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A Prince Among Pirates: A Funny YA Historical Romance of Secret Kisses and High-Seas Danger
Not yet published
Expected 18 Jun 26A sharp, funny, unputdownable historical(ish) debut, with an incredibly distinctive and witty voice, this romp of a novel is perfect for fans of Gwen and Art are Not in Love and Our Flag Means Death.
Kit Davenport is in trouble – not that this would surprise anyone who knows him. Headstrong, reckless, and utterly unsuited for the stodgy House of Lords, Kit has spent years dodging his father’s stern disapproval and delighting in clandestine rendezvous. But time is running out. With an arranged marriage looming and the confines of white wigs and stiff decorum closing in, Kit is desperate to escape a life that feels completely wrong for him.
His solution? A wildly impulsive decision that lands him aboard the Deliverance, a galleon captained by the infuriatingly charismatic Reggie Sharpe. With a devil-may-care attitude and a delicious grin, Captain Sharpe commands the waves with his crew of misfits…who all turn out to be pirates. Before Kit can say “wrong ship,” he’s trading ballroom etiquette for rum-soaked camaraderie, explosive gunfights, and, perhaps most excitingly, heart-stopping kisses under the stars.
But life at sea holds just as many secrets as treasures. And when Kit’s past catches up with him, he’ll have to decide who he truly wants to a gentleman or a pirate?
Perfect for fans of Gwen and Art are Not in Love, Our Flag Means Death, Captain of Fates, and My Lady Jane, A Prince Among Pirates is the unbelievably funny, sharp, and romantic historical adventure that will be the debut of 2026.
Kit Davenport is in trouble – not that this would surprise anyone who knows him. Headstrong, reckless, and utterly unsuited for the stodgy House of Lords, Kit has spent years dodging his father’s stern disapproval and delighting in clandestine rendezvous. But time is running out. With an arranged marriage looming and the confines of white wigs and stiff decorum closing in, Kit is desperate to escape a life that feels completely wrong for him.
His solution? A wildly impulsive decision that lands him aboard the Deliverance, a galleon captained by the infuriatingly charismatic Reggie Sharpe. With a devil-may-care attitude and a delicious grin, Captain Sharpe commands the waves with his crew of misfits…who all turn out to be pirates. Before Kit can say “wrong ship,” he’s trading ballroom etiquette for rum-soaked camaraderie, explosive gunfights, and, perhaps most excitingly, heart-stopping kisses under the stars.
But life at sea holds just as many secrets as treasures. And when Kit’s past catches up with him, he’ll have to decide who he truly wants to a gentleman or a pirate?
Perfect for fans of Gwen and Art are Not in Love, Our Flag Means Death, Captain of Fates, and My Lady Jane, A Prince Among Pirates is the unbelievably funny, sharp, and romantic historical adventure that will be the debut of 2026.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 16, 2026
4 people are currently reading
3777 people want to read
About the author
Katie Abdou
2 books73 followersKatie Abdou is a Lebanese American born and raised in historic coastal Massachusetts, where she cultivated a love of history, the occult, and piracy. She aims for her books to be a safe place for teens and young adults to find representation and to understand the experiences of trauma, hardship, romance, and adventure through her characters within the safety of fiction. Katie lives in historical Massachusetts with her four fuzzy wee dragons. She is a writer, a costumer, a hiker, a baker, a winemaker, and most importantly: the Best Auntie in the World. A Prince Among Pirates is her debut novel.
www.katieabdou.com
www.kaitlynabdou.com (alternate URL)
www.katieabdou.com
www.kaitlynabdou.com (alternate URL)
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 18, 2026
Just such a fun good time read. It’s not heavy, or overly complicated and that just really hit the spot for me. A MM romance at sea? Yes please. The love interest is the captain and he’s actually the biggest teddy bear of a green flag (to him) ? And the chosen/found family with the crew? So good.
At just shy of 18, Kit thinks his life is about to be over. Betrothed and set to follow in his father’s legacy - Kit knows he will be trapped in the life set before him. So what does the spoiled high born rake do? He runs away the day of his wedding, onto the first ship he can find. Having never spent a moment doing labour or working for his living, it’s a rude awakening - but not as rude as when he finds out the ship he boarded is actually a pirate ship. Even more dangerous is the flirtation he develops with its Captain. But as they voyage the seas and different ports, Kit learns more about life at sea and himself, and stumbles across schemes and plots that have been hidden for far too long - it’s time for Kit to do what he’s great at - and cause a scandal or two.
