I absolutely loved Pirates of Darksea! It has brilliant characters, adventure and peril. You won't want to put this book down!

I was expecting a rip roaring pirate adventure and this book absolutely delivered on that but it also took me on an emotional journey that I was not expecting! A story of brotherly love, Max makes a magical piratical bargain to save his brother and then sets sail on a rip roaring adventure. This is a story full of perilous and heart-stopping moments but also has a huge heart! The writing is spectacularly well balanced between the brilliant dialogue, and adventurous plot but also with the sensitivity required of a story about family illness. In some ways it reminded me of a Monster Calls but with a lot more fun! I absolutely adored the parrot, Squawk, and it is with the inclusion of these brilliant and funny characters that Catherine Doyle creates a world full of magic that will stay with you long after reading!

I really enjoyed this exciting pirate adventure featuring a great cast of characters!

Christopher has always dreamed of joining the pirate crew of Captain O'Malley, sailing the waters of Darksea but when he is taken seriously ill and needs to stay in hospital, his brother Max ends up getting his invite to go aboard the ship. His courage and tenacity is put to the test when Captain Eliza O'Malley doesn't seem to take to him but he is determined to collect his vial of stardust so he can save his brother. It was a brilliant adventure with lots of interesting characters and dramatic moments. The crew have lots of secrets and it seems to be up to Max to take charge to save Darksea.

As always from Catherine Doyle, this was a story with lots of powerful moments - the power of friendship and family were woven through the story along with Max learning what he is capable of. A great story to read independently or aloud.

Catherine Doyle is synonymous with completely gripping Irish adventures surrounded by the roaring sea and the most unusual magic. From the very first page, readers will be held under the spell of the legend of the secret kingdom of Darksea deep in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean. A place where pirates collect stardust to protect the magical islands and all the creatures who live there. Some say it’s only a fairytale. Do you believe in the magic?

In Galway, Max and his older brother Christopher visit the shore, longing for a glimpse of the pirate king, Captain O’Malley, in the legendary ship Stolen Sunrise. What Christopher wouldn’t give for a chance to sail away and live a life of adventure! In desperation, he writes a letter to the captain asking for a chance to join the crew. Stowing it safely in a bottle, he throws it into the sea hoping he’ll receive a reply.

Two years pass and life hasn’t gone to plan. Christopher is very ill and in hospital. Max’s parents are distracted and hoping for a miracle. Now Max is the one with big dreams. He needs to find a way to help his brother and keep the magic alive. When he discovers a talking parrot tapping at Christopher’s bedroom window, Max retrieves a letter – a reply to Christopher’s letter. The Stolen Sunrise has an opening for a cabin boy. There’s no question what Max must do!

Darksea is not the place for landlubbers! Max is thrown straight into a fast-paced, perilous, swashbuckling adventure that has him using every ounce of bravery he can muster. He has to make tough decisions and take huge risks to save this magical realm and earn the reward he so desperately seeks. Catherine Doyle’s rich description and thrilling storytelling make this book completely unputdownable! Children will find themselves lost in the world of pirates, sea creatures and a boy trying to do his best.

Pirates of Darksea is a fantastic story of hope, brotherhood and bravery. It’s Christopher who first dreams of a pirate adventure but it’s Max who goes off to live the adventure for the both of them. The connection between the brothers is powerful and so emotional. There’s nothing their love can’t achieve together.

Thank you to Bloomsbury Children’s Books for this wonderful story!

I love Catherine Doyle's writing and was so excited to see what she would do after her phenomenal STORM KEEPER series. PIRATES does not disappoint. She has such a brilliant way of writing for children that's so accessible and fun, without ever talking down to the child reader. Her worlds are so easy to get lost in and this is another brilliant offering for middle grade readers!

Pirates of Darksea is a swashbuckling tale, full of perilous adventure and magical moments! Doyle knows how to weave a magical adventure that captivates the reader. This time it's pirates and deadly monster, and one boy's adventure to save Darksea - and his brother.

Max's brother Christopher has talked years about Stolen Sunrise, a famous pirate ship in Darksea, and the adventure it would be. When Captain O'Malley finally invites Christopher for an adventure, he's in the hospital and in a desperate effort, Max joins the adventure instead. He needs magic to heal his brother and it seems that Captain O'Malley needs Max's help to retrieve an infamous sword. There's so many brilliant adventures and heart-warming moments as well as funny banter - and one hilarious talking parrot.

What a gripping tale this is. It kept me on the edge of my seat and made me yearn for a magical adventure on a pirate ship. Max is a wonderful and relatable main character and there's plethora of intriguing secondary characters. I hope that there's going to be a sequel, that would be wonderful.

11 year old Max Reid finds himself catapaulted into an adventure meant for his older brother Christopher. Since Christopher is seriously ill in hospital, it falls to Max to help save the magical world of Darksea from mortal peril.

Each island on Max's quest is beautifully described, the characters are well fleshed out and the story zips along with pace and humour. This would be impressive enough but Catherine Doyle also manages to pack an emotional punch into thus book which would be an ideal class read aloud for Key Stage 2.

Christopher Reid believes in pirates. He also believes in the tale of the Stolen Sunrise, a magical pirate ship captained by Pirate King Thorne O’Malley which gathers stardust falling from the sky and delivers it to a secret kingdom called Darksea. His little brother Max adores Christopher and follows him everywhere, including down to the beach one night to watch the horizon for a glimpse of the ship. When no ship appears, Christopher send a message in a bottle to the fearless Captain who uses his magic for good and protects Darksea without compromise.

Two years later, when Christopher is extremely ill in hospital, Max answers a tap at his bedroom window and to his shock, a talking parrot presents him with a job offer on the Stolen Sunrise. Christopher needs a miracle and Max knows this is it. Alongside Squawk the parrot, Ruby and Ashir, Max takes his place aboard where Captain Eliza O’Malley has taken the helm and is desperate for help that only a landlubber can provide.

Together, they must fight to stop The Dreadmaker and return magic and safety to Darksea. Helped along the way by giant turtles, mermaids, a sunstone and a moving map, can Max prevent the evil Captain Redfin from using The Dreadmaker to destroy this secret archipelago and plunder its magic forever? He has to try because Christopher’s life might just depend upon it.

With vibes of The Sword in the Stone (at sea) this novel is high octane and fast paced. There are themes of kindness, putting others before yourself, bravery and inner strength that shine through all against the back drop of an exhilarating chase and wonderful fantasy adventure for children age 9+.

PIRATES OF DARKSEA is a fun pirate adventure on a magical land.

Max gets to visit so many places on his quest to save Darksea (and his brother.) There's a volcanic island, the eaten remains of the mermaid's island, and a creepy tomb island - and more. I loved the breadth of imagination behind the world and getting to explore it alongside Max. Plus there is the world of the ship too, of course. All these pirate setting tropes makes the world feel familiar and magical all at once.

There is of course danger and action - pirate battles, monsters of different varieties, and daring escapes. Think Pirates of the Caribbean with fewer candlelight taverns and more plucky kids. The whole plot is a great deal of fun, sailing from adventure to danger while Max doubts his ability to rise to the challenge.

Max and his brother are at the heart of the book, even with Christopher being absent. Christopher is in hospital with some sort of cancer. Max wants to help but he's also scared of what it all means. The brothers write to one another across the book, which was a great way to establish and build their relationship so we can see how important they are to one another.

Like THE LOST GIRL KING, this is a standalone novel that takes kids from our world into another one. It's also a standalone, wrapping up the entire story in one book. While there is scope for the brothers to have more adventures, it also is satisfying enough if there isn't another book (but I'd like to see something from both of their perspectives, how Christopher feels now his little brother has had a big adventure and he hasn't.)

I love love love Catherine Doyle. Many thanks to Bloomsbury and NetGalley for an e-arc of this wonderful book.
Catherine Doyle has a way with words that I truly can’t describe. She’s made me laugh with sarcastic banter but had me sobbing when things got rough. The balance between lightheartedness and emotional damage was fine and just perfect.
The story follows Max and he’s as badass as any pirate I’ve read about. He’s brave and funny and loyal. There’s a lot happening in the book which keeps the pacing on a good level. It’s adventure and friendship and family. It’s a huge wave of adventure with a strong undercurrent of emotions and it was such a pleasure to be on board of the Stolen Sunrise.
Everyone should read this gem.

Pirates of Darksea is a breath-taking, magical adventure that swept me into an action-packed, gripping quest with danger, daring, and the bonds of brotherhood and new friendships at its heart.

Christopher Reid believes in magic and stories and the seemingly impossible which leads him on a midnight mission: to go on a pirate adventure aboard the Stolen Sunrise to the secret kingdom of Darksea beyond the horizon of our world. But he is not alone – he is followed by his younger brother Max. The brothers wait together on the shoreline of Galway Bay for the arrival of Captain Thorne O’Malley, the Pirate King of Darksea. But when adventure fails to arrive, Christopher decides it’s time for Plan B …

Two years later, and the Reid family are facing their own turmoil. Christopher is in hospital and his latest treatment does not seem to be working. Whilst Max is counting out his pocket money to buy a new game for Christopher, he sees a bright red parrot tapping at his brother’s bedroom window. Attracting its attention, the visitor delivers a scroll to Max, a letter intended for his brother, inviting him to join Captain O’Malley as a cabin boy to undertake a top-secret quest. He is unsure about accepting the offer, but when the parrot snatches Max’s money, he chases after it, leading him to the pirate ship his brother was so keen to adventure upon. Hoping for magic and a miracle, Max decides to board the ship …

And so begins the most incredible, unforgettable adventure as Max finds himself in the magical kingdom of Darksea, a kingdom which is in danger from a terrifying underwater monster intent on destruction and revenge. Can Max, aided by his friend and crew mate, Ruby, complete the task set by Captain O’Malley? Will Max find the courage and inner strength to take on more than he could ever have expected in order to save Darksea and bring back its magic?

Just wow! What an amazing adventure! I absolutely loved this action-packed, gripping quest which is brimming with peril, magic and the most brilliant and unexpected twists and turns. I genuinely gasped at some of the revelations which kept me turning page after page as I was completely swept into the magic and power of the story-telling.

The world-building is spectacular from Darksea’s creation story which leads perfectly to the danger which now threatens the kingdom’s survival to the fantastical creatures and objects including mermaids, wraiths, enchanted ships and living maps. And then there’s Squawk – brilliantly sarky but with a heart of stardust – I absolutely adored him!

And what can I say about Max? My heart ached for him as he struggles with the fear of losing his brother, someone he clearly adores and looks up to. He shows incredible courage and inner strength as he faces his fears and fights to overcome the darkness that is threatening to destroy the kingdom of Darksea, even when this means great sacrifice, and having to take on much more than he could have ever expected. Ruby, who helps him when he first boards the Stolen Sunrise proves a wonderful friend and I loved how supportive they are towards each other. Throughout his adventure, Christopher is never far from Max’s thoughts and I loved this sense of brotherhood which initially brings Max to Darksea as he searches for a miracle for his brother. It gives him both the courage to face his fears and to help someone else who has lost their way.

I thought the theme of darkness and light which is threaded throughout this adventure, both in the creation and usurping of the kingdom, and in the struggles the characters face, was incredibly powerful. I also adored the bond between siblings which survives even when they are separated. And, of course, I loved that the adventure starts in Galway Bay, on the Wild Atlantic Coast of Ireland. I am a huge fan of Catherine’s stories which always sweep me into the most magical, awesome adventures, but which also reminds me of my beautiful homeland and the stories that grow from its brilliant storytellers.

A stardust-sprinkled, swashbuckling adventure with great peril, incredible courage and the bonds of brotherhood and friendship at its heart. I cannot recommend this unforgettable story highly enough: perfect for readers of 9+.

Full to the brim with adventure and heart, Pirates of Darksea swept me away. A story to treasure and one I know young readers will love. This is a contemporary story, but it touches on so many classic children's stories too. It would be such a lovely one for a parent (or grandparent) and child to read aloud together at bedtime. Highly recommend!

We loved this book, it is so exciting and sort of has Peter Pan vibes. All of the children, girls and boys found something to love about this book. Even Grumpy Grandad joined in for this one. A delightful book for all of the family. Well done,again, Ms Doyle.

