Arrg-ust Graphic Novel Review of Pirateology: The Pirate Hunter's Companion by Dugald A, Steer

Read for: Arrgust & Graphic Novel Challenge

Synopsis: "Aar! Hoist the sails for a lavish new discovery filled with treasures — a magnificent resource for pirate lovers everywhere. The eagerly awaited new title in the best-selling ’Ology series — more than 5 million sold worldwide!

Step lively, pirate foes and fanciers! Mysterious booty found inside a long-lost sea chest, hidden for hundreds of years off the coast of Newfoundland, has just been uncovered for your enjoyment. Within these covers is the fascinating eighteenth-century journal of Captain William Lubber, an earnest soul who sailed the seas in search of the vicious female pirate Arabella Drummond. Prepare for a mesmerizing tale of the golden age of piracy — from storm-tossed sailing ships to tantalizing treasure islands, from pirates’ flags and fashions to their wily weapons and wicked ways. An extraordinary find for pirateologists, here is a true and complete companion for the dedicated pirate hunter.

Pirateology’s special treasures include:

— a stunning cover bearing a working compass and glittering gems—treasure map with a missing piece — for the canny reader to find 

— multiple flaps, maps, charts, and booklets harboring codes and clues

— intricate drawings of ships’ interiors

— a packet of gold dust — a pocket sundial

— a cache of pirate letters, pieces of eight— and a jewel as a final reward"

My Review: I wasn't really sure what to expect from this book, but I had thought it was going to be more of a book for children. Kids could certainly enjoy it but they would need to be able to read cursive so probably 8+. For me this falls more under the category of Graphic novel, though it is a fun interactive format. The book is beautifully put together with so much to look at on each page and a lot of information, and as I said interactive elements. It does a great job of introducing both ship and seafaring terms as well as how pirates came to be and a few of their stories. All of these tidbits are woven into a story of chasing down pirate Arabella Drummond and bringing her to justice, the chase circles the globe and is a fun adventure.

My Rating: This was an entertaining book and I really enjoyed all the interactive elements. It also helped to clear up some of the terms I was running across in some of the other books I read recently (in particular parts of a ship). I give it a rating of Three Paws.