At just shy of 18, Kit thinks his life is about to be over. Betrothed and set to follow in his father’s legacy - Kit knows he will be trapped in the life set before him. So what does the spoiled high born rake do? He runs away the day of his wedding, onto the first ship he can find. Having never spent a moment doing labour or working for his living, it’s a rude awakening - but not as rude as when he finds out the ship he boarded is actually a pirate ship. Even more dangerous is the flirtation he develops with its Captain. But as they voyage the seas and different ports, Kit learns more about life at sea and himself, and stumbles across schemes and plots that have been hidden for far too long - it’s time for Kit to do what he’s great at - and cause a scandal or two.
Want to read
April 22, 2025“pitched as Our Flag Means Death … with the irreverent voice of MY LADY JANE,”
say no more. take my money.
say no more. take my money.
June 5, 2025
I had the privilege of reading this novel early for Katie, who is one of my dear writing friends. A PRINCE AMONG PIRATES centers Kit, a viscount who accidentally joins a pirate crew while escaping his arranged marriage. It perfectly blends humor, history, and emotional tension in a way that is perfect for young readers. Katie does not shy away from difficult topics such as biracial struggles, racism and slavery during this era, handling it with the utmost care and consideration. The writing was evocative, emotional, and humorous at times, and most notably made me hungry.
Mark your calendars for 2026, when the Deliverance comes to port! I hope everyone else loves APAP as much as I did! <3
Mark your calendars for 2026, when the Deliverance comes to port! I hope everyone else loves APAP as much as I did! <3
Want to read
February 14, 2026"Kit Davenport is your average 17-year-old. Oh—he's also heir to a ridiculous fortune, the son of a Viscount, and days away from marrying future marchioness, Katherine Stuart God daughter to the King himself. But when Kit boards a ship to escape the tyranny of his overbearing father, he has no idea he's just joined a pirate crew—or that accidentally becoming a pirate himself will take him on a journey of self-discovery and help him learn for the first time what it feels like to be unconditionally loved."
March 8, 2026
Kit you precious little lover boy turned pirate!
This was so fun, I’m shocked it’s a debut to be honest. The pacing was pitch perfect, the world and the historical elements were so fun. The perfect balance of absolutely beyond belief and yet grounded in some reality!
I love pirate books!
This was so fun, I’m shocked it’s a debut to be honest. The pacing was pitch perfect, the world and the historical elements were so fun. The perfect balance of absolutely beyond belief and yet grounded in some reality!
I love pirate books!
Want to read
October 25, 2025HELLO?? THE COVER?!?! 😍😍😍
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalleu and Harper Collins Children's for the eARC
3,5/5
'A prince among pirates' is a young adult, taking inspiration from 'Our flag means death' to create a funny sea adventure. It's light, full of humour, with just a bit of dashing romance added to the mix. The writing flows, helped by a nice pacing, dragging just slightly at the end.
I must say, I think the book delivered on its promises. Our protagonist... isn't the brightest, joining a pirate ship without being aware of the pirate element. For four months. Kit shows his lack of discernment as a secondary plot unfurls, about which I won't say much to avoid any spoilers. The romance element isn't that much of a leading beat, which I enjoyed, it left space for other relationship to build. More importantly, it left room for Kit to grow, something he does quite a bit, fortunately.
Now, I also had some issues about the book. Captain Sharpe doesn't have much depth or isn't explored as much as I would have liked. There is a lot of very obvious elements that are set up as plot twists despite how obvious they are. This might be an age range thing, or an attempt from the author to have the cleverness of OFMD without the ability to draw on it too much. Anyways, it bothered me a little, even if I still had a nice time. I would have liked a little more depth around complicated issues that are kinda brought up (race, power, trauma), but the story didn't aim for that.
Similarly, the end of the story seems to attempt to create a mirror situation with the beginning of the book, while resolving the issues that caught up with Kit during the story. Does it works ? Kinda. But not completely, at least for me, there's an ease that prevent me from really buying it.
Nevertheless, as a fun adventurous sea adventure, meant for a younger audience, it works! It's an enjoyable piece of fiction, with a bratty main character and a very soft pirate captain.
