PIRATE EMPEROR

Shiver me timbers, Meyer’s back with another firecracker freebooting fantasy. The “polliwogs” Jolly and Munch, along with their motley companions, have arrived safely at the floating coral island of Aelinium, there to hone their magical powers and prepare for battle with the monstrous forces of the Maelstrom. But Jolly, rendered uneasy by the pressure of expectations, steals away to complete her original quest: rescuing her erstwhile captain and crew. Her friends scatter as well, pursuing their own private agendas, but reunite to defy the sinister cannibal king Tyrone in his plot to become Pirate Emperor. Jolly matures considerably in this installment, as she grapples with the shattering complexities of romance, friendship, loyalty and betrayal; the revelation of the uncomfortable ambiguities of “good” and “evil” force her to acknowledge her true enemy. Voyaging beyond the Caribbean lore of the first installment, Meyer invokes potent mythic figures from a variety of world traditions. Still, piratical shenanigans remain paramount, and blistering action trumps all. Even scurvy lubbers will hoist a mizzen for this merry yarn. (Fantasy. 10-14)