Teen pirate princess Alosa has delivered the final treasure map fragment to her father, pirate king Kalligan, when she discovers she is not exempt from his treachery. He has imprisoned her siren mother aboard a ship for years, and by releasing her, Alosa signs her own death warrant. Running from her father, keeping her crew alive, and racing to beat him to the treasure keep her so busy she almost misses the fact that she's falling in love with former rival Riden. Levenseller comes into her own in this sequel to Daughter of the Pirate King (2017), penning an argh-worthy blend of pirate derring-do and lively romance. The pace quickens as the pages turn, and there's information about pirate ships to lend the story a STEM element. Deadly sirens join the ranks of strong, smart females in this book, giving it a definite feminist edge. The balance tends toward romance, but beware mbs are severed and a few characters die. Yet through it all, Levenseller keeps things humming along to an upbeat end.

Addressing the reader, elderly Old Misery explains how she trapped Mr. Death in her apple tree and forced him to promise her eternal life--"which is why Misery will always be found in this here world." The rewardingly macabre story features predominantly black-and-white art exhibiting crosshatching (perhaps a nod to Edward Gorey's work) and the light touch of a New Yorker cartoon.

Gr 7 Up-The author has yet again captured the adventure, romance, and ruthless ways of the high seas in this sequel to Daughter of the Pirate King . It picks up with the story of Alosa, a half-siren, half-human princess who is captain of the Ava-lee, a ship with an almost all-women crew. The group is a hardened lot made up of top-notch fighters. It's also a very tight-knit family. Alosa has finally recovered the last piece of an ancient map that will lead her father to the ultimate treasure. When she and her crew reach her father's keep, they discover that Alosa's mother, a siren, has been held captive by her father for 18 years. Alosa was always told that her mother abandoned her. In order to free her mother, Alosa knows she will have to face her father and his fleet of 20-plus pirate ships. The book's main focus is the upcoming showdown between the betrayed daughter and her legendary cruel father. Threaded throughout is a secondary story line about the budding romance between Riden and Alosa. The protagonist refuses to give into her feelings until she realizes that Riden is the only one who can help her control the her siren side. This fast-moving adventure with strong female characters would be great for those who love a good pirate story, a touch of romance, and action-packed sword fighting. VERDICT A strong choice for fantasy fans and those who enjoyed Traci Chee's The Reader or Heidi Heilig's books. Erin Olsen, The Brearley School, New York City