12 Best Pirate Books and Stories Set on the High Seas
Looking for the best pirate books for adults? We’ve got you covered.
I’ve had a not-so-small obsession with pirate books since reading Peter Pan when I was younger. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that my favorite book of all time is an adult pirate book.
Below, you’ll find some of our favorite pirate novels for older kids, teens, and adults. Each of these stories will ignite your imagination and have you wishing to take a swashbuckling adventure of your own!
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Pirate Books for Adults
Tress of the Emerald Sea
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Year: 2023
Genre: Fantasy
More info: Secret Projects #1
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 13+
Plot
This is the book that you would get if The Princess Bride had a book baby that empowered women everywhere to be the heroes in their own story, seek out adventure, and be brave enough to become who they were intended to be.
Tress has grown up on her tiny island with her one friend Charlie, who is also the Duke’s son, to keep her company. When the Duke takes Charlie away and he doesn’t return, Tress sets off to rescue him from the Sorceress who lives on the deadly Midnight Sea. She will encounter pirates, talking rats, betrayal, love, and friendship on her voyage.
Why Jackie loves it
If you love fantasy books of any kind, stop now and make time to read this fantastic book. It earns all the stars! While technically this is a fantasy book for adults, it is appropriate for a young adult or teen audience as well.
Find this book in: Pirate Books / YA Fantasy / Best of 2023 / Adult Fantasy Novels
Daughter of the Pirate King
Author: Tricia Levenseller
Year: 2017
Genre: Fantasy
More info: Daughter of the Pirate King #1
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This swashbuckling, high-sea adventure is about a pirate princess who is half siren. Most of this story is set aboard a ship as Alosa, faking her captivity, tries to discover a valuable treasure while tricking her captors. But she didn’t plan on catching feelings for first mate Riden.
Why Kirsten loves it
While researching the best pirate books, this story came up again and again. I can see why! I loved the romance aspect and the kick-ass heroine that Alosa is! I can’t wait to finish the series.
Find this book in: Best Pirate Books / Fun Books for Teens
Fantasy Pirate Novels
The Mermaid, the Witch and the Sea
Author: Maggie Tokuda-Hall
Year: 2020
Genre: Fantasy
Spice Rating: None. This is a wonderful love story
Age Range: 12+
Plot
Flora and her brother are pirates on the Dove. In order to protect her identity, she has become Florian and is tasked with protecting Lady Evelyn on the ship while she is on the ship. The intent was to bring her to the Floating Islands for an arranged marriage. The pirates have other intentions- t0 enslave Evelyn until she can be sold.
Flora does not intend to fall in love with Evelyn and when the two free a captured mermaid, they change the fate of more than just her. This book is filled
Why Jackie loves it
I am so glad that someone recommended this fantasy book to me. It is one of those books that did not get the visibility that it should have. This book is so well written and is filled with magic while also exploring the power of love.
Find this book in: 12 Best Pirate Books and Stories Set on the High Seas /YA Books About Witches
The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels
Author: India Holton
Year: 2021
Genre: Fantasy Historical Romance
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹đź’‹
Plot
A fantasy historical romance about pirate assassins with magical powers? SIGN ME UP!
I gravitated toward this story because of the gorgeous cover, but I was hooked from the first page. I loved all the women in The Wisteria Society. I loved how they could fly around their homes like ships, how they stole and plundered with abandon, and how they did it all while making sure they were the picture of polite womanhood.
Why Kirsten loves it
The love story was charming, but it was the antics of Cecilia and her quest to save her fellow society members that kept me turning the pages. This cozy book has a little bit of everything. We recommend this book to anyone who loves The Princess Bride.
Find this book in: Historical Fantasy Romances / Cozy Books / Pirate Books
Classic Adult Pirate Books
The Princess Bride by William Goldman
This movie is one of my favorites of all time and I was so shocked to learn that it was originally a book. If you lived through the ’80s then you might think that this is inconceivable but, alas, it is true.
Read all about Buttercup and her beloved Wesley and their harrowing tale of finding true love. It will not disappoint you. You might even want to read the book to someone else.
