Drift & Dagger

Salt & Storm #2

by Kendall Kulper

I’ve always been a monster. And monsters destroy things. Things like magic and friendships and futures.

Mal used to have a home, a best friend, and a secret. But he lost all three on the day Essie Roe exposed him as a blank. Blanks cannot be cursed or saved or killed by magic. And everyone is afraid of them—even Mal himself.

Now Mal travels the world in search of dangerous and illegal magical relics, never stopping in any one place too long. When his partner in crime, Boone, hears of a legendary dagger that can steal magic, Mal knows he finally may have found a way to even the score with Essie. Crossing oceans and continents, Mal and Boone travel from Boston to Paris to Constantinople in search of the dagger. Finding it would mean riches, fame, and revenge—but only if Mal can control the monster inside him.

Kendall Kulper weaves a vivid story of betrayal and determination—and the road to forgiveness—in this new adventure set in the world of Salt & Storm.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Witches, Paranormal, Magic, Historical

368 pages, Hardcover

First published September 8, 2015

About the author

Kendall Kulper is the author of the historical fantasy YA novels SALT & STORM and DRIFT & DAGGER (Little, Brown Young Readers). Her latest novel, MURDER FOR THE MODERN GIRL, will be published Summer 2022 by Holiday House. She lives in Cambridge, MA with her husband, two daughters, and anxious rescue dog, Abby.

Reviews

[Kimberly [Come Hither Books] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me get this out of the way first. Drift & Dagger is a companion book to Salt & Storm, which I'm not at all interested in (too much romance for me). But Drift is a heist novel in a fantasy setting, and you know how I am about those. Reviews say it can be read separately, and even advise reading Drift first, so I did. And yes, Drift stands alone just fine.

Drift & Dagger is set in nineteenth century New England, at the height of the whaling industry, and you can practically smell the salt in the air. The world is saturated with magic, for everyone but Mal. But what makes him an outcast also makes him a uniquely-skilled thief. His quest for an illusive artifact will take him around the world, delivering enough capers and narrow escapes for anyone else who might share my weakness for con men. (If you do, check out my list of Ten Heist Novels to Fall For.)

But it's character which keeps the story grounded. If you like morally ambiguous heroes driven by painful pasts, Mal is your man. His childhood friendship with Roe, revealed in bittersweet memories, provides the context you need to understand Mal and the quest for revenge that drives him. Drift and Dagger is a fun, fast fantasy in a unique setting, and only a minimal amount of romance.

If you like Drift and Dagger, try:
     
Salt & Storm - Set 14 years after Drift & Dagger, in the same world. They are companion books which can be read independently. Characters from Drift & Dagger appear in Salt & Storm.
California Bones - A con man and his team set out after a prized artifact. Gritty urban fantasy for adult readers. Read my review.
Six of Crows - Same as above, but for a YA audience.
Brides of Rollrock Island - If you'd like a similar feel, but with more romance.

Reviewed on Come Hither Books

Breakdown:
Genre: Urban fantasy, historical fantasy, young adult
Magics/Tech: various magics: sea witches, mind control, teleporting, enchanted objects and potions, magical immunity
Setting: 1840s New England, plus London, Paris and Constantinople
Protag: Straight white male

[Once · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is something special about Kendall’s writing that draws me in from the very beginning of her stories. Twice I’ve been entranced. Twice I was left with a hunger for more.

Drift & Dagger’s world is so brilliantly constructed and well described that it makes me think I am part of it. Or that I’m watching an epic movie. I am dead serious, I love her writing.

This story takes you to world filled with magic. A place in which magic is so common that if you do not possess any sort you are consider an outcast. A place in which people will judge and belittle you. Unlike everyone in his world, Mal is a “blank”. He is immune to magic and is considered a monster, a devil, a disease… you get the point. Being consider this, Mal’s only friend is the daughter of a Roe’s witch. Essie doesn’t judge him and keeps his identity in secret. Until one day she betray and exposes him.

