I read an eARC of this book so thank you to the author, publisher and Net Galley. However I did subsequently buy a physical copy of the book as I enjoyed it and it’s one I want to reread.

What a wonderful historical novel! I went into this looking to enjoy a pirate story but it’s so much more than that. The pirates don’t even come into the story until halfway through but I was riveted through out!

This book is about Mary Read, one of the famous golden age pirates along with Anne Bonny (who also features). We learn of Mary’s childhood as Mark as her mother made her live as her dead brother to ensure she could still get an allowance from her grandmother. Mary being brought up as a boy influences everything in her life, from her early job to her joining the navy and developing a deep love of the sea.

I found Mary fascinating and I loved the crow! Mary felt like such a unique voice compared to some other historical fiction I’ve read and her determination to forge a path for herself even where it leads to living in rough situations was riveting.

This is a period of history I was already really interested in and it was so vividly presented in this book. I was really impressed with the writing style and how the book managed to cover so much of Mary’s life but still move along at pace without feeling like there were any gaps.

Highly recommend for those looking for a really exciting historical novel.

A phenomenal debut novel, I savored every page. Loved the writing - beautifully descriptive and a great story. I will be looking out for this author in the future. 5 stars, highly recommend. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced digital copy.

Thank you to Bloomsbury for this arc!

Wow, this was a treat. Francesca de Tores’s prose is absolutely gorgeous — so lyrical, so full, each sentence’s structure beautifully reminiscent of writing from the 18th century in its wordiness (complimentary) and its ability to carry across so much feeling without speech. I found myself pausing at many a sentence that took my breath away; the seeming simplicity of so many lines in fact belied their very own treasure troves of emotion and focused consideration of the situation/character being described. Mary was a fantastic protagonist to be in the head of: her sharp understanding of the world and how it works (and how it doesn’t), her crow-eyed awareness of a room/cabin/deck and how/where everyone stands and how they may react to different scenarios, her acceptance of her body and how it functions and fits and shifts within the societal mould of the early 1700s. I loved de Tores’s explorations of gender and sexuality, of how fluid and sea-like it can be — de Tores managed to avoid anachronisms and maintain a pretty convincing historical approach to these ideas. I also enjoyed all of the water imagery and metaphors, and de Tores’s writing really shone for me in these moments.

This really is a historical epic, a pirate odyssey, and I have a feeling I’ll be thinking back to this book a lot. I came away tasting salt on my tongue, eager to lean over the side of a boat, shading my eyes from the glare of the sun as I stare out at the expansive futurity of the horizon and the sea on which it sits. 4.5/5!

An amazing book covering the 1600’s and 1700’s. A fascinating story of a very young girl forced to dress as a boy. Mary Read has to adopt the name of her dead brother Mark and continues to live as a male. The adventures of Mark/Mary are incredible including time spent in the Navy, Army and getting involved in Piracy.
It’s not a quick read however I really enjoyed it. The characters are great and the writing very good.

Saltblood by Francesca De Tores
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Awe-inspiring!

Saltblood is the fictional tale of real life pirate Mary Read from the 17th-18th century. Disguised as a boy from birth by her mother she is made to take on her dead brother’s name, Mark Read, which she takes with her into service, the Navy and beyond, in her journey to becoming Mary again. We meet so many famous pirates, from Charles Vane to Captain Jack Rackham and Anne Bonny.

Firstly if you enjoyed Black Sails the TV series then let me recommend this to you, because I’ve lost count of my rewatches of Black Sails, and although this book has differences, and is actually a bit more factual, I can see myself reaching for it again and again. De Tores has done her research, and throughout the story I was buried in the sights, sounds and smells of Mary’s life as it was so perfectly written. It transported me into Mary’s extraordinary life, I feel like I’ve physically been to Nassau.

This is historical fiction done superbly, and brings into discussion gender and sexuality in the modern society and as we know, it’s not new, and as Mary finds her peace with who she is it makes me hope that our society will find similar peace with themselves and let people live and love as they are.

Francesca De Tores is now an author I want to read more from, and Saltblood is at the top of my reads for this year so far!

