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Twisted Journeys® #1
Captured by Pirates
Match your wits against a band of pirates on the high seas and try to defeat them--or join them! Every Twisted Journeys(tm) graphic novel lets YOU control the action by choosing which path to follow. Which twists and turns will your journey take?
111 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
19 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
About the author
Ron Fontes
117 books10 followersRon Fontes was born in Los Angeles, California. He grew up in Clarksville, Tennessee. Ron has been an actor, art director, bellhop, cartoonist, housepainter, makeup artist, scene painter, standup comic, and was once an artist for Marvel Comics.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 8, 2011
Has anybody here ever read a "Choose Your Own Adventure" book? I don't know about you, but I love to choose my own path in a book. In the twisted Journeys series, you get to do that too--in graphic novel form! The first one is "Captured by Pirates" and your choices could lead you to a deserted island, back home, or even flogged! It's all up to you.
I really like the idea of this series, I think it will go over well with kids and could be used with reluctant readers. My one complaint is that I feel some of the endings were a tad to brief.
I really like the idea of this series, I think it will go over well with kids and could be used with reluctant readers. My one complaint is that I feel some of the endings were a tad to brief.
April 24, 2025
A fabulous graphic novel choose-your-own-adventure. I first read a few of these books in primary school, so it was wonderful to rediscover them! It captures that nostalgic feeling of flipping back and forth between pages, trying to outwit danger or find the "best" ending, all while being guided by vivid, engaging illustrations. Perfect for young readers – and for the young at heart.
Plot: ★★★★☆
The overall plot is necessarily straightforward to accommodate the branching structure of a choose-your-own-adventure format. That said, there are several exciting and imaginative potential plotlines depending on which path you take. From sword fights to daring escapes, there's plenty of swashbuckling fun packed into this short volume.
Character: ★★★★☆
While the main character is meant to be “you,” the supporting cast is solid and fun to interact with. Pirates, mysterious strangers, and various allies or foes all make appearances depending on the path taken. They’re not deeply developed, but they’re colourful and memorable enough to keep things interesting.
Setting: ★★★★☆
The seafaring world is bold, energetic, and surprisingly atmospheric for such a short and stylised format. From storm-tossed ships to island hideouts, the settings help anchor each version of the story and add a real sense of piratey adventure. The visuals help sell the setting even more, making each location feel immersive, even if briefly visited.
Illustrations: ★★★★☆
Gorgeous illustrations! They’re bright, bold, and bursting with character. The artwork brings the various scenarios to life with flair, capturing the high-stakes energy of the genre while keeping it age-appropriate and fun.
Engagement: ★★★★☆
The interactive format makes it extremely engaging. It’s almost impossible to read it just once – you have to go back and see what could’ve happened if you'd made a different choice. That "just one more ending" mentality makes it perfect for reluctant readers or anyone who enjoys a more hands-on reading experience.
Readability: ★★★★☆
Very easy to read and follow. The story flows well despite the jumping between pages, and the clear structure helps readers know exactly where to go next. The alternating format of prose and comic panels is also great for readers who might not usually gravitate toward longer text, offering visual breaks and boosting accessibility.
Enjoyment: ★★★★☆
I had so much fun diving back into this! It's clever, playful, and full of nostalgia for me – but I also think it holds up well for new readers today. It’s the kind of book that turns reading into a game, and I’d absolutely recommend it for middle graders, educators, or anyone wanting a quick, adventurous escape.
‘Captured by Pirates’ is a dynamic and engaging adventure that’s both interactive and visually fun. It does exactly what it sets out to do – deliver a playful pirate romp full of choice, consequence, and charm. Whether you’re revisiting it for nostalgia or discovering it for the first time, it’s a treasure chest of fast-paced fun that encourages imagination and rereading. A solid start to the ‘Twisted Journeys’ collection and a great pick for kids who enjoy a bit of control over their reading destiny.
