Prince of Pirates

Sebastian Darke #2

by Philip Caveney

Sebastian, Max and Cornelius are ready for another adventure and heading to the bustling port of Ramalat. Once there they intend to embark on a perilous sea journey in search of the fabled lost treasure of the pirate King, Captain Calinestra. But first, they must make it through the dark and mysterious forest of Geltane and survive an encounter with Leonora; a powerful enchantress, with a terrifying secret and a magical hold over Sebastian's senses. And as if that wasn't bad enough, when they finally reach Ramalat, a feisty female sea captain; an infamous young pirate; ravenous sea creatures, giant lizards; furious sea battles and breathtaking action await them. Will they discover the lost treasure? Will Sebastian live to tell the tale? Will Cornelius be beaten in armed combat? And will Max EVER stop moaning?

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Humor, Fiction, Comedy, Childrens, Teen

400 pages, Hardcover

Published February 7, 2008

About the author

Philip Caveney was born in North Wales in 1951. The son of an RAF officer, he spent much of his childhood travelling the length and breadth of Britain and spent several years in Malaysia and Singapore.

He attended the Kelsterton College Of Art where he obtained a diploma in Graphic Design. Whilst there, he became drummer (and latterly vocalist) with rock band, Hieronymus Bosch.

After leaving college, he worked extensively in theatre both in London and Wales and wrote the lyrics for rock adaptations of The Workhouse Donkey and Oscar Wilde’s Salome.

His first novel, The Sins Of Rachel Ellis, was published in 1976.

Published Works for Adults

The Sins Of Rachel Ellis: St Martin’s Press/ Robert Hale/Berkeley Press. ‘a spine chilling debut.’ – Doubleday Book Club magazine
Tiger Tiger – ‘ St Martin’s Press/Granada ‘…an intriguing tale of rivalry and honour ‘– Flintshire Chronicle
The Tarantula Stone – Granada - ‘breathtaking action.’ Kirkus
Cursery Rhymes Cornerhouse Books– ‘wickedly funny’ – City Life
Speak No Evil – Headline/Headline Review/ ‘cracking summer reading.’ City Life
Black Wolf – Headline/ Headline Review/ nominated for WH Smith Thumping Good Read award.
Strip Jack Naked – Headline/Headline Review - ‘a triumphant thriller’ - Evening Post
Slayground – Headline/Headline Review ‘,,, breakneck pace’ – Daily Mirror
Skin Flicks – Headline/headline Review – ‘Caveney uses the central image with considerable skill’ – Sunday Times
Burn Down Easy – Headline/Headline Review – ‘the fiction equivalent of standing on Semtex’ – Pure Fiction
Bad To The Bone – Headline/ Headline Review ’10 little Indians on speed!’ Tangled web
1999 – Headline/Headline Review ‘more than just a return to form.’ City Life
Love Bites – Xlibris – ‘a frighteningly funny read!’ Tregolwyn reviews.

Published works for Children

Cursery Rhymes(with Bob Seal) (Cornerhouse Books)
Sebastian Darke - Prince Of Fools (2007) (Random House)
Sebastian Darke: Prince of Pirates (2008) (Random House)

Coming soon…

Sebastian Dark: Prince of Explorers (2009) (Random House)
Alec Devlin: The Eye of The Serpent (2008) (Random House)
Alec Devlin: The Kingdom of the Skull (2009) (Random House)

He wrote the screenplay for the short film Dream Factory, directed by Philip Davenport and has recently written his first full-length screenplay The Sick House for director Curtis Radclyffe.

He is also an advertising copywriter and has been the co-ordinator for the Manchester Writers Workshop for over twenty five years.

Reviews

[Fathul Fadhil · Rating 5 out of 5]

kill that goddam buffalope

[Booker G. A. Feniks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know what it is, whether I'm already used to the formula, the book features my favourite story setting (the sea), or the author genuinely improved, but I enjoyed the second book in tis series far more than I did the first. Many of the same issues still persist as in the first book, but Prince of Pirates starts of far quicker with less exposition, gets interesting quicker, has better landing jokes, & all round more solid characters & relationships. As well as that, something I failed to mention in my first review, was the fact that all the plot threads were tied off, & many aspects brought up earlier, always had a payoff in the end, barring a few. This ability to not leave any plot threads untied is genuinely something to admire within a writer's style, & can certainly make up for weak prose or uninteresting storylines, & I commend the author for having so much control over his plot.
Overall, a certainly amazing read, a hidden gem that helped me unwind & just enjoy myself, & I am still glad this series showed up on my bookshelf for no reason one day years ago.

