Author: Ariel Lawhon
Historical fiction
Published on 10 September 2026 by Swift Press in the United Kingdom.
Hardback | 528 pages
164 x 242 x 46 | 774g
Ireland, 1535.
The sea is no place for a girl.
Least of all Grace O’Malley, the only daughter of a powerful chieftain and the family’s best hope of securing a strong alliance through childbirth. But something wild and unexpected stirs within Grace, a yearning that neither her father nor her mother – nor even the brutal warrior she is eventually forced to marry – can suppress for long.
1586. Over the past half-century, the determined young girl has defied all expectations. Now heir to clan O’Malley’s mighty fleet and a formidable mother, Grace is prepared to kill to protect what is hers. So when Queen Elizabeth’s incursions into Ireland grow bolder she must fight to defend her land, her ships and the people she loves most.
Keenly observed and fiercely written, The Pirate Queen is a sweeping historical adventure inspired by the life of Grace O’Malley, the legendary Irish folk heroine who risked everything to save her people.
PRAISE FOR ARIEL LAWHON'One of our most interesting authors of historical fiction' People'Ariel Lawhon is a masterful storyteller' Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling author of Becoming Mrs. Lewis'Her skill with characterisation is enviable' 5 Star Reader Review'An extremely talented author' 5 Star Reader Review