Greetings!

This review has been a long time coming. Oathbound was released earlier this year, and I had originally intended to review it then! However, the day came and I had only read about 50 pages. I was determined to read the rest that day with time to review it, but the more I read, the more I realized I couldn’t bring myself to rush through it. This book isn’t one that you can just speed through; it’s the kind you want to savor and enjoy, clinging to every drop of sea spray and every moment of pirate humor.

So, although this review is incredibly (my sincerest apologies to the author and publisher) late, I can’t wait to share the beauty that is Oathbound with you all!

Summary:

Beware the waters. The dangerous deep brings ruin to all.

Emme has spent her life avoiding anything to do with pirates. But the fates are cruel, and now a hidden sickness leads her to partner with pirates for the one thing that can save her—a cure on an island none are certain exists.

The pirate captain’s secrets are darker than the deep and threaten to kill them all. His obligations are tinged with betrayal, for his oathbind must be fulfilled. To ignore it is to invite peril of unimaginable destruction.

As the adventure unfolds, the sea takes more than she expects and the sea gives more than he wants.

Personal Review:

Who doesn’t love pirates?! For years, I’ve read pirate books in pursuit of one that has all the adventure and swordsmanship of Pirates of the Caribbean but still tells a compelling, original story. I can confidently say that this is the one.

The characters are flawed and layered, and I enjoyed getting to know them — especially Arn! He has all the dramatic flair of Captain Jack Sparrow, but he also teaches his crew to read (and genuinely desires their welfare), saves people in danger, respects women, and maintains the sarcasm necessary for any fictional pirate.

I appreciated how Victoria McCombs integrated mermaids, magic, and legends as old as the sea while still crafting a story that feels new and fresh. It retained the classic pirate story magic without going overboard, and I truly felt transported onto the Royal Rose.

While some books flounder and search for their identity and purpose, Oathbound is a story that knows its intent. I found myself spellbound (and stressed) through every twist and turn, and the ending has me longing for the next book!

When I reached the last page, my first thought (after no small amount of astonishment that the author chose to end the story there) was that I had truly been on a journey with these characters

Some reviews are nothing but gushing over a book, and reading them always has me a bit skeptical. Can it be true? Has such an incredible book really been penned? In this case, yes. I’ll concede that no book is perfect, but it’s always a pleasure to find one that I can recommend as readily as Oathbound.

Content Review:

Language – There are a few uses of “blimey” and some implied cursing.

Sexual – There’s a short kiss and a couple references to couples sleeping together.

Violence -A handful of nightmares complete with oozing blood make an appearance; there’s also a fair amount of blood and injuries on the whole.

Spiritual – The Fates, curses, ghosts, enchantments, and a magical boot are all discussed, and there are a couple of prayers to a King Valian.

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I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.