Saltblood: An epic historical fiction debut inspired by real life female pirates

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In a rented room outside Plymouth in 1685, a daughter is born as her half-brother dies, prompting her mother to decide that Mary will become Mark to collect his inheritance. This dual existence leads Mary to serve as a footman in a grand house, join the navy where she learns to navigate by the stars, and fight in the army on the battlegrounds of Flanders, all while finding love amidst chaos. Yet, her true longing for the sea remains unquenched. As she is drawn back to the water, Mary must reinvent herself once more, transforming into a pirate, a perilous identity for a woman. This narrative breathes life into the Golden Age of Piracy, weaving an intoxicating tale of gender, survival, passion, and transformation through the remarkable story of Mary Read. Critics have praised the work as a triumph of imagination and a picaresque adventure told with finesse. The writing is described as sumptuous and lyrical, capturing the essence of a thrilling, gender-shaking journey. This captivating tale promises to engage readers with its wild adventures and deep explorations of identity and desire, making it a treasure chest of delight that is hard to put down.