The Vengeance by Emma Newman ⚔️ Piracy, Vampires and Found Family

The Vengeance by Emma Newman is the first book in a new fantasy series blending historical adventure, found family, and light supernatural elements. Set against the backdrop of an alternative France, the novel follows a young woman raised by pirates who sets out on a quest for revenge after the death of her mother figure. If you’re looking for a story packed with action, tension, and emotional growth, this might be the next adventure for your reading list.

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Morgane grew up at sea, daughter of the fierce pirate captain of the Vengeance, raised to follow in her footsteps as scourge of the Four Chains Trading Company. But when Anna-Marie is mortally wounded in battle, she confesses to Morgane that she is not her mother.

The captain of the enemy ship reveals he was paid to kill Anna-Marie and bring Morgane home to France and her real family. Desperate to learn the truth about her lineage, Morgane spares him, leaving the Vengeance and everything she knows behind.

Her quest reveals a world of decadence and darkness, in which monsters vie for control of royal courts and destinies of nations. She discovers the bloody secrets of the Four Chains Trading Company, and the truth about her real mother’s death, nearly twenty years before…

The protagonist, Morgane, is compelling because of her fierce loyalty and naivety. Raised aboard the pirate ship The Vengeance, she sets off on a personal quest after her mother figure Anna-Marie is killed, hoping to avenge her and rescue her birth mother. Morgane’s journey is marked by miscommunications and gradual learning as she navigates unfamiliar French society, ultimately discovering that family isn’t always about blood.

Supporting characters shine, particularly the new captain of The Vengeance and Lisette, who starts as Morgane’s lady’s maid but quickly becomes much more. The arcs around Morgane’s birth parents hold surprises for her (if not always for the reader), and a late supernatural twist hints at future series developments, though it feels somewhat jarring after the mostly grounded first three-quarters of the novel. Overall, Morgane’s emotional growth from selfish to selfless is satisfying and believable.

At its core, The Vengeance is an action-adventure tale: Morgane leaves her pirate life to seek revenge and find her place in the world. The pirate-heavy opening is engaging, with vibrant characters and settings, but the pacing slows as the story unfolds. While the supernatural reveals bring intrigue, it’s the central mystery around Morgane’s birth mother that keeps the pages turning. Importantly, while this book sets up sequels, it stands well on its own, offering a satisfying ending.

The world blends historical alternative France with seafaring adventure and light supernatural touches, including vampires and wolves. However, the magical system remains minimally explained. The book leans heavily on familiar adventure tropes (found family, hidden identity, dressing as a boy), set against a backdrop of societal oppression that contrasts Morgane’s free pirate past with the restrictive French court. This moral contrast adds thematic richness to an otherwise straightforward adventure.

While supernatural creatures exist in the world, the magic system isn’t deeply developed or explained. Vampires hold political and societal power, fitting neatly into the French setting, but rituals and magical mechanics aren’t explored in detail. The power dynamics are more about societal structures and class than magic itself.

The major theme is revenge, but layered beneath that are explorations of identity, freedom, loyalty, and found family. Morgane starts off acting for selfish reasons, but as she grows emotionally, she learns to act for those she loves. Emma Newman provides moral ambiguity and complexity, ensuring even side characters have believable motivations. One standout symbolic moment is Morgane learning how the boned gowns of high society act as a prison for women, reflecting broader themes of societal constraint.

Newman’s prose is immersive and action-driven, favouring character moments over detailed world explanations. The tone is tense and adventurous, and the narrative is very much character-focused rather than plot-focused. Readers who enjoy fast-moving emotional arcs will appreciate this style.

The Vengeance is best suited for readers who enjoy low or historical fantasy, especially those who like adventure-driven narratives with light supernatural elements. High fantasy and vampire lovers might find it underwhelming, as the fantasy components are minimal. Fans of Viper by Bex Hogan will likely enjoy it.

Positives of The Vengeance

• Compelling protagonist with satisfying growth
• Strong supporting cast and found family themes
• Engaging pirate and historical adventure setting
• Satisfying standalone resolution with setup for sequels

Negatives of The Vengeance

• Uneven pacing, especially mid-book
• Minimal explanation of supernatural elements
• Light fantasy content may disappoint high fantasy readers

The Vengeance delivers a solid standalone adventure with plenty of swashbuckling action, emotional growth, and hints of supernatural intrigue. While it has some pacing issues and light touch on the fantasy side, it’s a fun, character-driven story perfect for readers who love a blend of historical and low fantasy elements. I’ll definitely be picking up the sequel when it arrives.

I received The Vengeance by Emma Newman from the publisher. This is an unbiased and honest review

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