Book Review: Terror of the Southlands, by Caroline Carlson

9780062194367

When I reviewed the first book in this series last year, I referred to it as another series I was going to become addicted to. Interesting characters, humor, adventure, and complete disrespect for High Society - what more could you want? When the second in the series finally appeared in my mailbox last week, it went right to the top of my TBR pile.

"Tell me, Pirate Westfield: When was the last time you drew your sword against an enemy? Or stole a stash of loot from a fellow buccaneer? When was the last time you sailed off on a thrilling High Seas adventure?"

Hilary Westfield is a pirate. In fact, she's the Terror of the Southlands! She's daring, brave, fearless, and . . . in a rut. Maybe she hasn't found any treasure lately. And maybe she isn't fighting off as many scallywags as she'd like. But does that mean she and her loyal crew (including a magical gargoyle) deserve to be kicked out of the ranks of the Very Nearly Honorable League of Pirates?

There is only one thing to do—find a daring mission worthy of her fearless reputation. With the help of first mate Charlie, finishing-school friend Claire, and the self-proclaimed intrepid gargoyle, Hilary sets sail on a swashbuckling expedition that may or may not involve a kidnapped Enchantress, bumbling inspectors, a mysterious group called the Mutineers, and—the most terrifying thing of all—a High Society ball.

I was not disappointed in the least, and chuckled my way through as Hilary and her friends fought through exploding magical pieces and green ball gowns (the ball scene was even better than I had hoped), to rescue Miss Pimm and determine what it really means to be a nearly honorable pirate. I am already looking forward to the third title (in which I hope we will see more of Miss Alice, hint to Mrs Carlson!)

Review: Magic Marks the Spot by Caroline Carlson

Well, now, this stinks.

 

978-006-219-4343

 

No, not the book. The book I loved! What stinks is that I just spent two weeks shifting and weeding the juvenile fiction, making a list of all the series we have (there are over 400), then making a spreadsheet for each one, including reading level for every single title, and making order cards for any we don't have. I just finished.

 

And now there's a new series, The Very Nearly Honorable League of Pirates, that we absolutely must have.

 

"Hilary Westfield has always dreamed of being a pirate. She can tread water for thirty-seven minutes. She can tie a knot faster than a fleet of sailors, and she already owns a rather pointy sword.

There's only one problem: The Very Nearly Honorable League of Pirates refuses to let any girl join their ranks of scourges and scallywags.

But Hilary is not the kind of girl to take no for answer. To escape a life of petticoats and politeness at her stuffy finishing school, Hilary sets out in search of her own seaworthy adventure, where she gets swept up in a madcap quest involving a map without an X, a magical treasure that likely doesn't exist, a talking gargoyle, a crew of misfit scallywags, and the most treacherous—and unexpected—villain on the High Seas."

 

I knew I was going to love the book by page 3, when I read: "...her father would kiss her on the forehead and say, 'Run along and be a good little girl.' Hilary intended to be a great many things, and a good little girl was not one of them..."

 

Nobody in this book is exactly who they are supposed to be, but everyone is exactly who they need to be to make it a thoroughly enjoyable tale. Perfectly suitable for elementary school, an easy fit for middle school, and I predict secretly enjoyed by high schoolers. Pirate stories are always a hit, and after reading this I now think every good pirate ship should include a talking gargoyle and...a governess? Why not! A promising start to...sigh...another series I am about to become addicted to.