In the book, the author is narrating for the reader and describing a fictional book that his father read to him as a child. Sound confusing? It’s straightforward and one of our favorite adult pirate books.
This book is my favorite book of all time. After reading Du Maurier’s Rebecca, I was eager to read more of her novels. At the time, my grandparents had a home in a Florida enclave by the same name so I picked it up and read it.
Only after I fell in love with this tale of
Find this book in Kirsten’s Favorites, Books set in Cornwall, Pirate Books, Classic Romance Novels
Classic Kids Books about Pirates
Plot
Peter Pan is the flying leader of Neverland, a mythical world on a star, where he fights pirates, plays with mermaids, and frollicks around with the lost boys. When he decides he needs someone to tell him stories, he recruits Wendy, John, and Michael to come live with him. But while the Darling children love their new life at first, they soon begin missing their family and lives at home.
Why Kirsten loves it
Peter Pan is one of my favorite childhood stories. The magical world of Neverland with its pirates, mermaids, and faires captured my imagination and never let me go. I’ve seen every Peter Pan movie and I devour Peter Pan retellings like chocolate.
Why Jackie loves it
The story of Peter Pan and his adventures with the Darling children have inspired countless spin-off books, movies, and theatrical productions for a reason. It’s a must-read classic children’s book for everyone.
Find this book in: Pirate Books / Classic Kids Books / Cozy Books / Tween Fantasy Books / Books for 12-year-olds
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
This swashbuckling tale of piracy and treasure is perfect for children and adults alike. Long John Silver is quite a scary villain, whose legacy lives on in Halloween costumes everywhere.
One-legged, parrot-wearing, map-loving pirates everywhere can thank Robert Louis Stevenson for the inspiration. Why not read this book set in Cornwall to your little buccaneer at bedtime?
Find this book in Pirate Books / Best Classic Books / Books Set in Cornwall
Nonfiction Books about Pirates
The Wager by David Grann
David Grann writes the most captivating nonfiction books that read like novels. The Wager is no exception. It’s a tale of the shipwreck of the English boat, Wager in 1742.
Encompassing the events that led up to the wrecking, the mutiny that happened after, and the dastardly deeds of some of the crew before and after their rescue kept me enthralled.
While not quite a pirate book, this high-seas boat book read like Treasure Island and kept me entertained while I pondered what I might have done in the same situation.
Middle Grade and YA Pirate Books
Fable (Fable #1) by Adrienne Young
October 2020 YA Reese’s Book Club Pick
If you are interested in young adult pirate books, you must add this to your list. This story of a bad-ass female pirate was incredible. Normally, I only like fantasies if they have a strong romantic element. But in Fable, I found myself drawn in by our namesake character and the vivid world description.
Well done, Reese with this sailing novel
Realm Breaker by Victoria Aveyard
I adored Aveyard’s Red Queen series. It kept me turning the pages, utterly entranced. Sadly, Realm Breaker didn’t hold quite the same draw.
There were people on the run, a magical sword, budding romances, and the fight between good and evil, but none of the elements clicked for me. I’m hopeful the next pirate book in the series will draw me in more.
Peter and the Starcatchers
Author: Dave Berry, Ridley Pearson
Illustrator: Greg Cal
Year: 2004
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 8 – 13
More info: National Best Seller
Plot
This Peter Pan retelling finds Peter aboard a ship of sailors. He and a bunch of other orphans aboard the ship have to protect a treasure locked in a chest hidden on the ship from pirate captain Black Stache. Think of this as the origin story of Tinkerbell, her fairy dust, and how Peter gained his ability to fly.
Why Jackie loves it
It’s one of my kids’ favorite fairy tale retellings. If your child loves Peter Pan, this story is a must-read!
Find this book in: Pirate Books for Kids / Fairy Tale Retellings / Fantasy Books for Tweens / Best Books for 13-year-olds
Which of the best pirate books are you planning to read?
Fantasy Book Lists
Do you love fantasy as much as we do? Come have a peek at all of our fantasy book lists to create your ultimate TBR!
13 Pirate Books for Kids Wanting a High Seas Adventure
Looking for pirate books for younger kids? Check out this list!
