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The Wicked Bargain

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The Wicked Bargain

By: Gabe Cole Novoa
Narrated by: Vico Ortiz
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About this listen

El Diablo is in the details in this Latinx pirate fantasy starring a transmasculine nonbinary teen with a mission of revenge, redemption, and revolution. From the New York Times bestselling author of Most Ardently.

On Mar León de la Rosa's sixteenth 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 their soul to save their 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 a 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 gender-fluid 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.
Fantasy Fiction LGBTQ+ Literature & Fiction Magic Multicultural Science Fiction & Fantasy Pirate Caribbean

Critic Reviews

"Pirates and romance, dangerous magic and demon curses — this book has it all! THE WICKED BARGAIN is an immersive, vibrant adventure with swashbuckling, secrets and deals with a devil. Come for the epic fantasy adventure in the Caribbean, stay for the diverse cast, romantic tension and heart-warming found family!" Aiden Thomas, New York Times bestselling author of Cemetery Boys

“An entertaining, swashbuckling action story with a truly unique premise.” Paste Magazine

★ "A swashbuckling tale brimming with sorcery." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

★ “Novoa’s story celebrates identities often othered in our world by representing them as ordinary here. A lineup of Latinx characters, gender-fluid demonio, and slow-burning romance beautifully round off this fantasy.” —Booklist, starred review

"This romantic coming-of-age fantasy offers endearing, flawed heroes, an enticing villain, and high emotional stakes. An alluring high-seas adventure." —Kirkus Reviews

"Sets the standard for inclusive, swashbuckling romance; it’s adventurous, fun, and highly recommended." —School Library Journal

“Pirating adventures with a good amount of fun, magic, demonios, diablos, and gender-affirming experiences make this an easy and entertaining read.” —The Bulletin

"A must-read for anyone still obsessed with Our Flag Means Death, Black Sails, and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever; anyone in desperate need of more gender expansive BIPOC young adult fantasy; and anyone who wants a rollicking adventure full of magic and mayhem." —Tor Online
All stars
Most relevant
God. I loved everything about this. The story, the characters, the world and ofc Vico❤️

This was so much fun. I was craving a pirate book and this delivered. It was just incredible ❤️

VICO ORTIZ MADE THIS BOOK

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Great Story and performance. I really love the representation. So appreciated. Thank you Vico Ortiz for your tiktoks. <3

Brilliant

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.