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I admit that when I got the book I was expecting the usual Christian fiction with predictable characters, a predictable story line, and a predictable ending. Especially since the author was not one that I had really heard of. But despite my low expectations, I was looking forward to reading a new book.
The first few chapters were a little hard to get into. The writing style seemed a bit choppy; but as I read on, the words began to flow a little better.
My favorite things about this book were the descriptions, the story line, and the chapter quotes.
I could literally feel the sea breeze when they arrived at their house in Oriental; and when they were at the beach, I was in the water with the cool waves rippling on my feet. It felt like I was there. With as many books I have read, I rarely have the feeling of being at the books setting. Sure, I feel like I am with the characters; but when it comes to settings, most authors tend to get either dull and boring with their pages and pages of description or just enough description to get by. Patricia Hickman's descriptions were quite refreshing.
I was also surprised by the story line. Again, I was expecting the typical break-up and make-up type story. There was a break-up (well, sort of) and Saphora and Bender did make-up in the end, but there was the soul-searching that Saphora went through that is not typical of most Christian fiction. She was genuinely searching for answers, and she found them in Christ.
And there is Toby. What a wonderful character! Probably my most favorite character. He goes through a lot physically, mentally, and spiritually. Yet he was full of wisdom despite being so young. His character is initially a part of a side story that ends up intertwining with the main story. I think I would read the book just for Toby's part in the story. His story moved me so much that I was actually crying (something I rarely do while reading a book).
Another unusual thing about The Pirate Queen is the little quotes at the beginning of the chapter. I haven't really seen those since I read the Original Elsie Books. The quotes really match up with the chapters very well, almost helping the story along.
I'll end with the quote from Chapter 22 because it sums what Saphora discovers in the end:
EDIT: I forgot to add that I got this book free from Blogging for Books in exchange for reviewing the book. ^^
Please rank my review! I would really appreciate it!
The first few chapters were a little hard to get into. The writing style seemed a bit choppy; but as I read on, the words began to flow a little better.
My favorite things about this book were the descriptions, the story line, and the chapter quotes.
I could literally feel the sea breeze when they arrived at their house in Oriental; and when they were at the beach, I was in the water with the cool waves rippling on my feet. It felt like I was there. With as many books I have read, I rarely have the feeling of being at the books setting. Sure, I feel like I am with the characters; but when it comes to settings, most authors tend to get either dull and boring with their pages and pages of description or just enough description to get by. Patricia Hickman's descriptions were quite refreshing.
I was also surprised by the story line. Again, I was expecting the typical break-up and make-up type story. There was a break-up (well, sort of) and Saphora and Bender did make-up in the end, but there was the soul-searching that Saphora went through that is not typical of most Christian fiction. She was genuinely searching for answers, and she found them in Christ.
And there is Toby. What a wonderful character! Probably my most favorite character. He goes through a lot physically, mentally, and spiritually. Yet he was full of wisdom despite being so young. His character is initially a part of a side story that ends up intertwining with the main story. I think I would read the book just for Toby's part in the story. His story moved me so much that I was actually crying (something I rarely do while reading a book).
Another unusual thing about The Pirate Queen is the little quotes at the beginning of the chapter. I haven't really seen those since I read the Original Elsie Books. The quotes really match up with the chapters very well, almost helping the story along.
I'll end with the quote from Chapter 22 because it sums what Saphora discovers in the end:
We find again some of the joy in the now, some of the peace in the here, some of the love in me and thee which go to make up the kingdom of heaven on earth. —Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Gift from the Sea.
EDIT: I forgot to add that I got this book free from Blogging for Books in exchange for reviewing the book. ^^
Please rank my review! I would really appreciate it!
