Running Close to the Wind

I listened to this audio book for two reasons. First, I heard the author speak at a book festival and they described how this novel fits well into a genre the author themselves coined - "hopepunk." And second, the plot was (accurately I'd say) described as similar to the show about queer pirates I enjoyed - "Our Flag Means Death." The reader of the audiobook was excellent in bringing the voices alive - especially Avra - the goofy, yet deeply loveable main character. The plot moves slowly at first and it took me a while to enter into the story-world. It's not a page turning thriller by any means, yet it kept me engaged through out. The constant bantering about sex was funny at first and then a bit tedious as the story continued. I did like the relationships at the center of this ultimately heartwarming adjacent story.

It's a 4 but like a really high 4. This book was so much fun!

A very different vibe than A Taste of Gold and Iron but I think I liked it even more? The audiobook had me laughing within the first 4% and overall the humor really worked for me.

Not only did I really like our main characters but I also really enjoyed the dynamic of the ships crew. I also really liked the fantasy aspects of the book, we see ghosts, glowing dogs, and more.

Overall I would say this is a silly fun good time with lots of raunchy humor.

The book had TJ Klune vibes but with more hilarity. I was laughing so hard at the banter.

The writing was excellent and the storyline... GENIUS! It's a queer pirate fantasy book and I was so entertained I ordered my hubs a copy on amazon and he is almost done and he is the world slowest reader.

Cannot recommend this book enough and the narrator.... Perfection. I could listen to them all day long.

4 stars! I felt it could have been a bit shorter.