2023 is the Year of the Pirate
I have read SO many amazing pirate books this year, with more on my TBR. If you have been thinking about reading pirate books (for adults), this is your sign. From 40 year old single mother pirate captains, to a vampire and mermaid pirate love story, this list will have something for everyone.
The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi by
Shannon Chakraborty
February 2023
A reluctant female pirate captain is coerced into one last sea adventure and the results are magical.
Our FMC, Amina, is a woman, mother, retired pirate captain in her 40s. She spends her days with her 10-year old daughter, and her aging mother, living a quiet life. However, a teenage girl goes missing and Amina's hand is forced as she's told to find and return the girl to her grandmother.
The Never King (Vicious Lost Boys Seriesseries) by
Nikki St. Crowe
Book four released March 2023
A dark fantasy romance re-telling of Peter Pan, with an unhinged FMC.
Get up close and personal over four novellas with Peter Pan, the Lost Boys, Captain Hook and Tinkerbell’s family. Book 1 of a 4 book series.
Atalanta by Jennifer Saint
April 2023
A group of people, on a boat, on an adventure to stealing something that is not theirs.
While the word ‘pirate’ is not traditionally part of Greek mythology, I am taking the leap here to say Atalanta is also a pirate story.
Tress of the Emerald Sea by
Brandon Sanderson
April 2023
High fantasy, YA pirate adventure.
This is my first Brandon Sanderson book; after hearing so much about his writing on BookTok, I decided to give him a try. If you love high fantasy and YA, you’ll love this. It was a fun adventure, but I prefer more adult reads.
The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder by
David Grann
April 2023
A non-fiction book about the ship, The Wager, full of murder, mutiny and oddly enough journals meant to protect the survivors from hanging in England, if they survive this.
Deep as the Sky, Red as the Sea by
Rita Chang-Eppig
May 2023
Female-centered pirate historical fiction.
We follow Shek Yeung, a woman in her early 30's, who through a series of tragic, complex events has become the wife and chief strategist of her pirate captain husband. After her husband dies during a battle, Shek is left to pick up where he left off.
A Ship of Bones & Teeth by
Karina Halle
May 2023
A high fantasy spicy romance re-telling of The Little Mermaid.
Mermaid, Princess Maren, trades to soul to a sea witch in return for a life on land with Price Aerik. He turns out to be cruel and Maren plans to escape to find the sea witch and reverse the spell. The opportunity presents itself when Maren and the prince are taken hostage by pirates, lead by a fearsome captain.
Dark Water Daughter by
H.M. Long
July 2023
An atmospheric, dual POV, wintery fantasy pirate adventure with a powerful female main character.
We're introduced to Mary when she's lined up with other criminals waiting to be hung. The man beside her promises to help her escape if she can cause a distraction. Little does anyone know, Mary is a stormsinger, a magical talent that can control winter storms. From there we follow Mary as she journey's to rescue herself and find her mother.
Merciless Waters by
Rae Knowles
November 2023
As the book begins we are on an all-women pirate ship, following our main character Jaq.
They've just found a man adrift at sea and have rescued him. The soft world building reveals parts of the characters and the story slowly, keeping the mystery of who these women are, how they got here, where they're going and why.
Hunt on Dark Waters by Katee Robert
November 2023
A magically spicy pirate story with witches, vampires and even a dragon.
Our FMC is a witch who impulsively steals when she’s stressed. Our MMC is a pirate captain who fishes our witch out of the sea and forces her to pledge her life to the pirates. This is a fast paced, action-adventure, with some of Katee’s trademark smut - but now it’s magical.
