A Pirate’s Life For Tea by Rebecca Thorne

Book Review

Melody Bowles

This book is a sequel to Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea, although a note in the cover states you can read A Pirate’s Life For Tea as a standalone if you like. I would have got more out of the book if I had read the first entry, as I’d have been more familiar with Kianthe and Reyna and had more context for their relationship. Past strife is referred to, but as presented in this book, they are every disgustingly happy couple you want to smack in the face for being too cute together. The stability and earnestness of their relationship adds a lot of to the cosy vibe of the book, but it does overpower and drown out other characters at times.

From the book’s title, one would expect the Robin Hood style pirate Serrina and her relationship with crocheting constable Bobbie to take centre stage. While their fraught conflict as childhood friends to enemies is an important part of the book, key scenes between them (especially related to their reconciliation) are often skipped over in favour of Kianthe and/or Reyna’s shenanigans. This is such a shame, as I really enjoyed both their characters and felt like they weren’t given room to shine together. They were even given point-of-view chapters, so it feels odd when the focus is shifted off them in the last part of the book.

Aside from the romances, the book’s plot revolves around slightly convoluted politics-based strife relating to how food is distributed along riverside settlements. Basically, Serrina is stealing food from the well-to-do and delivering it to those going hungry, a noble and risky endeavour. The same gentleman responsible for these food shortages, Diarn Arlon, is also hoarding dragon eggs, which Kianthe and Reyna have promised to return to the dragons. This all moves at a gentle pace in favour of focusing on the romances, until the climactic raid on Arlon’s territory.

Cosies are known for their low stakes and character driven narratives. This book breaks with form a little by giving characters injuries, invoking the risk of death and having characters powerful enough to impact the world around them. I think it works in this book and adds much-needed tension, but it’s something to be aware of for readers looking for a true cosy fantasy experience.

If you love puns, pirates and a gently meandering plot, A Pirate’s Life For Tea is the read for you. Despite feeling the narrative lacked focus, the characters were unique and lovable enough to make me want to keep reading.