The Academie by Susanne Dunlap

|Edition: Hardcover, 368 pages|Publisher: Bloomsbury|
|Release Date: February 2012|

|Genre: Historical fiction, 1800s, Napoleonic War, romance|

|Other Books: The Musician's Daughter, Anastasia's Secret, and In the Shadow of the Lamp by Susanne Dunlap; Dancing Through Fire by Kathryn Lasky|
|Overall Rating: 5/5|

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Eliza Monroe-daughter of the future president of the United States-is devastated when her mother decides to send her to boarding school outside of Paris. But the young American teen is quickly reconciled to the idea when-ooh, la-la!-she discovers who her fellow pupils will be: Hortense de Beauharnais, daughter of Josephine Bonaparte; and Caroline Bonaparte, youngest sister of the famous French general. It doesn't take long for Eliza to figure out that the two French girls are mortal enemies-and that she's about to get caught in the middle of their schemes.
Loosely drawn from history, Eliza Monroe's imagined coming of age provides a scintillating glimpse into the lives, loves, and hopes of three young  during one of the most volatile periods in French history.

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Yet another tale of daring adventure, love, and history is spun by Dunlap, the author of The Musician's Daughter and In the Shadow of the Lamp. Set in the backdrop of a glamourous but uneasy time in French history, our four heroines will–all in a few short months–endure great adventure, scandal, danger, and love. Only some will survive.
A fan of Dunlap's since her first novel for young adults, The Academie is of course, no surprise, a favorite. Taking once again a unique, but exciting bit a of history and combining it with historically correct characters, you get a lovely fictionalized retelling. Sharing the spotlight with not one, not two, but three young girls' perspectives was a genius way of summing up a complicated, and sometimes two-faced story. Despite it skipping sometimes between two very different events, the book is very unified. Dunlap has pulled off the threesome nicely. The Academie  seemed to be a smoother read as well. In some of her other novels, specific plot climaxes were at times far between but with this one, everything flowed into one big finale!
I would have never thought to have included an American character among the daughters of the elite Frenchmen. Although taking place before the Monroes were White House material, James Monroe (more commonly known as just "President Monroe") was an important figure-head in both the American and French Revolutions. 
Of the two French girls–Hortense was my favorite. She is the quiet thinker of the foursome, she is also the most hesitant. Though wise beyond her years, Hortense must make a risky choice. One that may require her to make a terrible sacrifice. On the other hand, Madeline is the wild card. She pops up now and then but readers will not know how to place her until the final card is played. Love will spare no one! Dunlap will leave readers vying destiny of each girl with every twist and turn.


Overall, The Academie is Dunlap's best yet. There is a nice selection to chose from on Napoleonic literature but Dunlap's will be a favorite. Highly recommend to faithful fans, historical fiction lovers, and anyone else who may be intrigued. Ages 13+


Content Awareness
Some violence and some mild sexual references/sensuality. (PG)

Unclaimed Heart by Kim Wilkins

Edition: Paperback, 320 pages

Publisher: Razorbill

Release Date: July 2009

Genre: Historical fiction, 1700s, adventure, romance

Similar Books: Pirates! by Celia Rees, Sovay by Celia Rees 

Overall Rating: 4/5

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The rules for a young English woman in 1799 are simple: Do what you're told; stay out of the way; and don't, under any circumstances, ask questions. 

But Constance Blackchurch is insatiable, headstrong, and complex; and the quest to find her missing mother is too much to resist...

as is Alexandre Sans-Nom, the pearl diver who steals her heart, uproots all of her social expectations, and can either ruin or save the family she loves.

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The story was intriguing...a missing mother. A brooding, and distant father. A secret, and of course, a forbidden romance. The story is a bit dry at first but once Constance begins finding out information about her mother's whereabouts, it picks up quite a bit. My only issue with making Unclaimed Heart a favorite was that I felt it was written in sort-of juvenile way. It's not a middle grade novel–at least not by my knowledge–and Wilkins has written other historical romances for adults so I was sort of surprised it would get this feeling. I liked the characters, particularly the french sailor-boy (but of course!) and the setting/period but the main character, Constance, again felt in some way a bit too distant. Some of the predicaments Constance finds herself in is not very realistic, almost silly, and at times a bit rushed which can take the shine off the adventure.

