10 Pirate Books To Read In 2025

The allure of pirate stories has never faded. From swashbuckling rogues and buried treasure to fierce naval battles and mutinous crews, the world of pirates continues to fascinate readers of all ages. Below is a list of the 10 pirate books that capture the thrill, danger, and romance of life on the high seas.

1. The Pirate Wars by Peter Earle

For those seeking a rigorously researched, non-fiction deep dive into the true history of piracy, The Pirate Wars by Peter Earle is a scholarly yet highly readable account of the battles between pirates and the world’s navies from the late 17th to early 18th centuries. Earle explores the geopolitical factors, economic motivations, and the brutal reality of piracy, focusing on infamous figures like Bartholomew Roberts, Henry Morgan, and Edward Low.

2. The Wake of the Lorelei Lee by L.A. Meyer

The eighth installment in the acclaimed Bloody Jack series, The Wake of the Lorelei Lee sees Jacky Faber, the audacious former street urchin turned privateer, facing one of her most harrowing adventures yet. Captured and sentenced to transportation to Australia aboard a prison ship, Jacky turns misfortune into opportunity as she attempts to seize control of the vessel and lead a rebellion. This installment offers a gripping mix of historical depth, maritime realism, and rebellious spirit, solidifying Jacky as one of the most dynamic heroines in pirate literature.

3. The Sea Hawk by Rafael Sabatini

Before he wrote Captain Blood, Rafael Sabatini crafted The Sea-Hawk—a swashbuckling classic rich in intrigue, romance, and vengeance. This story, full of daring sea battles, Moorish palaces, and personal transformation, is told in Sabatini’s signature eloquent style. With themes of redemption, loyalty, and honor, this book stands as a cornerstone of classic pirate literature.

4. Pirate Hunter of the Caribbean by David Cordingly

For readers seeking a historically accurate portrayal of anti-pirate efforts, David Cordingly’s Pirate Hunter of the Caribbean is a must-read. Centered around the life of Woodes Rogers, a real-life privateer and governor of the Bahamas, this book documents his relentless campaign to end piracy in the Caribbean. Cordingly, a renowned maritime historian, offers a nuanced look into the Golden Age of Piracy, its complex politics, and the man who helped bring it to a close.

5. The Republic of Pirates by Colin Woodard

Colin Woodard’s The Republic of Pirates is an essential text for those who crave real-life accounts of pirate life. Chronicling the exploits of Blackbeard, Charles Vane, and Benjamin Hornigold, Woodard brings to life the early 18th-century pirate haven of Nassau, which operated as a quasi-republic free from colonial rule. This meticulously researched narrative dives deep into the personalities, motivations, and daily lives of pirates, offering a vivid portrait of the era.

6. Bloody Jack by L.A. Meyer

A unique twist on the traditional pirate tale, Bloody Jack follows Mary “Jacky” Faber, a street urchin who disguises herself as a boy to join the British navy. As she rises through the ranks, her journey leads her into battles, deception, and eventually, piracy. This coming-of-age story is rich in historical detail and character development, blending naval history and feminist undertones with gripping adventure.

7. Voyage of the Basilisk by Marie Brennan

Part of the Memoirs of Lady Trent series, Voyage of the Basilisk offers a whimsical, scholarly take on seafaring exploration with a fantastical twist. Lady Isabella Trent, a dragon naturalist, embarks on a globe-spanning expedition aboard a pirate-friendly vessel, encountering sea serpents, exotic archipelagos, and rogue captains along the way. While not a pirate novel in the purest sense, it’s steeped in the spirit of maritime adventure, complete with unpredictable seas, sketchy allies, and scientific daring.

8. Blackbeard by Angus Konstam

No list of pirate books is complete without mention of Blackbeard. Historian Angus Konstam delivers a definitive biography of Edward Teach. This book goes beyond legend to explore the man’s tactics, battles, and eventual downfall. Konstam separates myth from reality, providing a detailed, factual account of one of history’s most enigmatic figures.

9. Pirates! by Celia Rees

In Pirates!, Celia Rees introduces readers to Nancy and Minerva, two young women who flee societal expectations to join a pirate crew. This young adult historical novel masterfully combines themes of freedom, identity, and loyalty. Set against the vibrant backdrop of the Caribbean, the book offers rich descriptions, memorable characters, and plenty of swashbuckling action, making it a favorite among teen and adult readers alike.

10. Silver by Andrew Motion

In this ambitious sequel to Treasure Island, Silver imagines the next generation of adventurers—Jim Hawkins’ son and Long John Silver’s daughter—as they embark on a return voyage to the infamous island. With a tone that honors Stevenson’s original while introducing modern sensibilities, Andrew Motion crafts a literary and atmospheric continuation filled with treachery, longing, and buried secrets. With elegant prose and intricate plotting, this novel revives the mythic power of the original story while carving out its own powerful narrative.

Why These Pirate Books Still Matter

Each book on this list transcends mere entertainment. They reveal the complex social, political, and economic landscapes of their times. From the anarchic republics in the Caribbean to the shadowy dealings of empires, these works provide authentic narratives grounded in history, even when wrapped in fiction. They challenge traditional notions of heroism and villainy, exploring the grey areas of law, freedom, and rebellion.

Whether you're drawn to fictional high-seas adventures or prefer historical deep dives, these pirate books offer something for every reader. They stand as a testament to the enduring fascination with pirates, fueled by a blend of danger, mystery, and the eternal quest for freedom.

Final Thoughts

The fascination with pirates isn't merely nostalgia for a bygone era—it’s a recognition of the timeless human yearning for freedom, rebellion, and discovery. These ten books encapsulate the thrill of the ocean, the weight of history, and the power of storytelling. For anyone seeking to lose themselves in the world of cutlasses, cannon fire, and Caribbean sunsets, this list represents the ultimate pirate reading journey.