The Sword and Laser discussion

Hey all,

I currently have been loving the second book in The Gentleman Bastard series--Red Seas Under Red Skies. I absolutely adored The Lies of Locke Lamora, but I think I like this second book better. The part that I love is the pirate goodness. I am fascinated by the characters aboard the Poison Orchard.

But now I have a conundrum. I love the pirate stuff soooo much that I want to find books that are similar to add to my someday list, but I am having a difficult time locating good pirate books. I have read Treasure Island when I was younger and I don't know that I want to go back to re-read those Robert Louis Stevenson books. I would love an exciting, pirate adventure by a more modern author.

Any ideas?

My favorite pirate fantasy is Liveship Traders, starting with Ship of Magic.

On Stranger Tides, which was used as a basis for one of the Pirates of the Carribean movies was an alright read.

Thanks for the recommendation. Ship of Magic looks good.

Rob wrote: "My favorite pirate fantasy is Liveship Traders, starting with Ship of Magic.

On Stranger Tides, which was used as a basis for one of the Pirates of the Carribean movie..."

You're welcome, though you may want to read her Farseer trilogy first (starting with Assassin's Apprentice), though they are only loosely related, and not pirate themed.

Both The Red Wolf Conspiracy and The Scar are also great.

Scott wrote: "Thanks for the recommendation. Ship of Magic looks good.

Rob wrote: "My favorite pirate fantasy is Liveship Traders, starting with Ship of Magic.

On Stranger Tides, w..."

Just be warned, Liveship Trilogy is a little slow in pacing like some classics, if you like that type of books.

Unlike the fast pace of, say, Peter Hamilton's Commonwealth books, or The Expanse?

For naval fiction (thought not really SFF or piratical), the Master and Commander books might be worth a look.

Rob wrote: "My favorite pirate fantasy is Liveship Traders, starting with Ship of Magic.."

I second the Liveship Traders trilogy!
You have to read all three though so it's a long haul. Great story. Personally I find Robin Hobb a bit long winded but your mileage may vary.

Thanks everyone for the recommendations. I have added several books to my someday list. I'm excited to dig into some of these. And even though Master and Commander is more realistic it may still serve. I loved the movie.

There's also Child of a Hidden Sea, which starts a series. Haven't read it yet, but it's on my list.

And Fast Ships, Black Sails if you like short stories.

The Horatio Hornblower books are a bit like Master and Commander - just a bit less realistic and a lot faster paced.

I would definitely second the suggestion of On Stranger Tides.

Wyvern

The Temeraire books, starting with His Majesty's Dragon are more naval than pirate books, but still magic in The Age of Sail.

Rafael Sabatini's stuff is up on Project Gutenberg. You could give Captain Blood a shot. http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/1965

Edit: Or The Sea Hawk. Actually, here is entire listing. http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/autho...

Jim Butcher's The Aeronaut's Windlass is steampunk privateer and is a great read. Also the Sharpe Series Bernard Cornwell has the battle of Trafalgar (major sea engagement) if not pirates then Naval battles...

I would recommend checking out China Miéville's novel The Scar.

Pirates! My standard recommendations: Tanith Lee's Piratica: Being a Daring Tale of a Singular Girl's Adventure Upon the High Seas and L.A. Meyer's Bloody Jack: Being an Account of the Curious Adventures of Mary "Jacky" Faber, Ship's Boy and its sequels.

If your looking for general 'Age of Sail' books and not just pirates, check out the book self of the goodreads 'Armchair Sailors' group.

https://www.goodreads.com/group/books...