An epic and absorbing historical fiction novel about a real-life female clan leader and pirate set during England’s colonization of Ireland in the 16th century.

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In a bloodthirsty, power-hungry patriarchy where alliances matter and daughters are negotiation leverage, the real-life pirate queen Grace O’Malley breaks free from expectations as she builds her clan’s power across Ireland.

Grace is “a storm-born girl who could hear Mannanán’s steed, who could sense a storm coming on the wind; a woman who took two husbands and birthed four children; who was taken captive and took lives; a pirate; a mother; a rebel; a sacker of castles and captain of ships, of battles and blades.”

Inspired by the Celtic knot representing maiden, mother, and matriarch, The Pirate Queen is told in alternating chapters for each of these three phases of Grace’s life. The jumps between time periods can be disorienting. I thought about following the suggestion in the author’s note to read chronologically instead of following the chapter order, but ultimately I decided to read the book the way she wrote it. I’m glad I did, as I grew to appreciate how the story builds and we see how Grace’s earlier experiences connect to situations and decisions that come later in her life.

I had moments when I thought I would not finish this book. I had a really hard time keeping track of all the clans and castles and political drama, and honestly I found that aspect kind of dull, even though this conflict is what drives a lot of the narrative. That plus the time jumps almost did me in. I kept reading because every time I picked it up, the present day fell away and I became completely absorbed in the setting and time period. The layered timelines ended up working really well as a way to develop Grace into a fierce character with a powerful story and gorgeous ending.

“Men either fear or love her. There is no third option.”

Read The Pirate Queen if you like historical fiction inspired by strong female characters!