[Blog Tour] Macario’s Scepter by M.J. McGriff — Pirates, Sisterly Bonds, Monsters and Magic!

It’s my stop with MTMC Tours to talk about Macario’s Scepter by M.J. McGriff!

You know what my weakness is? PIRATES. I had such a long obsession with Pirates of the Caribbean growing up (and I’m still in love with the ocean 😍it is 4mins down my street) so I’m inexplicably drawing to all sea-themed books. Macario’s Scepter did not disappoint!! It’s such a fantastic good ol’ pirate fantasy adventure romp and it has everything to keep you entertained and on the edge of your seat.

Look we are here for: enemies to lovers romance, twins sisters who bicker but would die for each other, there is a prophecy and a reluctant Chosen One, a sea monster who wants everyone dead (!!), magical islands full of deathly booby-traps, mysterious books, and suave pirate boys who are not to be trusted. But also 😌 tell that to Samara because she can’t stop falling for Baz Blackwater who broke her heart and chose the sea over her…except now he needs her back.

One of my favourite parts was the sisterly relationship! Samara is the headstrong, stubborn, leap-into-danger twin who wants adventure and the pirate life. While Seraphina joined a convent and just wants to quietly do good. They are fire and ice, and clash and bicker — but also they truly love each other. And their relationship heals throughout the book and it’s just amazing. They don’t force each other to change, but rather challenge each other to grow.

And adventure? The book is just steeped in wild schemes and death-defying escapes and magic. It’s face-paced and there is always something on the brink of going catastrophically wrong. Baz wants to collect the fabled Macario’s Scepter to prove his worth as a pirate to the other pirate lords and council. But Seraphina is the one who discovers how fated they will be if they start messing with this kind of magic. And Samara is, much to her dismay, the unwilling Chosen One.

This book is a dazzling and wicked delight of pirates, magic, monsters, sass and cunning adventures. I had so much fun reading this!

Also don’t forget to come enter the intl giveaway on my instagram!

An unlikely Chosen One, her pirate captain ex-lover, and a treasure-hunting nun. A prophecy that unleashes a fire-breathing sea serpent pouring its wrath on the isles. A magical scepter with the power to destroy—or save—the world.
Samara is a ship wrecked at sea. She can’t seem to get anything right, especially her love life. Her former pirate captain, the famous Baz Blackwater, broke her heart and stranded her on an island of religious hypocrites. Samara wants nothing more than to escape to the freedom of the sea, so when her ex-lover shows up offering a chance at a magical treasure—and secret revenge—she jumps at the chance.
Seraphina prays every day for her wayward twin sister to stop chasing the pirate life and find the peace she’s discovered in her own quiet life at the convent. But Samara has nothing but contempt for her sister’s beliefs and religious rituals. Yet when Seraphina uncovers an ancient prophecy revealing the horrifying curse of the treasure Samara and Baz seek, she must leave her convent—risking the wrath of her Order—and search for the truth about Macario’s scepter.
In a world of friendship and betrayal, monsters and magic, seedy pubs and adventure on the high seas, will Samara’s magical powers, Baz’s cunning plans, and Seraphina’s unshakable faith be enough to slay a cursed sea serpent destroying everything they love?

Amazon | B&N | Indiebound | Book Depository  | Blackwell’s | Goodreads!

MJ McGriff writes fast-paced YA fantasy and sci-fi stories featuring pirates, exotic locations, and amazing characters of color. She loves all things Marvel, Star Wars, and whatever she can find on a dessert menu. She lives in sunny South Florida with her two daughters who love to play pretend just as much as she does. Find her online at Website | Instagram | Goodreads | Twitter

 

Hi Samara and Seraphina! Thanks for fitting in this interview amongst your wild and death-defying pirate adventures. 😌🙌🏻 Can you each tell us a little about yourselves?

SAMARA: Not much to know really. Grew up on a miserable island called Bluegate. My father died was I young. So did my mom. Was wandering around aimlessly until I got to be become a pirate and even though I’m not part of the crew anymore, I’m still a pirate deep down. First chance I get I’m out of here.

SERAPHINA: My sister has neglected to tell you that she’s also very impulsive and doesn’t think things through. And when I’m not stopping her from making destructive decisions, I’m studying at the Santa Dolas seminary. My parent’s death taught me how important it is to be strong in my faith and help others find that faith.

Impulsive? Surely doesn’t sound like Samara at all 😌👌🏻Tell us what drew you to a life at sea, Samara?

SAMARA: To be honest, I had no idea what a life at sea meant. I just wanted to get the hell out of the Majestic Isles. Wearing veils and praying to statues is not my thing and frankly that’s all what the Isle life is about. When Baz and that charming smile rolled into town one day, there wasn’t much to think about.

Those dashingly charming pirates tho 😪 A problem for us all. Too pretty, too crime. But talk to me, Seraphina. What inspired you to become a nun? Bit of a career diverse for the two of you? 👀

SERAPHINA: I want to help others find Macario’s light and live their true purpose. My entire life changed when I found it. I firmly believe it is my calling to serve him.

That sounds like a lot of loyal dedication right there!! I can sense Samara rolling her eyes so! A question for both of you. If you had a lazy day off, how would you choose to spend it?

SAMARA: Sailing, obviously!
SERAPHINA: Praying of course. Or reading.

Now time to put Samara on the spot. Soooooo, tell us how you feel about a certain Baz Blackwater?

Ugh, I can’t stand him! He broke my heart in a million pieces when he left and trust me, when I find a way to get back at that heartless pirate, I’m taking it.

I believe you and rip Baz when you catch up to him and give him a piece of your mind. Also I will be here with popcorn to watch that go down. 👀👌🏻Speaking of grudges, do either of you give second chances or are you more likely to have a death-grip on your grudges till the end of time?

SAMARA: We only give second chances to each other.

SERAPHINA: I pray for those who are lost, instead of holding grudges.

SAMARA: Yeah, sure you do. LOL.

 

The sisterly support here is strong yes yes 😌reminds me of my own sister and I. But okay, moving on to our last question!! What can readers expect from you both during Macario’s Scepter!

SERAPHINA: My sister making the most horrible decision she could ever make and I pray she won’t get herself killed or doom our realm by going after something that should’ve stayed buried.

SAMARA: I’m getting off this island and protecting my sister, not matter what. There’s no time to think things through! Because pirates never do. 😉

Thanks so much for chatting with us today, Seraphina and Samara!! It’s been a blast! (Pirate cannon pun intended.) Wishing you best of luck with that prophecy and that sea monster and that…Baz Blackwater 👀Byyyyye!!

 

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