Pirates. Life on the high seas. Betrayal. Held for ransom. Pirate’s Wager fulfills
the dream of every reader who loves swashbuckling adventure.
SYNOPSIS
Thirteen-year-old Samazor struggles to find shelter and food in Port Azor, but when his father loses a bet with an infamous pirate captain, Samazor loses his freedom. Life on a pirate ship is full of danger. Who can the boy trust? Any mistake will be costly. As Samazor struggles to survive, he learns about brotherhood.
PROS
1. Pirate’s Wager is a novella, a prequel to McKee’s Mardan’s Mark series, so it’s a short, easy read.
2. Every chapter is filled with adventure. The story rarely slows down for the reader to catch a breath.
CONS
1. This is my own personal pet peeve. When a novella is written and a series follows, I hate the “carrot” that is dangled in front of me. I finish the story, and I know there is more—just buy the next book. But I want the book now!
2. Again, for me, I want the depth of detail in a full-length novel, but for many young readers, they will be satisfied with the surface action of a good adventure story.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Samazor’s father was not a good parent. Why do you think Sam loved his father in spite of all his imperfections?
2. Did any of the pirates have some good character qualities? If you think so, who can you name, and why did you choose him?
3. Would you have made the same decision as Samazor at the end of the book?
CONCLUSION
If you enjoy epic fantasy adventure, Pirate’s Wager along with its companion Mardan’s Mark series is a good choice for you.
