Pirates and Privateers

There is no frigate like a book to take us lands away. ~ Emily Dickinson

Avast there! The Bookaneer sails the High Seas in search of books of interest to pirates young and old. Feel free to browse the latest reviewed titles or click on the links below the latest reviews to access specific sections.

A special note to authors and publicists

More than two decades ago, I began reviewing books for Appraisal: Science Books for Young People, The Book Report, Library Media Connection, and School Library Journal. Later, I reviewed books online for Ivy Quill Reviews and Simply E-Books. Today, I review historical novels and history books for Historical Novels Review, Discovering Diamonds, and Goodreads.com, and piratical and maritime fiction and non-fiction for Pirates and Privateers. If you would like me to review your latest pirate or maritime book, please contact me. ~ Cindy Vallar

The Bonnie Bookaneer's Latest Reviews

Battle's Flood by J. D. Davies
The adventures of Jack Stannard of the Navy Royal continue in the second book in the trilogy. Set against the turbulent stirrings in Europe, Jack and his son, Tom, join John Hawkins and Francis Drake on their expedition to Africa and the Spanish colonies. A voyage that promises potential riches is fraught with discord and unexpected dangers. In her father's absence, Meg Stannard de Andrade must keep watch over her stepmother and half-siblings, for something is afoot, and Meg is certain it will lead to no good.

Captain Kidd's Lost Ship by Frederick H. Hanselmann
An investigation that sifts myth from the history surrounding William Kidd and his prize, the Quedagh Merchant, and explains the archaeological process, discovery, and preservation of the shipwreck.

No Rest for the Wicked by Lauren Smith
The promise of a rich haul lures pirate captain Dominic Greyville to attack a British merchant ship carrying members of the Royal Navy. Although he releases them, minus their ship, his crew discovers two cabin boys left behind. His own past compels him to take them into his crew, even though he senses something isn't quite right about the pair. Robbie Harcourt wants one last adventure, but gets more she bargains for when she comes face-to-face with pirates.

Smugglers, Pirates, and Patriots by Tyson Reeder
After the United States wins its independence, other countries want to shed their European overlords. Brazil is one of those countries and Americans are only too willing to assist in their cause, even if they must resort to smuggling and piracy. While the struggles are similar, the two factions don't follow the exact same path to independence. This is an account of how Brazil gained its independence in its own way.

1545 by Peter Marsden
If not for the tragic sinking of the Mary Rose, people might not remember the Battle of the Solent. But on 19 July at most 35 men of the nearly 500 on board died. This book tells the story of the ship from when she was designed until she was resurrected and turned into a museum in 2013. Reviewed by Irwin Bryan

Additional Reviews

Books for Young Pirates

Books for Pirate Apprentices and Young Adults

Books for Adults - Fiction

Books for Adults - Non-fiction

A special note to readers

The United States Federal Trade Commission has issued new guidelines for online reviewers, which include disclosing to you that publishers, publicists, and authors send me review books and media for free. Sometimes I request these review copies, sometimes I don't. In either case, I am free to choose whether or not I publish a review of these items, although the sender hopes that I will do so. Sometimes I add these free review copies to my personal library collection. Other times I donate them to libraries or other worthy causes, or use them as prizes I award to contest winners. If anyone wishes to know what I did with a specific title reviewed here, I'll be happy to disclose that information.