Fire Sword and Sea

In addition to being a novelist, Vanessa Riley holds a doctorate in mechanical engineering from Stanford University and both a BS and MS in mechanical engineering from Penn State. She currently juggles mothering an architect, baking her Trinidadian grandmother’s desserts, hugging her retired military husband, and speaking at women’s and STEM events. You can often find her writing from the comfort of her Georgia porch, tea or latte in hand.

“Fire Sword and Sea is a tale both timely and powerful. Mixed-race Jacquotte Delahaye grows up the daughter of a wealthy tavern owner in seventeenth century Tortuga, fired equally by dreams of adventure on the high seas and fury at the growing slave trade on her island home. Marriage to a dashing pirate does nothing to quell her thirst for both adventure and justice, and Jacquotte is destined to take to the waves herself with a cadre of fellow female buccaneers. Warrior, liberator, force of nature—Jacquotte, as penned by powerhouse historical fiction author Vanessa Riley, is a heroine for the ages.” — Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author“Set in the dangerous world of the 17th-century Caribbean, Vanessa Riley introduces us to the brilliant and cunning pirate Jacquotte Delahaye. This is a sweeping, daring tale that, at moments, left me both speechless and breathless. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever read. Fire Sword and Sea is pure literary gold." — Victoria Christopher Murray"In her latest, Riley provides a fresh take on high seas adventure through the eyes of the courageous, swashbuckling, based-on-a-real-life female pirate Jacquotte Delahaye. The research Riley has done on this 1600s saga is truly remarkable, second only to her depictions of the lush Caribbean setting and the diverse, multi-faceted cast of characters. This is one to be savored." — Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Stolen Queen“Exciting...Riley packs a great deal into her sweeping novel, all to memorable effect, including a gender-bending queer romance subplot and gritty action on the high seas. Fans of swashbuckling adventures will cheer. “ — Publishers Weekly“Exploring the maritime and political history of the Caribbean through the eyes of a woman determined to follow her own path, Riley’s latest is a welcome addition to her collection of work uncovering forgotten or overlooked women of color from the past.” — The Washington Post“A wild ride of adventure and historical curiosity.” — Booklist, starred review“It sounds like everything fans of Black Sails, Our Flag Means Death, and seafaring historical fiction ever could’ve wanted.” — Book Riot“Here is a queer and Black pirate novel based on the legend of Jacquotte Delahaye, a 17th century pirate… She falls in love with a courtesan and is pulled into a life full of secrets, intrigue, and yes, swashbuckling.” — Autostraddle“This book further continues Riley’s literary legacy of creating nuanced and lively characters while teaching the masses about pivotal moments in history.” — Essence“Fire Sword and Sea vividly imagines people who could very well have been real, operating in a time when living truly as themselves bore catastrophic consequences.” — Trinidadian Sunday Express“This might be the pirate book of 2026!” — Ms. Magazine“In this cracking adventure full of thrills and chills, Riley’s diverse, multi-faceted cast fulfils the task of building the compelling narrative.” — Historical Novel Society