The Very Nearly Honorable League of Pirates-Magic Marks the Spot by Caroline Carlson

Have you ever wondered what would happen when the Terror of the Southlands combines forces with a High Society Girl, her gargoyle and her Governess to sail the piratical high seas? Most probably not, but you’ll soon find out when you read The Very Nearly Honorable League of Pirates-Magic Marks the Spot (VNHLP), a debut novel by Caroline Carlson. And you know the penalty for not reading this book, matey? Ya’ll be walking the plank.

Twleve year old Hilary wants to be a pirate, but the Very Nearly Honorable League of Pirates denied her internship application because girls cannot be pirates, regardless of their ability to tie knots and tread water for long periods of time. The daughter of Admiral James Westfield, the Admiral will hear none of this hogwash and sends Hilary off to Mrs. Pimm’s Finishing School for Delicate Ladies, to be taught how to curtsy and crochet and faint at a moment’s notice and waltz…not skills required by piracy (except maybe the waltzing…the foot work quite useful in sword fights). Hearing of an opening on the ship of Jasper Fletcher, the Terror of Southland, Hilary sneaks out of school and applies. Surprisingly, he takes her on board. However, we all know that young ladies must be chaparoned, especially when hobnobbing with scoundrels and rapscallions.

In Augusta, magic is worth more than gold, so as the crew of the Pigeon roam the high seas searching for magic, the scoundrels they meet will test their sword fighting, map reading, sailing talents. Magic Marks the Spot is a delightful tale of adventure on the high seas. Drama, combined with humor, make this book a smile invoking, fun read. The crew make a good team against the rogues, some of them unexpected, trying to do them in. And the talking gargoyle is just icing on the cake.

Fans of the Jacky Faber series by L. A. Meyer will certainly enjoy the VNHLP series…I’m assuming there will be more than one book about Hilary et al. So, if you’re looking for a rollicking tale of adventure, magic, with maybe just a tad of romance, join Hilary, Charlie, Governess Greyson and Jasper Fletcher on their voyage. You may find out you want to be a pirate too.