Blackhearts by Nicole Castroman is a historical fiction novel that explores the budding relationship between the young Blackbeard, known as Teach, and Anne. The story delves into Teach's journey from a privileged young man to the feared pirate he becomes, while Anne, a strong-willed character, navigates her own challenges and desires for freedom. The book intertwines themes of romance, societal expectations, and the yearning for adventure, set against the backdrop of the 17th century.

As Teach and Anne's relationship evolves, they face obstacles such as accusations of piracy, societal norms, and personal struggles. The narrative weaves in elements of romance, adventure, and historical context, painting a vivid picture of the characters' motivations and desires as they navigate a world filled with danger, secrets, and unexpected revelations.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, showcasing complexity and depth, particularly in their desires for freedom and love.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging and character-driven, effectively blending historical context with emotional depth.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers around the early life of Blackbeard, exploring themes of love, societal constraints, and the characters' journeys toward personal freedom.

Setting:

The setting is historical, reflecting the societal issues of 1697 while exploring the characters' aspirations beyond their prescribed roles.

Pacing:

The pacing is predominantly slow, fostering character development, though it maintains reader engagement.

That morning was no different, the thick clouds overhead were determined once again to release their pent-up frustration on her. In the crowded marketplace and its stalls, the air smelled of sweet wat...

Notes:

The book is a retelling of the origin story of the infamous pirate Blackbeard.

The two main characters are Edward Teach, known as Teach, and Anne, who come from different social backgrounds.

Teach is a compassionate character who stands up for those who are hurt.

Anne is witty, educated, and determined to follow her dreams despite societal constraints.

The chemistry between Teach and Anne grows from mutual respect and understanding, evolving slowly throughout the story.

The pacing of the book is slow, but character development is emphasized, making it engaging.

The story touches on heavy themes such as poverty, pre-marital sex, and societal standards of the time.

Blackhearts sets the stage for a potential trilogy, with cliffhangers that keep readers eager for more.

The book explores issues of race and class during a time when such differences were highly significant.

Critics praised the romance as well-developed and not rushed or forced.

The story includes elements of humor in the dynamic between the characters.

Many readers expressed a desire for the sequel, Blacksouls, after the intense cliffhanger ending.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains content related to poverty, pre-marital sex, and dangers of rape, which may be sensitive for some readers.

Has Romance?

There is a strong presence of romance in Blackhearts, which is a central part of the story.

implied steam level

From The Publisher:

In this stunningly creative debut "filled with well-drawn characters…and smoldering passion," (Booklist) Nicole Castroman reimagines the origins of history's most infamous pirate-Blackbeard.

When Edward "Teach" Drummond, son of one of Bristol's richest merchants, returns home from a year at sea, he finds his life in shambles. Betrothed to a girl he doesn't love and sick of the high society he was born into, all Teach wants is to return to the vast ocean he calls home. There's just one problem: he must convince his father to let him leave and never come back.

Following the death of her parents, Anne Barrett is left penniless. Though she's barely worked a day in her life, Anne takes a job as a maid in the home of Master Drummond. Lonely days stretch into weeks and Anne longs to escape the confines of her now mundane life. How will she ever achieve her dream of sailing to Curaçao-her mother's birthplace-when she's trapped in England?

From the moment Teach and Anne meet, they set the world ablaze. Drawn together by a shared desire for freedom, but kept apart by Teach's father, their love is as passionate as it is forbidden. Faced with an impossible choice, Teach and Anne must decide whether to chase their dreams and leave England forever-or follow their hearts and stay together.

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About the Author:

Nicole Castroman received her BA from Brigham Young University and has lived in Germany, Austria, and two different places called Georgia. One is the country near the Black Sea; the other is the state of Georgia where she currently lives with her husband and children. She is the author of Blackhearts and Blacksouls.

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Blackhearts

Nicole Castroman

Book 1 in the series:Blackhearts