Scarlet Morning, Book 1: Scarlet Morning: An Illustrated Middle Grade Fantasy About Two Orphans on a Pirate Adventure for Children

by N.D. Stevenson

AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * USA TODAY BESTSELLER * NATIONAL INDIE BESTSELLER

From the powerhouse creator of Nimona comes a breathtaking illustrated novel, the start of a duology, following two orphans who leave the only home they’ve ever known to sail with an eccentric crew of pirates.

Viola and Wilmur have been waiting for their parents for fifteen boring years in the colorless town of Caveat. Their lives are a drudge of salt, trash, pirate stories, and what-ifs . . . until one very stormy night, when Captain Cadence Chase breaks down their door. They cut a deal with the Chase can take their most prized possession, a mysterious book, but only if she takes them, too. After all, if their parents aren’t coming, Viola and Wilmur might as well have a grand adventure to find them.

Setting sail into the treacherous and beautiful world beyond Caveat, the two inseparable friends must uncover the facts behind legend—and the key to saving all of Dickerson’s Sea from obliteration—before the truth tears them apart.

Wickedly funny, deeply emotional, and sharply incisive, Scarlet Morning is a tale of love, betrayal, and the extraordinary lengths we’d go to save a world broken beyond repair.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Graphic Novels, Fiction, Pirates, LGBT, Queer

432 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 23, 2025

About the author

ND Stevenson is the award-winning, bestselling author and illustrator of Nimona and The Fire Never Goes Out, the co-creator of Lumberjanes, and was the showrunner for the award-winning Netflix series She-Ra and the Princesses of Power. He currently lives in Los Angeles.

Reviews

[emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

reading middle grade fantasy instead of going to therapy.

https://emmareadstoomuch.substack.com...

how to say this...

i think this should have been YA and aged up the characters and leaned into the swearing / seducing / sinning / sexy pirates aspect and developed more of a plot and not been so much about children discovering family trees.

i guess that wasn't that hard to say.

instead, it felt like it uncomfortably split the difference between age ranges, and didn't always hit the mark. i liked the voice a lot but wanted more from a storytelling point of view.

sorry! some of this wasn't for kids, and some too much so.

but then again i'm a grown woman reading children's books, so. take my thoughts with a grain of salt.

bottom line: awkward and in between stages. relatable!

(thanks to the publisher for the e-arc)

[Ricarda · Rating 3 out of 5]

You just have to use the words "from the powerhouse creator of Nimona" and I'll be there, it's that easy. But I was surprised to see that Scarlet Morning is not the author's usual graphic novel or comic book, but a middle grade novel in prose. And maybe that's why I didn't enjoy this book as much as I thought I would (Nimona and all of Lumberjanes are very dear to me). The story follows 14-year-old Viola and 15-year-old Wilmur who live on the miserable little island of Caveat where the streets are covered in salt and the sea is poisonous and where no ship would ever go. One day they finally get the opportunity to leave the island and so they join a chaotic crew of maybe-most-definitely pirates. I wouldn't call this book a pirate adventure, though. Viola and Wilmur don't stay with the pirates for too long, and they also split up and have their own story lines. The plot was, unfortunately, all over the place before the book then ended rather abruptly. The characters didn't really have a destination in mind when they boarded the ship, and I never felt like they had a personal goal. The entire story is them reacting to stuff that's happening or to people they meet, and they do meet a LOT of people. I'm not exaggerating when I tell you that there were like 50 named characters in here, and that is simply too much for a 300-page middle grade book. The chapters with fewer characters were far better in my opinion, because I could finally get a grip on their personalities and backstories. I also liked that the traveling made room for many different environments and how the world was expanded through that. The sea was especially interesting, because it's a place of strange occurrences and creatures, but a lot was only told through a journal-like book inside the story. I wish that there was more showing than telling in general, but at least the illustrations were great and plenty, and I just loved to see the art of N.D. Stevenson again. I also have to praise the casual queer representation and I'm overall very glad that the author was able to publish this story after sitting on it since childhood.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books / Quill Tree Books for providing a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fairly clever, extremely original grade school to middle grade fantasy which has just about everything a kid could want in a story. From supervision-free adventure in which the children are the heroes to pirates questing for magical books, this will certainly appeal to reluctant readers. And I think it is interesting enough to also appeal to parents using this book as a read-along. I love the graphic novel Nimona, so I decided to check this one out just for fun.

