Review: Pirates of Darksea by Catherine Doyle

Pirates of Darksea is a breath-taking, magical adventure that swept me into an action-packed, gripping quest with danger, daring, and the bonds of brotherhood and new friendships at its heart.

Christopher Reid believes in magic and stories and the seemingly impossible which leads him on a midnight mission:  to go on a pirate adventure aboard the Stolen Sunrise to the secret kingdom of Darksea beyond the horizon of our world.  But he is not alone – he is followed by his younger brother Max.  The brothers wait together on the shoreline of Galway Bay for the arrival of Captain Thorne O’Malley, the Pirate King of Darksea.  But when adventure fails to arrive, Christopher decides it’s time for Plan B …

Two years later, and the Reid family are facing their own turmoil.  Christopher is in hospital and his latest treatment does not seem to be working.  Whilst Max is counting out his pocket money to buy a new game for Christopher, he sees a bright red parrot tapping at his brother’s bedroom window.  Attracting its attention, the visitor delivers a scroll to Max, a letter intended for his brother, inviting him to join Captain O’Malley as a cabin boy to undertake a top-secret quest.  He is unsure about accepting the offer, but when the parrot snatches Max’s money, he chases after it, leading him to the pirate ship his brother was so keen to adventure upon.  Hoping for magic and a miracle, Max decides to board the ship …

And so begins the most incredible, unforgettable adventure as Max finds himself in the magical kingdom of Darksea, a kingdom which is in danger from a terrifying underwater monster intent on destruction and revenge.  Can Max, aided by his friend and crew mate, Ruby, complete the task set by Captain O’Malley? Will Max find the courage and inner strength to take on more than he could ever have expected in order to save Darksea and bring back its magic?

Just wow!  What an amazing adventure!  I absolutely loved this action-packed, gripping quest which is brimming with peril, magic and the most brilliant and unexpected twists and turns.  I genuinely gasped at some of the revelations which kept me turning page after page as I was completely swept into the magic and power of the story-telling.   

The world-building is spectacular from Darksea’s creation story which leads perfectly to the danger which now threatens the kingdom’s survival to the fantastical creatures and objects including mermaids, wraiths, enchanted ships and living maps.  And then there’s Squawk – brilliantly sarky but with a heart of stardust – I absolutely adored him!

And what can I say about Max? My heart ached for him as he struggles with the fear of losing his brother, someone he clearly adores and looks up to.  He shows incredible courage and inner strength as he faces his fears and fights to overcome the darkness that is threatening to destroy the kingdom of Darksea, even when this means great sacrifice, and having to take on much more than he could have ever expected. Ruby, who helps him when he first boards the Stolen Sunrise proves a wonderful friend and I loved how supportive they are towards each other.  Throughout his adventure, Christopher is never far from Max’s thoughts and I loved this sense of brotherhood which initially brings Max to Darksea as he searches for a miracle for his brother.  It gives him both the courage to face his fears and to help someone else who has lost their way.

I thought the theme of darkness and light which is threaded throughout this adventure, both in the creation and usurping of the kingdom, and in the struggles the characters face, was incredibly powerful.  I also adored the bond between siblings which survives even when they are separated.  And, of course, I loved that the adventure starts in Galway Bay, on the Wild Atlantic Coast of Ireland.  I am a huge fan of Catherine’s stories which always sweep me into the most magical, awesome adventures, but which also reminds me of my beautiful homeland and the stories that grow from its brilliant storytellers.

A stardust-sprinkled, swashbuckling adventure with great peril, incredible courage and the bonds of brotherhood and friendship at its heart.  I cannot recommend this unforgettable story highly enough:  perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Bloomsbury Children’s Books for providing me with a proof copy in exchange for my honest opinion.