Thank you to NetGalley for the digital copy before release, I only ever share my own opinion.

Saltblood by Francesca de Tores
I loved this book about the pirate Mary Read. We begin her history with her birth in Plymouth in 1685 as her half-brother is dying. Her mother is in need of the money from her dead husband’s family and so passes Mary off as Mark, her half brother. So begins Mary’s adventure as a woman in a man’s world. She is fearless in the face of danger and proves herself to be a real woman of the sea.
This is a fascinating exploration of what it meant to be a woman during this period and the story of her life takes many and varied turns before she reinvents herself once more as a pirate. The descriptions of the life of a sailor in the Navy and also that of a cavalryman in the army are very evocative. The author also brings to life other characters from history who leap from the page such as Ann Bonny and Calico Jack.
From the first page you are drawn into the fascinating story of Mary’s life and the author keeps you well and truly hooked until the very last page. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and will be recommending it at my various book clubs. Many thanks to the author, publishers and Net Galley for the opportunity to read the book in return for an honest review. Id probably give it 4 1/2 out of 5 as a review score.

An entertaining story based on two women pirates during the eight century. The language has an ease and vitality to it, feels authentic but accessible for the modern reader, yet is charming and original. We follow Mary Read from a youth spent in disguise as a boy to an adventurous adulthood, falling somewhere between woman and man. A thoroughly enjoyable tale, with many colourful characters, yet wistful in its praise of the sea.

"Saltblood" by Francesca de Tores is an enthralling dive into the depths of the human spirit amidst the vastness of the ocean. Set against the backdrop of a coastal town, this novel immerses readers in the intricate world of surf culture, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and the powerful connection between humans and the sea.

De Tores skillfully crafts a narrative that follows the journey of Mia, a young woman grappling with her sense of self and her place in the world. As Mia navigates the challenges of adolescence and the complexities of her relationships, the ocean serves as both a sanctuary and a source of conflict, reflecting her internal struggles with identity and belonging.

What sets "Saltblood" apart is its vivid portrayal of surf culture and the mesmerizing allure of the ocean. De Tores captures the raw energy of the waves and the exhilaration of riding them with breathtaking prose, drawing readers into Mia's world with every crashing wave and salty breeze.

But beneath the surface of the shimmering waves lies a deeper exploration of themes that resonate on a universal level. Through Mia's journey, de Tores explores the complexities of family dynamics, the search for self-discovery, and the bonds that tie us to our past and shape our future.

The characters in "Saltblood" are richly drawn and multi-dimensional, each with their own hopes, fears, and dreams. From Mia's enigmatic grandmother to her loyal circle of friends, every character contributes to the tapestry of the story, adding depth and nuance to the narrative.

At its heart, "Saltblood" is a story about resilience and the transformative power of the ocean. De Tores captures the essence of the sea in all its beauty and danger, reminding us of the profound impact it can have on our lives.

Overall, "Saltblood" is a captivating debut novel that will appeal to readers who crave both adventure and introspection. With its vivid imagery, compelling characters, and heartfelt storytelling, Francesca de Tores has crafted a literary gem that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned.

Thank you so much to @netgalley and @bloomsbury for letting me read this. As a huge fan of pirate stories I couldn’t wait to read this.

The book follows Mary Read's extraordinary journey, from her unconventional childhood being forced to take on the person of her brother Mark, to her daring adventures at sea and in the navy, culminating in her infamous exploits as a pirate.

The author's evocative descriptions transported me to Mary's world, filled with the sights, sounds, and even the smells 🤢 of a bygone era

Mary Read is a captivatingly complex character. Her upbringing and struggles force her to constantly navigate societal expectations. While this makes her a fascinating protagonist, it can also be a barrier to forming a warm, immediate connection.

A unique element in the story is the ever-present crow, who injects unexpected humor and wisdom, acting almost as a silent confidant who seems to understand Mary better than she understands herself

Recommended for fans of true life historical fiction, pirates and strong women.

An imaginative fictional account of the life of famous pirate Mary Read, intertwining fact and fiction into a rich story.

Through the eyes of Mary from beginning to end we get to see the multi layered life they led during the golden age of piracy. With sexuality and gender being at the forefront, it leads them down many paths.

