The best 12 Pirate books

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1
Pirate Books: Pirate Latitudes by Michael Crichton

Pirate Latitudes

Michael Crichton

What's Pirate Latitudes about?

Pirate Latitudes is an action-packed historical novel set in the Caribbean during the 17th century. Written by Michael Crichton, the story follows the daring exploits of Captain Charles Hunter as he and his crew attempt to raid a Spanish galleon filled with treasure. Filled with adventure, treachery, and larger-than-life characters, this book is a thrilling journey into the world of piracy.

Who should read Pirate Latitudes?

  • Readers who enjoy historical fiction with a focus on piracy and adventure

  • Those who appreciate Michael Crichton's storytelling and writing style

  • People who are fascinated by the golden age of piracy and want to immerse themselves in that world


2
Pirate Books: Shiver Me Letters by June Sobel

Shiver Me Letters

June Sobel

What's Shiver Me Letters about?

Shiver Me Letters by June Sobel is a delightful children's book that takes young readers on a swashbuckling adventure through the alphabet. With charming rhymes and captivating illustrations, this book teaches the ABCs in a fun and memorable way. Join the crew of colorful pirates as they search for hidden letters and uncover a treasure trove of words.

Who should read Shiver Me Letters?

  • Children who are learning the alphabet and letter recognition

  • Parents and educators looking for a fun and engaging way to teach letters

  • Those who enjoy playful and imaginative storytelling


3

What's Goldenlocks and the Three Pirates about?

Goldenlocks and the Three Pirates by April Jones Prince is a delightful twist on the classic tale of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. In this adventurous version, Goldenlocks stumbles upon a pirate ship and finds herself in a series of hilarious encounters with three bumbling pirates. With charming illustrations and a playful narrative, this book is sure to entertain young readers and leave them with a heartwarming message about friendship and acceptance.

Who should read Goldenlocks and the Three Pirates?

  • Children who enjoy playful and imaginative stories

  • Parents or educators looking for a fresh twist on a classic fairy tale

  • Anyone who loves pirates and wants to see them in a new light


4
Pirate Books: On Stranger Tides by Tim Powers

On Stranger Tides

Tim Powers

What's On Stranger Tides about?

On Stranger Tides is a thrilling adventure novel that takes place in the early 18th century. Filled with pirates, voodoo magic, and the search for the Fountain of Youth, it follows the journey of John Chandagnac as he becomes embroiled in a dangerous quest across the high seas. With its rich historical detail and supernatural elements, this book is a captivating blend of fantasy and swashbuckling action.

Who should read On Stranger Tides?

  • Readers who enjoy historical fiction with a twist of fantasy

  • Fans of pirate adventures and swashbuckling tales

  • Those who appreciate complex and morally ambiguous characters


5
Pirate Books: Captain Blood by Rafael Sabatini

Captain Blood

Rafael Sabatini

What's Captain Blood about?

Captain Blood is a classic adventure novel set during the 17th century. It tells the story of an Irish doctor, Peter Blood, who is wrongly convicted of treason and sold into slavery in the Caribbean. After escaping, he becomes a notorious pirate and seeks revenge against those who wronged him. Filled with swashbuckling action and daring escapades, this book is a thrilling tale of courage, honor, and redemption.

Who should read Captain Blood?

  • Readers who enjoy historical fiction set in the 17th century

  • Those with an interest in pirate adventures and swashbuckling tales

  • People who appreciate well-developed characters and intricate plots


6
Pirate Books: The Scar by China Miéville

The Scar

China Miéville

What's The Scar about?

The Scar by China Miéville is a gripping tale set in the fantastical world of Bas-Lag. It follows the story of Bellis Coldwine, a woman on the run, who finds herself aboard a mysterious floating city. As she navigates through political intrigue, strange creatures, and dangerous quests, she uncovers the city's dark secrets and must make choices that will determine the fate of everyone involved.

Who should read The Scar?

  • Readers who enjoy complex and immersive world-building

  • Those interested in exploring themes of power, identity, and societal structures

  • Fans of dark and unconventional fantasy narratives


7
Pirate Books: A Gathering of Shadows by V. E. Schwab

What's A Gathering of Shadows about?

A Gathering of Shadows is the second book in the Shades of Magic series by V.E. Schwab. It follows the story of Kell and Lila as they navigate a magical tournament in the parallel London worlds. Filled with action, intrigue, and complex characters, this book delves deeper into the magic system and the consequences of wielding such power.

Who should read A Gathering of Shadows?

