Lane Garrow, 16, has lived her life disguised as captain's boy aboard her merchant captain father's ship, the Majesty, thanks to a cruel law passed by King Eurion of Hughen calling for the execution for piracy of any seafaring woman. Lane's dream is to succeed her father as captain someday, while he would rather see her living safely on land with her newly wealthy mother. When Lane is blackmailed into helping 17-year-old noble Aden into securing passage aboard the Majesty, the ship is pulled into a complex web of deceit and intrigue between rival kingdoms. As the conflict spills onto the high seas, Lane must cope with an implacable foe among her crew; her growing attraction to Aden, who immediately sees through her disguise; and shocking revelations about her family's history. Mixing pirate action with slow-burning romance, Rode (Numbers Ascending) crafts an engaging, swashbuckling tale populated with a mostly white cast. Though there is room for further exploration and development, the worldbuilding is capable; Lane makes for a relentlessly resourceful heroine, and her undeniable chemistry with Aden, as well as her tight-knit bond with her father, fuels the emotional core of this enjoyable nautical fantasy. Ages 12--up. Agent: Kelly Peterson, Rees Literary Agency. (Sept.)

There be pirates on these seas...and they be closer than you think. Lane Garrow is at home on the sea, enjoying the movement of the ship, climbing about the rigging, and battling with axes. With an established role as cabin's boy and a father who is ship's captain, Lane's only problem is the huge secret that she is a girl. Lane, or Laney, grew up on her father's ship, the Majesty, but one of the powerful island kings bans women from even stepping aboard a ship. If Laney were found out, she would be killed. Still, that threat doesn't stifle Laney's dreams of captaining the ship herself someday. As they are strapped for cash, Laney admits Aden, a new crew member who promises good payment for passage to another island nation. Obviously an inexperienced young man from a wealthy family, Aden learns the ins and outs of shipboard life from Laney--along with some less refined habits. He also sees right through Laney's disguise, and she finds relief in the novelty of being honest. As their relationship develops, the crew of the Majesty faces stormy seas, threats of mutiny, pursuing pirates, brewing war, and even more revealed secrets. The high-seas setting, budding romance, and big dreams will sweep idealistic readers right into the narrative, although others may be dissatisfied with the lack of solid worldbuilding. Most characters read as White. Swashbuckling with feminist overtones. (map) (Adventure. 13-17) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Gr 7--10--Lane Garrow is a female sailor on her father's ship disguised as a male, even though the king recently declared that anyone in her situation would be killed. The new king releases Captain Belza, a pirate who wants revenge on Lane's father, Captain Garrow. Soon after, a stranger boards the ship, and Lane is forced into an epic adventure while wondering--could the stranger be the missing prince? Is her dad a pirate, too? This work is packed with adventure and the thrills of the high seas. The pirate aspect is exciting and refreshing, while readers are able to get their fill of romance as well. This book is hard to put down, as the adventure begins within the first chapter. It's to sure to empower female readers to follow their dreams. Any fan of romance, pirates, and high-stakes adventure will love this book. The race of the characters is not clearly stated. VERDICT A rollicking choice for younger teens.--Maeve Dodds, Charlotte Mecklenburg Lib., NC