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Pirate Academy: New Kid On Deck
From Justin Somper, award-winning author of the Vampirates series, comes a new fast-paced and exciting fantasy adventure series.
Welcome to Pirate Academy – once you step through the door you won’t ever want to leave!
The year is 2507. The oceans have risen. A new dawn of piracy has begun. Jacoby Blunt and Jasmine Peacock are students at the elite Pirate Academy. This is no ordinary school! Lessons range from Knots Class and Sailing to Combat Workshop. The teachers are all pirate legends. The pressure is always on. Friendship is everything.
When a new kid, the mysterious Neo Splice, arrives, everything changes FAST. Suddenly the dangers are no longer simply out on the oceans but right here, amongst them. In the face of real peril, the students of Barracuda class must put everything they have learned to the test against a ruthless and seemingly unstoppable new enemy.
Welcome to Pirate Academy – once you step through the door you won’t ever want to leave!
The year is 2507. The oceans have risen. A new dawn of piracy has begun. Jacoby Blunt and Jasmine Peacock are students at the elite Pirate Academy. This is no ordinary school! Lessons range from Knots Class and Sailing to Combat Workshop. The teachers are all pirate legends. The pressure is always on. Friendship is everything.
When a new kid, the mysterious Neo Splice, arrives, everything changes FAST. Suddenly the dangers are no longer simply out on the oceans but right here, amongst them. In the face of real peril, the students of Barracuda class must put everything they have learned to the test against a ruthless and seemingly unstoppable new enemy.
- GenresMiddle Grade
240 pages, Paperback
Published March 7, 2024
3 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Justin Somper
54 books514 followersJustin Somper is a bestselling UK author whose Vampirates books have been translated into over twenty languages. Justin trained in sword-fighting to help him write the fight scenes in the Vampirates series.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 10, 2024
Welcome to 2057! Pirates! Exciting moments! Action! YESSS!
I really liked Justin Somper’s Vampirates series years ago and so was excited when I saw he had a new series coming up. This time taking place at a pirate academy! YESSS! Boarding school x pirates, I am ready!
In this one we get three POVs, Jasmine and Jacoby, two friends and both have been on the academy since, I believe it was, 7 years old. And then there is our new boy, Neo. I really liked that we not just got to see the POV of two people who are used to this world and the academy but also got to see things through the perspective of someone new. I have to say I liked Jasmine immediately, yes she was an overachiever and sometimes that doesn’t work out for me, but in this one it did. I loved how kick-ass she was and had several solutions at the ready. I loved how she dared to take risks. And I loved that despite knowing that something happened with her parents she didn’t let that stay around her like a heavy rock. She kept going on. Of course she worried, logically, but she didn’t let it take over. And thankfully, because when things get hairy later on they can use someone like Jasmine!
Jacoby, while I could see that he was a good character and he had a nice personality, I didn’t like how harsh he was with Neo. The things he did were just not cool. I get that you just lost your best friend (who had to go back with his family as things were getting dangerous), but that is no reason to act like this. Thankfully, later on things get better and I could see the nice Jacoby again and I found myself happy he was back. Ready to help out his friends, family, and also Neo.
Neo though, well I did like him eventually, but it took a bit to get used to him. He was a good character, but I just didn’t like his attitude. I get that he went through quite a lot of things, but his attitude at times, phew. But as we get to know him more and also learn more about the real him and see him open up more, show the real him? I liked him immensely. He was such a fun character in the end. Strong. Head in the right place. Ready to kick some butts!
I love how the class is a big family. I guess that is what you get when you have been together for so long. I really loved it though. They really bonded and I love how they would go through fire and cannonballs to help out one of their own.
I really love the academy and wish we could have seen even more of it! We get a lot of academy don’t get me wrong, but there was constantly the sense of danger around it and then in the middle/end it was mostly about the baddies. Which is fine, but I just wanted more academy. More lessons. Learning more about the classes. See more of the age groups. Maybe more glimpses to the past. Learn more about the teachers. But I guess for now I am happy. I really loved that knotting class and would LOVE to learn that technique, just um, for interest. Nothing more. Teehee. Oh, and the sailing/running a boat class? So cool! So yeah, I wanted to step into the story quite often.
