Compass and Blade

by Rachel Greenlaw Narrated by Lizzie Waterworth

Overview

Notes From Your Bookseller

The first in an exciting trilogy, Compass and Blade delivers mysterious siren magic, a swoony love triangle, and plenty of danger, secrets and betrayal. With a vibrant setting that comes to life on the page, this is an addictive read and a welcome addition to the romantasy stage.

For fans of Fable by Adrienne Young or To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo, this romantasy debut is filled with sirens and mysterious magic, swoony romance and cutthroat betrayal.

This world of sea and storm runs deep with bargains and blood.

On the remote isle of Rosevear, Mira, like her mother before her, is a wrecker, one of the seven on the rope who swim out to shipwrecks to plunder them. Mira's job is to rescue survivors, if there are any. After all, she never feels the cold of the frigid ocean waters and the waves seem to sing to her soul. But the people of Rosevear never admit the truth: that they set the beacons themselves to lure ships into the rocks.

When the Council watch lays a trap to put an end to the wrecking, they arrest Mira's father. Desperate to save him from the noose, Mira strikes a deal with an enigmatic wreck survivor guarding layers of secrets behind his captivating eyes, and sets off to find something her mother has left her, a family secret buried deep in the sea.

With just nine days to find what she needs to rescue her father, all Mira knows for certain is this: The sea gives. The sea takes. And it's up to her to do what she must to save the ones she loves.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Greenlaw’s immersive voice and skilful world building shine in this YA debut, a feast for fantasy lovers and dreamers alike.” –Adrienne Young, New York Times and internationally bestselling author of the Sky and Sea duology and the Fable series


“Greenlaw’s Compass and Blade beautifully blends lyrical prose, a propulsive narrative and dynamic characters into a tale that will be sure to enchant readers from the very first page. Mira is as fierce as she is brave and empathetic, and her story is utterly unputdownable. What a brilliant addition to the young adult fantasy canon. “Ayana Gray, New York Times bestselling author of Beasts of Prey


“Romantic and full of high-seas action and adventure . . . Compass and Blade features witch’s magic, a neatly guarded family secret and a romance that may or may not involve pressing a knife to the throat. Brimming with fantasy and lore, Compass and Blade is a story that poured out from the heart.” –Gabriela Romero Lacruz, author of the #1 Sunday Times bestselling novel, The Sun and the Void


“An addictive blend of lyrical prose, shimmering magic and whip-sharp pacing – fans of Fable and Daughter of the Pirate King will devour this.” –Laura Steven, author of The Society for Soulless Girls


“A gripping, atmospheric fantasy of saltwater kisses, sharp-edged secrets and the siren call of the deep sea – I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.” –Kika Hatzopoulou, author of Threads that Bind


A pulse-pounding, sea-faring adventure steeped in magic, romance, secrets and betrayal. So immersive and exciting and richly atmospheric – I couldn’t put this story down.” –Aisling Fowler, author of Fireborn


“A heart-pounding sea adventure, with descriptions so visceral, you can taste the salt on the wind. Mira feels so raw and real that you can't help but root for her, and the romance burns in just the right way. Compass and Blade will drag you under the waves and you won’t want to come up for air.” –Cyla Panin, author of Stalking Shadows


“I devoured Compass and Blade. I flew through each page of lyrical prose and swashbuckling adventure. Readers will be truly captivated by Mira and her journey to find her father and herself along the way. I know I was. A magical, seafaring tale with a lot of heart.” –Alexandra Christo, author of To Kill a Kingdom


“A turbulent voyage of romance and intrigue, Compass and Blade is a stunning fantasy that will ensnare readers until the very last twist. Magical islands, mythical beasts and underwater lore combine in this vivacious YA debut.” —Jessica S. Olson, author of A Forgery of Roses

“Brimming with wild magic, adventure and dreamy romance, Compass and Blade is a tale to treasure. I was swept away by this enchanting, sea-spun fantasy!” —Catherine Doyle, co-author of Twin Crowns

“A fun read with adventure, betrayal, romance, and mythical creatures. A solid romantasy purchase for any collection and ideal for fans of Lauren Roberts and BookTok trending books.” – SLJ

School Library Journal

04/05/2024

Gr 10 Up—Living on a remote island, Mira is part of a crew that causes shipwrecks and plunders the loot. Her job is to save any survivors, and one day she rescues a mysterious and attractive boy. She inherited her position after her mom died, and like her mom, she thrives in the sea. The day after saving said stranger, the watch arrests her father and the crew's leader. They are to be executed in nine days for causing the shipwrecks. Mira believes that the answer to saving them will come from learning about her mother and so begins her maritime adventure. Though the book starts off slowly, the worldbuilding makes it worth it. When it picks up speed it becomes a fun read with adventure, betrayal, romance, and mythical creatures. While there are some predictable parts, there are also some refreshing scenes, like Mira's meet-cute with the male romantic lead whom she saves. If your patrons are searching for a book that flips tropes, this is not it. However, this is perfect for libraries where YA fantasy is popular generally. VERDICT A solid romantasy purchase for any collection and ideal for fans of Lauren Roberts and BookTok trending books.—Wilsinia Ocasio

Kirkus Reviews

2024-01-19
A girl tries to save her father and learn the truth about her own identity.

Growing up on the isle of Rosevear, Mira has always felt called to the ocean in a way she suspects her fellow islanders aren’t. Working as a wrecker with other villagers, her job is to save survivors from the ships they lure toward shore to illegally plunder. Mira can’t help but feel suffocated by her life. Her father is loving but “a little too stifling”; he’s especially protective since Mira’s mother died doing the same work that she now does. But when the watch—the governing force of their region—set a trap to catch them, Mira’s father is captured and sentenced to death. Mira, desperate to save him, finds herself seeking help from Seth, a survivor of one of her isle’s own wrecks. Following a gut feeling and a set of coordinates found in her mother’s belongings, Mira sets out to save her father. She’s thrown together with the members of a ship’s crew, all of whom, it seems, have their own secrets to keep. While the narrative initially lacks momentum, it eventually gains speed, delivering twist after satisfying twist. Some of the characterizations lack depth and the romance would have benefitted from being more fully developed, but beautiful imagery builds an engrossing world that’s tough to leave behind. Mira is cued white; some secondary characters are brown-skinned.

A slow-building but ultimately satisfying fantasy adventure. (map) (Fantasy. 14-18)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940160216751
Publisher:	HarperCollins Publishers
Publication date:	02/27/2024
Edition description:	Unabridged
Sales rank:	595,060

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