The Blood Bell tolls, marking the death of the pirate king and the start of the Trials—a heart-stopping competition where the reward is the Bone Crown. Only one contender can claim the coveted island throne; each will gamble life and limb to win. Csilla Abado yearns to prove her strength to the seasoned pirates who balk at her youth and to her elder sister who has always craved Csilla’s captainship. Kane Blackwater wants to leave behind the dirty gold and shady trades he’s made to keep his father’s ship, the Iron Jewel, alive. Lorelei Penny longs for nothing more than to avenge her mother’s death.
Plot
I was immediately drawn into the plot of this novel, it starts with high tension and the stakes only increase from there. But I got the feeling in the first few chapters that I was starting in the middle of the story or in a sequel since many of the characters have a past and the book begins in the middle of a precarious situation. Since this book features a large cast it takes a bit longer than I’d prefer to dig into each character’s drive, but the author does a great job keeping the reader engaged until then.
Characters
The narrative alternates between three protagonists: Csilla, Kane, and Lorelei. Normally, I get frustrated by novels that alternate points of view, because it often feels like the novel could have been told in a more streamlined way with just one point of view. But that was not at all the case with this novel. Each character’s leg of the story offers a unique perspective and I enjoyed seeing them come together. I enjoyed each character’s part equally and was impressed by how well-rounded even the supporting characters were for a book with such a large cast.
Setting
The author has created an immersive world in this novel. Each scene features lush descriptions and expansive details of the role this place plays in the wider world. The rules of the pirate kingdom (or lack thereof) were interesting and a unique aspect of this setting. There is also a subtle magic system in this book that plays an essential part in the plot.
My Recommendation
Fans of Pirates of the Caribbean and All the Stars and Teeth will love Crossbones, the debut novel of Kimberly Vale. The main characters are unique and exciting while the world is immersive. The book’s plot is engaging but does feel as if you’re starting in a sequel. I’ll be eagerly waiting for the next book in the Kingdom of Bones trilogy.
