Seafire is the story of an all-girl crew aboard a rebel sea-faring ship.  It is a story about courage, friendship, redemption, and all out action.

The cast of characters is largely female driven.  While there are a few male characters sprinkled throughout, the crew is female and the “bad guys” are just that…guys.  Caledonia and her shipmates are a closely-knit band that have grown close through trials and tribulations.  Throughout the story is an intricate weaving of how trust is built and maintained over time.  These characters were relatable, and I grew attached to them quickly.  While they are varied, the differences are enough that you can easily track characters and the numbers aren’t overwhelming.

The setting is a little hard to glean.  It comes across as a little steam punk with mixtures of old-world ways like wind-powered ships on the high seas, to new-age solar tech and propulsion engines.  I enjoyed the mix of old and new and while I’ve never been a big steam punk reader, this book makes me wonder if I have been missing out.  It’s not clear where on the globe these scenes unfold or whether it is even based on our current knowledge of the globe, but you’ll get enough from the context that you won’t feel lost.

While the book largely is casted and revolves around females, I don’t think it is overwrought with girl power, making it an interesting book for all genders.  It definitely ends on a cliff-hanger and I am personally glad the next installment isn’t far out as I am sitting on pins and needles as to what happened in the last few pages.  Overall, a great read for the adventurous spirits among us.

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  15 mild obscenities; 2 derogatory names.

Violence/Gore:  Numerous short and multi-page incidences of shots being fired at ships, ship battles and fights resulting in bloody wounds and death with some graphic depictions; character is stabbed; various minor injuries from falls or accidents; bloody shoulder wound depicted; multiple instances of punches, kicks and fight fights; numerous verbal threats of bodily harm with and without weapons; caustic powder is thrown at ships resulting in injury and possible death; reports of death by gunshots.

Sex/Nudity:  Two caresses of face; four kisses; three hand-holds; a hug; man rests his head in woman’s lap; references to same sex relationships and some of previous are between same sex couples.

Mature Subject Matter:

Death; war; separation; ethics; stealing; slavery; same sex relationships; addiction.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

Reference to opium-type drug throughout book and usage by all ages.