Now friendless, Mal is forced to leave the only place he called home but takes a quest of revenge. During this new adventure of his, Mal learns about a magic dagger. This dagger steals magic and boy, there is a great twist. However, Mal is consumed with revenge. Essie destroyed him and he wants her to suffer. But he soon learns something that will turn his world upside down. Well, more than what it is! Jeez, this guy doesn’t get any break!

I really enjoyed Drift & Dagger. Even though the story is not left with cliffhanger, I wish I could get more. I really do want more!

As a fan of Kendall, I hope everyone reads Drift & Dagger! Especially lovers of Paranormal.

http://www.onceuponatwilight.com/2015...

[Jane (It'sJaneLindsey) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review on ItsJaneLindsey.

Drift & Dagger is the companion novel to Kendall Kulper’s 2014 debut Salt & Storm. Set in the same world of whaling and witches and magic, I was intrigued to get another perspective from a different generation after reading Avery Roe’s tale in Salt & Storm. Salt & Storm was good – an enjoyable historical fantasy, even if I couldn’t quite connect with Avery. But after reading the synopsis of Drift & Dagger, I couldn’t pass it up. Excuse the awful sea pun, but Drift & Dagger blew me out of the water.

Drift & Dagger manages to combine all of my favorite things: heists, morally ambiguous characters, magic, and a protagonist who suffers greatly. And it works, wonderfully. Mal is tortured by the betrayal he experienced at the hands of his first and only friend, Essie Roe, when she exposed him as a blank. Unaffected by magic, Mal is ostracized, as his very existence threatens to undermine the entire magical system upon which society depends. Mal is convinced that his blankness is an evil inside of him that will eventually take over and turn him into a monster. His continued struggle with his looming fate adds a layer of depth to his character, and gives Mal a rage that propels him throughout the story, all to get his revenge on Essie.

Drift & Dagger was fast-paced, and I couldn’t get enough of the heist scenes and action throughout. The reader travels the world in this novel, from New York to Constantinople, and the travel brings a richer world to life beyond tiny Prince Island. The magic system itself is really wonderfully fleshed out in this book, and the reader encounters different types of magical ability and perception. The grounding weight to all of this, of course, is Mal and his blankness. Ironically, in a world where people can charm speak or raise the seas or suffocate a person by controlling air, Mal is the biggest threat, the scariest possible rival. It’s difficult to see Mal struggle with his identity and what he fears he’ll become, but he is an infinitely likable character. He’s even worked his way into book boyfriend territory. I adored Mal, and I still want to know more about his story.

I expected to like this book, but I was surprised by just how much I enjoyed it. There were no awkward lulls in the story – I couldn’t drag my attention away from the pages. The only down side to this book is how close of a companion it is to Salt & Storm. If you read one, it will spoil the other. These stories take place during one generation to the next, so the events of one have bearing on the other. I read Salt & Storm first, so I knew, to an extent, how Drift & Dagger would end. If you’re interested in these books (which you should be), I’d highly recommend reading Drift & Dagger first, then Salt & Storm.

[hpboy13 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drift & Dagger takes place in a world much like our own, except it is infused with magic. And in a world where magic is commonplace, Mal is a blank – someone on whom magic doesn’t work. This makes him a pariah. So he teams up with a thief named Boone, hunting down magical treasures that Mal is uniquely equipped to steal since their magic can’t affect him. And all the while, Mal dreams of revenge on Essie, his childhood friend who exposed his secret.

This is one of the most exciting YA fantasies I’ve read in a long time. The world is so brilliantly constructed and fleshed out – it feels like J.K. Rowling’s or Jonathan Stroud’s in that it holds an infinite wealth of stories that I wish the author would convey to me. And in this world, we focus on Mal. Mal is one of the angstiest protagonists I’ve ever read about, which would usually be a turnoff. But it’s not, because all of the angst is so completely justified, and justifiable angst is great to read about. Mal’s life really, truly sucks. He would be shunned by the entire world if they knew what he was, he has no home because his best friend betrayed him, and he is always worrying about eventually going mad and becoming the monster everyone thinks he is. No wonder he’s angsty!

