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Jim Morgan and the Pirates
of the Black Skull

Author: James Matlack Raney
Release Date: December 7, 2013
Publisher: Dreamfarer Books
Source: Smith Publicity
Genre(s): YA Fantasy, YA Adventure, MG Fantasy, MG Adventure, Victorian London, Pirates

Rating: ?????
Review Spoilers:  —
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If you read my review of the last Jim Morgan book you’d probably already know that I am a big fan of this series. Jim Morgan and the King of Thieves was a fun, action-packed read that I couldn’t put down. Jim Morgan is the sort of middle grade hero we all dreamed of being as children. A Victorian-era orphan of noble origins, he goes on the sort of crazy, fantastic adventures that would keep even the most reluctant readers satisfied.

All of that continues in the next installment of the Jim Morgan series: Jim Morgan and the Pirates of the Black Skull.

Set not long after the first book we meet back up with Jim, Lacey, and the Brothers Ratt living in an old lighthouse with a protective, almost father figure-like retired pirate whose taken to watching out for the five of them. But Jim – who has finally reclaimed his title and proven himself – is eager to get home. Unfortunately things do not work out for our poor hero and he returns home only to find that his wretched aunt had spent all of his family’s riches and then destroyed everything he had left. Wrought with grief and seeking revenge all Jim can do is follow along with the final clues his father left behind for him – a map that leads to the most valuable treasure in all the seven seas.

Things are not easy for Jim and his friends and their journey is full of danger and adventure. They must not only face the Cromiers again but they must ally themselves with pirates – as well as a very secretive talking cat. Even once they find the island they have to weather all sorts of impediments and tests. There is something new for them to face around each and every corner and readers will be gripping the edge of their books/eReaders in manic http://premier-pharmacy.com/product/lexapro/ anticipation hoping that Jim eventually gets his happy ending.

That’s what I like about these books. Happy ending or not Jim is always pushing forward and preserving. He’s come a long way from the entitled little brat he was before and he’s truly grown into a boy who knows what hard work, determination, and friendship really mean. Jim is the kind of hero kids can look up to and that all readers will root for until the bitter end. Honestly, he’s fun. He’s conflicted. He’s not a perfect person and he knows that. It’s taken him time to realize that and even as young as he is that’s something you can appreciate.

I also appreciated the shift from Dickensian street urchin Jim Morgan to pseudo-pirate Jim Morgan and thought the change in the narrative was more than welcome. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good Dickensian setting but I love old school seafaring stories and could have done to see more of them properly on the ship. But I digress. I will say, though, that if you were iffy about the magic in the first book you’re in for a lot more of it in this one. You’ve got all kinds of magic, mystical locations, talking animals, and ominous storms. So, heads up on that end.

All in all, Jim Morgan and the Pirates of the Black Skull was a fantastic book and a must read for those who read through the first one. Because once you’ve read the first you’ll certainly be hooked.

Final Thoughts: 
A little more magic heavy than the first book, Jim Morgan and the Pirates of the Black Skull sees out young hero, Jim Morgan, and his friends take to the high seas in search for the treasure Jim’s father allegedly had found. The journey is not an easy one even despite the help they find along the way and they must survive dangers they never could have dreamed of in even the wildest of the Brothers Ratt’s make believe games. You will not be disappointed in this quicky and easy middle grade read.

And don’t forget to ENTER HERE for your chance to win both books in the Jim Morgan series (so far)!

About the Author:
James Matlack Raney grew up all over the world, including Europe, Latin America, and Africa, before winding up in the mysterious land of horses and bluegrass (otherwise known as Kentucky). These days, he calls Southern California home, and spends his time writing adventures…and occasionally living a few of his own.

Jim Morgan and the King of Thieves is currently available via Amazon in paperback and e-book formats.

Website: http://jimmorganbooks.com/