Lintang and the Pirate Queen

Several twists provide a peak in intrigue and possibilities but in the end generate more questions than answers, hinting at a sequel.

The world Lintang resides in is inventive and nicely established... and the story is an immersive delight for any fan of fantasy fiction.

In a vibrant world reminiscent of a fantastical maritime Southeast Asia, 12-year-old Lintang's greatest wish is to trade her staid island life for adventure on the high seas. When pirate queen Captain Shafira chooses her to join her crew, Lintang's joy seems complete, until she discovers her best friend, Bayani, hiding in the ship's cargo hold. In addition to proving herself a worthy pirate, Lintang must now unravel a web of secrets that begins with Bayani and ends with the gods themselves. In her U.S. debut, Australian author Moss layers the tale's world and mythology with a lurking specter of historical imperialism that permeates the characters' lives. Excerpts from the "Mythie Guidebook," a world-specific encyclopedia of monsters encountered by the characters, precede the chapters and add to the world's complexity. In a cast of powerful and charmingly eccentric female characters, high-spirited Lintang distinguishes herself with a vulnerability and, often, immaturity that slowly gives way to burgeoning leadership. Women of color take center stage in this fast-paced adventure about friendship, loyalty, and defiantly fighting for one's destiny. Ages 10-12. (Oct.)

Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 4-7--Twelve-year-old Lintang of Desa village, protected by the sea guardian Nyasamdra, yearns for adventure, and thinks she's found it when pirate captain Shafira welcomes her on board in exchange for safe passage through Nyasamdra's waters. Lintang's friend, Bayani, for reasons of his own, stows away and joins the crew. Lintang relishes every aspect of the eventful voyage including tangles with magical creatures who are described in occasional pages from The Mythie Guidebook (similar to entries from J.K. Rowling's Fantastic Beasts). Lintang struggles to follow Shafira's orders; she dives recklessly into any available fray regardless of her own safety. A final conflict with a dragon and a siren makes for an exciting ending, with sequels likely. Despite a bucketload of human and Mythie personalities, the story is clear and approachable. Moss's smooth, sensory prose carries readers through the story as fluidly as Shafira's ship navigates the waters around the United Regions. Shipboard activities are realistically portrayed, and there are enough political machinations and loose ends to provide many future stories. There may be a few too many elements in Moss's series opener, but they will likely be explored in future works. VERDICT A particularly well-crafted, solid fantasy adventure suitable for most collections.--Caitlin Augusta, Stratford Library Association, CT

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"Fans of adventure on the roiling seas will find a lot to love in this Australian import. Reading like a cross between Moana and Pirates of the Caribbean, the swiftly moving plot is action packed, with plenty of on-deck swordfights, near-escapes, monsters, and magic."—The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books