Book Review | Compass and Blade by Rachel Greenlaw

Hello my lovely readers, I’m excited to bring you another review of a 2024 fantasy release set on the sea, Compass and Blade by Rachel Greenlaw. I can’t wait to tell you all about and why need to read it.

Compass and Blade by Rachel Greenlaw
Published by Harper Collins UK on February 29, 2024
Genres: Fantasy, Fantasy & Magic, UKYA
Amazon | Waterstones
Goodreads

Romance. Betrayal. Magic.
Mira is a wrecker, one of the seven chosen to swim out and plunder the wrecked ships beyond the Isle of Rosevear. The waves sing to her soul, the call of the sea beckoning her into deeper waters. But Rosevear needs her, and she could never abandon her home. Until one evening when lightning splits the sky and the Watch descend, taking Mira’s father away.
Mira must set off on a journey to win back her father’s freedom. She will encounter two strangers along the way – enigmatic Seth and smouldering Elijah – and learning who to trust will not be easy. When she discovers a dark family secret, buried deep in the ocean, Mira finds that securing her future – and that of her island – will come at a high price . . .

As soon as this book arrived, I picked it up straight away as my next read. I was hooked from page 1. I have always loved a great fantasy set on the sea and I know I would be drawn into it. Instantly it reminded me of Viper by Bex Hogan with the lyrical writing of The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw. Thinking about it, it really reminded me of Jason and the Argonauts (1963 film) But what I loved about the book was the layers to the storyline.

Mira has always loved the call of the sea, she is a wrecker, she wrecks ships that stumble upon or near the island. Mira is a survivor and like her family she will always try to save lives like her mother. She won’t leave anyone behind especially a boy named Seth. She feel a deep tether or connection that’s she unable shake so she had to save him. Being a wrecker enables her family, her community, her people to survive, to have food and drink, and provide money to keep a roof over their heads. But the governing body known as The Watch despise these wreckers and will anything to stop them.

One day, when they find yet another ship, it’s a trap and Mira’s father and friend are taken to be hanged. In order to save them, she must follow her mother’s footstep, to help bargain with the Watch to release her father. She knew that living on the island she wasn’t her true self, the sea called to her. Upon of voyage upon the Phantom she discovers more about herself and the truth of about her mother.

Compass and Blade is epically written layered fantasy. Rachel’s writing is deeply evocative the way she weaves so many elements of the story. It isn’t just pirates, ships, smugglers or treasure it’s more than that. There are mythical creatures, wyverns, phoenixes, and sirens. Lands and islands surrounded by myths and legends and most of all magic. The world building is deep (if you excuse the pun) and captivating, almost like you are sinking into the depth of the book, a complete a escape that you can’t help but keep reading on.

I really loved Mira’s character. I appreciated the journey of self-discovery and how as the reader was with her all the way. Her strength grew throughout the book and throughly enjoyed how Rachel has moulded such a character to be as epic as she is going to be. Seth on the other hand annoyed me, I felt Mira was a bit gullible at times so I kind have it in for Eli the dark, shadowy guy that is clearly bad news for her. Mer, Pearl, Job, Eli and Seth were all a fantastic cast of characters and I can’t wait to read more about them in book 2.

So we most fantasy books, we love to know the tropes don’t we?! Well Compass and Blade had buckets. We’ve got my favourite found family, enemies-to-lovers, insta-love, possibly a love triangle – think ACOTAR vibes with Tamsin and Rhysand, The Quest and I feel their might even be a bit of Chosen One too. Each of these were done with the right amount that it didn’t over balance the book. Whilst the Romantasy vibe is something we are sucker for, for me the friendship and found family was a journey itself that I revelled in especially onboard the Phantom.

I even purchased the gorgeous sprayed edged edition from Waterstones afterwards. I only ever get special editions if they are truly amazing and special. There was something about it, almost like Mira and her tether to Seth. I had a tether to this book and needed to find what lies beneath.This book is perfect for the fans of Alexandra Christo. If you love To Kill a Kingdom, you love this. The problem is I’m so ready for Book 2 now. This is on my top ten books for 2024!

Thank you to HarperFire for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.