Perhaps the toned-down atmosphere will keep it from being an extremely enticing novel, but it was a nice, quick read nonetheless. Younger readers will probably enjoy this novel much more; in fact, I would definitely have read and loved this book several years ago. Still, I hardly ever regret reading a book set on the high seas! Recommended for ages 12+.

The Lions of Little Rock by Kristin Levine

Edition: Hardcover, 304 pages
Publisher: Penguin, Putnam Juvenile
Release Date: January 2012
Genre: Contemporary fiction, historical fiction, 1950s, Civil Rights Era, Friendship
Other Books By Author: Best Bad I Luck I Ever Had
Overall Rating: 4/5

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Two girls separated by race form an unbreakable bond during the tumultuous integration of Little Rock schools in 1958.
Twelve-year-old Marlee doesn't have many friends until she meets Liz, the new girl at school. Liz is bold and brave, and always knows the right thing to say, especially to Sally, the resident mean girl. Liz even helps Marlee overcome her greatest fear - speaking, which Marlee never does outside her family.
But then Liz is gone, replaced by the rumor that she was a Negro girl passing as white. But Marlee decides that doesn't matter. Liz is her best friend. And to stay friends, Marlee and Liz are willing to take on integration and the dangers their friendship could bring to both their families.

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There are quite a few books now about the civil rights movement or integration in the 1950s/60s. After awhile I kind of felt like that once I read a few books with this topic, I read them all. With The Lions of Little Rock, it was not just another integration story...it was way more. Although it followed the classic white girl meets black girl scenario, it had a unique twist and a lot of history. 
The main character in The Lions of Little Rock is twelve year-old Marlee who struggles with shyness and speaking for herself. When she meets the new girl in school, Marlee becomes fascinated with her. Liz is everything Marlee wishes she could be...and soon they become inseparable friends. After a troubling discovery one morning at school, Marlee realizes that although Liz wasn't what she seemed, their friendship and Liz's lesson about being courageous is more important. Even though being friends with Liz is fast becoming dangerous as the racial tensions between whites and blacks rise, Marlee learns to find her voice.


Combining a heartfelt come-of-age story in the backdrop of a turbulent time in American history, Levine shows us that friendship and making a stand are sometimes the most important lessons learned in life.
The Lions of Little Rock was nice, different look on the segregation wars. Taking place a year after the "Little Rock 9", Levine incorporates alot of history–sometimes little known–into a wonderful story of a very shy girl on the brink of change. Levine's writing was very lyrical and I'm glad the the events that were going on didn't take over the entire story of Marlee. I liked how everything was presented much better than any other novel I've read about this topic in history. Great book for middle graders and teens. (Ages 11+)

Insight by Diana Greenwood

Edition: Hardcover, 244 pages

Publisher: Zondervan

Release Date: April 2011

Genre: Historical fiction, 1930s, family drama

Overall Rating: 4/5

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Synopsis from Goodreads

Some secrets won't let you go. Elvira Witsil lives about as far away from civilization as you can get, in a remote corner of Wisconsin where nothing much ever happens. In a house crowded with her mother, her cantankerous grandmother, and her little sister, Jessie, Elvira feels forgotten and alone.Their house also contains numerous secrets, and Elvira's family holds their secrets closely. Secrets about the father that Jessie never knew, and that Elvira can't forget. Secrets about that day five years ago. And the one secret that Elvira can't quite understand: that Jessie sees things no one else can see.These secrets will lead Elvira and her family on a journey far away from home—on a journey toward redemption and healing—if she can just bring herself to believe.