And then things get more and more heated as the story continues and we meet some baddies. These villains have big plans and don’t shy away from murder, kidnapping, or otherwise. It got quite exciting at points and the author really wrote the action so well it was like I was in the midst of the battle myself! There on deck seeing things explode and fights happening.
The book also had some great illustrations dotted throughout the book and I can just say that I wish we had more. Haha, I just loved them so much!
There were a few things that I just felt were a bit too convenient. Like what happened after the whole battle near the middle/end.
All in all, I would highly recommend this fun pirate story to all. There is action, friendship, family, and lots of heart! I cannot wait to see what is next for our kids, what the next is that the True Pirates are going to do.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I really liked Justin Somper’s Vampirates series years ago and so was excited when I saw he had a new series coming up. This time taking place at a pirate academy! YESSS! Boarding school x pirates, I am ready!
In this one we get three POVs, Jasmine and Jacoby, two friends and both have been on the academy since, I believe it was, 7 years old. And then there is our new boy, Neo. I really liked that we not just got to see the POV of two people who are used to this world and the academy but also got to see things through the perspective of someone new. I have to say I liked Jasmine immediately, yes she was an overachiever and sometimes that doesn’t work out for me, but in this one it did. I loved how kick-ass she was and had several solutions at the ready. I loved how she dared to take risks. And I loved that despite knowing that something happened with her parents she didn’t let that stay around her like a heavy rock. She kept going on. Of course she worried, logically, but she didn’t let it take over. And thankfully, because when things get hairy later on they can use someone like Jasmine!
Jacoby, while I could see that he was a good character and he had a nice personality, I didn’t like how harsh he was with Neo. The things he did were just not cool. I get that you just lost your best friend (who had to go back with his family as things were getting dangerous), but that is no reason to act like this. Thankfully, later on things get better and I could see the nice Jacoby again and I found myself happy he was back. Ready to help out his friends, family, and also Neo.
Neo though, well I did like him eventually, but it took a bit to get used to him. He was a good character, but I just didn’t like his attitude. I get that he went through quite a lot of things, but his attitude at times, phew. But as we get to know him more and also learn more about the real him and see him open up more, show the real him? I liked him immensely. He was such a fun character in the end. Strong. Head in the right place. Ready to kick some butts!
I love how the class is a big family. I guess that is what you get when you have been together for so long. I really loved it though. They really bonded and I love how they would go through fire and cannonballs to help out one of their own.
I really love the academy and wish we could have seen even more of it! We get a lot of academy don’t get me wrong, but there was constantly the sense of danger around it and then in the middle/end it was mostly about the baddies. Which is fine, but I just wanted more academy. More lessons. Learning more about the classes. See more of the age groups. Maybe more glimpses to the past. Learn more about the teachers. But I guess for now I am happy. I really loved that knotting class and would LOVE to learn that technique, just um, for interest. Nothing more. Teehee. Oh, and the sailing/running a boat class? So cool! So yeah, I wanted to step into the story quite often.
And then things get more and more heated as the story continues and we meet some baddies. These villains have big plans and don’t shy away from murder, kidnapping, or otherwise. It got quite exciting at points and the author really wrote the action so well it was like I was in the midst of the battle myself! There on deck seeing things explode and fights happening.
The book also had some great illustrations dotted throughout the book and I can just say that I wish we had more. Haha, I just loved them so much!
There were a few things that I just felt were a bit too convenient. Like what happened after the whole battle near the middle/end.
All in all, I would highly recommend this fun pirate story to all. There is action, friendship, family, and lots of heart! I cannot wait to see what is next for our kids, what the next is that the True Pirates are going to do.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
January 21, 2025
The Barracudas eagerly await the arrival of their parents for Captains’ Evening at the Pirate Federation’s Academy at Coral Sea Province. One by one their ships anchor, but not Jasmine Peacock’s. Her mom and dad usually arrive first. The later the hour grows, the more Jasmine worries but there is little she can do.
