A Clash of Steel: A Treasure Island Remix

by C.B. Lee

Book Overview

In the Remixed Classics series, authors from marginalized backgrounds reinterpret classic works through their own cultural lens to subvert the overwhelming cishet, white, and male canon. Two intrepid queer girls of color embark on a legendary treasure hunt in this YA remix of Treasure Island, flipping the script on a notoriously Euro-centric sausage-fest of a classic.

1826. The sun is setting on the golden age of piracy, and the legendary Dragon Fleet, the scourge of the South China Sea, is no more. Its ruthless leader, a woman known only as the Head of the Dragon, is now only a story, like the ones Xiang has grown up with all her life. She desperately wants to prove her worth, especially to her mother, a shrewd businesswoman who never seems to have enough time for Xiang. Her father is also only a story, dead at sea before Xiang was born. Her single memento of him is a pendant she always wears, a simple but plain piece of gold jewelry.

But the pendant's true nature is revealed when a mysterious girl named Anh steals it, only to return it to Xiang in exchange for her help in decoding the tiny map scroll hidden inside. The revelation that Xiang's father sailed with the Dragon Fleet and tucked away this secret changes everything. Rumor has it that the legendary Head of the Dragon had one last treasure--the plunder of a thousand ports--that for decades has only been a myth, a fool's journey.

Xiang is convinced this map could lead to the fabled treasure. Captivated with the thrill of adventure, she joins Anh and her motley crew off in pursuit of the island. But the girls soon find that the sea--and especially those who sail it--are far more dangerous than the legends led them to believe.

Praise for A Clash of Steel:

A Cosmopolitan Best YA Book of 2021

"This deeply immersive adventure features deftly interwoven Chinese and Vietnamese, luscious culinary descriptions, and well-rendered explorations of imperialism, treasure, found family, and love." --Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Vividly realized and brimming with romantic adventure. Rooted in the legend of Chinese pirate queen Ching Shih, C.B. Lee's A Clash of Steel is richly imagined and thrilling to the end." --Malinda Lo, bestselling author of Last Night at the Telegraph Club

"Lavishly drawn and studded with jewels from the original, C.B. Lee has written a remix that delves deep into questions of family, love, and treasure. This is a book I wish I'd had as a young, queer teen and it deserves a spot in any collection." --Natalie C. Parker, author of the Seafire trilogy

The Remixed Classics Series
A Clash of Steel: A Treasure Island Remix by C.B. Lee
So Many Beginnings: A Little Women Remix by Bethany C. Morrow
Travelers Along the Way: A Robin Hood Remix by Aminah Mae Safi
What Souls Are Made Of: A Wuthering Heights Remix by Tasha Suri
Self-Made Boys: A Great Gatsby Remix by Anna-Marie McLemore
My Dear Henry: A Jekyll & Hyde Remix by Kalynn Bayron
Teach the Torches to Burn: A Romeo & Juliet Remix by Caleb Roehrig
Into the Bright Open: A Secret Garden Remix by Cherie Dimaline
Most Ardently: A Pride & Prejudice Remix by Gabe Cole Novoa

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1250750377
• ISBN13: 9781250750372
• Release Date: September 2021
• Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
• Length: 432 Pages
• Weight: 1.18 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 5.7" x 8.6"
• Age Range: 13 to 18 years
• Grade Range: Grade 8 to Postsecondary

Customer Reviews

Bring on the treasure!

I enjoy all the different versions of Treasure Island, from the original to Muppet Treasure Island and Treasure Planet. This is a worthy addition to the retellings of Treasure Island! I like how it takes place in Asia too and has added in the famous woman pirate Zheng Yi Sao. She deserves a chance to be in the spotlight since she was such a successful pirate. I also like how this book has a section at the end to relay more information about the real life version of Zheng Yi Sao. Now, I know most of the story is about Xiang (and Anh) and that was really good too. I do wish there had been more from Anh's point of view but Xiang was an interesting character and it was cool to go along with her on her adventures as she figured out what she wanted with her life, and to find the treasure of the Dragon Fleet of course. I enjoyed her short time in Canton too, and seeing all the variety of people living there, and the food. It made me want to try the cuisine! A good, solid book, a bit predictable and not as much action as there could be with pirates but enjoyable for me nonetheless!