[EmmaB · Rating 3 out of 5]

Silly fluff of a sequel. There's nothing wrong with it (and a lot right): Max's grumbling buffalope and Cornelius the brave are back with Sebastien; there's some dark magic, and some scary eel shark things, and a castaway, and a beautiful young captain, and obstacles to overcome, and treasure found and lost. There are more adventures to be had. I'm not sure there is more to learn about the characters. I think I'll have to leave the other sequels for another lifetime...

[Yami · Rating 4 out of 5]

This edition's cover truly not giving it any justice, it looks like a middle grade kind of book, but I will consider more like an innocent YA, I liked it a lot , the adventure the thrill , The Characters .
this one is a very Pirates of a Caribbean flavored adventure. and I like how you can see the development of charcutiers in it , Esp. Sebastian. cant wait to read the third one.

[Lowe Hillding · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

[Oscar ER · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ñe, son libros entretenidos para pasar el rato, sin más ni más pero eso sí, son libros pensados para niños

[Alba Citlali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Es mi libro favorito desde los 12 años. Tiene un par de huecos incidentales, no de la trama en sí. Aún así es muy divertido.

[Hazel West · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thoughts on the Overall Book: I thought it was a good book, it wasn't great, but it wasn't the worse thing I have read either and I did enjoy it. It was a classic adventure story, and if it was a bit cliché, than that is just typical of the genre, so I'm okay with that.

Characters: Sebastian, Cornelius and Max are a fun trio, and again typical of the adventure genre. I enjoyed their banter and how they interacted with each other. I also liked Jenna a lot, though I was afraid she was going to be one of those "I can rule the world" women because she was a ship's captain. She wasn't anything like that though, and for that I'm grateful. Yes, she and Sebastian had a little of romantic interest between them, but it was not distracting to the story-line. I also like the Kid, he was actually one of my favorite characters. The villains, I think should have been better crafted, because they weren't really evil enough nor were they in the book enough. Leonora was scary and evil, but there should have been more of her.

Problems/What bothered me:The problem with the baddies mentioned above mostly, and also it seemed that all the fight scenes between the characters and the villains should have been longer and more suspenseful, but that is my only main complaint. As I said, this isn't the best book I've read, but I don't really have anything else to complain about either.

Conclusion: 3 stars. I wish I could have been able to find the first one to read first. It's not really necessary to this story to do so, but I think it might be a better story. I do want to read the other books in the series.

Recommended Audience: Young teens or older who enjoy adventure stories. There was no bad content or language so it could be read by anyone 12 and up, I would say. It's an easy read and if you're looking for something meatier, you might be disappointed by it, but as a fun summer read it's good.

[J.M. Cornwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

A motley crew of adventurers on the trail of hidden pirate treasure and danger.

Sebastian Darke is a half-elf, half-human whose father bequeathed him the family business: itinerate Prince of Fools. Sebastian unfortunately has no talent for jokes or juggling, as his last job proved, but he does have a talent for getting in the way of trouble.

Heart-broken and on the way to Ramalat to hire a ship to take him, his cantankerous buffalope, Max, and the fierce Golmiran warrior, Cornelius, to sea to find Captain Callinestra’s fabled treasure. Cornelius bought the map from a dying man when he was in hospital recovering from his wounds in the struggle to help set Princess Kerin, now Queen Kerin, on the throne of Keladon. Queen Kerin and Sebastian cannot be together since she must marry to secure her throne and Sebastian isn't royalty.

In order to get to Ramalat they must past through the Geltane Forest and trouble awaits them around every bend.

Philip Caveney wastes no time and jumps directly into this sequel to Sebastian Darke: Prince of Fools. Sebastian Darke: Prince of Pirates is a standalone young adult novel full of sorcery, double crosses, pirates, danger, surprises and adventure. Sebastian and his tiny band of travelers are quirky individuals that set a fast pace with side trips into absurdity and slapstick humor. There is everything from sophomoric bathroom humor and subtle witticisms to mystery and danger in this adventure on the high seas.

Coupled with comic book style illustrations, Sebastian Darke: Prince of Pirates is a rollicking and exciting adventure that pays due homage to Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island, Captain Kidd and every swashbuckling movie of the 1940s and 1950s. I found Sebastian Darke’s latest adventure charming and fun.

[Yunita1987 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Akhirnya buku Sebastian Dark kelar juga dibaca, sepertinya butuh waktu yang lama untuk membaca buku ini. aku bingung apakah karena ceritanya yang gak terlalu menarik perhatianku atau karena niat membaca sedang berkurang..hehehe..

Buku ini ternyata buku lanjutan alias buku kedua. Tapi sepertinya setiap buku memiliki pertualangan yang berbeda sehingga jangan khawatir kalau belum membaca buku pertama tapi sudah membaca buku keduanya, seperti aku ini,,hehehe

Dibuku ini, Sebastian bersama dengan teman seperjuangnya Max dan cornelious (semoga gak salah nama, males buka bukunya lagi sih..)
mempunyai misi untuk mendapatkan harta karun.
Tetapi perjalanan mereka ternyata tidak semudah yang dipikirkan, banyak sekali kejadian-kejadian yang mereka alami, kadang mengerikan, lucu membuat kita tertawa terkhusus si Max, kerbau yang unik, kenapa unik ??? karena bisa ngomong,,hehehe,,,
Walaupun buku ini lebih banyak menceritakan pertualangan Sebastian dkk untuk mendapatkan harta karun, tetapi ada cerita cintanya juga,,hehehe,,
Sebastian yang digambarkan sebagai seorang pria tampan bisa membuat seorang kapten cantik bernama Jenni suka padanya. Tetapi Sebastian yang pada saat itu masih terpengaruh kutukan dari seorang penyihir cantik tapi jahat bernama Leonora. Jadi ada kisah "cinta bertepuk sebelah tangan" nih.

So, buat yang ingin membaca buku ini, selamat membaca pertualangan Sebastian dkk untuk mencari harta karun, yang katanya peta harta karun yang mereka dapatkan sebenarnya mereka beli dari seseorang yang akan mati..hehehe..jadi gak yakin nih, Sebastian bisa mendapatkan harta karun atau tidak ya???? (Jawabannya, cari sendiri dibuku ini ya..:) )

[Miss Ryoko · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual rating: 3.5 stars

I really am enjoying these books. Sebastian is still sort of nerdy, though I also wonder how all the ladies swoon over him (like Cornelius wonders). Oh well, guess he has some sort of charm the women pick up on ;)

I really wish Jenna had a different name because it doesn't really fit her character. I can't decide what her name should be (unusual for me in these sort of situations) but I didn't think Jenna fit her at all.

The ending surprised me a bit. I was expecting something completely different to happen, but I was happy what I thought was going to happen didn't. It would have made me sad.

One more to go to wrap up Sebastian's adventures. I enjoy these characters and the stories, so I'm excited to see what happens next.

[Ira Booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suka...petualangan lautnya keren. Meskipun si Sebastian Darke ini tampaknya bukan tipe pahlawan favorit saya. Lemah terhadap wanita dan perlu banyak keberuntungan. Tapi saya suka sama sifat Sebastian yang sangat menyanyangi Max.

Di sini Sebastian, Cornellius dan Max berpetualang mencari harta karun di sebuah pulau terpencil. Masalah pertama mereka temui saat melewati hutan dimana ada penyihir wanita cantik yang jahat. Masalah berikutnya terjadi di lautan di mana dengan kapal Sea Witch yang dikapteni oleh seorang kapten perempuan bernama Jenna, mereka harus menghadapi perompak dan pelaut licik.

Menemukan harta karun tersebut bukan berarti berhasil mendapatkannya. Terutama karena ada gangguan dari si penyihir dan pelaut licik.

[Ala · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was slightly better than the first one, although I'm not sure I liked tge ending as much. The witch's character seemed like an afterthought, even though she was present at the beginning. It added a little tension, but she should have been treated differently, ie. as more of a main character. I still love the main characters, despite their few flaws. I also love that in each book (so far) there is a strong female character. I found that somewhat lacking in the books I read as a kid, the women were usually portrayed as vapid and whimpering. I'd like to know what adventures befall Sebastian, Cornelius and Max next.

[Stef Rozitis · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok, reminiscent of Geoffrey McSkimming. Plenty of jokes and mucking around and dialogue that is supposed to be witty. The female characters are active and capable but all beautiful and all sexualised in reference to the main character (yawn of tedium). I would love a book like this with female characters that were equally active and capable but not attracted to or attractive to the main character and not always descibed so much in terms of beauty and slimness.

It didn't suck. Read it if you want to, I am not burning to read the whole series which seems likely to be the same thing over and over again possibly with different women.

[Filip · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read Sebastian Darke: Prince of Pirates about 15 years ago, and I remember enjoying it at the time. I liked following Sebastian, Max, and Cornelius on their pirate adventures and seeing them face new challenges and exotic locations. Max’s sarcastic humor and Cornelius’s bravery kept things fun, and the story had plenty of action and silly moments.

That said, looking back, some of the plot felt familiar and a bit predictable, and the pacing occasionally lagged. It was still an entertaining read, but not as memorable or original as the first book.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun installment in what appears to be the many careers of Sebastian Darke. In this one, he trades in his jester's hat for a tri-corn pirate's hat in search of a mythical treasure across the seas. The problem is, he and his friends are now plagued by a witch who has bespelled him and dogs their heels, throwing roadblocks in their way at every turn. Silliness and body humor included, this was a fun read that would appeal to both boys and girls, I think.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I REALLY enjoyed this one, actually more than the first. I was trying to decide if I would simply recommend this one to a friend or if I would say read them both. I think read them both, because then the characters' relationships and personal motivations and group dynamic will make more sense. But the plot in this one was much funnier to me, and I really liked it. The characters are absolutely hilarious and really feed off of each other really well. I will be recommending this one!

[Gita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kali ini yang lebih sering bertengkar dengan Max adalah Cornelius, membuat saya ketawa pukul-pukul bantal bacanya. Dan Sebastian... oh, demi gigi Shadlog! Yang di kepalanya, nyaris di seluruh perjalanan petualangan mereka, cuma diisi dengan perempuan cantik, perempuan cantik, dan perempuan cantik. Setelah hatiku cukup remuk di buku pertama? Yang benar saja! (meskipun kebanyakan bukan karena "kehendak"nya sih...)

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sebastian Darke is back in another humorous and epic adventure, with his pint-sized warrior buddy, and his morose talking buffalope. This time he is trading in his jester’s cap for a sword and taking on huge snakes, enchantresses, sea monsters, and blood thirsty pirates. Anchors away with Philip Caveney’s “Sebastian Darke: Prince of Pirates”.

[Bima Riswanta · Rating 3 out of 5]

as Phil read this book (and other couple books) for his son, then it's good for kiddies. but the humour lies within is fair enough for mid-adult reader. really nice cut from a thriller-based-writer !!??..

@_@

[Aurumora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Also diese Frauengeschichten lassen mein Herz bluten.
Das Buch verflog wieder, aber ich persönlich brauche eine Pause bevor ich mir den dritten Band besorge und lese.

Immernoch gut für Zwischendurch.

[nenea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Antes de empezar a leer el libro, no tenía mucha fe en él, pero en verdad me gustó mucho. Lo disfruté demasiado, esta combinación de piratas, aventuras, acertijos, centauros y tesoros es explosiva. Te sumerges en el libro completamente. Lo recomiendo

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Witty and clever adventure story.

[andayan_ni · Rating 4 out of 5]

friendship and more adventures.. ;)

[Adhe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Di buku ke dua ini kisah petualangannya lbh seru dr buku pertamanya.

[Boogle · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second in the series, I thought it captured my interest well, and I loved all the twists and new findings as the book goes on.

[Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was awesome

[Subastian]

Cerita petualangan yang seru dan kocak dengan bumbu ketegangan yang menghibur dengan Tuan Darke, tetap sebagai karakternya sang pangeran patah hati.

[ayanapunya · Rating 3 out of 5]

harus diakui kehadiran max memberi sentuhan tersendiri pada cerita ini

[Merel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Stopped reading when I read about half the book. In my opinion, nothing really happens in the book. It's a little bit boring.