world. I sigh happily in agreement.”—C.B. Lee

The balance between the plot and the character development was perfect. Xiang grows up in a small village, yearning for her mother’s notice and approval. All she wants is to make her mother proud. This is the linchpin that sets the story in motion. Xiang believes that if she can discover the treasure of the Dragon Fleet, she will save her mother’s tea house and FINALLY make her mother proud. But as she sails across the sea, she learns more about herself. She transforms from a timid girl to a strong, unapologetic woman. She finally finds the “more” she has been searching for. But it comes at a cost.

This entire transformation is set to the backdrop of an exciting race to break down the clues of the lost treasure, clues that were hidden on a scrap of parchment inside the pendent Xiang has been wearing all her life. With these clues, she chases the treasure to its hiding place where she must confront the secrets of her past. I loved Xiang’s character growth and the way her relationship with her mother panned out. It was completely unexpected and I ended up liking it much more than I would have first guessed.

“Perhaps my soul has lived in the wrong place this whole time, and I’ve always been meant to be at sea…I feel my mind sharpening each morning when I wake, my arms sore and tired, but every day bringing new strength as I hoist the sails or pull the nets or cook the days food.”—C.B. Lee

What really impressed me about this story was that I LEARNED something. This wasn’t just a fictional work, it had tons of truth centered around one of history’s most successful pirates. Zheng Yi Sao was the only female pirate lord in the world who was capable of uniting over 70,000 pirates and over 1,200 vessels. I mean, how badass is that?! Why haven’t I heard about this bad bish before?! I love stories that open my eyes to something new.

MY RATING: 4.5/5⭐️