In the early 19th century, a girl named Shek Ying rises from the harbors of Macao—born in a floating brothel, married to a pirate lord, and destined to disappear into history. But when her husband dies, she refuses to become a widow in the shadows.

Instead, she builds an empire.

Uniting hundreds of warring pirate ships into the feared Red Flag Fleet, Shek Ying enforces a radical new Code—one that promises justice over vengeance, and a vote for every hand. Her fleet becomes more than an army. It becomes a nation.

But empires do not sleep.

From Qing court officials to opium-hungry British traders, enemies circle. And within her own ranks, captains begin to question whether her laws are strength—or a cage. As the Code is tested by betrayal, war, and ambition, Shek Ying must decide what kind of leader she is—and what she’s willing to sacrifice to hold the sea.

Told through unsent letters, intelligence reports, and salt-stained memories, By Blood, Ink and Salt is a lyrical, unflinching work of historical fiction. It’s a tale of rebellion, legacy, and the woman who dared to write law on the sea.

Perfect for readers of R.F. Kuang’s Babel, Madeline Miller’s Circe, and Samantha Shannon’s The Priory of the Orange Tree.

She isn’t remembered. She is re-remembered—every time someone spits into the wind and says she got away.

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