What do you think?
Rate this book
The Devourer
Not yet published
Expected 7 Jan 25When Adra Dantes’ half-brother Cameron attacks their father and robs him of a priceless treasure map, he leaves him a shell of the pirate captain he once was. Now Adra’s only aim in life is to kill Cameron, retrieve her father's map, and claim the treasure herself.
But her plans are thwarted. A sudden surplus of magic in the world is causing ancient sea monsters to awaken. Worse yet, Adra discovers that the ship she's been chasing for almost a year now is captained by a girl who’s been impersonating Cameron, while Cameron himself is missing.
The two pirate captains will have to work together if they are to find Cameron, but before they can do so, they must vanquish the beast―known as The Devourer―that is sinking ships and causing so much fear. Adra will have to descend leagues beneath the sea to the creature’s lair to strike a deal with her, but she’ll discover she isn’t the only one looking for her brother―and what he stole.
But her plans are thwarted. A sudden surplus of magic in the world is causing ancient sea monsters to awaken. Worse yet, Adra discovers that the ship she's been chasing for almost a year now is captained by a girl who’s been impersonating Cameron, while Cameron himself is missing.
The two pirate captains will have to work together if they are to find Cameron, but before they can do so, they must vanquish the beast―known as The Devourer―that is sinking ships and causing so much fear. Adra will have to descend leagues beneath the sea to the creature’s lair to strike a deal with her, but she’ll discover she isn’t the only one looking for her brother―and what he stole.
400 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication January 7, 2025
About the author
Alison Ames
3 books132 followersAlison Ames is the author of horror novels for adults and teens. To Break a Covenant, her first novel, was nominated for a Colorado Book Award. Her second novel It Looks Like Us is a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection pick. You can find more information and other books on her website.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Want to read
October 26, 2024new ideal niche subgenre alert: bantery indie sapphic horror with perfect covers
Want to read
November 16, 2023From the rights report: “in which a young pirate captain hell-bent on revenge crosses the sea, in the company of her crew and a girl she hates but can't keep her eyes off of, to find and kill her own brother, only to be waylaid by an eldritch creature looking for vengeance of her own”
Want to read
August 19, 2024"in which a young pirate captain hell-bent on revenge crosses the sea, in the company of her crew and a girl she hates but can't keep her eyes off of, to find and kill her own brother, only to be waylaid by an eldritch creature looking for vengeance of her own"
yeeeeeeesss
Update THAT COVER?
auto request I'm afraid
yeeeeeeesss
Update THAT COVER?
auto request I'm afraid
October 18, 2024
Thank you Netgalley and Page Street Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“The Devourer” by Alison Ames is a YA fantasy adventure that takes you on a wild journey through treacherous seas, with captivating pirate captains, ancient sea monsters, and a plot that grips you from the very first line. If you're looking for a story that blends the swashbuckling energy of “Daughter of the Pirate King” with the dark magic vibes of “The Witcher,” then this is a book you won't want to miss. Plus, there is some fantastic LGBTQ representation throughout this book as well as the found family trope, which I absolutely love.
The story follows Adra Dantes, a fierce and morally complex pirate captain, driven by a single goal: to hunt down her half-brother Cameron, who betrayed their family by stealing a priceless treasure map. Her pursuit of vengeance is disrupted when a surge of magic causes ancient sea monsters to rise, and she discovers that the ship she has been chasing is captained by a girl impersonating Cameron. Adra is forced into an uneasy alliance with this rival captain, Quinn, as they both confront the monstrous threat known as The Devourer that’s wreaking havoc on the seas.
One of the strongest aspects of “The Devourer” is its characters. Adra is a standout protagonist—her amoral tendencies, sharp wit, and relentless drive for revenge make her a refreshingly fierce (anti-)heroine. What’s particularly engaging about Adra’s character is that her flaws aren’t excused or softened; instead, they are acknowledged and embraced, adding layers to her personality. Quinn, her hardened love interest, shares Adra’s tough exterior, making their dynamic feel like a meeting of equals rather than a cliché opposites-attract romance. Their relationship has just enough tension and chemistry to keep you invested, and while romance is not the primary focus, the hint of a future together adds a sweet touch to the otherwise fast-paced plot.
