I’ve been a fan of Ames since To Break a Covenant and this is an enchanting YA Fantasy which has a horror lean to it. If you like stories about pirates, about what lives under the depths, and revenge this is for you. Keep reading this book review of The Devourer for my full thoughts.
Summary
When Adra Dantes’ half-brother Cameron attacks their father and robs him of a priceless treasure map, he leaves him a shell of the pirate captain he once was. Now Adra’s only aim in life is to kill Cameron, retrieve her father’s map, and claim the treasure herself.
But her plans are thwarted. A sudden surplus of magic in the world is causing ancient sea monsters to awaken. Worse yet, Adra discovers that the ship she’s been chasing for almost a year now is captained by a girl who’s been impersonating Cameron, while Cameron himself is missing.
The two pirate captains will have to work together if they are to find Cameron, but before they can do so, they must vanquish the beast―known as The Devourer―that is sinking ships and causing so much fear. Adra will have to descend leagues beneath the sea to the creature’s lair to strike a deal with her, but she’ll discover she isn’t the only one looking for her brother―and what he stole.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
When I saw an Alison Ames book meets pirates and something that lurks beneath the waves I was already captivated. Not only are they searching for a legendary treasure, there’s this magical current and terrifying danger from the depths. As someone who’s afraid of the ocean, The Devourer was a daytime read for me. But, if you’re like me, not to fear because there’s this distinct sense of fantasy – leaning a little horror – which won’t make me second guess dipping my feet in the ocean. The Devourer is action packed, full of pirates, and danger.
(Disclaimer: Some of the links below are affiliate links. For more information you can look at the Policy page. If you’re uncomfortable with that, know you can look up the book on any of the sites below to avoid the link)
But it’s also a book which explores revenge and loyalty. Do we become a good leader when those around us fear us? What will we ask of our friends who accompany us into the darkness? We can become so single handedly obsessed with our own revenge, our own quest, what happens to those we lose along the way? The Devourer is introspective and fast paced. It becomes a story about revenge. Is revenge worth the cost? And what happens when it consumes us?
Find The Devourer on Goodreads, Storygraph, Amazon, Bookshop.org, Blackwells, & Libro. fm.