Libertad (Capitana Duology)

Review Quotes:

"Moving and nail-biting. The seeds of romance bloom deliciously into an earned connection that's as swoony as it is believable. More swashbuckling sisterly fun, with a healthy dose of hope for a brighter tomorrow: siempre juntas." - Kirkus Reviews

"A maelstrom of a novel full of betrayal and high-stakes adventure." - School Library Journal

In this conclusion to a sweepingly epic seafaring romantasy duology--perfect for fans of Daughter of the Pirate King, Curious Tides, and The Hurricane Wars--Ximena Reale is trying to bring down an empire. But with her loyalties torn, she finds herself grappling with the true price of freedom...and love.

Alongside her sister, Ximena Reale now sails under the banner of the legendary pirate Gasparilla. But, between the bounty on "Gasparilla's" head and the Empire's renewed efforts to stomp out piracy, the sisters' fellow pirates are suddenly wary of swearing allegiance to their cause.

After a betrayal in the one place they were supposed to be safe, Gasparilla's crew hits the high seas again and Ximena is reunited with Cazador Dante de León. Her longtime rival has been tasked with capturing her, and Ximena doesn't know if she can trust the information he's feeding her about the empire's plans to take over the Northern Archipelago's silver mines. "Gasparilla" heads north to rob the robbers, but the Empire has a few nasty tricks up their sleeves--including putting a traitor in the pirates' midst.

With the armada closing in, Ximena finds herself scrambling to protect the people she loves. The price of freedom is higher than it's ever been--but is Ximena willing to pay, even if it costs her everything?

• The Pirate's Life for Me: Since learning the truth about her family, Ximena has turned to piracy, just like her sister and parents did.
• Forbidden Romance: Dante is sworn to the Cazadores, hunters who track down pirates. Any feelings he had for Ximena are now strictly forbidden.
• Who to Trust: Though she might have feelings for Dante, Ximena isn't sure if she can trust the information that he is feeding her.
• Seafaring Adventure: Ximena and her crew embark on another adventure to challenge the Luzan Empire.

Review Citations:

• Kirkus Reviews 04/15/2026 (EAN 9780063345669, Hardcover)
• School Library Journal 05/15/2026 pg. 1 (EAN 9780063345669, Hardcover)

Contributor Bio:James, Cassandra

Cassandra James grew up in a mixed immigrant family with a penchant for storytelling, so becoming a writer was almost inevitable. She recently graduated from Princeton University with a degree in English focusing on creative writing. After traveling solo around the world for several months, she landed in Orlando, Florida, where she now spends her days cooking Colombian food, obsessing over Broadway musicals, and occasionally swashbuckling. She is the author of Capitana and Libertad.