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Review

I'll admit that Insight was a pretty odd story. I mean her sister knows when people are going to die. I was a bit worried it would turn into be some kind of "paranormal" thing but Elvira's sister's seeing abilities were treated as a gift.
I liked the atmosphere of the Great Depression. Of course there was nothing nice about a depression but it gave the characters personalities. Elvira's granny was moody because she was forced to "wear the pants" around the household at this hard time. Her daughter, Elvira's mother, was distant and rarely gives much thought how Elvira feels. Elvira is going through the transition between girl and woman, so it is a nice coming of age story as well.
When Elvira's mother sees a opportunity in Jessie's ability, the family goes a on a road trip that will change all their lives forever.


Although I can't say Insight was a complete favorite, I still thought it was a nice read. It was mostly the ending is what sold me. The book reminded me a lot of Kimberly Willis Holt's My Louisiana Sky–which is a favorite of mine. The spiritual message in Jessie's visions is what sets Insight apart from other books. The story is told from the unbeliever's view [Elvira], therefore it sets a unique perspective.
Insight will be a nice change of pace for readers. The background story was fairly well developed and even though I did become frustrated with how Elvira's mother was using Jessie's gift to her advantage, the ending made the entire story worth while. Good endings are hard to find these days. Ages 12+ 

Forgiven by Janet Fox

Edition: Paperback, 288 pages

Publisher: Speak

Release Date: June 2011

Genre: Historical fiction, 1900s, American West, romance, mystery

Other Books By Author: Faithful
Overall Rating: 5/5

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Synopsis from Goodreads
Kula Baker never expected to find herself on the streets of San Francisco, alone but for a letter of introduction. Though she has come to the city to save her father from a cruel fate, Kula soon finds herself swept up in a world of art and elegance - a world she hardly dared dream of back in Montana, where she was no more than the daughter of an outlaw. And then there is the handsome David Wong, whose smiling eyes and soft-spoken manner have an uncanny way of breaking through Kula's carefully crafted reserve. Yet when disaster strikes and the wreckage threatens all she holds dear, Kula realizes that only by unlocking her heart can she begin to carve a new future for herself.

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Review
After falling in love with Fox's first novel, Faithful, I anxiously awaited the sequel. Forgiven picks up the story with Kula Baker, the brooding and wild child from Faithful with whom Maggie becomes intertwined with. With Maggie's story finished, Kula steps into the spotlight as she races time, Chinatown, and a terrible fire to save her father. Fox's stories are in the style of a classic Western "romance" but with a YA twist. I really enjoyed how Fox showcased another well known place for a setting yet in a time period we don't know much about. Being headstrong and independent, Kula greets her adventure quite differently than Maggie. Instead of the romantic, wild wilderness of Yellowstone Park, Kula is thrown into a complicated plot of politics on the gruff streets of Chinatown. There, she discovers a stunning but dangerous secret about her family's past.


I loved the whole plot of Forgiven–it was full of surprises. It had romance, mystery, and an intense retelling of the San Francisco fire that destroyed most of the city. It also had quite a lot about Chinatown's dark history and how crooked businessmen controlled the town. I thought Faithful was very dramatic but Forgiven has a touch of tragedy. I loved the characters and how each one had a special purpose in the development of Kula's story. I simply cannot wait until Fox can give us another lovely adventure! Highly recommend. (Ages 12+)

Purple Daze by Sherry Shahan

Purple Daze is a young adult novel set in suburban Los Angeles in 1965. Six high school students share their experiences and feelings in interconnected free verse and traditional poems about war, feminism, riots, love, racism, rock 'n' roll, high school, and friendship.
Although there have been verse novels published recently, none explore the changing and volatile 1960's in America-- a time when young people drove a cultural and political revolution. With themes like the costs and casualties of war, the consequences of sex, and the complex relationships between teens, their peers, and their parents, this story is still as relevant today as it was 45 years ago.

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Purple Daze recounts the stories (based on real letters) of four teenagers on the brink of the Vietnam War and their last year of high school in the 1970s. While examining the current events of the time, the foursome face war, protest, a messy love triangle and the consequences of their mistakes as well as friendship. Eventually, the characters’s lives become as scattered as the world around them.