There’s a cool plot about a dagger that can steal magic, and a lot of shenanigans occur involving an anti-magic cult, celebrity treasure hunters, and magical inventors. But the real story is about Mal and the two relationships in his life: his mentor Boone, and the object of his revenge, Essie. Both are expanded upon through Mal’s flashbacks as well as events in the present, and this gives a fairly complete picture of his life. The relationship with Boone kept me guessing throughout the book, because the way Boone was written immediately made me suspect he would turn out to be no good, but his actions toward Mal kept indicating the opposite. As for Essie, there is a LOT of baggage there, and in Mal’s mind she is the most dastardly villain ever… but is she really?

I will say that I was completely satisfied with the resolution of the book – a suitably exciting climax accompanied some awesome character arcs. While I feel like Mal’s story is perfectly encapsulated in this one book – huzzah for no stupid cliffhangers! – I desperately want more stories set in this incredible world. Consider me definitely a fan of Kendall Kulper!

[Chelsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely some mixed feelings here, but for the most part I really enjoyed this one! 3 ½ stars

First of all, the cover change. UGH WHY. Just go look at the cover for Salt & Storm and then look at this cover. Who thought this would be more likely to catch your eye? It was actually the cover that made me read the first book, so it really annoys me that they changed it to this generic ugly cover.

Anyway, I loved the first book, mostly due to Kendall Kulper’s wonderful atmospheric writing that was perfect for the setting and time period. Her writing voice was great here as well, and I liked her MC’s voice. Her writing is very worth reading, and I really hope she continues to write novels, because I will definitely continue reading them.

I think the beginning was very good, and I liked how flashbacks were incorporated and we were able to get more of an understanding of the character through them.

After the beginning I got very confused. I was under the impression that these books took place in the same world as ours with some magic, but there was all this other stuff and underground magic going on, and I was just very confused.

I did manage to collect my bearings about 100 pages in, and I really liked the story. It’s a revenge story and a heist story. The characters are gray and very interesting, but I wouldn’t say I was wowed, because it was a very slow paced story that was hard for me to stay invested in.

But those last hundred pages… I mean damn, those were intense. Loved the climax and how the story wrapped up. The characters and relationships were compelling and I found myself caring for them by the end.

Overall these two books are pretty good. They didn’t blow me away, but they’re definitely worth a read!

[kim hannah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked it but I also didn't. I found it slow. I love how she sets up her places and her characters. But for this book particularly I felt like she just went around in circles. That's what annoyed me. I would've loved it if it wasn't for that.

[Uzair · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had me hooked nearly from the beginning.The plot was so nicely woven,the story had so much potential.It always kept me on my toes(Metaphorically.....)there was always some twist just waiting to happen and if not for 2 things this is a 5 star book.The suggestiveness near the end and the very ending was so lame compared to the rest of the book.

Stuff I enjoyed:
1.I like concepts with potential and the whole Blankness virtually screamed potential.
2.Its full of suspense,you imagine one thing is going to happen,the same boring choices authors always pick but then it blows you away like when We discovered Tagore was a Blank.
3.That Vengeance,that Betrayal really put you in Mal's place make you want to see the Shar gliding across Essie's throat.
4.No matter what he did even the stuff with the Erslands Boone never gave away Mal's secret even when he really should have.

Stuff I didn't like:
1.Its not your typical "Happily ever after" but is Happily ever after none the less,
2.Most Authors don't like killing off characters and Neither does Kendal Apparently.But it's that very pain that makes a book spectacular.
3.Seriously The Roe witch needs to be beaten up to turn?I mean is it just me or is that weird.
4.I wanted an ending where Essie really was cut by the shar where she looked at him with shock just before she revealed how she'd made up for her betrayal(A memory spell maybe).(1 star lost)
5.It was getting suggestive near the end.(1 star lost)
6.I didn't like it how Boone turned I mean you keep a dangerous "beast" safe for 4 years despite so many chances to reveal him and then u just give him up?
7."I can't leave because it's Jennies Destiny"Her home?
Say What?!She don't have no home or any destiny Yet.

