On Mar León-de la Rosa’s 16th birthday, el Diablo comes calling.
Mar is a transmasculine nonbinary teen pirate hiding a magical ability to manipulate fire and ice. But their magic isn’t enough to reverse a wicked bargain made by their father and now el Diablo has come to collect his payment: the soul of Mar’s father and the entire crew of their ship.
When Mar is miraculously rescued by the sole remaining pirate crew in the Caribbean, el Diablo returns to give them a choice: give up your soul to save your father by the Harvest Moon or never see him again.
The task is impossible–Mar refuses to make a bargain and there’s no way their magic is any match for el Diablo. Then, Mar finds the most unlikely allies: Bas, an infuriatingly arrogant and handsome pirate–and the captain’s son; and Dami, a genderfluid demonio whose motives are never quite clear.
For the first time in their life, Mar may have the courage to use their magic. It could be their only redemption–or it could mean certain death.
The Wicked Bargain is a delightful and thrilling adventure that seamlessly blends Latinx pirates, magical elements, and a heartfelt quest to rescue family and crew. The novel is not just about high-stakes action but also features deeply personal journeys of self-discovery, making it a unique and refreshing read in the fantasy genre.
One of the standout aspects of the book for me was its portrayal of queerness, which felt authentic and thoughtfully handled. Mar, the main character, is a transmasc nonbinary person who uses they/them pronouns. Though Mar rejects “woman” as an identity, they are more comfortable with “man” or even better “boy” when talking to people who don’t know them or their pronouns. The nuanced exploration of gender felt genuine.
“What are you?”
Mar blinks at the question. There are so many answers, each of them as true as the last. They’re a person-mostly a boy, but not entirely. They’re a crew member, a sailor, an explorer. They’re an only child. A friend.
This quote perfectly captures the fluidity and complexity of Mar’s identity. It’s not just about being “a boy” or “not a girl”. It’s about everything they are, from their role in the crew to their inner sense of self. The way the story allows Mar’s gender to simply be, without turning it into the central conflict, is a refreshing approach in queer representation. It’s treated with the same ease and significance as any other aspect of their character development, and that’s something I really appreciated.
In terms of fantasy tropes, I’m usually wary of the “magical healing” plotline, but even that felt mostly well-executed here.
Speaking of magic, it doesn’t just feel like a convenient tool, but rather a nuanced part of Mar’s personal journey. The use of magic is intertwined with their emotional and physical struggles, allowing for meaningful growth rather than just a plot device. It’s handled with care, and that’s something I rarely see done so sensitively.
And as we are on the topic of struggles, Mar’s relationship with their body and the external world is portrayed with such honesty. They wear a binder, constantly worrying that it will show. It’s a quiet, recurring element in the book, never overly dramatized, yet it speaks volumes about Mar’s internal conflict.
And then there’s Dami, the genderfluid demonio, who is equal parts infuriating and endearing. Dami adds a fun layer of complexity to the narrative. Charming yet chaotic, unpredictable yet lovable, Dami brings a sense of mischief to the story while also playing a significant role in Mar’s emotional journey. Even when getting under your skin, you can’t help but root for the demonio, who could be either friend or foe.
While the action-packed fight scenes and high-seas adventures are thrilling, The Wicked Bargain also weaves in a slow-burn romance that’s impossibly cute. It’s refreshing to see a romance that doesn’t overpower the plot but rather complements it in a natural, subtle way. The connection between Mar and their love interest grows steadily, without the usual over-the-top drama, and it’s absolutely heartwarming to watch. The romance feels grounded, a tender thread that enriches the story without eclipsing its central themes.
Ultimately, The Wicked Bargain is an exhilarating, magical adventure that’s as much about self-discovery and identity as it is about action and plot twists. The rich world-building, complex characters, and inclusive themes make this book special. Whether you’re here for the swashbuckling escapades, the diverse representation, or the magical realism, there’s something for everyone.
This is a novel that does more than tell a captivating story, it offers a window into a world where queerness, magic, and adventure intersect in the most beautiful ways. If you’re looking for a book that thoughtfully represents gender, magic, and love, The Wicked Bargain is definitely worth picking up.