The most interesting thing about this book is the way it is written: a cross-between verse and prose. While the very short-style passages that are suppose to resemble the teenage mind is fun, the plot is not much more than blips of randomness. Understanding some of the dialogue or relationships between a few of the characters is a bit difficult because the passages were so quick and vague. Also, please be aware that there is a lot of talk of drugs, drinking, sexual references and content so this is not a good book for younger readers.

Purple Daze is a unique way of expressing life but I just didn’t like the plot nor the “focus” of some bits of the story. I did however, like the inspiration of one of the male characters (Phil). His character was based on a real guy the author knew in high school. She even dedicated the book to him: To Phillip Cole...because you waited.

Recommendation: Enjoyed the style but not the actual “story”. However I believe it was a good message about consequences and choices; not recommended for anyone younger than age 16.

Content: Language, drugs, alcohol, sexual content, descriptions of war (R)

|Pages: 197|Release Date: March 2011|Publisher: Running Press|

|Genre: Contemporary, historical fiction, war, love, friendship|

|Content Rating: 1/5|Cover Rating: 5/5|Overall: 2/5|

This Review is copyrighted© by Books and Literature for Teens. Special thanks to Nicole.

In the Shadow of the Lamp by Susanne Dunlap

It's 1854 and sixteen-year-old Molly would give anything to change her circumstances as a lowly servant in a posh London house. So when she hears of an opportunity to join the nurses who will be traveling with Florence Nightingale to the Crimea, she jumps at the chance. The work is grueling, the hospital conditions deplorable, and Miss Nightingale a demanding teacher. Before long, the plight of British soldiers becomes more than just a mission of mercy as Molly finds that she's falling in love with both a dashing young doctor and a soldier who has joined the army to be near her. But with the battle raging ever nearer, can Molly keep the two men she cares for from harm? A love story to savor, and a fascinating behind-the-scenes imagining of the woman who became known as "the lady with the lamp."

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Once again Dunlap entices readers with her dramatic historical settings. This time we travel to the war-torn fields of Turkey with Florence Nightingale, “the lady of the lamp”. Dunlap is one of my favorite historical fiction writers because I think teens who don’t normally read this genre will enjoy her books. Dunlap has a flair for the dramatic so expect an ending that will leave you hanging on the final page.

With the setting by far the strongest part of In the Shadow of the Lamp, Dunlap allows readers to venture into the hospital hallways and sickbeds where wounded soldiers are treated. The details of nursing duties and doctors are greatly outlined. However, the plot tipped on the weaker side toward the middle of the book. At times it seemed as if some things happened a bit too conveniently and it was definitely the “romantic” interest that moved the story along. While the characters are fairly well-developed, I felt like I didn’t quite understand Molly all the time, as if some of her thoughts and intentions were not quite clear.
With that being said, In the Shadow of the Lamp is still a nice novel especially if you are a fan of Dunlap’s. Compared to her first books, The Musician’s Daughter is still my favorite. The ending of In the Shadow of the Lamp is by far the best part of the whole book–loved it! Despite having some weakness in plot, Dunlap did create a vivid scene of a past history and executed it with adventure and a touching message. Can’t wait for her next book.

Recommendation: Highly recommend especially if you’ve enjoyed The Musician’s Daughter and Anastasia’s Secret. Great historical fiction novel for teens and has a good chance of holding interest for those who don’t normally read h.f. Ages 14+

Content: Descriptions of blood/surgery, some sensuality, references to prostitution (PG)

|Pages: 293|Release Date: April 12, 2011|Publisher: Bloomsbury|

|Genre: Historical fiction, war, 1800s|

|Content Rating: 4/5|Cover Rating: 5/5|Overall: 5/5|

This review is copyrighted © by Books and Literature for Teens. Special thanks to Kate.

Stones for My Father by Trilby Kent: Blog Tour and GIVEAWAY

The Boer War was disastrous for the British: 22,000 of them died. Close to 7,000 Boers died. Nobody knows how many Africans lost their lives, but the number is estimated to be around 20,000. This tragic, and little remembered, chapter in history is the backdrop for Trilby Kent’s powerful novel. 

