Barnaby Stump and the Soul Thief

by Ezra Snukal

Set sail on an unforgettable adventure filled with mystery, danger, and the high seas! Perfect for fans of Percy Jackson and Treasure Island, this thrilling tale combines swashbuckling action with a chilling whodunit twist.

BARNABY STUMP never wanted much—just a quiet life with his grandma and a chance to become a fencing champion. But his dreams are shattered when his fencing tournament turns deadly, and he’s falsely accused of murder. On the run, he is whisked away to a mysterious island that houses a secret pirate school for outcasts and misunderstood teenagers. Here, the teachers all dress like sailors from the 17th century, and the students compete in intense, ferocious naval battles for sport. There’s also something oddly familiar about the school’s headmaster—perhaps something to do with his magnificent black beard…

But before Barnaby can adjust to his new life, a sinister force begins possessing his classmates, turning them into killers. Worse still, Barnaby once again finds himself named the prime suspect. Determined to prove his innocence, he must uncover the true culprit and face a nautical horror thought to have been destroyed centuries ago.

298 pages, Paperback

Published December 9, 2024

About the author

Ezra Snukal has been a lifelong lover of stories ever since his grandmother introduced him to the magic of Harry Potter as a child. Inspired by the works of J.K. Rowling, Rick Riordan, and other fantasy greats, Ezra seeks to channel his love for adventurous tales into crafting imaginative worlds and memorable characters for readers young and old.

Ezra lives in Tel Aviv with his wife Rachel, where he continues to dream up new adventures. BARNABY STUMP AND THE SOUL THIEF marks his debut as an author.

Reviews

[Jordy Rousse · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was FANTASTIC!! I was such a huge fan of Percy Jackson! And this REALLY is Percy Jackson with Pirates instead of Greek gods… and this is a debut novel!! I will officially read anything Ezra puts out!!

[Bianca Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can find it on amazon in paperback and on amazon kindle on 12/17

🏴‍☠️ If you love pirates then this book is for you. This story is basically Percy Jackson meets pirates of The Carribean!

☠️ Barnaby Stump is just a normal kid but when his fencing tournament goes wrong he gets whisked off into a magical pirate world.

🦜 Jolly Roger. Davy Jones . Black Beard . <--- just to name a few amazing pirates & themes mentioned in this fun filled adventure!

[Ty LaPlaunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun read! Such a nostalgia read and reminded me why I got into reading when I was younger! Percent Jackson/Pirate vibes!

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author who gave this arc in exchange for an honest review. ☺️

First of all, the title alone is incredible 😍 I love the protagonist's name, it's so catchy and piratey 😅  And what did I say in my previous post about my favorite tropes? Chosen one and found family, they are all here!  Great storytelling, love where the adventure brought me, the characters are all lovable, overall a really solid debut.   There were a couple of loose ends and I just know there is a sequel in the works. And I honestly can't wait ☺️

I just love books with pirates in it. This gave me the same feeling as The Brotherband Chronicles of John Flanagan, which I absolutely loved reading.  If you love those kinds of adventure books, go pick this one up! ☺️

[Lex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5 Stars 🌊🏴‍☠️✨

If Percy Jackson, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Treasure Island had a wild, magical love child, then it would be Barnaby Stump and the Soul Thief. Keep in mind this is a YA fantasy book. And if you love YA Fantasy then this will be an amazing book for you.

The world-building is amazing, the action is nonstop, which I love, it keeps you drawn in. That said, the build up initially felt a bit slow but once things started moving I was hooked. Overall, it’s an amazing adventure and definitely worth the read. I’d like to also add that I haven’t really read much with pirates but this definitely has me wanting more. I think I’ll be reading more books with similar vibes 👀🤭.

Final Verdict: A fun, fast-paced (initially a slow start.) book worth reading. You can feel the love, time and energy that Ezra put into this book. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again that smaller authors deserve the most love and this is no exception. Thank you so much Ezra for allowing me to read your book early and trusting me with your hard work. I’m beyond thankful for the opportunity and I can’t wait to see what other works you have in the future!

[Maddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y’ALL!!! When Ezra said “Percy Jackson meets Pirates of the Caribbean” he MEANNNNNNNNNNT it 😭 if you have been on the lookout for a YA fantasy novel with love, action, friendships, found family, AND SOOOOO MUCH MORE, you must stop now! I have the book just for you!