[Maia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Viola and Wilmur grew up on the fog-covered and salt-encrusted island of Caveat, two orphans fed on pirate stories, pickled eggs, and little else. Before they were born a curse turned the sea into a bitter, dark acid, so full of salt that miles and miles of it have become all up impassible. Animals were warped, most now born with too many eyes, or no eyes, or a thirst for human blood, or with poison bites. When a sea captain comes to their door asking after an ancient, locked book that the kids have been guarding since childhood, they barter their treasure for food, board, and passage on the first real ship they've ever seen. So begins an exciting and mysterious adventure, as the two teens set out for the first time into a ruined world full of secrets, betrayals, lost royalty, sailor's superstitions, and danger. This really hit the spot as an exciting tale for young readers which also holds an adult's attention, full of beautiful illustrations. My one major complaint is that this book is not a stand alone; it is clearly the first of a series, and yet no where on the cover or in the marketing copy did I see anything about this being "book one". It's a chunky 430 pages, so I was really expecting the story to wrap at the end of this volume but it does not. I will definitely pick up book two when it comes out, I just wish I had known I was starting a series!

[Mike Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant book. Pirate-mystery-adventure-horror, which takes a relatively safe premise - orphan(s) end up on an adventure with pirates - and goes absolutely batshit with it. Everything in this world is strange, wild, and wonderful, and most of it is deadly. It's advertised as for ages 8-12 but on your own head be it if your kids get nightmares, the 'found footage' excerpts from The Book in the middle are straight-up psychological horror, I do not like The Angel *one bit*. If you ignore the fact that it's meant (pretending?) to be a children's book then it is utterly engrossing for an adult. One of the most gloriously engrossing, engaging things I've ever read.

[Grace D Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

***Series of Unfortunate Events meets Tress of the Emerald Sea meets Gravity Falls. Dialed up to max volume.***

> Two unlucky (or lucky, depending on your outlook) orphans saving the world, a heavy dose of psychological horror, more than a few terrifying creatures, pirates galore, and half a dozen+ incredibly crafted characters.
>>Thanks ND, I won't be sleeping for a while. Genuinely my only critique is that it was absolutely terrifying at points... but perhaps the young spirit can handle more than my feeble adult mind can.
>>>This is a truly novel and rich work of fiction- inspired by so much, yet derivative of nothing. Technically middle grade, but YA and adult readers will still enjoy (and feel challenged by) this book and its world. I know Captain Chase will linger with me long after the last time we saw her...

[Mal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bro that ENDING!!! This reminded me of reading my favorite books as a kid😭like this kind of stuff is what made me interested in stories and reading and made me who i am😭😭the way this was written,,,storytelling for young readers is so essential and nostalgic and theres nothing that feels like this in adult fiction oh my god. I am so glad i read this this year. It fits so well with my year of graphic novels. I’m tearing up and remembering how much reading fantasy as a kid creates a free space to live in and grow UGHH. I love books. Thank u SO SO MUCH to my wonderful coworker who lent me their copy.

MAKE BOOKS MAKE SENSE AGAIN!!! Have a plan when you set out to write!! Authors need to read this.

[Jamie Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's the most satisfying feeling when one of your most anticipated books of the year is one of the best things you've read this year! ❤️☠️

'Scarlet Morning' follows teenagers Viola and Wilmur who are orphans who have been left on a small island of Caveat, they fill their days reading and telling stories until one day a Captain Cadence Chase (be still my beating heart) breaks down their door looking for a book they possess.

When I tell you this book was a wild journey I'm not lying! In N.D's trademark style the warmth and wit shines right off the pages. Filled to bursting with characters you instantly fall in love with, even side characters who are in mere lines you adore. Captain Cadence Chase is a glorious creation, can we trust her or not? Do I love her either way? Yes. I love books and stories with casual queerness, gender and sexuality is spoken about with ease and not an eyelid is batted. Wilmur and Viola's journey will steal your heart.

The story is complex and exciting without feeling overwhelming. N.D's comic timing is once again a highlight. This story goes to some dark places and is not played down to kids in any way which is very exciting.

I was so happy when I realized N.D had illustrated it too! I love his style and it fits the story so perfectly.

An epic story about love, betrayal, pirates, growing up, family bonds and the power of stories. I'm honestly so in love with this book I could burst.

Thank you so much to Harper Insider for my copy 💖 'Scarlet Morning' is out on the 25th of September and I can't wait for everyone to read it.