The pacing could be choppy, slow in places and gone all too quickly in others.
But this was all together interesting, immersive and heart breaking.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher 4/5 ⭐️

I deeply enjoyed this fictional retelling of the life of Mary Read. de Torres' mastery of prose is second to none. She succinctly captures scenes and characters in a way that is not overly flowery but precise. I found myself truly being able to envisage the sights, sounds, and smells of certain parts of the novel (However, not all of the scenes I smelt thankfully, I imagine the smells of army and navy would not lend itself to some light reading).

Our protagonist, although some may call them reserved, bore so much emotion through their choices and their actions if not their words. The character development was great and realistic. I found all aspects of the story scintillating, from our protagonist's early life, to their career, and then through piracy. I found it hard to put down.

This book is a great read with themes of gender, LGBTQIA history and the human experience.

A great story will provoke something inside of you, and I am now very curious about the history of pirates and the sea.

This book was well-researched and I commend the author for her research and retelling. Thank you to NetGalley for a chance to read this ARC.

From the first paragraph I was hooked on this brilliant telling of Mary Read's story, weaving the vague facts of historical record that we know for sure, and the mythologies along with some imaginings entirely of De Tores own story [you can literally never go wrong with a crow companion].

Getting the story from Mary's point-of-view, and her musings on gender and sexuality within her very queer life, meant that i was devoted to my favourite pirate to the last.

TW: death (of parent/partner/child/stillbirth), violence, attempted r*pe, murder, blood, sexism

I had high hopes for this one as I enjoy reading about pirates, and the more rooted in history the story is, the better! I knew the names of Mary Read and Anne Bonny so I was excited to watch these real women come to life.

I enjoyed the historical setting and the level of research that went into this, from descriptions of Mary's life before she went to sea, to the acting of sailing itself and the references to conflict happening at the time. I think it also handles themes of gender identity, gender roles and sexuality really well, so that added another layer to the narrative and kept me reading. There were fleshed out characters throughout, which I liked and wished we'd spent more time with.

Despite written from Mary's first-person POV, I never felt connected to her or particularly impacted by anything she went through. Lots of people die in this but I can't remember any of their names. I couldn't tell you much about Mary either - what does she enjoy other than being at sea? Despite there being lots of action throughout, with Mary as a key player in most scenes, she still reads like someone observing the goings on around her. I thought this would change once she met Anne Bonny, but again I found Mary's character lacking of emotion.

Maybe the Golden Age of Piracy wasn't as fun as I like to imagine and maybe I need to find my pirate fix elsewhere, rather than this historical biography-esque novel that read too matter-of-factly. You'll enjoy this novel if you prefer tales rooted in history without need for sensationalisation. For a real swashbuckling adventure, I'd recommend The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review

This historical fiction follows the life of Mary Read, in her point of view. This is a focus of Mary's life from birth to death, of all the experiences that led up to them becoming the infamous pirate and beyond. This book is exciting, yet at times is extremely heart-breaking. You can't help but root for Mary and their love for the sea. It's a unique book and I already love the author and I hope they write more books.

Although I love anything and everything involving pirates, I was still surprised by how thoroughly I enjoyed this sketch of Mary Read’s life from disguised daughter to sailor to wife to pirate. It keeps faithfully to the facts, yet historical records leave plenty of room for De Tores’ vivid imagination to fill the gaps in the map of Mary’s life. Packed with adventure, trials, and heartache, my favourite thing by far was the discussion around gender and sexuality. This is somewhat unavoidable given the history of Mary Read, but what surprised me was just how much depth and care went into her portrayal as existing outside of gender, as a third thing yet to be named. Throughout the book, as she shifts across the gender binary as needs must, it is never up for dispute that Mary is not a man or a woman, only treated as such by her peers. Throughout the telling of her life, the pacing never slowed, only lingered on moments that needed more telling and skirted over those less significant. Every twist and loss had me on the edge of my seat, rooting for Mary even though I already knew how it would all end, which is surely the mark of a great story.