Corlie Roux’s father has always told her that God gave Africa to the Boers. Her life growing up on a farm in South Africa is not easy: it is beautiful, but it is also a harsh place where the heat can be so intense that the very raindrops sizzle. When her beloved father dies, she is left in the care of a cold, stern mother who clearly favors her two younger brothers. But she finds solace with her African maitie, Sipho, and in Africa itself.

Corlie’s world is about to vanish: the British are invading and driving Boers from their farms. The families who do not surrender escape to hidden laagers in the bush to help fight off the British. When Corlie’s laager is discovered, she and the others are sent to an internment camp. 

Corlie is strong and can draw on her knowledge of the land she loves, but is that enough to help her survive the starvation, disease, and loss that befalls her in the camp?

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After reading Kent’s debut novel, Medina Hill, I was excited to do another blog tour featuring her newest book. Once again Kent paints a unique time and place setting that holds a touching message of hope, survival, and family.

Similar to the war-torn stories like I Am David, Stones for My Father follows a young girl whose life is dramatically changed by violence and war. Corlie’s search for the truth also plays a wonderful part of the novel as she not only battles the hardships of an abusive parent but observes a changing culture. The descriptions of Corlie’s homeland of South Africa, its people–both native and of Dutch descent– and environment are nicely intertwined into the heart of story. Though the book slowed quite a bit toward the end and I wasn’t completely satisfied with what became of our heroine, Stones for My Father is still a well-written (and very informative) book for young readers; I greatly enjoyed it. I hope Kent continues her story-telling.

Recommendation: Although I can mostly see middle graders picking-up this book, it does have a very “mature” appeal to it in which enables “older readers”, such as myself, to enjoy it as well. Recommended for ages 10+

Content: Violence, death, war (PG)

|Pages: 170|Release Date: March 2011|Publisher: Tundra|

|Genre: Historical fiction, war, 1800s, middle grade|

|Content Rating: 5/5|Cover Rating: 5/5|Overall: 5/5

➩Blog Tour Giveaway!

Here's your chance to win a copy of Kent's latest novel, Stones For My Father. To enter, comment on my review then fill out this form. (CONTEST CLOSED)

• Open to CAN and US residents!!
• Ends May 11th, 12 pm EST
• Book will be mailed from publisher

The Queen's Daughter by Susan Coventry

Joan’s mother is Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine, the most beautiful woman in the world. Her father is Henry II, the king of England and a renowned military leader. She loves them both—so what is she to do when she’s forced to choose between them? As her parents’ arguments grow ever more vicious, Joan begins to feel like a political pawn. When her parents marry her off to the king of Sicily, Joan finds herself stuck with a man ten years her senior. She doesn’t love her husband, and she can’t quite forget her childhood crush, the handsome Lord Raymond.
As Joan grows up, she begins to understand that her parents’ worldview is warped by their political ambitions, and hers, in turn, has been warped by theirs. Is it too late to figure out whom to trust? And, more importantly, whom to love?

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A stunningly vivid tale of a young queen’s struggle with duty versus love is beautifully crafted by an a first-time writer but a long-time reader.  Filled with historical detail and true period events, The Queen’s Daughter follows the life and times of Joan, a young royal who knew some of the most powerful and thrilling figures of her time. Being the daughter of King Henry III, however, meant that you would be just another pawn in a giant game of chess. Highlighting a time when kingdoms were won not only by sword and arrow but by marriage, Joan sets out “to do her duty”. Excepting the long road of unhappiness ahead of her, Joan heeds her imprisoned mother’s advice and stumbles through her life without love; but what if the queen is wrong?