Barnaby Stump couldn’t have ever imagined that his fencing tournament would give him the title of a murderer and sent away. But he isn’t sent to just anywhere - he’s off to a private island and to a pirate school.

On top of navigating the challenges of his new environment, he still has to figure out what actually happened to his fencing opponent and who the real killer is. This becomes even more important when students at the school begin meeting violent ends and Barnaby is suspect number 1.

The passion that Ezra has for this story and its characters absolutely radiates through the pages and was so captivating. The pirate lore, the beautiful friendships formed, and everything else was AMAZING. I absolutely loved every moment and I hope you do too!

[Courtney Wynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

An action packed YA pirate fantasy! The author wasn’t kidding when he said this book is Percy Jackson meets Pirates of the Caribbean! It started off a bit slow for me at first but QUICKLY picked up and I was hooked through the rest of this book! I know a bit about pirates so it was really cool reading this book and seeing some famous names included in this story! I really really enjoyed this and anyone looking for a great YA fantasy read, this is the book for you! Thank you so much to the author for giving me the opportunity to read this book I can’t wait for the rest of the world to read it!

[Shira Simmonds · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling, action-packed adventure that kept me hooked from start to finish! Barnaby Stump's journey from a quiet life to a pirate school full of secrets, danger, and naval battles is nothing short of exciting. With a perfect blend of mystery, suspense, and a touch of humor, this book is an absolute page-turner. The twists and turns kept me guessing until the very end. Highly recommend for anyone who loves pirates, adventure, and a bit of supernatural intrigue!

[Mel | Hot Plots and One Shots · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is definitely Percy Jackson-ish meets Pirates of The Caribbean-ish.

I don’t know. I read about half of this book before giving up. While I loved the buildup in the beginning, I realized as I was reading that it just wasn’t my cup of tea.

I think middle-grades and high schoolers would love this book but it didn’t fall into my realm of fantasy. I teach middle school, and I can see this being a fun read for them…but it doesn’t go deeper than that.

Furthermore, I would have appreciated more of the mc’s backstory beforehand. I believe that would have helped the reader be invested from the jump.

Overall, what I read was okay. I can see the appeal. It just wasn’t for me.

I received this e-galley free in exchange for an honest review... even though the author didn’t want me to mention that.

[Akku · Rating 4 out of 5]

⛵ 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 - 𝟒✨

⛵ Barnaby Stump and the Soul Thief is a captivating blend of swashbuckling action, mystery, and supernatural intrigue.

⛵ The pirate school setting is unique, and the training sequences add a layer of excitement.

⛵ The imaginative settings and creative plot ideas add extra appeal, even though some key moments feel a bit rushed. With a few refinements, particularly in exploring supporting characters, the novel could have reached greater depths.

⛵ Overall, it's a fantastic read for fans of adventure, mystery, and fantasy perfect for those who love Percy Jackson or Treasure Island with a supernatural twist.

⛵ 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀 -
- sea battles
- dark pirate lore
- slow burn romance
- pirate school for outcasts
- found family

[Rainy's Reading Nook · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ This was a fantastic YA read and I feel anyone who enjoys YA's in general would enjoy this!

I felt it wasn't my typical cup of tea, but if this genre is usually for you, then I recommend!

The beginning was a bit slow for more to get into but it did pickup fairly quick and had amazing elements to keep the reader hooked! It's obvious the author conducted research prior to reading this on pirates and it was so interesting to see! I could definitely see the Pirates of the Caribbean vibes.

I'm thankful for the author giving me the opportunity to read this book!

[Gabriel McCown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful. A book that far exceeds expectations for a self published debut novel. Barnaby Stump and his band of cohorts are witty, intelligent, well developed characters that take you on a twisting journey full of laughs and surprises. This is a hard book to put down. Great things ahead for this author.

[Megha Ghosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barnaby Stump and the Soul Thief is an electrifying mixture of adventure, mystery, nautical mayhem, and had me hooked from the first page. Perfect for Percy Jackson fans and Treasure Island enthusiasts, this novel is a fresh take on a classic pirate lore, rife with heart-pounding action and unexpected twists.