The friendships in the story are equally compelling, with side characters Merrin and Diana providing both emotional depth and light-hearted banter. The history and bond between these characters add to the story's richness, showing a blend of camaraderie, grief, and forgiveness that makes their interactions feel real and poignant. The found family aspect with Adra’s shipmates was my favorite part of the book as the different characters are so unique and breathe life into the story.
Ames’s writing is fast-paced and engaging, perfectly suited to the story's action-packed plot. The adventure on the high seas, combined with the incorporation of magic and mythical monsters, creates a world that feels both expansive and immersive. There is some good world building throughout, though the prevalence of magic is a bit overwhelming at first. The tension builds beautifully as the characters race against time, not just to find Cameron but also to face off against the fearsome Devourer lurking beneath the waves.
Overall, “The Devourer” is a fast-paced, addictive read that fans of YA fantasy will devour in one sitting. With its mix of dark magic, pirate battles, and fierce, morally complex characters, this book is sure to captivate anyone who loves a good adventure on the high seas. Alison Ames has crafted a world filled with danger, intrigue, and just enough romance to keep things interesting. This debut is a must-read for anyone looking for a magical and action-packed escape into a world where monsters lurk beneath the waves and pirate captains will do anything for vengeance.
“The Devourer” by Alison Ames is a YA fantasy adventure that takes you on a wild journey through treacherous seas, with captivating pirate captains, ancient sea monsters, and a plot that grips you from the very first line. If you're looking for a story that blends the swashbuckling energy of “Daughter of the Pirate King” with the dark magic vibes of “The Witcher,” then this is a book you won't want to miss. Plus, there is some fantastic LGBTQ representation throughout this book as well as the found family trope, which I absolutely love.
The story follows Adra Dantes, a fierce and morally complex pirate captain, driven by a single goal: to hunt down her half-brother Cameron, who betrayed their family by stealing a priceless treasure map. Her pursuit of vengeance is disrupted when a surge of magic causes ancient sea monsters to rise, and she discovers that the ship she has been chasing is captained by a girl impersonating Cameron. Adra is forced into an uneasy alliance with this rival captain, Quinn, as they both confront the monstrous threat known as The Devourer that’s wreaking havoc on the seas.
One of the strongest aspects of “The Devourer” is its characters. Adra is a standout protagonist—her amoral tendencies, sharp wit, and relentless drive for revenge make her a refreshingly fierce (anti-)heroine. What’s particularly engaging about Adra’s character is that her flaws aren’t excused or softened; instead, they are acknowledged and embraced, adding layers to her personality. Quinn, her hardened love interest, shares Adra’s tough exterior, making their dynamic feel like a meeting of equals rather than a cliché opposites-attract romance. Their relationship has just enough tension and chemistry to keep you invested, and while romance is not the primary focus, the hint of a future together adds a sweet touch to the otherwise fast-paced plot.
The friendships in the story are equally compelling, with side characters Merrin and Diana providing both emotional depth and light-hearted banter. The history and bond between these characters add to the story's richness, showing a blend of camaraderie, grief, and forgiveness that makes their interactions feel real and poignant. The found family aspect with Adra’s shipmates was my favorite part of the book as the different characters are so unique and breathe life into the story.
Ames’s writing is fast-paced and engaging, perfectly suited to the story's action-packed plot. The adventure on the high seas, combined with the incorporation of magic and mythical monsters, creates a world that feels both expansive and immersive. There is some good world building throughout, though the prevalence of magic is a bit overwhelming at first. The tension builds beautifully as the characters race against time, not just to find Cameron but also to face off against the fearsome Devourer lurking beneath the waves.
Overall, “The Devourer” is a fast-paced, addictive read that fans of YA fantasy will devour in one sitting. With its mix of dark magic, pirate battles, and fierce, morally complex characters, this book is sure to captivate anyone who loves a good adventure on the high seas. Alison Ames has crafted a world filled with danger, intrigue, and just enough romance to keep things interesting. This debut is a must-read for anyone looking for a magical and action-packed escape into a world where monsters lurk beneath the waves and pirate captains will do anything for vengeance.
August 30, 2024
a very engaging and thrilling read - the plotline is super creative and a real rollercoaster ride that careens from one wild action scene to the next.
there's minimal romance , not much of a relationship is developed as the girls are too busy trying to survive a potential world-ending threat, but at least there's the promise of a future for them as they hold hands once everything is settled at the end so I was content with that.
