Synopses & Reviews
A rip-roaring pirate romance and mystery In a world where infants with magical powers are torn from their parents to be raised by the mysterious and powerful Danisoba, who have a monopoly on magic, Kestrel has managed to keep her abilities concealed—and herself free. First hiding in back alleys as a street urchin, she hid when they killed her parents, and then served as a young tavern maid before escaping to sea, where magic is cancelled by water. Now an adult, as the quartermaster of a pirate ship, Kestrel loves the freedom of living on the seas. But her way of life could end if anyone on board learns her closely guarded secret—that she has magical control over the wind. One day a black ship appears, and her life changes. Its captain is a handsome rogue of whom Kestrel is strangely, constantly aware. When Kestrels captain is led into a trap and is arrested, she gathers her crew and sets sail in relentless pursuit. . . .
Review
“Anyone who has ever dreamed of the colorful adventure and swashbuckling intrigue of a pirates life at sea will find lots to like here. Laced with magic and misdirection, Misty Masseys fast paced and intriguing tale kept me guessing and guessing again as layers of mystery unfolded right to the end.” —Mark Ferrari, author of
The Book of Joby “Imagine ‘Captain Blood starring a young woman with a hidden talent for sorcery, and youve got a hint of what youll find in Mad Kestrel, a lively tale of reckless pirates, ruthless bounty hunters, reluctant mages, and romantic adversaries. Fun, fast-paced, and full of action, Misty Masseys first novel takes a few fine old adventure story traditions and mixes them with magic.” —Sharon Shin, author of The Thirteenth House
Review
“A swashbuckling tale of adventure on the high seas.”
--Romantic Times BOOKreviews
“Swashbuckling magical adventure with a heroine who could hold her own with Captain Blood, the Sea Hawk, or Captain Jack Sparrow.”
--Fantasy Magazine
“This rollicking debut combines swashbuckling sea adventure, fantasy and romance with great success.”
--Publishers Weekly
“Kestrels a strong character, and its fun watching her learn to deal with the magic shes denied for so long….a strong first novel full of flash and colorful adventure.”
--Locus
“Massey's first novel combines a young woman's coming-of-age tale with a swashbuckling pirate adventure that moves at a swift pace and sets the stage for future outings with its feisty, resourceful heroine. A good choice for fans of fantasy adventure in general and pirate tales in particular.”
--Library Journal
“Massey debuts with a colorful romp through strange lands and stranger seas. . . . This Errol Flynn-ish swashbuckler features loads of action and larger-than-life characters, plausibly grounded in the realities of life at sea. A real page-turner, and a successor is in the works.”
--Booklist
“Fast-paced, stylish, and romantic, this is a pirate novel with a difference: intriguing magic. Kestrel is a heroine to root for, who really comes alive; long may she sail!”
--Ed Greenwood
Synopsis
Throughout her childhood, Kestrel managed to keep her supernatural abilities concealed. Now an adult, she loves the freedom of living on the seas. But her way of life could end if anyone on board learns her closely guarded secret--that she has magical control over the wind.
Synopsis
“A lively tale of reckless pirates, ruthless bounty hunters, reluctant mages, and romantic adversaries. Fun, fast-paced, and full of action.”
--Sharon Shinn, author of The Thirteenth House
Synopsis
Quartermaster of an infamous pirate ship, feisty Kestrel loves the freedom of living on the seas. But her way of life could end if anyone on board learns her closely guarded secret—that she has magical control over the wind.
One day a black ship appears, and her life changes. Its captain is a handsome rogue of whom Kestrel is strangely, constantly aware. When Kestrels captain is led into a trap and arrested by royal agents, hes whisked away to face trial before the king. With the handsome stranger following her every move, Kestrel gathers her determined crew and sets sail in relentless pursuit.
About the Author
Misty Massey lives in South Carolina.
Mad Kestrel is her first novel.