Barnaby Stump is an instantly relatable hero—a dreamer with a natural talent for fencing who suddenly sees his life turned upside down by false accusations and a deadly tournament gone wrong. Whisked away to a secret pirate school for misfit teens, Barnaby discovers a world like no other. The school, steeped in 17th-century maritime traditions, provides a vivid backdrop for thrilling naval battles and a unique cast of characters, including a headmaster with a suspiciously iconic black beard.

However, this is not one of those swashbuckling adventures. The tale really takes a chilling turn in that Barnaby is to face a force sinisterly inside his classmates and at large on the island wreaking havoc. With these whodunit elements here, suspense is added in the story, and the author even weaves some fast-paced action sequences into instances of introspection for Barnaby as he stumbles about to figure who he is: innocent or courageous.

All these and more are woven into one sweeping narrative by the author as he creates a beautiful coming-of-age story filled with the same magic and camaraderie, a thrilling mystery of open-sea, and high-stakes action in a very thrilling storyline where readers find themselves on Barnaby's side in unveiling dark secrets within the school to face the ancient horror in the deep.

With its richly imagined setting, dynamic characters, and never-wavering plot, Barnaby Stump and the Secret Pirate School is one adventure for all adventurers - regardless of their age! From sword fights and sea monsters to spine-tingling mystery solving, it's all here: so set course for some unforgettable fun on this classic adventure!

[Jazmyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pirates Of The Caribbean meet Percy Jackson & you get this masterpiece!!

Ezra truly took this book to the next level. With a full action packed, captivating YA pirate fantasy. The pace of the book was great. It brought my pirate heart to life. The plot was compelling and was able to keep me hooked from start to finish. The ending really took me by surprise! I can’t wait for the 2nd book!

Anyone who loves pirates I would highly recommend this book 🏴‍☠️✨🖤

[Yora Canter Visscher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book! It was very action packed, with loveable characters and an incredible story line! The perfect middle grade book!

[Helen's always reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The core of every pirate’s belief. Something so fundamental to life, yet nearly forgotten by the world until we reintroduced it: redemption.”

Barnaby Stump is a thirteen year old boy who has a strange name and a love for fencing. He's an orphan, raised by his grandmother and all he wants to do is become a fencing champion. Then everything goes wrong. On the day of his fencing tournament, he's accused of murder and, to make matters worse, he's kidnapped from police custody and taken to a mysterious island far away from home.

I loved Barnaby's story so much! He's a sweet kid with a bit of a temper and some serious sword-fighting skills. Not only did I love Barnaby's character, but the whole concept of an island for lost boys (like Peter Pan's), where boys & girls who have had some trouble with the law get a second chance at life by studying at Lost Boys High under Blackbeard the pirate's watchful gaze was fascinating to me.

Ezra wove a rich tapestry, using pirate fact and fiction, loveable characters, strong friendships, mystery, intrigue and hair-raising fight scenes, with which he draws in the reader and holds them captive.

Not only must Barnaby find a way back home, but he also has to fight bullies, fumble along the road to first love and he must solve the mysterious possession of his fellow classmates. It's not an easy road for Barnaby and each of his struggles endeared me to him even more. I rooted for him, cried with him, worried with him.

Overall, Barnaby Stump and the Soul Thief is perfect for fans of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, The School for Good and Evil and Pirates of the Caribbean. It's also perfect for pirate-lovers or anyone fascinated by pirate-lore. Also, @ezrasnukal , there better be a sequel! I have so many questions and hopes for Barnaby and you had better continue his story.

[Noam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took me right back to my teenage hood where I used to devour books with complete awe, curiosity and joy. I literally could not put it down and finished the book in a single reading session.
The world which was created is subtle, charming and enticing. The story unfolds so seamlessly with the deep characters being cleverly intertwined naturally and effortlessly. The last few chapters were jam packed and action filled and it left me wishing to read another installment straight away.
I am blown away by the fact that this is the first published novel produced by this author. One can feel the depth of knowledge, the amount of research done and the control he has over his writing skills. He is able to pinpoint the genre of a young adult reader who is looking for action, adventure, romance and cheeky wit - which is so nuanced bur he gets it perfectly!
I am looking forward to seeing where this story goes and also how this authors writing journey continues.

