Ahoy there me mateys! Okay with a title like that how could I not be intrigued? Would this novella finally settle the grand debate once for all: octopi or octopuses? And what exactly does an octopus pirate look like?

I was intrigued. The story is set in the Victorian era wherein the pregnant wife of a ship's captain is washed overboard. Miraculously, the baby survives and is washed to the shore of a Scottish island. An elderly solitary nun named Mary discovers him and vows that he is a gift from God for her to raise. She loves young Coco despite his so-called deformities and they form a strong bond.

The set-up to the story and the early years detailing Coco's life on the island were the highlights of the story for me. Now don't get me wrong, Coco goes adventuring and joins the circus and starts to learn to become a pirate. Arrrr! But the simplicity of Coco's early years were me favorite part of the book. The relationship between Mary and Coco was heartening even fer this salty Captain.

Once Coco is forced to leave the island, we add in a larger cast of characters. Ye see the circus actually does have some magical talent. Whether it is a mermaid, a teleporter, or even Coco with his own burgeoning magical discoveries, life gets a little more complicated. Plots are hatched to travel back in time to fight as pirates. Plots are hatched to harm Coco.

The plot and motivations fer the whys and hows are very light. However awesome and fun Coco is, he is not really in charge of his destiny in this installment and luck seems to direct his path. Though the next book seems set-up for him to begin to truly stand on his own and I do believe I shall partake of that adventure.

And the octopus of the title? Coco's special relationship with octopuses needs to be read about and not spoiled. So if ye like octopi then nab a copy and tell me what ye think . . .

To see me other reviews check out https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/