Who doesn’t love a good pirate book? Yes, I know that The Pirates of the Caribbean might have outstayed their welcome. But luckily there are plenty of books to reignite that love of swashbuckling and terrible accents and really bad teeth. Two in particular come to mind when I think of pirate-themed fantasies. And it’s possible that you haven’t read either one.
Waters of Salt and Sin
I happened on Waters of Salt and Sin by Alisha Klapheke by accident. I was just browsing the ‘Zon (as one does), when I saw this great cover of a young girl in some exotic garb throwing salt into the air. It was an arresting image, and the artwork was wonderful. Here it is:
I love that cover art, especially since it looks so much better than many self-published books. Luckily, the book was on sale and I grabbed it immediately. Although it took me forever to finish (not because of the book, but because of life), when I got through it, I bought the next book immediately. And that’s about as good an endorsement as you’re going to get from me.
The setting is what really makes it. It’s a vaguely Mediterranean setting with hints of various Middle Eastern cultures. There’s a great magical system based on salt (ingenious), a rigid caste system (providing immediate conflict), and a spunky heroine who has to save her sister from slavery. Then there’s the usual dose of YA romance (not something I’m crazy about, but I’m a fuddy-duddy).
The characterization is good, the setting excellent, and the bad guys are really despicable. And of course in the end there is glorious vindication and a final kiss. And lots and lots of swashbuckling. So, it’s not quite a pirate book in the traditional sense, but there’s plenty of piracy going on. Ultimately, it’s a good bit of fun that’s not trying to be too serious. So if you’re in the mood for something light and fun, this is a good bet.
There are three sequels to this book, as well as a stand alone companion novel. So if you like it, you’ll have no shortage of sequels.
If you want your YA with a bit more emotional heft to it, I highly recommend Richard Garcia Morgan’s The Falls of Mysterion
The Falls of Mysterion
Richard Garcia Morgan is an extremely talented writer who grew up all over the world, including the Seychelles Islands in Africa. This diversity of life experiences serves him well in his Mysterion series, of which The Falls of Mysterion is book 2. You don’t need to read book 1 to read this one (all three books of the series are on sale now).
Like Waters of Salt and Sin, Falls has a strong female protagonist. But this isn’t your garden variety pirate book. Things are a lot more serious in Isabella’s world. She’s an abused child in a very dysfunctional family who tries to hide her immense pain by escaping into the parallel world of Mysterion. She joins a band of pirates and tries to forget herself in danger and adventure (some of which involves a sea serpent in a wonderful action scene that you have to read to believe).
Ultimately, this is a story of forgiveness and redemption and family. It is very serious in some places, but ultimately uplifting and gorgeous. And it sets the stage for book 3, The Ordeal of Windfire, beautifully. A highly, highly recommended read that is technically YA, but is enjoyable for all ages.
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Hello, there, Nicky,
I would be very surprised if you remembered me, but we sang in the same choir at Sobor several times in years past. I was surprised to find you in the publishing industry–but maybe I should be surprised to find myself (still) here.
I’m going to preview your novel in a couple of hours. I just wanted to say hi.
Ellen Frank (soprano)
I love the fascinating titles of the Mysterion books! May have to check those out!
I’ve been curious about the Sea of Salt and Sin, but didn’t know it was clean. This great review moves it up on my list. 😀