[Yehudah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not much of a reader, but “Barnaby Stump and The Soul Thief” completely hooked me—I couldn’t put it down and didn’t want it to end! The book is packed with cliffhangers, and since I had to pause every now and then to take care of my toddler, it felt like even more of a suspenseful ride. The ending took me completely by surprise, and I really hope the author is working on another book because I need to know what happens next!

The storytelling is so vivid that I could picture everything as I read, and honestly, this would make an incredible movie. I still can’t believe the author is a friend of mine! This is my very honest opinion, and I highly recommend giving this book a read.

[Avi Ostroff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book – definitely a must-read! The writing is incredibly well-crafted, and I really appreciate how Barnaby's actions, thoughts, and dialogue are authentic and true to that of a 13-year-old. It really makes the story feel much more relatable and real. The plot is also really compelling, keeping me hooked from start to finish. I couldn’t put it down and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun and adventurous read.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barnaby Stump and the Soul Thief is an absolute thrill! The mix of swashbuckling action, pirate lore, and a gripping whodunit kept me hooked from start to finish. Barnaby’s journey from a falsely accused teen to uncovering dark secrets was both exciting and relatable. The vivid world-building and unexpected twists made it impossible to put down. Highly recommend for fans of Percy Jackson or Treasure Island!

[Bookish_Aly_Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun adventure story! I absolutely loved the characters and the found family aspect of the plot. The world building was spectacular and I couldn’t help but be drawn into Barnaby’s pirate school journey. The action was pretty much non stop and definitely held my attention. I highly recommend this one to anyone who loves young adult fantasy, pirates, and captivating tales.

Thank you to the author for providing me with a gifted copy of the book.

[qlaneyp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely recommended to anyone who likes fantasy novels and suspense! I love the world building and character interactions. The twists towards the end of the book had me SHOOK! Can't wait for the next one!

[Kovi Fine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read fiction in a long time but I can't put this doen. I'm almost finished the book and it's been a nailbiter. I love it. Very easy to read and a lot of clever ideas that pull together history and pirate folklore. Nice to be taken to another world for a while... 10/10 recommend.

[Shaina And · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never thought I'd be into a Pirate book, but this book is so well written and the storyline is great!! I really enjoyed entering the world of pirates. Can't wait for the next one!

[Nava Ehrenkranz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute magical book! Pulls you right in and doesn’t stop grabbing your attention. My middle school self would have gobbled this up. Can’t wait for more!

[Natasha Parkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautifully written book. This book was filled with adventure and excitement from start to finish. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

[Caleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is filled with adventure and whimsy, it is a perfect blend of pirates shenanigans, mystery, and coming of age. Barnaby Stump is a relatable character who has always been an outcast and struggled in making friends. He is very loyal and has such a strong sense of justice. He is quick to make friends on the pirate island and even fit in.

I found myself wishing I could go to this pirate school, like they group the students into ship crews and have mock raids as their sport. that is insanely fun. I found the world to be so clever and I was so excited to see historical pirates are a feature of this story.

This book is a wonderful adventure that is filled with mystery and humor.

[Daphne Westfall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75/5

Thank you @ezra_snukal_writer for gifting me this book, I really enjoyed the adventure.
Let’s start by saying that this was my first pirate read and it didn’t disappoint, you can’t go wrong with a name like Barnaby Stump, it’s perfect!
Ezra promised Percy Jackson meets Pirates Of The Caribbean mixed with Treasure Island and he delivered. This book started a little slow, there’s some world building and backstory setting but once the action took off, it never stopped. There are sword fights, naval battles, ancient pirates, legends, mermaids and mystery, everything that makes a fantastic story. The characters are very interesting and I really enjoyed their interactions and the camaraderie but what I enjoyed the most was that I even recognized some names.
The only reason this book didn’t get a higher rating is because I felt like the story needed a little bit more of development when it came to the famous names, I think that they weren’t really necessary or added depth to the story. I think the book can have the same effect without them.
This is a YA fantasy book written with so much care and passion that you can feel it in every page, it’s perfect if you are new to fantasy and are looking into getting started with the genre. Also, perfect for young readers or parents looking for fun reads to share with their kids. My 10 year old will love it 😊

[Shami Snukal · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a middle school teacher would highly recommend Barnaby Stump and The Soul Thief for all the fantasy adventure readers out there. What a great fun read! The ending took me by suprise! Looking forward to the next book.