Press Kit

Kirkus Reviews: "In this amusing, action-packed tale, Conlan effectively combines the loving parody of William Goldman’s classic The Princess Bride (1973) with the feminism of Karen Cushman’s Catherine, Called Birdy (1994). It encompasses a colorful cavalcade of characters, who also include an actual ex-pirate; a formerly enslaved sailor; and displaced nuns, one of whom was once a pirate hostage. "  

Bookview Review: "The prose is crisp, and Conlan’s dialogue is sharp and witty."

The Book Commentary: "This novel is a historical adventure locked inside a well-crafted romance and a place that charms — heart-blistering and utterly engaging tale."

The Midwest Book Review: "Conlan's intersection of personal and political special interests creates a vivid account of the times which is unexpectedly witty, historically enlightening, and a pleasure to read as Tom, Morwenna, Daniel, and others become immersed in the fate of holy books and their own souls."

The Literary Titan: "This tale of tumultuous Tudor times will especially please readers who enjoy little known histories and interesting language. The narrative is often lighthearted, with amusing repartee. The mission of the Holy Pirates, though, is vital and dangerous — to save the precious books and their own skins."

A Bookish Type: "Morwenna is the kind of heroine I instantly connect with. She’s pragmatic, no-nonsense, focused on her goals—which is why I found it utterly hilarious that we meet her when she is profoundly exasperated by the antics of Henry Truelove."

Interview with Bookview Review: "When I began this story, I set out to write something lighthearted. As I delved more deeply into the era in which my characters live, I became engaged in their struggles and dilemmas. I decided to address these, but still with a light tone."

Interview with Inkwell Inspirations: "I hope my readers take away from my story a sense of hope—of seeing how in the worst of times people survive and thrive, have fun and do good things. I hope they come to like or love my characters, such as Morwenna, feisty and canny and nobody’s fool."