Fantasy and Sci-Fi Fanatics

Compass and Blade by Rachel Greenlaw

Mira and her village wreck ships so they can scavenge what they can find to survive the harsh winters. There’s always been something different about Mira: the water feels warm to her, and seems to sing to her soul. When she leaves the island with a mysterious boy to save her father, she’ll also discover an important truth about herself.

The pirate vibes are minimal in this book, but Mira does travel on a boat for a good portion of the story. And be warned, there is a sex scene.

Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson

If you’re a Peter Pan fan, then this book is for you! It’s more middle-grade than YA, but is delightful no matter what age you are. This adventurous, swashbuckling tale explains how the orphan Peter becomes Peter Pan, how the dangerous Black Stache becomes Captain Hook, and how Molly, well, she’s just awesome and stays awesome.

Crossbones by Kimberly Vale

The first in a trilogy, this book follows three characters: a female captain who hopes to be the first pirate; a boy who wants to become pirate king to keep hold of his ship, and a stowaway who wants to avenge her mother’s death. They’ll have to decide where their loyalties lie before the sea washes them away.

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis

Although I wouldn’t say that the characters in this story are pirates, they are on a boat for the majority of the book and have exciting adventures along the way and even wear swords. Besides, it’s just a lovely story that everyone should read regardless.

Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller

An enemies-to-lovers story about pirate captain Alosa who, while retrieving a hidden map, allows herself to get caught. Of course, the first mate of the ship is an attractive and clever young man who has to stop her from escaping. If you enjoy cliched YA romances in your fantasy, then check this one out.

On These Black Sands by Vanessa Rasanen

This high-seas tale of deceit, legends, and love delivers a deliciously gray hero, a relatable heroine, and a found family you’ll root for. An enemies-to-lovers story with a slow-burn romance and one bed, this is book one of a trilogy and ends on a cliffhanger. But it’s worth it.

Dark Water Daughter by H.M. Long

In this swashbuckling a stormsinger and pirate hunter join forces against a deathless pirate lord. With unique magic and an icy sea, this book holds plenty of special surprises for those craving something different in their pirate fantasy books.

The Sunken City by Emma V.R. Noyes

Amare was raised on a ship by the most dangerous men in the Caribbean and hates magic. But when she’s plunged during a storm into the sea, she wakes to find herself in an underwater kingdom, where magic exists, but is strictly outlawed by the King—a man who claims to be her true father.

Beneath Black Sails by Clare Sager

In yet another enemies-to-lovers book, (I guess YA pirate fantasy books are the perfect place for the trope), a sea witch and pirate hunter clash when the pirate seeks to arrest the witch for murder. More weather magic and romantic tension if you’re into that. I haven’t read the book, but from the reviews on Goodreads, it does look like there’s quite a bit of spice, unfortunately.

All the Stars and Teeth by Adalyn Grace

To secure her place as heir to the throne, Amora must prove her mastery of the dangerous soul magic. When it doesn’t go as planned, she flees and strikes a deal with a (gasp!) handsome and and mysterious pirate. This book has sea monsters, mermaids, and a dash of romance.

Fable by Adrienne Young

Fable enlists the help of a young trader, West, to get her off an island where she’s stranded so she can demand her rightful place beside her father and his crew on his ship. But more danger than just treacherous seas await them in this first of a duology.

The Assassin’s Curse by Cassandra Rose Clarke

If you’re craving a different flavor–Middle Eastern to be precise–in your pirate fantasy books, then you may enjoy The Assassin’s Curse. A pirate and assassin must team up to break the dangerous curse cast on them both.

Oathbound by Victoria McCombs

Emme, who hates pirates, must partner with them to find a cure on an island that only they can get her to. The pirate captain’s secrets threaten to kill them all, for his oathbind must be fulfilled.

Secrets in the Mist by Morgan L. Busse

Steampunk-themed pirates! Floating islands. Airships and a girl who’s a diver. Creepy zombie-like creatures hiding in the mist. A super sweet guy and a clean romance. What’s not to like?

One Piece by Eiichiro Oda

If you want a completely different kind of pirate fantasy book, consider this manga. It’s filled with silliness, adventure, and crazy drawings. Just beware that there are over 100 volumes currently released in English!

Sailing Magic Edited by Sarah Rodecker and Helena S. George

You’ll find the typical kinds of pirates in this short story collection and also the not-so-normal kind like those who hunt dragons. Each story is full of adventure, heart, and hope, and you won’t regret picking it up.

The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton

This book is hilarious as refined women talk about tea and not going out without their handkerchiefs while in the next breath they mention who they’re going to plunder next. Also, the women fly their houses around as if they’re ships, which is awesome (why leave the comfort of of your own home if you don’t have to?!). There is a sex scene and quite a bit of heat.

The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty

Amina comes out of her retirement of piracy in this adult fantasy book to find and save a kidnapped girl. All she wants is to be back with her own daughter, but sea monsters and a dangerous legend stands between them. (P.S. This was one of my favorite books of 2024.)

Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson

This is a heartwarming story with plenty of adventure and excitement. Also, it has Princess Bride vibes, which is fun! Tress must stowaway on a pirate ship and cross the dangerous Midnight Sea and face the Sorceress to find her friend, Charlie. Amid the spore oceans where pirates abound, can Tress leave her simple life behind and make her own place sailing a sea where a single drop of water can mean instant death?

Married to a Pirate by Athena Rose

Imagine escaping the pirate captain who you were forced to marry.
He’s dark and brooding and you’re convinced he’s happy to be rid of you.

But just when you think you’re free, you’re captured by another band of pirates who take great delight in telling you the plans they have for you. Just when you fear they’re going to take advantage of you, there’s a ruckus behind you. Your husband stands at the helm with a sword to the captain’s throat as he growls, “Get your hands off my wife.”

I haven’t read this book, but the reviews complain that it isn’t “spicy” enough, which is music to my ears.