Running close to the wind

His entire life, Avra Helvaçi has been told he is lucky--suspiciously lucky. On a whim, he decides to test this theory and traipses into the Shipbuilder's Guild, unlocks the safe in the guildmaster's office, and uncovers the closely guarded trade secret that allows Araşti ships to navigate through the impassable sea serpents' breeding grounds. Soon, Avra realizes that his best chance of survival lies with his on-again, off-again ex, the pirate captain Teveri az-Haffãr. Begrudgingly, Teveri agrees to let Avra rejoin their crew with the intention that they will be able to find a buyer for the secrets once they make it to the Isle of Lost Souls. Avra thinks he has considered everything until he notices a few key oversights: who is Brother Julian, the frustratingly attractive monk with an unfortunate vow of celibacy, and what does he want with Teveri? Why is the new Araşti ambassador following their ship's movements? And will they be able to decode enough of the document to make it through the breeding swarm in one piece? Rowland's latest standalone journey into their Chantiverse (A Choir of Lies, 2019) is a delightful romp. Fans of Our Flag Means Death are going to flock to this hilarious and unabashedly queer pirate adventure.

This humorous if dense pirate fantasy adventure marks another ambitious outing from Rowland (A Taste of Gold and Iron). Avra Helvaçi, an agent with the nation of Araşt's Ministry of Intelligence, stumbles upon, then absconds with, coveted classified information he believes explains how Araşti ships avoid the swarms of mating sea serpents that keep rival ships ashore for weeks every year. He brings the information to his best frenemy and sometime lover, Teveri az-Ḥaffār, captain of The Running Sun, and their new crew member Julian, who would be the perfect person to decipher the information Avra stole, except he's so attractive Avra immediately distrusts him. With serpent season approaching, the unlikely trio must work together to fence the pilfered intel without putting themselves in further danger. The characters and the world they inhabit are developed in striking detail, though extended descriptions, along with the protagonists' many quirks, occasionally drag the pace down to a crawl in the first act. However, many trivial elements become important later on, meaning readers who stick with this will be richly rewarded. Fans of Our Flag Means Death will want to check it out. (June)

Avra Helvaçi is a mediocre spy with astounding luck. While fleeing Araşt after copying state secrets, Avra is luckily captured by the pirate ship captained by the mysterious underdog Teveri az-Haffār, his ex-lover. They also just happen to have a new crewman, the beautiful and celibate scholar Brother Julian, who can decode the secret. Now all the crew needs to land a huge payday is to make it to the pirate island before serpent season, sell it under added scrutiny from the island's eager new Araşti ambassador, and survive being around each other. Rowland's return to Araşt is both comedic and complex. Pathetic, horny, attention-seeking Avra is oddly refreshing as a protagonist, aware that he's the problem. Using luck as a theme both introduces conflict and provides a delightfully unlikely resolution. Relationships between people, religions, and nations are handled with both levity and respect. Casey Jones's voices for the main three characters are distinct and consistent, though the side characters' voices wander in some of the crowded scenes. VERDICT Rowland (A Taste of Gold and Iron) writes a weird, delightful, and layered fantasy romp for anyone interested in nested puzzles, unhinged characters, and sexy pirates.--Katherine Sleyko

A pirate crew, a big secret, and a meddling ambassador meet at a cake competition--what could possibly go wrong? Avra Helvaçi has a secret that might get him back in Teveri's good graces, if he can just convince them to give him the time of day. Teveri az-Ḣaffār, captain of the The Running Sun, needs to pay their crew, and preferably not with the fancy straw that has been their only booty recently, making them more receptive to Avra's pleas, despite their better judgment. And it seems like Avra might really have something valuable, important enough to destabilize the pact between the pirates and the Araşti government, but Avra's information will need to be interpreted by Julian, the ship's newest crew member, who is too handsome for his own good and, unluckily, a monk who has taken a vow of celibacy. Begrudgingly, Teveri allows Avra back on the ship, counting on his good luck (about which Avra remains agnostic) to see them through negotiations with possible bidders, interference from government officials, angry sea serpents, and more. Avra, for his part, is eager to please, and also eager to get back in Teveri's bed, no matter how mean Teveri is to him. Avra's manic energy permeates every page, making ridiculous scenarios seem plausible and even expected. Hijinks, of course, ensue, with a smattering of heartfelt commentary from Julian on emotions and getting along. Queer relationships, consent, scheming, mishaps, and more make for truly good fun and a quick read. Piratical antics along with a few sex jokes. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

