Capitana: A Review
When I first came across Capitana by Cassandra James, I was immediately drawn to its captivating premise: a young woman striving to prove herself as a cazadora in a world where her family’s past casts a long shadow. But as I dove into the pages, I couldn’t help but feel a growing frustration that transformed what I anticipated as a gripping adventure into a tale filled with the kind of irritation that’s hard to shake off.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
From the very start, I found myself wrestling with the main character, Ximena Reale. The book opens with a promise of tension between her aspirations and the legacy of her parents—executed pirates, now haunting her every step. As she navigates through her academic life with determination, striving to become a cazadora, I expected to witness her growth amidst these challenges. Instead, I was met with a character who felt more like an unyielding wall than a relatable protagonist.
Ximena’s infuriating stubbornness, to the point of obsession with rules and her own perceived superiority, was exhausting. Quoting laws incessantly and berating anyone who dared to diverge from her ideology, she embodied the “gunner” archetype so vividly, that I found myself hoping for a plot twist where she would at least acknowledge the flaws in her belief system. “You know, I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone as infuriating as you are,” is a line that not only illustrates Ximena’s character but also speaks to the sentiments that bubbled up in me throughout the narrative.
As for the supporting characters, Dante de León, while given some depth, felt overshadowed by Ximena’s theatrics rather than serving as a catalyst for her growth. The lack of chemistry between them was astonishing, and as someone who craves romantic tension in a “romantasy,” I was sorely disappointed. I genuinely felt more chemistry with my grocery list than with their interactions.
The pacing of the story, too, lagged under the weight of repeated themes and phrases. At times, it felt like I was slogging through a classroom lecture rather than being swept into a fantasy world. Despite the 400-page count, I found the narrative redundant, prompting me to flip through the pages just to arrive at the end.
However, I won’t deny that there were moments where the writing sparkled, especially towards the climax when the plot twist emerged. Though I didn’t draw satisfaction from Ximena’s journey, the cliffhanger did leave me intrigued, albeit not intrigued enough to pursue the next installment.
In summary, Capitana offers a unique premise that unfortunately falls flat due to one-dimensional characters, tedious pacing, and a disappointing lack of romance. If you’re someone who thrives on complex characters and multi-layered narratives, this might not be the read for you. While the cover is undeniably stunning, the inside didn’t resonate as I had hoped.
All in all, save your time and energy—perhaps pick up a different title that promises a richer reading experience.
1 star (and that’s being generous). Trigger warnings: death of family members, murder, colonialism, physical assault, genocide, public executions.