3,5/5
'A prince among pirates' is a young adult, taking inspiration from 'Our flag means death' to create a funny sea adventure. It's light, full of humour, with just a bit of dashing romance added to the mix. The writing flows, helped by a nice pacing, dragging just slightly at the end.
I must say, I think the book delivered on its promises. Our protagonist... isn't the brightest, joining a pirate ship without being aware of the pirate element. For four months. Kit shows his lack of discernment as a secondary plot unfurls, about which I won't say much to avoid any spoilers. The romance element isn't that much of a leading beat, which I enjoyed, it left space for other relationship to build. More importantly, it left room for Kit to grow, something he does quite a bit, fortunately.
Now, I also had some issues about the book. Captain Sharpe doesn't have much depth or isn't explored as much as I would have liked. There is a lot of very obvious elements that are set up as plot twists despite how obvious they are. This might be an age range thing, or an attempt from the author to have the cleverness of OFMD without the ability to draw on it too much. Anyways, it bothered me a little, even if I still had a nice time. I would have liked a little more depth around complicated issues that are kinda brought up (race, power, trauma), but the story didn't aim for that.
Similarly, the end of the story seems to attempt to create a mirror situation with the beginning of the book, while resolving the issues that caught up with Kit during the story. Does it works ? Kinda. But not completely, at least for me, there's an ease that prevent me from really buying it.
Nevertheless, as a fun adventurous sea adventure, meant for a younger audience, it works! It's an enjoyable piece of fiction, with a bratty main character and a very soft pirate captain.
Review of advance copy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 / 4.5 stars
A Prince Among Pirates is a story about Kit, who runs away on the night of his engagement ball and joins captain Sharpe on his ship, not knowing it’s a pirate ship.
I’ve been wanting to read this book ever since my close friends keeps raving on about it! she loves this book so much she wanted me to read it when I visited her for a weekend. I read it, and I loved it and get why she loves it so much!
The first thing I really love about this book is how much fun this book is! From the opening chapter, where we get to know Kit and see him in his element, I was laughing! My friend loved my live commentary when reading and how could I stay quiet! Kit’s voice is hilarious!
I love how this is a cosy fantasy! It’s sweet to see what happens and really see Kit find himself and grow into the amazing person that he is!
There isn’t a lot happening in this book, but at the same time you don’t need it. This is a cosy adventure that showcases the everyday life aboard a ship a bit. It’s truly a journey we are taken on by Kit and the friends he makes aboard that ship!
There is a bit of romance, but the true focus is on the adventure. Still, the chemistry between Kit and Reggie is awesome and I think it’s a hint to what more it can bring in future books!
Overall, I enjoyed every second of A Prince Among Pirates, which was a lot of fun, sweet and so hard to put down!
A Prince Among Pirates is a story about Kit, who runs away on the night of his engagement ball and joins captain Sharpe on his ship, not knowing it’s a pirate ship.
“Dear reader, you might be wondering how a high-born lad such as myself got swept up into such wanton roguery…”
I’ve been wanting to read this book ever since my close friends keeps raving on about it! she loves this book so much she wanted me to read it when I visited her for a weekend. I read it, and I loved it and get why she loves it so much!
The first thing I really love about this book is how much fun this book is! From the opening chapter, where we get to know Kit and see him in his element, I was laughing! My friend loved my live commentary when reading and how could I stay quiet! Kit’s voice is hilarious!
I love how this is a cosy fantasy! It’s sweet to see what happens and really see Kit find himself and grow into the amazing person that he is!
There isn’t a lot happening in this book, but at the same time you don’t need it. This is a cosy adventure that showcases the everyday life aboard a ship a bit. It’s truly a journey we are taken on by Kit and the friends he makes aboard that ship!
There is a bit of romance, but the true focus is on the adventure. Still, the chemistry between Kit and Reggie is awesome and I think it’s a hint to what more it can bring in future books!
Overall, I enjoyed every second of A Prince Among Pirates, which was a lot of fun, sweet and so hard to put down!
December 10, 2025
🏴☠️ Book Review ⚓️
Have I mentioned how terrible I am at finding the right words to review books? If I had to pick one, it’d be “Wholesome” ☺️ which is how this book made me feel!
