A Pirate’s Life (and Love) for Me: Cassandra James ’23 and Her Romantasy Adventure
Ahoy, book lovers! 
If you haven’t heard the news yet, Cassandra James, our very own literary goddess and Princeton grad, just snagged a book deal for her enchanting debut novel, Capitana! Talk about a glow-up! This girl managed to graduate and break into publishing like a boss. Who needs a cap and gown when you have a captivating romantasy on the horizon?
Set sail on February 4th, Capitana invites you into a world of swashbuckling pirate hunters, sizzling rivalries, and a dash of redemption—because why should stories just be about heroics when there’s romance too? It’s the perfect blend of heart-pounding tension and swoon-worthy moments that will have you daydreaming about your own dashing pirate hunter. Trust me, we’re all ready for a little adventure in our lives!
What’s the Scoop? 
Let’s break it down, shall we?
- Main Character: Ximena Reale—an aspiring pirate hunter with ambition and a chip on her shoulder.
- Rival Alert: Enter Dante de León, her fierce competitor who’s probably just as swoony as he sounds.
- The Quest: Capturing a legendary pirate and redeeming Ximena’s family from some seriously shady past shenanigans.
- Cultural Vibes: Inspired by Hispanic history, this tale embraces Cassandra’s Colombian American roots, infusing rich flavors and authenticity into the mix.
But wait, there’s more! Because this queen of adventure not only dropped a bomb of awesomeness with her own book but also dished some recommendations for other young adult romantasy reads we need to devour immediately! 
Three Must-Reads to Pair with Capitana
-
Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
- Genre: Witchy Romantasy
- What’s the Tea? A witch and a witch hunter suddenly become tangled in more than just their magical messes. Spoiler: there’s a marriage to keep them from killing each other. Talk about a spicy relationship!
-
The Wrath & the Dawn by Renée Ahdieh
- Genre: Retelling of Arabian Nights
- What’s the Scoop? A girl who volunteers to marry a murderous king to save her best friend. You know, classic love story stuff. Get ready for intrigue, danger, and romance that’ll make you swoon!
- An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
- Genre: Dystopian Fantasies
- Why You’ll Love It: It’s a tale of survival in a brutal empire—as if that isn’t enough to keep you on the edge of your seat, there’s a love story that transcends all sorts of oppression. Let’s get those feels rolling!
The Bottom Line: Get Onboard!
You heard Cassandra—these are not just recommendations; they’re essential reading if you’re ready to fall head over heels for stories that spark joy, tension, and everything in between. Capitana might be sailing into our lives soon, but there’s a whole shipload of adventures waiting for you in these pages. So buckle up, buttercup! Your next reading obsession is just around the corner!
Now, mark your calendars, stack your TBR pile, and don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for Capitana! Who knows? You might just find the treasure your heart has been seeking all along. 
Xoxo,
Bookish Babe