Writing history, no matter how creatively fictitious it may be requires lots of research. I was amazed at how detailed and well-rounded the story turned out to be especially–according to the author’s note–if there is not much recorded about our heroine Joan and the span of years Coventry followed. Instead of a story simply about a young royal’s life in the 12th century, Coventry wrote about the meaning and pursuit of happiness in a time when very few were allowed to love. Sometimes, despite the authors best intentions, true historical figures placed on the pages of novels can become lost in the many events that they lived in; however, Coventry plucked Joan out of the chaos and placed her in a spotlight that can be enjoyed by both teens and adults alike. I believe Joan would be truly grateful to have her voice imagined.

Bringing to light the sad, and gritty unhappy lives of the queens and princesses of the dark ages, The Queen’s Daughter holds somewhat of a pessimistic tone. Because of her circumstances, Joan is forced to endure the unimaginable and is often hesitant to receive any kind of true affection which can sometimes turn off reader-character connection. There is a positive side however where readers will be left with nicely written story....and the thankfulness that they do not live in the 12th century! Most of the book flowed evenly along but I did get the feeling that the ending was a bit rushed; I would have also liked to see a little more development between Joan and Count Raymond. Overall, I thought it was a great debut novel and nicely written historical fiction.


Recommendation: Recommend to history fans, ages 14+–I strongly advise this book would be much more suitable to older teens.
Content: PG-13–sexual content & reference, suggested rape.
(Please see more details here)
Buy or Borrow? If you love historical fiction (whether you're a teen or an adult) I would suggest purchasing; however if you don't read h.f. often then the best bet would be your local library.
Cover Talk: Very pretty, but why must you show her face? I have a thing about covers that show the characters face...back of the head fine, but not a touched-up face of a girl who's suppose to be from the 12th century.


|Pages: 373|Publisher: Henry & Holt|Release Date: June 2010|
|Genre: Historical fiction, medieval|
|Content Rating: 3/5|Cover Rating: 4/5| Overall: 4/5|

Review is copyrighted © by Books and Literature for Teens. Thank you Susan.

Forge by Laurie Halse Anderson

In this stunning sequel to the National Book Award Finalist Chains, Isabel and Curzon are once again faced with a trial of survival and must continue their fight for freedom admits the backdrop of our country’s War for Independence. As the tale unfolds this time from Curzon’s perspective, Anderson takes us on a journey to the Revolution’s most famous battle of will, Valley Forge. Enduring the harsh winter as an escaped slave, Curzon must learn to fight his fears and find the strength to hope.

Following events and important figures throughout America’s Revolutionary War, the thrilling story of two young, runaway slaves is not the only thing makes Forge a unique book. Readers will marvel at how Anderson has brought history to life and has shown us little known facts about our nation’s beginnings.

In the first novel, our heroine Isabel takes us to the streets of New York City where some of the first battles for freedom began. In Forge however, Anderson lets us follow the events through a new set of eyes. Curzon is an interesting character voice that differs from Isabel not only because it’s from a young man’s point of view, but from a solider’s as well. In this second installation to the Seeds of America series, Curzon gives us an even more gruesome and realistic look into the time period, war, and   the hardships of a slave. As a big fan of historical fiction, I absolutely loved reading both Chains and Forge; I believe Anderson gives great insight on what was going on (rather than just the war) during 1777-78. Anderson is truly a gifted writer.

Recommendation: Readers of all ages will become absorbed in Anderson’s captivating and well researched novel of early American life and slavery. Living up to its expectations, Forge will not disappoint. Recommend to ages 12 and up.

Content: Violence and graphic images (PG)

|Pages: 281|Published: October 2010|Publisher: Atheneum|

|Genre: Historical fiction, Revolutionary War, middle grade|

|Age Group: Middle grade/YA ages 12+|Price: $16.99|

|Content Rating: 4/5|Enjoyed It: 5/5|Cover: 5/5|

|Overall Rating:|

Sovay by Celia Rees

The year is 1794 and it seems the world is yearning for revolution, even the British. For Sovay Middleton, life as the daughter of a kind, wise landlord is not very adventurous at all. When her father and brother’s lives are threatened by the scent of uprising against the King, Sovay is suddenly thrown into a thrilling ride of a lifetime. From posing as a highwayman, dodging a spymaster’s evil and intricate schemes, to facing the sideways traps of the French Revolution, Sovay will do whatever it takes to find her father and bring justice to light.  From the author of Witch Child and Pirates! comes the epic story of one heroine’s quest for freedom and love amidst a fierce battle between revolution and power.