I appreciate how the main character Adra is allowed to be amoral and have shades of grey, she can be malicious and driven by revenge without that being softened or excused away by the text, I do like my vicious (anti-)heroines. it was cool that her love interest Quinn was similarly hardened by what she's survived and been forced to do so they were kindred spirits in a way (rather than one being sunshine and the other being grumpy) and that Adra looked to Quinn for inspiration even when they hated each other because she saw her as an equal as they were both pirate captains.
the friendships were everything, I adored Merrin and Diana, their history and complicated dynamic with Adra and each other was amazing - there was such fun banter, but also such hurt and grief within their bond as well.
really fun and thought-provoking
there's minimal romance , not much of a relationship is developed as the girls are too busy trying to survive a potential world-ending threat, but at least there's the promise of a future for them as they hold hands once everything is settled at the end so I was content with that.
I appreciate how the main character Adra is allowed to be amoral and have shades of grey, she can be malicious and driven by revenge without that being softened or excused away by the text, I do like my vicious (anti-)heroines. it was cool that her love interest Quinn was similarly hardened by what she's survived and been forced to do so they were kindred spirits in a way (rather than one being sunshine and the other being grumpy) and that Adra looked to Quinn for inspiration even when they hated each other because she saw her as an equal as they were both pirate captains.
the friendships were everything, I adored Merrin and Diana, their history and complicated dynamic with Adra and each other was amazing - there was such fun banter, but also such hurt and grief within their bond as well.
really fun and thought-provoking
October 16, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75/5
The Devourer is a riveting, addictive YA fantasy with captivating characters, fascinating monsters, and a propulsive plot that hooked me from the first line.
Gosh, this was a good one. I wanted to highlight every line. The characters were fierce and strong, while showing emotions and development. The sub-plot sapphic romance was *chef’s kiss. The banter, pacing, and adventure were wonderful, and I adored the Daughter of the Pirate King X The Witcher vibes. I soaked this book up and did not want to put it down. It was magical, addictive, dark, twisty, and tender. The writing was beautiful and fit the story perfectly. I also adored the incorporation of monsters, strange magic, and adventure on the high seas. I highly recommend this wonderful debut!
Thank you to the publisher for the free ARC!
The Devourer is a riveting, addictive YA fantasy with captivating characters, fascinating monsters, and a propulsive plot that hooked me from the first line.
Gosh, this was a good one. I wanted to highlight every line. The characters were fierce and strong, while showing emotions and development. The sub-plot sapphic romance was *chef’s kiss. The banter, pacing, and adventure were wonderful, and I adored the Daughter of the Pirate King X The Witcher vibes. I soaked this book up and did not want to put it down. It was magical, addictive, dark, twisty, and tender. The writing was beautiful and fit the story perfectly. I also adored the incorporation of monsters, strange magic, and adventure on the high seas. I highly recommend this wonderful debut!
Thank you to the publisher for the free ARC!
November 25, 2024
The latest book from Alison Ames may just be her best yet. This thing is jam packed with action, vengeance, queer romance, magic, and demons lurking in the depths of the sea. The writing is superb and engaging as always, but it’s the characters that really shine in this one. Adra, the young pirate captain, is a beautifully complex protagonist who will leave you rooting for her while questioning her judgement at every turn. It’s the kind of book you don’t just read…you Devour.
October 14, 2024
The Devourer is a fast-paced YA pirate adventure story. I found this very easy and quick to read, I flew through it all in one day. It wasn't a favorite for me personally but that's because it is YA and it reads like it is for the YA age. I think anyone who loves the Daughter of the Pirate King series and wants more of that kind of vibe would love this book.
July 17, 2024
Ames writes a gang of misfits better than anybody, and a group of seafaring ones was never more needed since the loss of Our Flag Means Death. Because it's Ames, this means more snark and girls having big feelings about each other.
Read
August 28, 2024Alison Ames writes horror the rips into my heart and doesn't let go. This book is no different. It is everything that I love about ocean horror, from fathomless depths to horrifying creatures lurking within them. Plus, it's got pirates and it's queer. It is so incredible good.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews