Reviewed by Rod McLary
Sword Echoes: Pirate Academy 3 is the third in this series of adventure books for children from about nine through to early teenage years. It is as exciting and adventurous as the first two – and for those readers new to the books, there is a handy ‘The Story So Far …’ at the beginning.
The primary characters – all aged about eleven or so – are back: Ned [or Neo], Jasmine and Jacoby. Of course, they have experienced a great deal since volume two so they are now more mature and responsible. The narrative is set in 2507 when the world is dominated by the League of True Pirates [LOT P] and the Pirate Federation. Our three protagonists are learning to be pirates at the Pirate Academy – part of the Pirate Federation and the ‘good pirates’ – where they are being trained by legendary pirate captains. On the pathway to graduation, there are many trials and tribulations some of which are part of the training and assessment while others are imposed on them by the nefarious activities of LOT P and its quest for world domination.
The three trainees soon learn that no one can be fully trusted as there are agents and double agents everywhere – including among their own ranks! And part of growing up is discerning who are the people you can trust.
There are much adventure and plenty of close calls – enough to satisfy even the most discerning among the target cohort of readers. Through it all, our three protagonists demonstrate skill, intelligence and courage even in the most challenging of situations. There is personal growth as well and even Jacoby – previously considered to a bit of a loose cannon, very talkative and a little distractable – rises to the challenges facing him and shows a growing maturity.
But it is also a story of friendship and loyalty – both between the trainees and between the trainees and the adults. While the trainees are alert to their differing personalities, there is also an acceptance of those differences which is quite heart-warming to read. There is a sound level of trust too between the trainees and the trainers – and it is reassuring to read of the support and encouragement of the trainees by the trainers and the reciprocal positive relationships between them. It is clearly a place where children confidently can place their trust in adults who will care for and guide them towards the future.
It is indeed a fitting sequel to the two earlier volumes and one which will encourage new readers to seek out the previous ones if they haven’t already read them. Readers who have read both previous books will not be disappointed with this volume. And there is another one to come!!
As are the earlier books in the series, Sword Echoes is illustrated by Teo Skaffa.
Justin Somper has now written twelve books for middle-grade and early teenagers – six in the Vampirates series. The Pirate Academy series is set in the same universe with some cross-over characters but the two series can be read independently of each other.
Sword Echoes: Pirate Academy 3
[2026]
by Justin Somper
Allen and Unwin
ISBN: 978 1 7611 8224 2
$16.99; 293pp