The summary doesn’t give much away, and honestly, I wasn’t expecting it to be this cozy and low-stakes…. Which usually isn’t my thing, but Katie’s done something right, some witchcraft you might say, because I absolutely loved it!!
It’s not just the main couple you’ll fall for, but the whole crew stole my heart, especially the twins 😍 The found family in this story is exactly what I love to read about!
Fair warning! Do not read this book when you’re hungry!! Katie’s descriptions of delicious food had me timing my reading sessions post dinner 😂
I love how the story doesn’t shy away from tough subjects and the impact of colonialism during that era!
It’s such a fun adventure filled with tension, humour, and a wannabe pirate! Have I mentioned the charming captain Sharpe? You might want to remember that name!
A Prince Among Pirates is out next year on June 16th, and is currently up for preorder, so make sure to grab a copy if it sounds like your kind of story!
Thank you to my wonderful book friends who helped win this proof for me at YALC!! I will forever treasure it 🥰
Have I mentioned how terrible I am at finding the right words to review books? If I had to pick one, it’d be “Wholesome” ☺️ which is how this book made me feel!
The summary doesn’t give much away, and honestly, I wasn’t expecting it to be this cozy and low-stakes…. Which usually isn’t my thing, but Katie’s done something right, some witchcraft you might say, because I absolutely loved it!!
It’s not just the main couple you’ll fall for, but the whole crew stole my heart, especially the twins 😍 The found family in this story is exactly what I love to read about!
Fair warning! Do not read this book when you’re hungry!! Katie’s descriptions of delicious food had me timing my reading sessions post dinner 😂
I love how the story doesn’t shy away from tough subjects and the impact of colonialism during that era!
It’s such a fun adventure filled with tension, humour, and a wannabe pirate! Have I mentioned the charming captain Sharpe? You might want to remember that name!
A Prince Among Pirates is out next year on June 16th, and is currently up for preorder, so make sure to grab a copy if it sounds like your kind of story!
Thank you to my wonderful book friends who helped win this proof for me at YALC!! I will forever treasure it 🥰
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to Simon Teen for sending me an early review copy!
This book reminded me of my love for "Our Flag Means Death"... I started rewatching it right after I finished this book.
A Prince Among Pirates is such a fun read! I finished it in one sitting and absolutely loved it. Kit, the main character is... a prince who runs away and finds himself among pirates! Watching his relationship with the crew and the captain develop over the course of the story is so cathartic and heartwarming. I laughed so hard when he realizes he's boarded a pirate ship...
It was so nice to read a story of self-acceptance and such love and care between a cast of characters!! 𐔌՞ ܸ.ˬ.ܸ՞𐦯
The world building is another aspect that I loved about this book. This book completely de-centers Europe and is rich with culture and heritage. There’s a poignant commentary and critique of the West.
This is such a stunning book, let alone a debut novel!!
This book reminded me of my love for "Our Flag Means Death"... I started rewatching it right after I finished this book.
A Prince Among Pirates is such a fun read! I finished it in one sitting and absolutely loved it. Kit, the main character is... a prince who runs away and finds himself among pirates! Watching his relationship with the crew and the captain develop over the course of the story is so cathartic and heartwarming. I laughed so hard when he realizes he's boarded a pirate ship...
It was so nice to read a story of self-acceptance and such love and care between a cast of characters!! 𐔌՞ ܸ.ˬ.ܸ՞𐦯
The world building is another aspect that I loved about this book. This book completely de-centers Europe and is rich with culture and heritage. There’s a poignant commentary and critique of the West.
This is such a stunning book, let alone a debut novel!!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Digital ARC provided by Simon & Schuster via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
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A YA pirate story filled with adventure, heartwarming romance, and lovable characters. It definitely had Pirates of the Caribbean and Our Flag Means Death vibes, which was amazing. I couldn't put the book down, this was an absolute delight to read!
Kit as a character and narrator was very entertaining and extremely likable, I thoroughly enjoyed him (and the entire crew). I also loved the representation showcased not only with the relationships and identities, but with the various cultures as well. Showing the beauty and the terrible realities of the world through a character whose world completely shifts and their perspective on the world and their own life adapts the more they discover.
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A YA pirate story filled with adventure, heartwarming romance, and lovable characters. It definitely had Pirates of the Caribbean and Our Flag Means Death vibes, which was amazing. I couldn't put the book down, this was an absolute delight to read!
