Book Review: How to Become a Pirate Hunter by Marty Reeder (+ Giveaway)
Summary:
Eric has never seen himself as anything special—just another average kid. But that belief is challenged when Charlotte, the mysterious new girl at school, claims that Eric has a rare talent: he’s a natural-born pirate hunter. When she offers to prove it, Eric finds himself swept into a high-stakes adventure across time, dropped straight into the perilous waters of the Spanish Main. To survive the infamous Willard Pirate Twins, Eric must embrace his destiny before it’s too late.
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Release Date: March 2017
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Target Audience: Middle Grade (MG)
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Source: Review copy provided by the publisher
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Reviewer: Maryn
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Giveaway: Want to win a copy? [Enter the Giveaway HERE.]
Review:
I’ll admit—I’ve never been particularly drawn to pirate stories. But the premise of How to Become a Pirate Hunter intrigued me. Time travel, adventure, and a unique coming-of-age twist? I was hooked from the start.
The novel opens with a fascinating idea: one of the characters has the power to see people’s destinies—what they were truly born to do. That immediately pulled me in. However, not long into the story, the plot shifted into very detailed descriptions of nautical routes, pirate maps, and strategic explanations that, for me, slowed the pace significantly.
If you’re a fan of pirate lore, these intricate parts might fascinate you. But personally, I found them overwhelming. At times, I had to re-read entire pages just to follow the geographical logic. These segments, while well-researched, may be too dense or dry for some middle-grade readers, especially those not already invested in historical pirate narratives.
Despite those slower sections, the book still delivers an impressive dose of action and surprises. Just when you think the story is wrapping up, Reeder throws in another twist that raises the stakes. The unpredictability kept me engaged, and the core idea of embracing one’s hidden strengths was compelling throughout.
In the end, How to Become a Pirate Hunter has a lot to offer. For young readers with a passion for pirates, maps, and time-traveling quests, this book will likely be a treasure trove. For those less enchanted by maritime lore, there are still enough thrills and meaningful character development to enjoy the ride.
Verdict:
An imaginative, twist-filled adventure perfect for middle grade readers who dream of high-seas heroics and uncovering hidden destinies.
