Pirates of the Caribbean, “Watch your back!”

Sam Vives, a Barcelona teen, is just a normal boy dealing with usual problems–homework, friends, and school bullies like Rafa who has targeted Sam since he was 7.

When Sam and Rafa are paired during fencing class Sam wins easily, but gets smacked illegally by Rafa’s heavy sword.

Later that day, limping home, Sam’s thoughts turn to school. Chemistry class was fun because he got to blow up stuff. History class was fascinating because they studied about Edward Teach aka Blackbeard and the golden age of piracy in the Caribbean.

Then the sky opens up. Drenched by rain, Sam notices his clothes changing in color and style as they become wetter. When he wipes his face to clear his eyes of water, bright sunshine replaces the wall of rain and a voice enquires, “What are your orders, Captain?”

Before Sam’s owl eyes and extended jaw stands the masts of a huge wooden ship rolling gently under foot as he gazes out from the quarterdeck.

Sam has mysteriously traveled through time and is now the captain of the Mermaid, a pirate ship about to engage in conflict with a French vessel.

With a fast-paced and engaging writing style, Simon Brading takes no time grabbing his readers’ attention and holding on for a fun ride few can resist.

Sam, now in an adult body, must figure out how he’s to get home, but first survive in a world of treacherous pirates led by Blackbeard himself.

The Pirate’s Challenge brings to life Port Royal, once known as the “Wickedest City on Earth.” Located on the island of Jamaica, it was a haven for pirates like Captain Teach, Captain Anne Bonny, an Irish female pirate, Black Caesar, an African pirate, and Disney’s Jack Swallow, who isn’t so lovable in this pirate saga.

Brading’s The Pirate’s Challenge is an exciting time travel historical novel with a fresh concept that should propel the Displacers Series as YA books to read with gusto.

About the Author

Raised in London, England, Simon Brading is an actor, writer, and producer. Eleven years ago he moved to Barcelona, Spain in search of employment. He has appeared in various roles in TV series and movies. During his down time he jots down notes for book ideas. He also writes screenplays for his production company. Simon was trained as a classical Ballet dancer and worked in professional companies around the world before turning to acting.

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