What a cracking little book this is. Christopher hears a story about a Pirate Captain that visits his seaside town on a full moon and goes to the beach to run away with him. When the pirate ship doesnt show up, he writes a letter and throws it in the ocean. 2 years later, christopher gets sick and is in hospital, and a talking parrot shows up at the window of max, christophers little brother and asks for his help.

I really enjoyed it, i thought it was a wonderful read, i plan on buying the physical book because this is crying out to be illustrated, i would also love it in hardback, but we cant have everything.

Wonderful read, full of magic and fun.

I loved the Storm-keeper’s island series, so much so that I wish I had written it myself. For me personally, I haven’t enjoyed Catherine Doyle’s other books as much. I struggled to finish this one, sadly, and had to force myself to get through it. I do think some children might enjoy it and it has a nice message about facing reality, especially when dealing with a sick sibling.

Gosh I loved this. It’s so full of pirate goodness. It’s the most perfect mix of bravery being the big things (fighting the monsters) and the small things (standing up for what you believe in). This is a gorgeously written story that would make a gorgeous read aloud!

An absolutely brilliant piratical story. It had shades of Pirates of the Caribbean, but then more on top. I loved it. It has everything that you want from a pirate story: fights, creatures, whirlpools, bad pirates. And magic. So much magic. This book will not disappoint anyone.
There are many themes running throughout: friendship, illness, family and doing the right thing for the right reason. It was fast paced and full of adventure.
Some.chikdren may need pre-warning about Christipher and his stay in hospital, I sobbed towards the end and then again during the epilogue (once with sadness and once with relief/happiness!). The hospital bit wouldn't stop me from recommending it, just may need yo warn some children.

In a secret land, set in the far reaches of the Atlantic Ocean, there is trouble brewing. Darksea is the domain of the pirate king, Captain O'Malley, but can anyone really keep this beautiful island kingdom safe from the monster that seems intent on devouring it?

Max and his family have other things on their minds - not least his brother Christopher's illness, which shows no sign of improvement. So, when an unexpected messenger arrives to offer Max a chance to help his brother - in exchange for participating in a dangerous quest - the answer would appear to be a no brainer. Christopher needs a miracle, and the promised stardust may even be able to deliver it. But is the offer too good to be true?

This is an enjoyable and adventurous story, creatively written. With a satisfying amount of swashbuckling, it also addresses more serious questions about the choices we're given, the decisions we make, and the nature of attachment and affection. Great entertainment with a good amount of substance to it. It gets 3.5 stars.

I loved this swash-buckling adventure set in the world of Darksea. The characters are well thought out and described well - both their strengths and their flaws which helps you to care about the predicaments that they find themselves in. The quality of the description is so detailed and vivid you can picture exactly where this is all taking place.
I can't wait to see what Catherine Doyle writes next.

When your brother sneaks out one night and heads to the beach you have to follow, don't you? Especially when you find out he's going on an adventure with a real life pirate to the secret world of Darksea! Max Reid remembered that night clearly when, two years later, he finally gets to meet Captain O'Malley who failed to turn up the first time but now wants his help!

Many things have changed over the past 24 months and Darksea is in danger, its magic waning as a powerful enemy devours everything in its path. Max's life has changed too and now he really needs the small amount of stardust Captain O'Malley is offering. In return he has to complete a dangerous task and, as he's sure it is the only thing which can solve his family’s insurmountable problems, Max knows he has no choice.

A fast moving, exciting, but thoughtful novel, The Pirates of Darksea deals with serious and not so serious problems with care and consideration. Max has had a difficult time recently and so have the crew of The Stolen Sunrise and the solutions for both are shown to be easier to face and work through if you aren’t  alone. The magic is used cleverly and never in a way which was obvious beforehand and there is a parrot! I wasn't familiar with this author but I will be remedying this as I thoroughly enjoyed the adventure, friendship, and humour all of which is expertly executed.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Bloomsbury Publishing Plc (UK & ANZ)/Bloomsbury Children's Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. Aimed at readers aged 9 and above this is a great read for enthusiastic and reluctant readers alike. Recommended.