*Starred Review* His entire life, Avra Helvaçi has been told he is lucky—suspiciously lucky. On a whim, he decides to test this theory and traipses into the Shipbuilder's Guild, unlocks the safe in the guildmaster's office, and uncovers the closely guarded trade secret that allows Arasti ships to navigate through the impassable sea serpents' breeding grounds. Soon, Avra realizes that his best chance of survival lies with his on-again, off-again ex, the pirate captain Teveri az-Haffãr. Begrudgingly, Teveri agrees to let Avra rejoin their crew with the intention that they will be able to find a buyer for the secrets once they make it to the Isle of Lost Souls. Avra thinks he has considered everything until he notices a few key oversights: who is Brother Julian, the frustratingly attractive monk with an unfortunate vow of celibacy, and what does he want with Teveri? Why is the new Arasti ambassador following their ship's movements? And will they be able to decode enough of the document to make it through the breeding swarm in one piece? Rowland's latest standalone journey into their Chantiverse (A Choir of Lies, 2019) is a delightful romp. Fans of Our Flag Means Death are going to flock to this hilarious and unabashedly queer pirate adventure. Copyright 2024 Booklist Reviews.

Rowland (A Taste of Gold and Iron) pens a queer pirate fantasy adventure, featuring Avra, a former intelligence agent, who flees to the open sea after accidentally stealing an expensive secret. He'll need help from his ex, pirate captain Teveri, to escape and sell the secret, but they face danger and almost certain doom. Prepub Alert. Copyright 2023 Library Journal

Avra Helvaçi is a former Arasti Ministry of Intelligence field agent, tasked with discovering and delivering information all over. Now Avra has accidentally stolen the biggest, most costly secret of his country. No one will believe this was unintentional, so Avra takes to the high seas to escape, landing on the ship of his occasional lover, pirate captain Teveri az-Haffar. Teveri would rather boot Avra back into the sea, but Avra convinces them to go with him to the Isles of Lost Souls, a pirate republic far from his pursuers. There, Avra and Teveri will sell the secret to the highest bidder, profit, and become legends. Will they let pesky government officials, a secretive, sexy, and celibate priest who has joined the pirate ship's crew, or the sea-serpent breeding season get in their way? Maybe. VERDICT Rowland (A Taste of Iron and Gold) dials up the humor, innuendo, and laugh-out-loud escapades in this pirate novel. Fans of the show Our Flag Means Death should definitely take a look.—Kristi Chadwick

This humorous if dense pirate fantasy adventure marks another ambitious outing from Rowland (A Taste of Gold and Iron). Avra Helvaçi, an agent with the nation of Arast's Ministry of Intelligence, stumbles upon, then absconds with, coveted classified information he believes explains how Arasti ships avoid the swarms of mating sea serpents that keep rival ships ashore for weeks every year. He brings the information to his best frenemy and sometime lover, Teveri az-?affar, captain of The Running Sun, and their new crew member Julian, who would be the perfect person to decipher the information Avra stole, except he's so attractive Avra immediately distrusts him. With serpent season approaching, the unlikely trio must work together to fence the pilfered intel without putting themselves in further danger. The characters and the world they inhabit are developed in striking detail, though extended descriptions, along with the protagonists' many quirks, occasionally drag the pace down to a crawl in the first act. However, many trivial elements become important later on, meaning readers who stick with this will be richly rewarded. Fans of Our Flag Means Death will want to check it out. (June)