[Hilary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won an ARC of Drift and Dagger in a giveaway on Goodreads. (THANK YOU!)

Beautiful book. Imaginative and captivating, it makes for a quick read. Kulper creates a believable, magical world that sucks you right in from the first page.

Mal is an orphan boy who is struggling with the fact that he is different. In a world where magic is revered and highly sought after, he is a blank, or someone who is not affected by magic. Rumors that blanks are the scum of the earth, that they "eventually become the monsters they are" and steal magic from those who are blessed to have Talents, have taught everyone to fear and avoid blanks. Mal's only friend is the daughter of the Roe witch - that is, until she betrays him and exposes him to Prince Island for what he truly is. Afraid of the islanders and what they might do to him now that his secret is out, he is forced to leave the only friend he's ever had and the only place he's ever called home. This is Mal's story. One of countless adventures (and near death experiences) with his thieving mentor Boone (who is the closest thing he's ever had to family, and for some reason, regardless of his many major flaws, someone I have a soft spot in my heart for), of his quest for revenge, and of his longing for a family and a place to belong.

This story really struck a cord with me. It reminded me that people (magical or not!) are all human, and it is human nature to make mistakes. Those we love most will still betray us, lie to us, and expose us, because they're still human. But these hurtful actions of others do not define us. What someone thinks about us or says about us does not define us. What defines us are our reactions to these actions of others. If we harbor over a wrong someone has done to us, we become bitter, angry, resentful, vengeful people. But with forgiveness and kindness comes freedom and peace of mind.

Well done, Kulper. Loved this book, and I am really hoping there is more to come from this beautifully broken magical world you've shared!

[Kirsty-Marie Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

(More 4.5)

I loved The Witch of Salt and Storm last year, it was something different, the writing was gorgeous, the characters were strong, the plot so damn clever and an ending that was true to the story and its main character.

That being said, The Magic Thief is on a whole other level. Although it is centred and tied to Prince Island, we get to explore with Mal outside of the island and see the effect magic has and the way it's used in other parts of the world. We also get sneaky fun with Boone and Mal as hunters, their (and almost every other hunter out there) next job trying to find the Tsar and by doing so, establishing themselves and start a confederation, but to Mal, there's only one thing in sight: revenge.

I went from serious highs and lows during reading The Magic Thief, and by that I mean, I really connected to Mal, he had a lot of highs and lows himself, mostly lows. Being a blank, Mal's immune to magic, but by being a blank means a monster, living on Prince Island surrounded by magic and charms, Mal had never felt more at home with Essie Roe at his side, but having to leave Prince Island with hate in his heart for everything Roe, it brings out his darker side. Working witch Boone gave him something back. When you rely on somebody as your home, it can be taken away, and when you rely on people as your home, you only see what they want you to see.

Once again, The Magic Thief is complicated and although not as twisty as its predecessor, it's not predictable and it has its own twists that play into The Witch of Salt and Storm.

The Magic Thief is darker than The Witch of Salt and Storm, broadens the world building and shows you a different side of it with a complicated character that you can't help but like, even when he's hard to like, and it tells the story of Essie and Mal, and both books tie into one another perfectly.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ...really liked this book? It was a little quiet in moments, and not as much action as I was expecting, but it all worked in the end. Hm.

[16LeslieC · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book expecting it to be a stereotypical fantasy book however this book opens up so many doors of imagination and really did hook me into the plot, if you have a lot of spare, pick this up I highly recommend it!

