Book Review: Swept Up by the Sea by Tracy & Laura Hickman

Publication: Shadow Mountain/ July 2, 2013
Length: 320 pages/924 KB
****--4 Stars

Book Description off of Amazon: Determined to seek his fortune, Percival Taylor leaves behind his sleepy hometown and sets out to become a legendary pirate—only no one at the roguish seaport of Blackshore will allow him any- where near a ship! Percival must find other means to win the heart of the beautiful Tuppence Magrathia-Paddock, who has mistaken him for a pirate rogue out of one of her romantic tales. She is entirely willing to swoon into his arms if he can prove his buccaneer soul—and she is willing to arrange her own kidnapping to prove it. Percival eventually finds himself captain of a broken-down ship, complete with a crew of pirates who make their living selling fake treasure maps, a jilted fiancee, a reclusive Master Shipwright, and an old professor with a secret that could kill them all. It’s Pirates of Penzance meets Princess Bride as this motley group of characters sets sail for treasure and romance. 

My Review: I was expecting something a little more serious and was pleasantly surprised at how funny this story was! The humor was subtle in places and the overall tone was pure fun.

Percival Taylor is told he's a dead pirate's long-lost son and must go on an adventure. He sees the beautiful Tuppance, the governor's daughter, and decides to make her part of his fate, even though he's expected to marry a local girl. Vestia, the local girl, is sent by her mother to try to win him back, with the help of the Dragon's Bard. Total chaos, adventure, romance, unique and eccentric characters explode to life in the course of this adventure.

I loved how each new character was introduced. It was done in a way that gave a little background, yet tied things together. I loved how the fantasy parts of the story were not over the top, but blended into something that could be construed as real life. Why shouldn't I see a naiad the next time I'm at the beach?

It's hard to pick a favorite--I think my two favorite parts were the hidden treasure and the kidnapping. Both had me laughing.

For a light-hearted, delightful adventure with all the fixings--pirates, comedy, fantasy creatures, adventure, and romance, be sure to check this one out!

**I received this from NetGalley for review and this in no way influenced my review.**

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