Title: To Catch A Pirate by Jade Parker

Genre: Adventure

Characters: The main character Annalisa Townsend, also known as Anna, is a headstrong girl with a pure heart. Her best friend Nathanial Northrup is a protective man full of hate who loves Anna. James Sterling is an ex-pirate smart, quick, and even-tempered. Ferret is a sneaky man, full of deception who only has one arm. Crimson Kelly is a dastardly pirate, ruthless and rugged, who will spill the blood of any man, woman, or child to take what he wants.

Plot: This story takes place around the time of the pirates. Annalisa Townsend and her father are aboard a ship destined for Mourning, a new island where her father was going to be governor by the order of the king. However some time during their journey their ship is set upon by pirates seeking Anna’s father’s treasure, an ivory chest full of gold. Anna runs and hides below deck hoping she would not be discovered. But a ruthless pirate by the name of James Sterling found her. He had a dagger to her throat to silence her when he noticed her pendent necklace. Her mother had died recently and that necklace was all she had left of her. She gives him her ring (which is worthless) but he wants something more, so he kisses her instead of taking the necklace.

He says, “A fair trade, m’lady,” and was gone. A year later, Anna finds a ship a crew, and a forged letter of marque. At that time she sets off to find James Sterling and the ivory chest his captain stole. With some backstabbing by James’s ex best fiend Ferret they capture him and force him to tell her the location of Crimson Kelly and her father’s treasure. With no escape and no choice he agrees. After telling Anna the location he is able to move freely about the deck but under the watchful eye of Nathanial.

After spending a few moments alone with Anna, James finally figures out that he loves her. Anna figures out that she loves James back, a couple made in paradise right? Wrong. Soon after reaching the island they are soon consumed in battle with Crimson Kelly, but Anna’s ship sinks and all of her men are captured. However James comes through and steers his pirate ship to New Province to deliver an ivory chest full of gold, even realizing that this could be his last voyage before death. But once again James wants a fair trade, one night and Anna replies “you shall have it.” When they reach New Province, Anna gets the gold and James is taken into custody. Later Anna and her father return to Mourning. Anna is still haunted by the memories of James, but as she stares out into the ocean a dark figure appears walking out of the mists like a phantom. It’s James Sterling, when they spot each other they begin to run. While locked in embrace James asks her to come with him to be a pirate. She agrees and they both know where they belong, in each other’s arms.

Touchy areas: Mild sexual themes throughout the book

Movies: Pirates of the Caribbean

Music: The soundtrack from Pirates of the Caribbean, as well as “In the arms of an angel” by Phil Coulter for the more sensitive areas.

Comment: This is a wonderful before-bed time read. The novel has all the aspects of romance, betrayal, and action all balanced into one book. It shows that no matter what, love is the brightest of light, even in the darkest of circumstances. I give it a seven out of ten.

Reviewed by: Brandi Phillips,