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I've always been a monster," begins the jacket flap of Drift & Dagger. Mal keeps that a secret, though. More openly, he's something of a cross between a pirate, thief, smuggler, archeologist, and bounty hunter. He is a world-traveling adventurer who specializes in acquiring and selling magical artifacts, often through underhanded means. He frequents ports and bazaars, black markets and bars, dense slums and dense jungles and everything in between. He's lived his teen years in underworlds across the world learning how to survive, and lives only for the present.

It's the middle of the nineteenth century. Whalers rule the seas and commerce travels by ship. Mal is from Prince Island, the whaling capital of the world, off the coast of Massachusetts. He keeps that a secret, though, because it might lead to questions that might expose his hidden monster: in a world of magic, Mal is not magical. Some few lucky people have inherent magical talents. Everyone else trades in the goods they enchant, potions and charms and items of power to help them in their endeavors. Mal, though, he is one of those rare abominations unaffected by magic, a blank. He doesn't see the illusions that fool others, isn't made sick or sleepy, isn't stopped by repelling charms or security curses, even cancels the magic of others. Blanks are unnatural, cursed to eventually go mad and destroy everyone around them. Essie, his childhood best friend, his fellow social outcast growing up on Prince Island, the next Roe Witch whose magic will assure the ongoing success of the whaling industry, was the one who discovered his secret. She's the one who shared his secret, betraying his friendship and driving Mal from the only home he ever knew. Sending him fleeing abroad with nothing and no one to make his way in the world. To live in shadows, hoping to never be found out again.

Now Mal works with Boone, a Silvertongue--someone whose magic is the ability to force others to do as he says. Boone took Mal in when he was lost and alone, taught him the ways of the world, recognized Mal's blankness would be a benefit in his line of work as a magic Hunter. They are partners and scoundrels. It's an arrangement that works well for Mal, allowing him to keep his secret, live in the moment, and dream of perhaps someday finding a way to take vengeance on Essie.

Mal's story takes place in a deeply imagined world and is told with sharp dialogue and rich, evocative language that never impedes its adventurous pace. The intrigue is personal and based in Mal's quest for identity. It makes for a strong and enjoyable package that should appeal widely.

[Benjamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

In mal’s world magic is used by everyone besides those like Mal who is a blank, a person that is unable to be harmed or saved by magic. Beginning during Mals childhood the book tells about his best friend Essie Roe who is a witch and the only one that knows his secret. Years go by and everything is perfect till Essie tells everyone on their island home what Mal is. People began to panic because blanks are rumored to be monsters. So Mal is forced off the island where he meets a thief named Boone and together they steal illegal and rare magical artifacts. Mal hellbent on revenge hears about a dagger that takes away magic. Mal and Boone then go searching for the dagger going from Boston to Paris to Constantinople. He then realizes that there are many secrets he's barely comprehending, all while the blank inside him threatens to escape.

There are many things right and wrong with the book. Starting off with the pros is the backstory with Mals childhood and what led him down the path of a thief. Explaining what sets a blank apart from everyone and the different magical abilities of the other characters. A few issues that I had was the vague explanation of the magical items. Also the brief information on what a Roe witch is and how they get their powers. There are many characters that play no importance and I feel have no use being shown in the book.

The overall tone of the book was pretty serious. There were a few moments where the text made it seem as though the characters were having fun. Though the majority is in a rather dark and serious view the characters can be portrayed as vengeful and comical.

The author uses Drift and Dagger as a backstory to Salt and Storm the first book in her collection. Drift and dagger tells more about the magical world and about Essie and Mal before the first book. Combining the historical 1850s and magic Kulper is able to tell the story of Drift and dagger.

There are no connections that I could make to this book. There are a few moments of betrayal and love that I could relate to but otherwise the magical story I could not connect to my personal life. Mal loves Essie and with her betrayal he wants to seek revenge and take something that she loves because Essie took his home from him. The tale of Mal and Essie is a vengeful love story.