[Annie Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

{Thank you to NetGalley and Quill Tree Books for the ARC}

I loved every second of this book, I really think this is ND Stevenson’s masterpiece. The story is so well thought out, so complex and interwoven, and SO entertaining. The characters are all so unique with rich backstories and strong personalities, and the settings are so creative and enticing. I feel like I’ve been to Caveat, sailed on the Calamary Rose, and the crawled into the Second City and forgot something important in all of them. I will be rereading this ASAP and screeching about it to anyone unfortunate enough to come within 10 feet of me. Please give me the rest of the series now before I lose my mind for good!!! ALSO!! The illustrations are IMMACULATE!! They’re so detailed, so gorgeous, and make the story so vibrant and real for the reader, it’s really amazing. I can’t be normal about this book.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could NOT put this book down for a second without thinking about it. Each and every character was unique and fleshed out and were so alive it felt like I was there!!! The imagery on every page had me kicking my feet with joy and tensing up with fear. The monsters in this book are so reminiscent of SCP Containment Breach horrors and I ate it UPPPPP.

ND brought his vision and voice from his art onto the page in a way I would be blessed by Cod (hEhehe) to have the skills to do the same.

The last few chapters had my jaw on the floor and I’m ITCHING to read the sequel when that gets released👏👏👏

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this. I saw N.D.'s post about it on his blog and that made me cry so I had to immediately pre-order it. It is such a beautiful book, with wonderful illustrations. I'm not a huge fan of pirates but I still really enjoyed this. Especially in the second half. I loved the mysterious book and the changing world. I can't wait for book 2!

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from the very beginning! ND Stevenson’s writing is so captivating (and his illustrations are perfection)! He isn’t one to shy away from darker themes for a middle-grade story which I also appreciate.

This story was made for adventurers young and old and I’m so glad I was able to read an early copy! (I need book 2 in my hands now!) I can’t wait to see what’s in store for these characters!

(arc provided by Barnes and Noble, my employer)

[ceruleanboy]

oh my god I can't wait to read this

[this_eel · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5, thank god for mg with JUICE, welcome back ND

[Emma Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

trying to think of something to say here other than "damn, how do people come up with ideas?" just a stunning little bundle of ideas, this. wonderful art, fresh worldbuilding, a little swashbuckling for pizzazz. if i read this as a child it wouldve been my whole personality for months if not years.

[lav · Rating 4 out of 5]

filled with childish whimsy! and i mean this as the highest of compliments; this book brims with a love for imagination and adventure, but without shying away from more serious themes

there was a lotttt going on. i had trouble following everything at times so this feels a bit packed for a middle grade book. But at the same time, there's also something to be said for not talking down to younger audiences and trusting them to walk away from the story with their own understanding/interpretation

the ending was very abrupt- setting up for a sequel or series no doubt, but i was hoping to get some more answers than we got by the end. likewise, i hope wilmur gets some more exciting plotlines in the upcoming book(s), because despite the book promising to follow the two of them, viola drove the entire plot. don't get me wrong, i love viola's character, it was just very noticeable how she's always in some new crazy situation, meanwhile wilmur is like... playing cards on a boat

all around an exciting whirlwind of a book! i enjoyed the strange world of dickerson's sea and i look forward to the next book (need to find out what the hell chase's deal is so bad)

final note: loveeeeed the illustrations, they were such a fun addition + really enhanced the story

[Audrey S · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received an ARC from HarperCollins Canada. All opinions are my own.*
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I definitely picked this book up thinking it would be a graphic novel in the similar vein of Nimona. And while the heart of the story is similar - full of family, and heart, and gentle queerness - this is actually a full on middle grade novel. And at almost 450 pages - I know so many middle graders who would jump at the chance to read this chonker - and it’s the first in a series!
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In this story we follow Viola and Wilmur, two fifteen year old kids left alone in a town on the edge of the map. Then everything changes when a pirate arrives without warning, demanding a mysterious book the two own. Viola and Wilmur’s life expands with hope and adventure alongside the pirates and the mysteries of the sea. And they get darker and weirder as more and more are uncovered.
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Rest assured that even though the protagonists are 15, this still very much reads middle grade and the illustrations throughout are gorgeous and truly help push the story along. (As a side note, this really made me think about how different the story would be if it had been told from a YA lens or an adult fantasy lens, which was very cool to consider and ruminate on).
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I think this would make an excellent Holiday gift for a young reader in your life - who likes large books, big adventure, and isn’t afraid of a little dark mystery and creepy creatures (I think for kids, the most unsettling drawing will be that of Angel in the Alias Crow Journals that start at ~226. It’s near the end a few pages before Chapter 22 in case you want to have a look at it before your little ones do).
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Hisses & Kisses 🐍