Jacoby Blunt’s anticipation is quickly doused when he and his father are summoned to the commodore’s office. Rather than putting his all into his studies, Jacoby has been coasting through his classes. If this continues, he will be expelled. This alarming news causes him to change his ways. It will be hard, since his best friend and roommate, Wing, has to withdraw. The only reason given is: “These are dangerous times to be a pirate.” (32)
Later that night, the crew of a dilapidated ship smuggles ashore a young boy. Neo Splice has fears and secrets, but there is nowhere else safe to go. He will become the newest Barracuda. The longer he stays, the more he finds himself looking over his shoulder and wondering whether the demons that haunt him are real or imagined.
Jacoby hurts from losing his friend and blames Neo. Best way to deal with the situation? Hazing. Doctoring the chalk used during sword practice doesn’t get the reaction Jacoby expects. Instead, Neo calls them all “privileged princes” who haven’t a clue as to what dangers lurk around them.
When Neo and another Barracuda go missing and masked pirates invade the academy, Jasmine, Jacoby, and the other Barracudas remember their motto: “If you wound one, you wound us all.” Together is the only way to save Neo and discover the true nature of the invaders and the perils they unleash.
New Kid on Deck is the first book in Somper’s new Pirate Academy series. Set in the year 2057, the story is spellbinding. The characters’ emotions and individuality draw readers into the action and tension, while the words and Teo Skaffa’s pictures breathe life into them in ways that make the characters real people. This may be written for children, but adults will also find themselves captivated. The villains are dastardly and just a bit creepy. The piratical elements are realistic and well-researched. Pirate apprentices and their parents will enjoy this voyage to a fantastic school where adventure awaits and they will eagerly look forward to the second book, Missing at Sea.
(Review originally published at Pirates and Privateers: http://www.cindyvallar.com/Somper.htm...)
Jacoby Blunt’s anticipation is quickly doused when he and his father are summoned to the commodore’s office. Rather than putting his all into his studies, Jacoby has been coasting through his classes. If this continues, he will be expelled. This alarming news causes him to change his ways. It will be hard, since his best friend and roommate, Wing, has to withdraw. The only reason given is: “These are dangerous times to be a pirate.” (32)
Later that night, the crew of a dilapidated ship smuggles ashore a young boy. Neo Splice has fears and secrets, but there is nowhere else safe to go. He will become the newest Barracuda. The longer he stays, the more he finds himself looking over his shoulder and wondering whether the demons that haunt him are real or imagined.
Jacoby hurts from losing his friend and blames Neo. Best way to deal with the situation? Hazing. Doctoring the chalk used during sword practice doesn’t get the reaction Jacoby expects. Instead, Neo calls them all “privileged princes” who haven’t a clue as to what dangers lurk around them.
When Neo and another Barracuda go missing and masked pirates invade the academy, Jasmine, Jacoby, and the other Barracudas remember their motto: “If you wound one, you wound us all.” Together is the only way to save Neo and discover the true nature of the invaders and the perils they unleash.
New Kid on Deck is the first book in Somper’s new Pirate Academy series. Set in the year 2057, the story is spellbinding. The characters’ emotions and individuality draw readers into the action and tension, while the words and Teo Skaffa’s pictures breathe life into them in ways that make the characters real people. This may be written for children, but adults will also find themselves captivated. The villains are dastardly and just a bit creepy. The piratical elements are realistic and well-researched. Pirate apprentices and their parents will enjoy this voyage to a fantastic school where adventure awaits and they will eagerly look forward to the second book, Missing at Sea.
(Review originally published at Pirates and Privateers: http://www.cindyvallar.com/Somper.htm...)
September 15, 2025
Quick synopsis
: Set in the future, global warming has caused the oceans to rise. With little land left, pirates control the seas. They're "good" pirates pirates though, not realistic, real world ones. The Pirate Academy exists to train the best of the best new generation of pirates.
Brief opinion : At first it seemed like this was such a fun idea for a book series, but it wasn't written in a way that an adult reader could enjoy it. So little was believable, and every 11 year old character spoke like a well educated adult.
Plot : The Pirate Academy trains the children of the best pirating families so that the students can become captains and leaders once they graduate. They take classes in things like knot tying and swordsmanship.