Those who love heists, revenge and love are suggested to read Drift and Dagger. The tale that Kendall Kulper is captivating and a great read. Spending hours reading chapter after chapter the reader will fall in love with Mals character.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this novel, Kendall Kulper creates something special to where it draws the reader in from the very beginning. This book is set on an island in a world of witches and magic. I liked how it was in the point of view of Mal and not the author. The main character Mal and his best-friend Essie were about 8-9 years old. Essie's mother was a famous witch with powerful powers. One day Essie exposed that Mal had no powers unlike most of the other people on the Island. He was considers a “blank”. Without magic he can be dangerous to the other islanders. His trust was broken when his own best friend exposed him so he left the island. He his his true identity pretty well and made it seem like he had magic throughout the years. He met a person named Boon who realized that Mal may actually be useful for having no powers. Boon was the only person he had in his life that believed in him and didn’t want to kill him. They were like partners in crime. They are hunters who set out on expeditions and work well as a team to find valuable items and sell them to get money. One day a magical shar that could take powers away from anybody came up missing. They started to go out on a hunt for the shar. If they got ahold of the shar than Mal could take away Essie’s powers so she can feel what it’s like to be in his shoes and they could become rich. It would become a win win situation for both Boon and Mal. On their journey to find they shar, they overcome many near death experiences and new discoveries.
What i like about this book is the suspense and action. There is always something happening and it’s never boring and dull. I love how the author illustrates the feeling of betrayal in Mal and makes the reader feel betrayed too. I also find it heartwarming that Boone never gave Mals secret away even in times he should have.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

Drift & Dagger is a companion novel to Salt & Storm. We met Essie in Salt & Storm and now we get to hop back in time to when Essie is younger. Through a gentleman named Mal (short for Malcolm), we find out who Essie is. Just like Salt & Storm, the novel is a historical fantasy. What I love about this novel is all the traveling Mal does with his partner in crime, Boone. A life as a hunter of magical objects is dangerous but Mal has nothing to lose. At least he can confine in Boone for company and they can explore the world. He cannot return to Prince Island unless it's for a good reason. Traveling from Prince Island to Boston to London and Paris is just the start of his journey to find the magical dagger, the shar. Mal doesn't want the riches and glory from the dagger; he just wants revenge. Essie took something of his and he wants to take something of her's.

I actually enjoyed this novel even more than Salt & Storm. Kulper creates a outstanding world fusing the 1850's with magic. Again she is a storyteller as she captivates your heart with Mal. There is something about Mal that I fell in love with. The way he talks, the way he thinks and the way he carries himself is enthralling. All Mal ever wanted is to belong. He wanted a family and friends. It's hard to be an orphan and casted away by people he once trusted.

If you are looking for a charming historical novel with a dash of adventure and lots of magic, definitely check out Drift & Dagger. You will be entranced by the story of Mal.

Disclaimer: I received this ARC from Mackenzi Lee for an honest opinion.

[fff · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading both Salt and Storm and Drift and Dagger, I must say that I really appreciate Kulper's bold and unabashed style. Both novels are refreshing. Her writing draws the reader in, and they speak to an innate desire in the reader to see the world unveiled in all its glory. Drift and Dagger might seem like the run-out-of-the-mill romance novel, but there are hard morals behind its story. Personally, I feel that this is an underrated book. Kulper once again proves that she is a wizard at developing the plot and characters. She succeeds in giving what the reading community desperately needs: diverse books.

If you enjoyed Kulper's books, you might want to try FrostFire by Zoe Marriott. Both books feature diverse landscapes, great character changes, and a thought-provoking plot. They highlight just how much art is required to create a sense of easy artlessness.

[Kathy Meulen Ellison]

The cover of this book is not a match for it in my opinion. I had no idea that this book was historical and also involved magic. Pictured on the front is the main character, Mal, who lives in the nineteenth century when whaling ships searched the ocean for oil. Mal is a "blank." A blank is someone who can't be affected by magic. This is a very dangerous thing to be in this world and it is a secret he has to hide from others. Mal and his partner, Boone, are hunters who go find magical objects to sell. When they hear about a magical dagger that can cut the magic out of a person, they plan to find it. Mal intends to use it against the girl who betrayed him when he was only a child. This was well-written and I liked the world that the author created. I'm looking forward to reading the first one.

