Title: The Pirates! In an Adventure with Ahab
Author: Gideon Defoe
First published January 1, 2005
160 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780375423857 (ISBN10: 0375423850)
Rating: 4
Overview
In a world where supernatural beings lurk in the shadows, Evangeline Stone was one of the most ruthless bounty hunters in the city. But when she wakes up in a stranger’s body, with no recollection of her past or how she got there, Evy’s world is turned upside down.
Her former colleagues believe she’s a traitor, forcing her to flee and piece together her memories to clear her name. With only three days to solve her own murder before the body she’s occupying gives out, Evy must navigate the dangerous underworld of vampires, shape-shifters, and trolls to uncover the truth.
Can she bring justice to those who wronged her, or will she be doomed to an eternal cycle of death and rebirth?
About the Author
Gideon Defoe never had any intention of becoming an author. It all started when he crossed paths with a woman he once pursued while studying archaeology and anthropology at Oxford.
As they chatted about their current endeavors, he realized that his job as a temp for Westminster council wasn’t the most impressive thing to share. So, he told her that he was writing a novel.
To his surprise, she asked to see it, and that’s when he discovered that he actually was writing a novel. He shared his manuscript with friends who then passed it along until a literary agent got their hands on it.
Defoe grew up in the south of England, raised solely by his mother. His father, who has since passed, was a thriller writer whose stories often featured Russian spies seducing middle-aged men who bore a striking resemblance to him.
According to his mother, Defoe is a direct descendant of Daniel Defoe, but he remains skeptical until he can see the family tree for himself.
Editoral Review
Gideon Defoe, the author of The Pirates! In an Adventure with Ahab, takes readers on an amusing and exciting journey through the high seas. Published in 2005, this book is a blend of adventure, humor, and satire that is sure to delight anyone who enjoys a good pirate tale.
In this book, the reader is introduced to a group of pirates who go by silly names, including the Pirate Captain, the Pirate with a Scarf, and the Pirate Who Likes Sunsets and Kittens. Together, they set out on a quest to find the legendary white whale, Moby Dick, and encounter all sorts of obstacles along the way.
The Pirates! In an Adventure with Ahab is a parody of classic adventure stories such as Moby Dick, and it is sure to make readers laugh with its absurd humor and witty one-liners. The characters are well-developed and likable, and the plot is engaging and unpredictable.
Defoe also cleverly weaves in historical references, making the story not only entertaining but educational as well. The attention to detail in the description of pirate lifestyle and activities is impressive, and the author has clearly done extensive research to make the story accurate and believable.
The writing style is fluid and lighthearted, making it an enjoyable read for all ages. The pacing of the story is excellent, with a number of twists and turns that keep the reader engaged from beginning to end.
The themes of friendship, loyalty, and perseverance are woven throughout the story, giving it depth and emotional resonance. One weakness of the book is that some readers may find the humor to be a bit juvenile.
However, this is likely intentional and part of the book’s charm. Additionally, the book is relatively short, making it a quick read that may not satisfy readers who are looking for more complex storytelling.
Overall, The Pirates! In an Adventure with Ahab is a delightful and entertaining book that is perfect for anyone who enjoys pirate stories or parody. It is a great reminder that sometimes, it’s good to let go of seriousness and just enjoy a good laugh.
The book is recommended for young adults and adults alike and receives a score of 4.5 out of 5.