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Sovay is not just a tale of a highway robbery nor a daring story of villainous spies, but a tale more intricate than any reader would suspect. Many reviews of Sovay include disappointment. While the plot is very long and the characters many, Sovay is one of the best reads I’ve read this year. It is not only a heroic story of how justice is sought, but it also opened up a door to history, the history of both our own country and of the civil unrest that both England and France experienced as they too struggled for a People’s Independence. This book has robbers, spymasters, Patriots, and suave Frenchmen all combined in a daring race for freedom. The book jacket has everyone fooled into thinking it is just about a girl who “robbed for love”, when in fact this synopsis does not in any way do it justice. Sovay is a much grander story than that and its plot and scenery changes three times during the course of Sovay’s tale. 

Pirates! by Celia Rees

Nancy Kington, an heiress fleeing an arranged marriage, and Minerva Sharpe, a runway plantation slave, both find unlikely salvation on the pirate ship Deliverance. Life as a pirate is difficult enough, but can the two young women escape the cruel Captain Bartholome, who has pledged to follow them over the seven seas? And will Nancy's long-lost friend, a sailor in the Royal Navy, love the pirate she has become?

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I am so very sorry I didn't pick up this book sooner and I'm glad I bought it instead of borrowing the ragged copy at my library–no wonder it was so well-worn. Pirates! is a thrilling high seas venture with jolly pirates, Navy officers, and the scourge of the sea.
Many "pirate" novels and movies are filled with fantasy pirate lore and fictional accounts of the way the high seas were. In reality, however, the open ocean wasn't as romantic as anyone thinks. It was filled with death, gruesome tortures usually by the hand of the British or Spanish Empire, and slave trade. The Caribbean was founded on slavery, but it strived for freedom. As the story of Nancy and Minerva unfolds, you see the true side of pirates as well as a cunningly crafted adventure of excitement and elements of the high seas that are very near reality.
Although I have to admit I'll probably come close to loving any pirate novel you place in my lap, what I like about Pirates! is that Rees is so very realistic about the way she presented Nancy's circumstances. Remember those stories about Davy Jones? (Yeah, the guy with the tentacles from Pirates of the Caribbean.) Instead of having some half-fish, half-man creature lurk in the dark blue waves trying to find Nancy, Davy Jones becomes something of a true form combined with a terrifying curse. As this cunning figure chases Nancy over the deep blue waters, a much grander tales is spun as Nancy continues to search for her true love.
Pirates! is told in third person. While this doesn't allow room for very many personal connections between Nancy and Minerva, it does encourage a lot of imagination use. How Rees incorporates legend with real life is the best thing this pirate themed novel can offer while still being just as exciting as floating islands, The Flying Dutchman, and Johnny De– er, Jack Sparrow. I read Pirates! in one day and, even though its been several weeks since I put it down, I can still taste salt water.

Recommendation: Highly recommend. Have some extra pocket money to purchase it? Don't hesitate, it's a darn good story. For ages 14+.


This Book is For: Teens who enjoy pirates, adventure, history, or a real page-turner
This Book is Not For: Those weary of heart or sailers who don't have sea legs


Content: Graphic images of death and a few sexual remarks; PG-13


The Last Straw: A passage from the prologue:
If our story seems a little extravagant, to have something of the air of a novel, I may assure you that this is not fiction. Our adventures need no added invention, rather I find myself forced to leave out certain details in order not to shock. You will read of many things, both strange and terrible.....


|Pages: 379|Published: 2003|Publisher: Bloomsbury|Price: Soft. $8.99|
|Genre: Adventure, pirates, historical fiction, 1700s|
|Age Group: YA, ages 14+|Content: PG-13|
|Enjoyed It: 5/5|Content Rating: 3/5|Cover: 4/5|
|Overall: 5/5|