Kit as a character and narrator was very entertaining and extremely likable, I thoroughly enjoyed him (and the entire crew). I also loved the representation showcased not only with the relationships and identities, but with the various cultures as well. Showing the beauty and the terrible realities of the world through a character whose world completely shifts and their perspective on the world and their own life adapts the more they discover.
Want to read
October 21, 2025GAY PIRATES
October 23, 2025
OKEY just for teh cover I REALLY WANT TO READ THIS! I would give my real opinion once I read but for now IM REALLY HAPPY finally some interracial couples in PIrate trope!
November 11, 2025
DITTO ON THE COVER!! Absolutely beautiful! Please don't give Kit syphilis though :) **see Katie's instagram for explanation and a chance to vote!**
Want to read
December 2, 2025Lowkey really want to read this book right now since it releases on my birthday!! Also the cover is stunning and it sounds sooo good
February 26, 2026
A queer pirate novel with humor, adventure, and mystery? Of course I loved it.
Thanks to Atheneum and Edelweiss for the ARC.
Thanks to Atheneum and Edelweiss for the ARC.
March 14, 2026
♾️⭐️
This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2026 and it did not disappoint!! I didn’t want to put the book down and was just loving every second of it.
I loved Kit and Sharpe. Each on their own and together. Though I did long for their interactions because they were kinda cute. Kit was entertaining. Sharpe was a bit more serious.
I even loved the side characters.
The writing and story was amazing in my opinion while still being easy to read and follow.
I will definitely be re reading this book. I wish it had been longer because I didn’t want it to end 😭 As of right now it is my top read of 2026!!
Highly recommend!!!! ♥️
(Review will be edited/added to at some point)
This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2026 and it did not disappoint!! I didn’t want to put the book down and was just loving every second of it.
I loved Kit and Sharpe. Each on their own and together. Though I did long for their interactions because they were kinda cute. Kit was entertaining. Sharpe was a bit more serious.
I even loved the side characters.
The writing and story was amazing in my opinion while still being easy to read and follow.
I will definitely be re reading this book. I wish it had been longer because I didn’t want it to end 😭 As of right now it is my top read of 2026!!
Highly recommend!!!! ♥️
(Review will be edited/added to at some point)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
are the pirates in the room with us ? those are just men doing fuck all on a boat
September 11, 2025
I had the honor of being able to get an early look at A Prince Among Pirate! This book is one of those books that was impossible to put down—even when I did have to put it down, I was still thinking about it and anxious to return to the world! This is such a delightful adventure with so much heart and humor and love! You do not want to miss this!
August 16, 2025
The narrator's voice is everything. This cheeky bastard is a delight, but also super relatable and able to deliver emotional blows without the narrative being bogged down in melodrama. Sassy, but not an asshole. I was pulled into his head in the best way.
Also. The pacing? So Good. No filler, no drag, and the perfect sequence of emotional beats. I devoured this hecking thing like woah.
And the relationship dynamics! Tension, tenderness, the little moments that grab you just so. Perfection. It’s layered and real and messy in the most human kinda way.
I need this book out in the world already! I need fan art. I need to squeal about it with other people. This release cannot come fast enough.
Also. The pacing? So Good. No filler, no drag, and the perfect sequence of emotional beats. I devoured this hecking thing like woah.
And the relationship dynamics! Tension, tenderness, the little moments that grab you just so. Perfection. It’s layered and real and messy in the most human kinda way.
I need this book out in the world already! I need fan art. I need to squeal about it with other people. This release cannot come fast enough.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Hi! I am the author of this book! A lot of people have asked me if this book is adult or young adult—due to some incorrect shelving on Goodreads!
This book is YOUNG ADULT, rated 14 and up. There is nothing graphic on page in this book, but it does deal with some mature themes. That said, I think teens and adults alike can enjoy this book, so please don't let the YA tag discourage you.
♡ Katie
This book is YOUNG ADULT, rated 14 and up. There is nothing graphic on page in this book, but it does deal with some mature themes. That said, I think teens and adults alike can enjoy this book, so please don't let the YA tag discourage you.
♡ Katie
February 3, 2026
This book is literally my Roman Empire. I can't stop thinking about it, nor do I want to. PURE PERFECTION!!!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews