Piratica

Author: Tanith Lee

Publication: London: Hodder Children's Books

Pub. Date: 2004

ISBN: 0-340-854456

Pages: 370

Summary: When Artemesia bumps her head at training school she suddenly remembers that she grew up on a pirate ship with her pirate captain mother, Molly. No longer wishing to conform to how a "proper" girl should behave, she dresses up in boys clothes and escapes Angels Academy to return to the life she once led.

Major Characters: Art Blastside, Felix Phoenix, Little Goldie Girl

Comments: This is quite an unusual book. First of all, Lee sets the story in the past, but includes modern elements, so the reader feels caught somewhere in between. Secondly, the writing is very choppy and the characters use unusual phrases so you're not always sure what they are saying. The action moves so slowly in the beginning that I almost abandoned the book twice, but I'm glad I stuck with it. I found myself cheering for Art - the pirate who doesn't kill anyone - as she rejoined her mother's former shipmates and sailed off in search of adventure and treasure. Once you get used to the style, you'll find yourself caught up in the story, and won't want to put it down.

Genre: Fantasy/Adventure

Age Level: 10+