Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #112082 in Books
• Published on: 2004-08-02
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 384 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review
Pirates! is a classy and welcome addition to Celia Rees's successful oeuvre, that of novels with a historical background, such as the phenomenally bestselling Witch Child and Sorceress. Swashbuckling in the tradition of every pirate tale, from Treasure Island to Pirates of the Caribbean, Pirates! is truly gripping from first page to last and never fails to be totally entertaining throughout.

Nancy Kington and Minerva Sharp are two young women from very different backgrounds who, in time, become united in a common, pirating cause. Nancy, the daughter of a successful Bristol ship owner, had her life all planned out. She lived in comfort and hoped to marry her childhood sweetheart William. But disaster strikes and she is aghast to experience her circumstances turning upside down when her father dies. Soon she finds herself shipped out to land they own in the West Indies to marry for the good of the remaining family.

Minerva is part of the staff at her new plantation home and they immediately become friends--despite the delicate nature of their differing positions as merchant's daughter and slave. But Minerva has complications of her own--particularly from an abusive overseer. Nancy is eventually driven to murder him, and together they become fugitives. Joining a pirate ship comes naturally to both of them and a wild, wild life of seafaring and adventure begins.

With detailed research that leaps from every page, Rees's narrative is atmospheric but never heavy. She moves the story along at a jaunty pace, making it impossible for the reader to get bogged down. Rich and exciting, Pirates! is another triumph and unlikely to be bested by another pirate novel for some years to come. (Recommended for ages 12 and over.) --John McLay

The Guardian
'Piracy is definitely in...this is as swashbuckling a yarn as anyone could wish for'

The Times
'A rollocking tale of slavery, sisterhood, blackhearted bridegrooms and treasure, beautifully written and gloriously good-hearted... a treasure of a book.'

Customer Reviews

One of the best books I have ever read
wow. This book was so captivating, i have never read anything like it before, and most likely never will. I loved the characters, the history and that little touch of romance that is needed for teenage fiction. Ok, so it was a little bit similar to "Pirates of the Caribbean", but as a fan of the films, I found that I enjoyed it even more. Please, Celia Rees, write a sequel!!

Alright...
This book was often quite exciting, and I enjoyed its twists and turns. However, it felt VERY similar to Pirates of the Caribbean, etc. and it didn't always feel like the author knew their stuff. However, a fairly enjoyable read.

Best Ever!!!
I loved this book from the moment I picked it up! Well written and with a brilliantly exciting but realistic plot, this book is perfect for any teenage girl who is remotely interested in the world of the hich seas, without showing just the glamour. Its fast pace stops you getting bored, but doesn't go so quickly that the reader can't keep up. Rees has portrayed Nancy's emmotions perfectly-you really feel like you are living in her world. There better be a sequel!