[Forever Young Adult]

Graded By: Jennie
Cover Story: Nineteenth Century Layered Look
BFF Charm: Maybe
Swoonworthy Scale: 2
Talky Talk: Devil Inside
Bonus Factor: Standalone
Relationship Status: Part of Your World

Read the full book report here.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well woven story about Mal, a blank who can't be affected by magic is forced to leave the only place he has known as home due to being exposed for what he is. Having traveled the world, it brings him back to Essie, the girl he once called friend, but has always loved. This teaches him to face his inner demons and to find what freedom really means.

[Izzy Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me think of myself. The boy was put down for something he had that was shamed by other people and that not many people had. He got bullied for being different and it reminds me of how I've been treated. It's a great book that makes you think deeper even though it's an easy read.

[Rianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

it's a fun and interesting story but it was a little predictable...I liked reading it but it isn't one of my favourite books

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devastating and romantic. What can I say? I'm a sucker for books about heists, forbidden romance, magic, and the sea, and this one had all of the above.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, I loved this. Even more than Salt & Storm, which I adored! Mal is just so awesome! And I love how evocative of place Kendall Kulper is!

[Lala · Rating 4 out of 5]

****

Taking place years before Salt & Storm, Mal grows up on Prince Island, and is best friends with Essie Roe, the girl who will one day become the witch of the island. One afternoon, the pair inadvertently discover that Mal is a blank, a rare and feared person on whom magic has no effect. Years later, Essie reveals his secret and Mal is driven from the island and all he knows, betrayed by the one he loves best.

Mal befriends a man named Boone, a silvertongue who can convince people to do as he wants just by talking them into it, and together the two successfully run heists involving magical artifacts. But Mal has never forgotten Essie's betrayal, and when he comes across a valuable knife that can cut the magic out of any person forever, he decides it's time to take his revenge.

It was a little confusing to see that the rules of the world had changed. While the first book did mention that people from different places can have unique magic, in this one everyone has a unique magical ability of their own, except the blanks, who are considered monstrous and expected to one day go mad.

Despite this, the book was very engaging. The events of the ending and what really happened between Essie and the father of her baby was cleverly woven with the events from both books, and it was heartbreaking when Mal realized that Boone, the person who had become his family was a scam artist to the bone, willing to sell him off but had held off only because of a life debt.

Personal history: Borrowed from library.

Salt & Storm:
1. Salt & Storm

[SabinaLovesToRead · Rating 3 out of 5]

You should read Drift and Dagger only after you read Salt and Storm. I mean, technically yes, it can be read as a standalone book - but honestly the plot isn't that exiting on it's own, I don't feel like it can exist as a standalone. Only the connection of this story to what happened in Salt and Storm is what made this book a little bit more interesting at it's end.

Okey so I feel stupid, because I was reading this book thinking it's a sequel to the book Salt and Storm, only to reach it's end and realize that this is a prequel!!!

The story in Drift and Dagger is bout the time Avery's mother was meant to be the witch of Prince island, but it's not her sory we're reading about, but Mal's - the boy she broke his heart.
When I fisrt read the description of the book I thought it's a nice idea to tell a story about the Roe family through a character outside of the family, and Mal had a promising start in being a good main character, unfortunately the storyline didn't do well for him...

Mal's story begins on Prince island but he's forced to move and so the majority of the plot happens in England and Europe, where he becomes a treasure hunter. It was nice to experience the world of Salt and Storm outside of the island, but after a few chapters I felt like it takes out the unique feeling of the original story, maybe in some way it breaks the magic of the story of Salt and Storm.