The pirating schools, and indeed the whole world, is run by the Pirating Federation. But there's a second pirating group (the "bad guys" of the book) who want to overthrow the Pirating Federation for reasons.
When pirate group #2 attacks the school and kidnaps some of the kids, it's a battle across the sea to get them back.
Writing/editing : The technical writing and editing were fine, but so many of the decisions about the plot, characters, and writing style didn't work for me. Though all the characters were 11 years old, none of them came off as young children at all. Plus way too many unbelievable things happened to just progress the plot.
What I Liked/What I Didn’t Like : While I loved the idea behind the plot (pirates basically controlling the world!), the whole thing was way, way, way too immature for an adult reader to enjoy (or at least this adult reader).
For example, the bad guys felt exactly like Team Rocket from Pokemon. Neither a believable threat nor even believable characters.
Pirates are not good people, and to say this book glossed over that would be an understatement. The characters were "pirates" only because pirates are cool.
Some MG/YA books can be enjoyed at any age. While this book wasn't one of them, you can't fault it for that. It's a MG book and I suspect MG readers would enjoy it.
Rating: 1-Hated / 2-Disliked / 3-Okay / 4-Liked / 5-Loved : ⭐️⭐️ - Disliked. Fun story idea, but not written for adult readers. If I got my hands on this book when I was a preteen, I'd probably have enjoyed it to bits. I'd love to have a realistic, adult version of this story!
Brief opinion : At first it seemed like this was such a fun idea for a book series, but it wasn't written in a way that an adult reader could enjoy it. So little was believable, and every 11 year old character spoke like a well educated adult.
Plot : The Pirate Academy trains the children of the best pirating families so that the students can become captains and leaders once they graduate. They take classes in things like knot tying and swordsmanship.
The pirating schools, and indeed the whole world, is run by the Pirating Federation. But there's a second pirating group (the "bad guys" of the book) who want to overthrow the Pirating Federation for reasons.
When pirate group #2 attacks the school and kidnaps some of the kids, it's a battle across the sea to get them back.
Writing/editing : The technical writing and editing were fine, but so many of the decisions about the plot, characters, and writing style didn't work for me. Though all the characters were 11 years old, none of them came off as young children at all. Plus way too many unbelievable things happened to just progress the plot.
What I Liked/What I Didn’t Like : While I loved the idea behind the plot (pirates basically controlling the world!), the whole thing was way, way, way too immature for an adult reader to enjoy (or at least this adult reader).
For example, the bad guys felt exactly like Team Rocket from Pokemon. Neither a believable threat nor even believable characters.
Pirates are not good people, and to say this book glossed over that would be an understatement. The characters were "pirates" only because pirates are cool.
Some MG/YA books can be enjoyed at any age. While this book wasn't one of them, you can't fault it for that. It's a MG book and I suspect MG readers would enjoy it.
Rating: 1-Hated / 2-Disliked / 3-Okay / 4-Liked / 5-Loved : ⭐️⭐️ - Disliked. Fun story idea, but not written for adult readers. If I got my hands on this book when I was a preteen, I'd probably have enjoyed it to bits. I'd love to have a realistic, adult version of this story!
October 23, 2025
Jacoby Blunt and Jasmine Peacock are students at an exclusive school for children who want to follow in their famous parent’s footsteps. This isn’t just any school, and the parents aren’t famous movie stars or musicians. In fact, actors and singers are a thing of the past, now that the oceans have risen, and so much more of the world belongs to pirates.
Jacoby, Jasmine and all of their classmates are all learning skills like knot tying, sailing, and sword fighting, so they can join their family dynasties that now roam the world’s seas and oceans. They all belong to the Pirate Federation, that now rules their watery world.
At age eleven, they have been with their classmates for years and have become a very tight-knit group of friends. They are treated well, train hard, and life is good with an exciting future ahead of them.
Jacoby is shocked to have his best friend suddenly taken out of school, with no sensible explanation. In his place comes a stranger who keeps to himself, not sharing his past. Blaming him for the loss of his friend, Jacoby is far from welcoming.