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW...what a RIDE. If N.D. Stevenson isn't a Treasure Planet stan I will eat my hat. We need more middle grade books like this. It was written so beautifully and didn't talk down at all. The pirates weren't watered down. There were tattoos and blood and violence (not graphic) and I loved it because kids actually want this! They want to be treated like the smart people they are!! I loved all the twists and turns this book made but I was a little sad when Chase and Viola parted ways because I love a grumpy adult who begrudgingly mentally adopts a small child. I don't think this book is perfect, we spend much less time with Wilmur so the end becomes more abrupt than I would like, and we meet a LOT of characters and then leave them. But I'm still giving this 5 stars because I think this is exactly what we need in MG adventure and I had a great time.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm so curious about what actual children would think about this children's book. It's quite long and it didn't really hold my attention span, so wondering if it will be appealing to a kid? I finished it because there were enough of ND Stevenson's delightful illustrations to keep me engaged. I think if it had been pared down by a third it would have had better energy. I did enjoy the characters and the world building and the theme, which I took as... What should/can you do when you have been born into a world that previous generations have destroyed? The theme is there but doesn't hit you over the head.

[Barb Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A middle grade fantasy novel that was hard to put down. Viola and Wilbur are orphans that spend their time reading a book and making up pirate stories on the island of Caveat. When a woman comes for them to get the book they give on the condition they go with her on a sailing adventure. This book was so creative and original. There is a stop gap in the action where we learn about a character in the book and it reads like an Edgar Allen Poe short horror tale. I got a kick out of that. A nice mix of humor and intense action with not all the pieces revealed at the end but a teaser for book 2. I can’t wait to read it!

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

I have so many questions. Not sure if this is a result of me trying to read this while being sick or just me being confused.

I liked all the characters. Stevenson does a great job setting up the character arcs and making them entertaining. I kept picturing this as an animated series because SO much happens and the author provides illustrations.

I will add that this is recommended for ages 8-12+ and since I have a 9 yr old who is very much afraid of everything, I would recommend this to the 12+ age range. There’s mention of dead bodies and the carnage is very descriptive in some areas.

[noah]

I really enjoyed this and read the whole thing in one day! That being said, I loathe cliffhangers, especially when zero mysteries of the story are solved. I knew this was the start of a series but I'm a believer that all books should stand on their own (even ones in series), so it was frustrating to have so many questions and no answers. I'm withholding a star rating until thn rest of the series comes out because there are so many threads that need to be resolved and I'm hopeful that the answers will come in the next book!

[A.S. Ember · Rating 4 out of 5]

It opens with a fair share of debutante clichés, but most powerful of them all is a swashbuckling crew of kooky pirates: from the Calamary Rose through salt-desert, town, and evocative nightmare, the novel flows beautifully. "Middle-grade" is a bit of a stretch for the level of macabre here; I think Stevenson has just found his audience of adults who read middle-grade novels. A compelling debut, rife with interesting lore and delicious characters for the sequels to further explore.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was good!! Warning: it’s a series opener. Yes I did find that out by getting to the cliffhanger.

Really enjoy what ND is setting up with the mystery of why this world is the way it is. ALSO I love that the trope of “grumpy murderous adult accidentally adopts child” is done w a woman and a girl here. And it’s a really unique and fascinating world.

Also I read the prologue to my small cousins as a bedtime story and the next morning they demanded the book (which is not out yet) so now I have to mail them a copy. Fortunately I have two (thanks Suzi! thanks Grace!).

[Avery Romriell]

pay no attention to the fact that it took me two months to finish this that's just how my life's going rn. earnestly grateful to see that something so genuinely good and thought-provoking is being published for kids in the big 2025 when it seems like everything made for young people is careening downhill like an expert skier. but this was so good! i would have loved it as a precocious 10 year old and i still love it now. nd stevenson please come back to columbia when the sequel releases and draw another shark in my copy i love you

[Cass Moskowitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to read this book 20 pages at a time because each small dose felt like a meal of lush prose and incredible storytelling. I didn't want it to end. I already knew ND was an impeccable writer but this book really spoke to not just me now, but 12 year old me and 16 year old me. I'm obsessed.

[Emily]

Delightfully weird and rich world, a zillion distinct characters, can't wait to read the whole series, still want to challenge publishers who don't make it clear when a book is Book One of [some number???] to a duel.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this in a day, was completely & delightfully sucked in. Loved it loads.

[Sarah Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

fun, adventurous, and exciting!! I loved the illustrations throughout and I cannot wait to find out what happens next. thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy!

[Katrina Clarke · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Amina Al-Sirafi but for youngsters. great humour, characters and adventure