“a sweeping historical epic that was hard to put down” “this remarkable tale of trial, growth, loss, and triumph is one that will live in the heart and mind long after its final page” “intense and utterly gripping” Prostitution required the violation of my body. Piracy required my soul. The first enslaved me. The second set me free. The triumph of the notorious Zheng Yi Sao is the fierce and unflinching adventure of how a prostitute became the most powerful and successful pirate in the world. Xianggu is sold into slavery to work on a floating brothel, her virginity bought by the highest bidder. Determined to rise above her poverty and lowly status, she learns the business from the madam. But a violent midnight pirate raid destroys her ambitions. Kidnapped by the powerful pirate boss, Xianggu embarks on a journey that demands beauty, brains and brawn. She must do more than learn to wield a sword, sail a ship, and swim across the bay if she hopes to survive. She must prove her worth to the Red Flag fleet. The winds never blow in the same direction and tragedy forces Xianggu to make a risky decision that changes not only her life but the lives of thousands of pirates. Surrounded by jealous men, devious women, ancient prejudices, and the Qing navy, Xianggu battles to save her empire, her family, and her own heart. In 18th century China, when men made and enforced the rules, the Dragon Lady lived by her own. Kirkus Review A slave finds freedom in a life of piracy in this novel set in 19th-century China. At the tender age of 13, Xianggu is sold into slavery by her father, an unfeeling man saddled with debts. She becomes the property of Madam Xu, a shrewd woman who runs a floating brothel in Guangzhou. Xianggu works as a "flower girl" for 10 long years, both a slave and a prostitute, her virginity sacrificed to a paying customer. All the while, she pines for some measure of independence and dreams of emulating Madam Xu and becoming an entrepreneur as well: "I saw my customers as a way to climb up, not fall under." But those dreams come to a crashing end when the "flower boat" is commandeered by the Red Flag fleet, a notorious band of pirates. Xianggu cleverly bargains for her life and eventually becomes the mistress and then wife of Zheng Yi, the squad boss who commands the largest squadron in the fleet. She learns the violent art of "sea banditry" and rises within the ranks of a deadly crew of remorseless criminals, an opportunity to effect her own emancipation: "Prostitution required the violation of my body. Piracy required my soul. The first enslaved me. The second set me free." Bardot thrillingly details Xianggu's ascendancy from abject poverty to a position of respected leadership among the hardest of men. A memorable character, Xianggu poignantly exemplifies a broader "story about how to survive in a cruel world, how to claw one's way to the top, how one must do horrible things to live another day." The author delivers a tale that is historically authentic, rigorously researched, and a moving portrayal of a remarkable but morally compromised life. A gripping pirate story as historically astute as it is dramatically captivating. This book is hands down incredible. Not only impressively well researched but also wonderfully written. Top notch world-building, vivid and absolutely real-feeling descriptions, beautifully fleshed out characters, great pacing with just the right amount of tension, great intrigue, a good touch of romance and a hell lot of action. -Book Dragon Loved this story. I thought it was going to be another impoverished child turned concubine turned Empress. Not at all it's a story about how an impoverished child became the most feared and respected woman in China by being a pirate. It's a tale about a woman pirate and how she overcomes all the obstacles being a female in a man's world. - Punknpearls The characters came alive as I read. The story showed a world completely different. The adventure kept me coming back to read more. - Amazon Reviewer Super fun action-packed book. Great character development throughout the book as a young girl grows from a lowly slave servant to queen of the seas by using her mind and body to conqueror her foes. - Mile High Reader Superb. Great story. A lot going on but easy to follow- Vicky Weaver Dedication  To all the women out there who know what it feels like to try to succeed in a man's world.   Autumn Bardot is the author of stories about strong women and dangerous passions.  She's a wife, mom, grandma, and teacher.  Because that doesn't keep her busy enough, she has a YouTube channel for new writers with lots of writing tips, author tools, and inspiration. Autumn writes best at home in her sunny Southern California backyard and while vacationing at the beach. She bakes great chocolate chip cookies, drinks too much coffee, buys too many shoes, and loves to write stories about courageous but flawed women who succeed despite t