Throughout the majority of the book I felt like I was reading a script of a treasure hunting game. The kind of game where you have multiple groups racing towards the same magical object and they all have to stop at the same points to find more clues about the whereabouts of that object. It felt juvenile and didn't interest me much to read...

Luckily the end was just amazing. The very last 3rd part of the book is what I mean when I'm saying that only the connection of this book to the previous one is what made this book a good read for me. So it's a 3/5 stars for me.

[Wajiha khan · Rating 4 out of 5]

actual rating: 3.5
The writing of this book was beautifully stunning. it felt like it was cutting your soul with a dull jagged knife, leaving wounds so very raw. The character of boone was just so compelling and i wish the story did not consist on any romance and just focused on their relation.
other than that the story was paced too slow for my taste.
I really liked the general story and the idea that the scientist was another blank was really good. the emotions behind mal and him feeling like he was slowly going insane worked amazingly. Boone in the end saying that the bet was on mals life broke my heart into a million peices. all the dialogues where they were falling out were really painfully and artisticly crafted. especially the ending where hes just a drunk.
However, the whole point about essie not being evil, was soooo predictable. i didnt like her justification for the betrayel. i didnt like that just to add emotional scenes to the story both of them were kept apart. i didnt like that they randomly made her pregnant. i dont think that really fit.

all the reasons why i wish the book didnt have essie come back in the end.

[Theenrichmentoffiction1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

⛵🌬️ Book review🐋⚓ 📚: Drift & Dagger by @kendallkulper

Salt & Storm #2 (I prefer reading this one first and then salt and storm #1)

Genre- historical fantasy adventure

It was a very enjoyable read that made me smile and tear up a few times, I am so glad I read it again💚🤎

Mal is used to a simple carefree life with his best friend Essie Roe(the future witch of Prince Island).
They would talk about their futures, dream under the stars and tell their deepest thoughts to each other.
Mal has a secret that Essie knows, his heart does not doubt her for trusting her.
Until one day anger words are thrown around and she gives up his secret and he has to leave the island to survive.
He meets a new friend Boone who takes him on his adventures of finding and selling objects with magic and also rare things. It's more dangerous than easy.
When one day the most powerful weapon disappears and they decide to find it and use it to their liking before selling it.
But things do not go as planned...

Hearts that were once broken are mended together after being betrayed and living years with the pain of lost friendship. Life can go on but not until the evil is is gone for good!

[Christina Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

I initially picked up this book due to the description, then put it to one side once I realised that it was apparently the second in a series. After reading both, I would actually say that this is like a companion novel and could be read before or after the first book, The Witch of Salt and Storm. In many ways, i actually liked this book more than the first one because I loved Mal as a character, we got to see more of the magical world and the rules surrounding the use and misuse of magic and it was basically a 'heist' book, which I adore.
Recommended, even if you didn't particularly enjoy the first book, due to magical thievery, Mal's adorableness and the various factions of treasure hunters.

[Jiana · Rating 2 out of 5]

I waited with this book for 15years and it wasn't worth it :P Now the circumstances are a bit complicated but I'm glad to have that story with me.

All lore aside, the author has a beautiful writting but unfortunately not a story to use it.
The second book has the same weaknesses with the first one.

The characters are two-dimentional and hard to care for. Many times they are hard and cruel for no reason at all. The story gets based on problematic and abusive relationships.
The plot gets bleak and too dark at some points, unexplicably to the rest of the tale.

Last but not least, I'm not a fangirl of the whole nautical theme, althought that really is well done.

[Falynn - the TyGrammarSaurus Rex · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was rather slow to get started and I didn't love it, but overall it was a solid read. I loved the setting with whaling ships and magic, but I couldn't connect with the main character. He felt very immature and I thought he might be being set up to have some kind of mental health issue, but then one conversation and his "monster" disappears completely... That left me a bit cold - something far more interesting and with offering some good MH rep could have been done there, when instead the issue was just "fixed", not even magically. It felt overly convenient.