Plot: ★★★★☆
The overall plot is necessarily straightforward to accommodate the branching structure of a choose-your-own-adventure format. That said, there are several exciting and imaginative potential plotlines depending on which path you take. From sword fights to daring escapes, there's plenty of swashbuckling fun packed into this short volume.
Character: ★★★★☆
While the main character is meant to be “you,” the supporting cast is solid and fun to interact with. Pirates, mysterious strangers, and various allies or foes all make appearances depending on the path taken. They’re not deeply developed, but they’re colourful and memorable enough to keep things interesting.
Setting: ★★★★☆
The seafaring world is bold, energetic, and surprisingly atmospheric for such a short and stylised format. From storm-tossed ships to island hideouts, the settings help anchor each version of the story and add a real sense of piratey adventure. The visuals help sell the setting even more, making each location feel immersive, even if briefly visited.
Illustrations: ★★★★☆
Gorgeous illustrations! They’re bright, bold, and bursting with character. The artwork brings the various scenarios to life with flair, capturing the high-stakes energy of the genre while keeping it age-appropriate and fun.
Engagement: ★★★★☆
The interactive format makes it extremely engaging. It’s almost impossible to read it just once – you have to go back and see what could’ve happened if you'd made a different choice. That "just one more ending" mentality makes it perfect for reluctant readers or anyone who enjoys a more hands-on reading experience.
Readability: ★★★★☆
Very easy to read and follow. The story flows well despite the jumping between pages, and the clear structure helps readers know exactly where to go next. The alternating format of prose and comic panels is also great for readers who might not usually gravitate toward longer text, offering visual breaks and boosting accessibility.
Enjoyment: ★★★★☆
I had so much fun diving back into this! It's clever, playful, and full of nostalgia for me – but I also think it holds up well for new readers today. It’s the kind of book that turns reading into a game, and I’d absolutely recommend it for middle graders, educators, or anyone wanting a quick, adventurous escape.
‘Captured by Pirates’ is a dynamic and engaging adventure that’s both interactive and visually fun. It does exactly what it sets out to do – deliver a playful pirate romp full of choice, consequence, and charm. Whether you’re revisiting it for nostalgia or discovering it for the first time, it’s a treasure chest of fast-paced fun that encourages imagination and rereading. A solid start to the ‘Twisted Journeys’ collection and a great pick for kids who enjoy a bit of control over their reading destiny.
July 25, 2013
This was a combination of the classic Choose Your Own Adventure and a graphic novel. It has the same benefits and drawbacks of Choose Your Own Adventure: being able to choose where the story goes is cool, but there's no depth to anything in the book either. Recommended for kids who hate sitting still and reading, or whoever likes the Flip-O-Rama parts in the Captain Underpants but is ok with something more serious.
November 8, 2010
Miss the Choose Your Own Adventure books from the 70's and 80's? Well this uses the same interactive format for readers, but is told in graphic novel form. The pictures are bright and fun, showing the zombie pirates in all their gory glory. The best part is that the book can be read multiple times with different endings. Great for reluctant readers or older struggling readers!
December 28, 2008
The pick-your-own-path style got slightly tiring, and the author perceived the character to be one thing and I perceived the character to be another, which bothered me for some reason. I generally like this style, as the Rollercoaster Tycoon Books were very good, but this just didn't do it for me.
April 21, 2009
I love Graphic Novels! I love Choose your own adventure! Mix the two and you have a new favorite series for Molly. Great read will really attract the reluctant reader! It has a page of text and a page of GN and this will attract a parent trying to get their kids to read more chapter. Grades 3+
March 5, 2010
i din't like this book so much
October 14, 2013
i think it was a good book. it has a very unique style of writing.
July 10, 2015
I could see how kids might enjoy this books (I always loved Choose Your Own Adventure books), but I wasn't impressed with this one.
July 25, 2016
Graphic novel version of a choose your own adventure. Lots of moving round pages.
June 23, 2009
LOVED this book and so will my middle school boys. Choose your own adventure books are great!!
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October 25, 2017I WANT TO READ IT PLZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
May 4, 2018
it was doo doo
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews