Prince of Pirates

April 27, 2009
In the sequel to Sebastian Darke: Prince of Fools
, former court jester Sebastian and his compatriots from the first novel (Max, the whiny buffalope, and Cornelius, the warrior) set out on a quest for the lost pirate treasure of Captain Callinestra. Aboard the Sea Witch
, headed by the charming Capt. Jenna Swift, Sebastian and his crew must survive an array of misadventures and enemies—“There is nothing in this world that you can invent that is not dwelling somewhere in the shadows,” Cornelius reflects—to reach the treasure. Sebastian is somewhat adventuresome, but what he's really after is an identity, a profession and a woman that suit him best. He struggles both against shape-shifter Lenora's curse—“You will find what you seek but it shall never be yours”—and to believe in himself. The story's momentum, stemming from action sequences and emotional tension, helps make it a quick read, and the characters' senses of humor, motivations and foibles are irresistible. It all adds up to an amusing and action-packed tale of loyalty, unexpected love and trouble around every bend. Ages 12–up.

April 1, 2009
Grades 7-10 In Prince of Fools (2008), Sebastian Darke wanted to be a court jester, but just didnt have the comedic chops. Here, he leaves the intrigue of court life behind for adventure abroad. Along with his faithful companionsa talking buffalope named Maxand the half-pint-sized warrior CorneliusSebastian hits the high seas in search of a buried treasure. The witty banter of the three heroesoften skewscloser to petty bickering and is used excessively to pad the scanty plot. But all the right elementsmonsters, curses, and treasureare present in another good-spirited adventure with plenty of light drama.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)