Pacifica Blog Tour: Review + Giveaway

Pacifica

Author: Kristen Simmons

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release Date: March 6, 2018

Publisher: Tor Teen

Description:

Marin is cosario royalty, a pirate like her father and his father before him. Sailing the ocean to chase adventure is in her blood. But these days no one cares that the island town her people call home is named after her grandfather. They have a new leader, one who promises an end to their hunger – and one who thinks that girls are meant for the kitchen or the brothel. Marin knows she's meant for more than that, and with the sudden influx of weapons on the island, and rumors of a pending deal with the enemy oil nation in her wake, she knows a big score to gain the council's favor is the only way to save her people, and herself.

Ross lives a life of privilege. As the president's son he wants for nothing, but he longs for a life of adventure. On a dare, he convinces his best friend Adam to sneak out to the Docks, the site of local race riots between the poor Shorlings and the upper class. But when Adam is arrested along with the other Shorlings, and not even the president is willing to find him, Ross finds himself taking matters into his own hands. He journeys back into the Docks, ready to make deals with anyone, even a beautiful pirate, if it means Adam's safe return.

When Marin and Ross meet in dangerous Shoreling territory he sees a way to get his friend back and she sees her ticket home. The ransom a president’s son would command could feed her people for years and restore her family’s legacy. But somewhere in the middle of the ocean, Marin must decide if her heart can handle handing over the only person who has ever seen her as more than a pirate.

Praise for PACIFICA:

“Simmons (Article 5, 2012; Metaltown, 2016) excels at dystopian fiction, and her admirable latest takes to the sea. …A breathtaking story full of high-seas adventure, power struggles, romance, betrayal, and more... Simmons’ great-grandmother was taken to a Japanese internment camp during WWII, and her experiences influence those of Marin and the pirates. ...Non-stop action and surprises will keep readers enthralled through both rough waters and smooth sailing alike.” ―Booklist, starred

"A harrowing world where overpopulation is rampant and pollution stifling. The characters creep into your heart with raw, familiar issues of love, friendship, and family ties, careening you on a plot fraught with just as many twists as there are pieces of trash in the ocean. Pacifica will have you breathlessly fearing our own future." ―New York Times bestselling author Sara Raasch

Praise for KRISTEN SIMMONS:

"Like The Handmaid's Tale, Simmons's book serves as essential commentary on women's rights." ―Cosmopolitan.com on The Glass Arrow

“I’m clutching my mangled heart and smiling madly, so it’s that kind of book. Such gorgeous heartbreak! Smart, absorbing, and deeply human.” ―New York Times bestselling author Laini Taylor on Metaltown

“A compelling, inspiring read. The characters had me rooting for rebels, fights worth fighting, and girls with gumption. By the time it was over, I had my fist in the air.” ―New York Times bestselling author Kendare Blake on Metaltown

You can purchase PACIFICA at the following Retailers:

        

Pacifica was another young adult dystopian adventure filled with action, adventure, fantasy, and romance - and is one that all types of readers will enjoy. I've read several of the author's other books and have always enjoyed each one, which is why I didn't even hesitate to add this to my list. If anyone can tackle a dystopian fantasy world with pirate heroines and an unlikely relationship with a politician's son - it's definitely her. And she did a better job than I had hoped for.

One of the very best aspects of this book was the world building. The characters' world was created with such complexity and attention to detail that I was easily able to bring it to life in my mind. The author used vivid imagery and descriptions to bring everything to life and easily creates a world for our characters and their stories to unfold. The characters - both main and secondary - were well rounded and realistic. I really liked Marin - she was fierce, determined, loyal, smart, yet also kind to those she loved and trusted. I connected with her from the beginning and was rooting her on throughout the whole story. The other characters had distinctive personalities and flaws that made them realistic and fit easily into the book. The plot was fascinating on several levels, which I attribute to the blending of several genres into a intricate story line. A lot of things happen and it keeps you on the edge of your seat, waiting to see what's going to happen next. The only thing that I didn't fully enjoy about the book was the author's choice of writing style.  She wrote the novel in the third person point of view - focusing on both Marin and Ross. My personal preference is the first person POV for several reasons. I think that if the story had been written from the first person perspective, it would have been a lot more engaging and I would have been able to get deeper into the story. This was actually a pretty big deal for me and the reason I didn't give the book five stars. These are my own personal opinions and have absolutely nothing to do with the story or the writing itself.  Overall, I highly recommend this book for fans of YA, fantasy, action, adventure, dystopian, and pirate fiction.

 

KRISTEN SIMMONS is the author of the ARTICLE 5 series, THE GLASS ARROW, and METALTOWN. She has worked with survivors of abuse and trauma as a mental health therapist, taught Jazzercise in five states, and is forever in search of the next best cupcake. Currently she lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband, where she spends her days supporting the caffeine industry and chasing her delightfully rambunctious son.

    

(2) Winners will receive two sets of Kristen’s books (Article 5, The Glass Arrow and Metaltown) in a TOR Teen Tote.
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