Justin Somper's New Kid on Deck

Pirate Academy: New Kid On Deck by Justin Somper

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


The Barracudas eagerly await the arrival of their parents for Captains’ Evening at the Pirate Federation’s Academy at Coral Sea Province. One by one their ships anchor, but not Jasmine Peacock’s. Her mom and dad usually arrive first. The later the hour grows, the more Jasmine worries but there is little she can do.

Jacoby Blunt’s anticipation is quickly doused when he and his father are summoned to the commodore’s office. Rather than putting his all into his studies, Jacoby has been coasting through his classes. If this continues, he will be expelled. This alarming news causes him to change his ways. It will be hard, since his best friend and roommate, Wing, has to withdraw. The only reason given is: “These are dangerous times to be a pirate.” (32)

Later that night, the crew of a dilapidated ship smuggles ashore a young boy. Neo Splice has fears and secrets, but there is nowhere else safe to go. He will become the newest Barracuda. The longer he stays, the more he finds himself looking over his shoulder and wondering whether the demons that haunt him are real or imagined.

Jacoby hurts from losing his friend and blames Neo. Best way to deal with the situation? Hazing. Doctoring the chalk used during sword practice doesn’t get the reaction Jacoby expects. Instead, Neo calls them all “privileged princes” who haven’t a clue as to what dangers lurk around them.

When Neo and another Barracuda go missing and masked pirates invade the academy, Jasmine, Jacoby, and the other Barracudas remember their motto: “If you wound one, you wound us all.” Together is the only way to save Neo and discover the true nature of the invaders and the perils they unleash.

New Kid on Deck is the first book in Somper’s new Pirate Academy series. Set in the year 2057, the story is spellbinding. The characters’ emotions and individuality draw readers into the action and tension, while the words and Teo Skaffa’s pictures breathe life into them in ways that make the characters real people. This may be written for children, but adults will also find themselves captivated. The villains are dastardly and just a bit creepy. The piratical elements are realistic and well-researched. Pirate apprentices and their parents will enjoy this voyage to a fantastic school where adventure awaits and they will eagerly look forward to the second book, Missing at Sea.

(Review originally published at Pirates and Privateers: http://www.cindyvallar.com/Somper.htm...)



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