  • Readers who enjoy fantasy and magic

  • Those looking for a thrilling and action-packed story

  • People who appreciate well-developed and complex characters


What's Red Seas Under Red Skies about?

Red Seas Under Red Skies is the second book in Scott Lynch's Gentleman Bastard series. It follows the adventures of Locke Lamora and Jean Tannen as they embark on a daring and dangerous mission at sea. Filled with high-stakes heists, intricate plots, and swashbuckling action, this book is a thrilling tale of friendship and betrayal set in a vividly imagined world.

Who should read Red Seas Under Red Skies?

  • Readers who enjoy high-stakes heists and swashbuckling adventures

  • Fans of intricate world-building and complex, morally ambiguous characters

  • Those who appreciate clever and witty dialogue in their fantasy novels


9
Pirate Books: Under the Black Flag by David Cordingly

Under the Black Flag

David Cordingly

What's Under the Black Flag about?

Under the Black Flag by David Cordingly provides a fascinating look at the real lives of pirates during the golden age of piracy. Through meticulous research and captivating storytelling, the book explores the truth behind pirate myths and legends, revealing the harsh and brutal reality of life on the high seas.

Who should read Under the Black Flag?

  • History enthusiasts who are curious about the real lives of pirates

  • Readers interested in maritime history and the Golden Age of Piracy

  • People who enjoy swashbuckling tales and want to separate fact from fiction


10
Pirate Books: Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller

Daughter of the Pirate King

Tricia Levenseller

What's Daughter of the Pirate King about?

Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller is a gripping tale of adventure and intrigue on the high seas. Filled with swashbuckling action and a strong-willed heroine, it follows the story of Alosa, a fierce pirate captain who embarks on a dangerous mission to retrieve an ancient map. As she navigates treacherous waters and outwits her enemies, Alosa discovers shocking truths about her own identity and the power she holds. This book is a thrilling combination of romance, deception, and daring escapades that will keep you hooked until the very end.

Who should read Daughter of the Pirate King?

  • Readers who enjoy swashbuckling adventures and strong female protagonists

  • Those who are fans of pirate stories and treasure hunts

  • People who appreciate a mix of action, romance, and humor in their books


What's A General History of the Pyrates about?

A General History of the Pyrates is a comprehensive account of the lives and adventures of notorious pirates from the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Written by Daniel Defoe, the book provides detailed narratives of the exploits of famous pirates such as Blackbeard, Captain Kidd, and Anne Bonny. It delves into the political and social factors that led individuals to a life of piracy and offers a captivating insight into the Golden Age of Piracy.

Who should read A General History of the Pyrates?

  • History enthusiasts who are curious about the real stories behind infamous pirates

  • Readers interested in maritime adventures and the golden age of piracy

  • Those who enjoy biographies and want to learn about the lives of notorious pirates


12
Pirate Books: A Gathering of Shadows by Victoria Schwab

A Gathering of Shadows

Victoria Schwab

What's A Gathering of Shadows about?

A Gathering of Shadows is a fantasy novel by V.E. Schwab that takes place in a world where magic exists and different parallel versions of London coexist. The story follows a powerful magician named Kell who gets caught up in a magical tournament between different realms, while a dark force threatens to disrupt the balance of power. Filled with action, intrigue, and complex characters, this book is a thrilling continuation of the Shades of Magic series.

Who should read A Gathering of Shadows?

  • Readers who enjoy fantasy novels with intricate world-building and complex characters

  • People looking for a captivating story filled with magic, adventure, and intrigue

  • Those who appreciate well-crafted prose and vivid descriptions that bring the fictional world to life


Related Topics

Pirate Books
 FAQs 

What's the best Pirate book to read?

While choosing just one book about a topic is always tough, many people regard Pirate Latitudes as the ultimate read on Pirate.

What are the Top 10 Pirate books?

Blinkist curators have picked the following:
  • Pirate Latitudes by Michael Crichton
  • Shiver Me Letters by June Sobel
  • Goldenlocks and the Three Pirates by April Jones Prince
  • On Stranger Tides by Tim Powers
  • Captain Blood by Rafael Sabatini
  • The Scar by China Miéville
  • A Gathering of Shadows by V. E. Schwab
  • Red Seas Under Red Skies by Scott Lynch
  • Under the Black Flag by David Cordingly
  • Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller

Who are the top Pirate book authors?

When it comes to Pirate, these are the authors who stand out as some of the most influential:
  • Michael Crichton
  • June Sobel
  • April Jones Prince
  • Tim Powers
  • Rafael Sabatini