This is a fictional account of the life of Mary Reid, one of the only documented woman pirates during the age of golden piracy. A woman who lived her live with no regrets, who seized her opportunities, created choices and chose whatever felt right to her. She has my admiration.
We meet her just before her death, when a reverend is trying to entreat her to make her final testament so that she can be absolved from her sins. Mary refuses, suspecting that he just wants a good story to sell. Once he has been dismissed, the reader has the privilege to listen to Mary herself telling the story of her life – so it is ultimately up to us to judge or to absolve.

‘Mine is not a small life’, she recons. Being brought up as a boy, she worked as a footman in her early teenage years, then joined the navy and later fought as a soldier in the army always disguising her true identity. The one soldier that recognised the woman in her she falls in love with. They get married and for a few years she leads the conventional life of a wife, helping her husband to run a pub. When her husband dies, she realises how small and narrow her world has become. Living for so many years as a man has taught her to take up space differently and she yearns for the freedom to jostle for it again. Only this time, she does not fear anymore to be exposed as a woman, she dares to be both and neither. She has total trust in her body and an instinctive understanding of her own self, which does not need affirmation from anyone. She joins the merchant navy as a woman and when opportunity knocks, she switches sides and enjoys her life as a pirate. In her dying moments she reflects: ‘Such days that I was granted, they were mine’. I can’t think of a sentiment giving greater expression to a fulfilled life.

I loved the book and its heroine – for me it was the perfect mix of facts and myths, woven into a wonderful adventurous yarn.

I am grateful to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Salt blood was a unique read. The story is very gripping and wow the ending is a big surprise. I thoroughly recommend this book, another thrilling read by this talented author

4 stars

This historical fiction follows the life of Mary Read, in her point of view. This is a focus of Mary's life from birth to death, of all the experiences that led up to them becoming the infamous pirate and beyond. This book is exciting, yet at times is extremely heart-breaking. You can't help but root for Mary and their love for the sea.

I really was engrossed in the reflections on identity; who she is and what she is in terms of sex and gender and the different life experiences that contributed to Mary finding out who they are and what they want. Not to be tied down by the expectations of social/religious norms of the time.

Although I do not know extensively much about the real life Mary's story, it is evident that a lot of research and thought was put into this telling of their story and the descriptions of the time and what piracy was in a realistic manner, not the overdramatised idea we have from films such as Pirates of the Caribbean (as much as I love it). Where the author has added their own interpretation (the ending) and the crow companion, I enjoyed how it fit with the story and Mary's reflections.

I found the pacing of the book quite uneven, with the starting chapters being very long and descriptive and the latter chapters being quick and to the point.

It has inspired me, however, to want to learn more about the famous women pirates.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

A fascinating historical fiction novel (although from other reading the story of Mary Read sticks to the known facts - which I like).

Mary starts her life being passed off as a boy by her mother to ensure a continued allowance coming from her late husband's mother. Of course the allowance dues with the old lady and Mary (now Mark) goes into service in a big house followed by going to sea to see something of the world with the navy then into the army before going back to the sea and becoming a pirate.

That is a very quick sketch of Mary's life, which is enthralling. Mary wasn't the only female pirate, far from it. Nor would she have been the only woman to be in the army or the navy in the 1700s. In Mary's case, she is only one of two women in "Calico Jack" Rackham's pirate crew.

The book itself is a nice, meaty story that doesn't rush about trying to be sensationalist. It is a well researched, interesting look at life for a woman who lived life mainly on her own terms. Plus, it's a cracking adventure story that'll probably leave you as open-mouthed as it did me.

Highly recommended.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bloomsbury for the advance review copy.

I was so excited to a book about Mary Read, one of the well-known female pirates of the Golden Age of Piracy, which is a topic that is close to my heart. However, I have to admit that during the first half of the book (before she becomes a pirate) feel to slow but reading about her backstory and the events that led to her joining the pirates was quite fascinating. an the ambiance and the whole creation of the characters and the description were a *chef kiss* for me because I could feel the setting and I could be affected by the situation This book provides a unique perspective as it is the story of Mary told from her own point of view. The character development is impressive, especially for female characters, which I find particularly enjoyable in historical fiction. Overall, I found this to be a fantastic read.