Jasmine also wonders where this stranger came from, but has her own worries. Her parents and their entire ship has vanished. Nobody knows where they are after they didn’t finish a sailing race.
Suspicion and confusion aren’t the only thing the New Kid on Deck brought with him though. He has a deadly secret, and it bursts open inside the school, bringing clashing swords and cannon balls!
The first book in a new exciting series, Pirate Academy (1) New Kid on Deck is fast paced, with short chapters, and perfect for reluctant readers.
With likeable characters, tons of action and a mystery very early in the story, this middle-grade novel captures the reader quickly, and holds on through the adventure on land and sea.
Black and white illustrations by Teo Skaffa appear throughout the story, sharing the action, settings and villains of the tale.
Climb aboard Pirate Academy for a trip into a sword swishing series.
Jacoby, Jasmine and all of their classmates are all learning skills like knot tying, sailing, and sword fighting, so they can join their family dynasties that now roam the world’s seas and oceans. They all belong to the Pirate Federation, that now rules their watery world.
At age eleven, they have been with their classmates for years and have become a very tight-knit group of friends. They are treated well, train hard, and life is good with an exciting future ahead of them.
Jacoby is shocked to have his best friend suddenly taken out of school, with no sensible explanation. In his place comes a stranger who keeps to himself, not sharing his past. Blaming him for the loss of his friend, Jacoby is far from welcoming.
Jasmine also wonders where this stranger came from, but has her own worries. Her parents and their entire ship has vanished. Nobody knows where they are after they didn’t finish a sailing race.
Suspicion and confusion aren’t the only thing the New Kid on Deck brought with him though. He has a deadly secret, and it bursts open inside the school, bringing clashing swords and cannon balls!
The first book in a new exciting series, Pirate Academy (1) New Kid on Deck is fast paced, with short chapters, and perfect for reluctant readers.
With likeable characters, tons of action and a mystery very early in the story, this middle-grade novel captures the reader quickly, and holds on through the adventure on land and sea.
Black and white illustrations by Teo Skaffa appear throughout the story, sharing the action, settings and villains of the tale.
Climb aboard Pirate Academy for a trip into a sword swishing series.
January 25, 2024
Pirate Academy: New Kid On Deck is my most anticipated release of 2024. Justin Somper’s Vampirates series is my favourite series of all time, so a new companion series makes my heart extremely happy, and I was lucky enough to receive an ARC!
When Neo Splice arrives at Pirate Academy, he brings with him mystery and danger, alongside the mystery of Jasmine’s missing parents. We see the Barracuda class tackle every day life at Pirate Academy, attending classes in the most important areas of pirating, taught by the best of the best in the pirating world. But, things are changing and no-one is safe, and Neo is constantly looking over his shoulder for the dangers he’s running away from.
There are so many wonderful characters in the story, including a few familiar faces from the Vampirates books. Captain Quivers is a personal favourite of mine, she’s rather eccentric which I love, but she’s also a fierce pirate queen. I’d also love to take her Knots Class! I’d actually like to take a few of the classes at Pirate Academy! There are so many beautiful friendships within the story too. Jacoby and Jasmine have such a close bond that is lovely to read. The Barracuda class as a whole have such a close connection, having grown together from such a very young age, and the way they stand by each other is wonderful. I loved watching the friendships blossom.
The intensity really increases towards the end of the story, and takes it’s most dangerous turn yet, with a battle that has your heart in your mouth. There were twists and turns that I hadn’t expected, and an exciting ending that sets up perfectly for the next book in the series.
This story is full of adventure, friendship, mystery, and edge of the seat excitement. Justin Somper has created a pirating world that is a joy to read, and this world has become my happy place. I can not wait to immerse myself back in to it with the next book!
*A huge thank you to UCLan Publishing for my copy of the book, in exchange for an honest review*
When Neo Splice arrives at Pirate Academy, he brings with him mystery and danger, alongside the mystery of Jasmine’s missing parents. We see the Barracuda class tackle every day life at Pirate Academy, attending classes in the most important areas of pirating, taught by the best of the best in the pirating world. But, things are changing and no-one is safe, and Neo is constantly looking over his shoulder for the dangers he’s running away from.
