"James delivers her fast-paced and convincing debut narrative in an accomplished third-person voice. Budding romance and soaring stakes keep the tension simmering through the last page. A shimmering, piratical fantasy with real-world teeth." - Kirkus Reviews
"Enticing. Debut author James employs elucidating prose to craft a rich imaginary world inspired by 18th-century Latin America in this swashbuckling adventure." - Publishers Weekly
"Fast-paced. Readers will cheer as [Ximena] comes to her own conclusions about the Empire's influence. A treacherous, seaworthy tale full of adventure." - School Library Journal
"Fast-paced and brimming with tension, intrigue, and twists, James crafts a vivid setting where murky alliances and questionable motives keep readers guessing. A richly developed, highly driven heroine and a plot full of peril, with themes of courage and resilience lingering long after the last page. A fast-paced adventure set against a backdrop as treacherous as it is mesmerizing." - Booklist
"Enticing. Debut author James employs elucidating prose to craft a rich imaginary world inspired by 18th-century Latin America in this swashbuckling adventure." - Publishers Weekly
"Fast-paced. Readers will cheer as [Ximena] comes to her own conclusions about the Empire's influence. A treacherous, seaworthy tale full of adventure." - School Library Journal
"Fast-paced and brimming with tension, intrigue, and twists, James crafts a vivid setting where murky alliances and questionable motives keep readers guessing. A richly developed, highly driven heroine and a plot full of peril, with themes of courage and resilience lingering long after the last page. A fast-paced adventure set against a backdrop as treacherous as it is mesmerizing." - Booklist