Pathfinder Tales: Pirate's Prophecy

this book had some real high points, namely with the dark horse protagonist Vreva, but it ends abruptly and feels anticlimactic, without much closure. it honestly feels like there was a ton of material just chopped off to make it fit, leaving me more frustrated than satisfied.

I love how the Pirate's series has grown. Pirate's Prophecy builds on the previous two novels to give us a story of proxy war political maneuvers and Golarion style super-weapons that does not disappoint.

I'm just holding onto that last star because I wanted to know more about Yami.

Chris A. Jackson has quickly become one of my favorite authors. And with this new offering in the Pathfinder Tales line, it’s easy to see why. I can't praise this book enough. Each of Jackson's "Pirate's..." novels thus far have been amazing. Gripping stories, all, from start to finish.

Pirate’s Prophecy is yet another book that underscores the old adage not to judge a book solely by its cover. Sure, there’s all the the charm, wit, swash, and buckle one could expect from nautical fantasy. But into this heady mix Jackson injects a healthy dose of intrigue, suspense, and mystery. You get lots of high adventure on the high seas just as advertised. But also just enough plotting, scheming, and espionage to spice things up.

Pirate’s Prophecy starts up a little after where Pirate’s Promise leaves off, with Torius, Celeste, and Vreva up to their necks in intrigue. Much like the other books in the series, the narrative shifts back and forth between these three to give a more complete picture of the unfolding plot. Each of the characters have come a long way from where they were when we first met them. And it’s been exciting to how that’s affected their decisions throughout this book.

There’s a point in the story (no spoilers - you’ll know it when you get to it) when something just snaps and the story accelerates into overdrive, the stakes get higher, and things get super deadly. And then, just when you think the conflict’s been resolved and the narrative will mellow out, things launch into even more dire circumstances.

All this leads to a climax as epic as any I’ve experienced in any fantasy novel. A scene as memorable as they come. The kind that, if it happened to your gaming group, you’d be talking about for years.

If you’ve enjoyed either of the two of Jackson’s previous Pathfinder Tales books, definitely pick this one up. If you haven’t yet experienced the adventures of Torius, Celeste, and the crew of the Stargazer: do yourself a favor and pick up all three books. I promise you’ll love it.

Got it yesterday and read all of it in like 12 hours I could not put it down.

All the characters from the main (Torius, Celeste and Vreva) to supporting characters are great.

Vreva sequences are great. Really showing how a seductive magical spy is a great character. Her new familiar, Mathias, had big shoes to fill and did so wonderfully. She really needs her own book.

The development of Celeste is a interesting turn. (which I won't spoil here).

The plot and action are well written. I hope for many books with these characters. And can't wait to read their next adventure.