There are so many wonderful characters in the story, including a few familiar faces from the Vampirates books. Captain Quivers is a personal favourite of mine, she’s rather eccentric which I love, but she’s also a fierce pirate queen. I’d also love to take her Knots Class! I’d actually like to take a few of the classes at Pirate Academy! There are so many beautiful friendships within the story too. Jacoby and Jasmine have such a close bond that is lovely to read. The Barracuda class as a whole have such a close connection, having grown together from such a very young age, and the way they stand by each other is wonderful. I loved watching the friendships blossom.
The intensity really increases towards the end of the story, and takes it’s most dangerous turn yet, with a battle that has your heart in your mouth. There were twists and turns that I hadn’t expected, and an exciting ending that sets up perfectly for the next book in the series.
This story is full of adventure, friendship, mystery, and edge of the seat excitement. Justin Somper has created a pirating world that is a joy to read, and this world has become my happy place. I can not wait to immerse myself back in to it with the next book!
*A huge thank you to UCLan Publishing for my copy of the book, in exchange for an honest review*
January 29, 2024
Justin Somper is back with a fast-paced action story about a pirate academy! Being 37, I'm not exactly the target audience for this but it's a great read and I can't wait to get my hands on a copy for my nephew. The edition I read was sent as a PDF.
The story follows several members of the Barracuda class, the fifteen 11-year-olds enrolled at the exclusive pirate school. When Jasmine's pirate parents don't turn up to check in with her on the annual Captains' Evening, she's worried something is wrong. Things get stranger and stranger as a new kid, Neo, arrives and suddenly joins the class. Unfortunately, he unwillingly brings with him a danger none of the students could have seen coming...
I loved the premise and the zipping, action-packed story. There are a lot of nice nautical treats and you can tell there is so much depth to the characters - the students' backstories and the teachers histories., but lots of this is left to the imagination. Still, if I were a child reading this, there is lots of room to flesh out these histories and find out more in the coming books!
Somper is a talented writer, and I can't wait to read what happens in book 2. That is, if I haven't joined the pirate academy by then...
The story follows several members of the Barracuda class, the fifteen 11-year-olds enrolled at the exclusive pirate school. When Jasmine's pirate parents don't turn up to check in with her on the annual Captains' Evening, she's worried something is wrong. Things get stranger and stranger as a new kid, Neo, arrives and suddenly joins the class. Unfortunately, he unwillingly brings with him a danger none of the students could have seen coming...
I loved the premise and the zipping, action-packed story. There are a lot of nice nautical treats and you can tell there is so much depth to the characters - the students' backstories and the teachers histories., but lots of this is left to the imagination. Still, if I were a child reading this, there is lots of room to flesh out these histories and find out more in the coming books!
Somper is a talented writer, and I can't wait to read what happens in book 2. That is, if I haven't joined the pirate academy by then...
August 6, 2024
In a cracking story, a steady build in pace and tension rolls like the ebb and flow of the tide to create a truly intriguing tale. From eerie disappearances and appearances, typical good natured, friendly competition, secrets, lies and clues to all-out, nail-biting, dangerous battle onboard pirate ships, the readers’ attention is gripped by the action. And by a wide array of wonderful, well-crafted characters who entertain, intrigue and capture the imagination (including a few from the Vampirates books making a welcome return.) This is just brilliant! A can’t-put-down book full of action, adventure, friendship, betrayal and chilling mysteries. Fan of pirates tales? You’re going to love this!
January 21, 2024
Fabulous pirate adventure for readers of 8 years and above. You can read my full review here: http://vsviewfromthebookshelves.home....
July 10, 2024
I really enjoyed reading about the students at Pirate Academy. Neo is excited to start his new life at the Academy, but it's always tough being the new kid at school, especially when you've got a ton of secrets to hide!
June 13, 2024
Can't wait for the next book in the series. My little boy (7yo) loved this book, said he would give it infinity stars if he could, he especially liked the plot twist and the hidden message at the end
March 11, 2024
I really enjoyed this. A good mix of pirate with friendship. I loved how it went between three of the characters so you got to view the situation from different points. Fantastic ending that has got me desperate for the next one.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews