The Price of Freedom

Title: The Price of Freedom (Pirates of the Caribbean)
Author: A. C. Crispin
Publisher: Disney Editions
Year of Publication: 2011

About the Book:
Yet another prequel, but this time exploring the backstory of one of our favourite pirates, Captain Jack Sparrow.

Being the son of infamous pirate Captain Edward Teague, it's only natural that 25-year-old Jack Sparrow rebels by  making an honest living as a merchant seaman for the East India Trading Company.
Sure, he remembers his childhood pirating days, but he also remembers the ever-present fear of the noose and being under the ever watchful eye of his father. It's not like he can return either. He broke the code, and now he's no longer welcome at Shipwreck Cove.

Essentially a story about how Jack got his beloved Black Pearl, it also explores how 25-year-old Jack Sparrow became the Captain Jack we are familiar with. Crispin keeps true to the Johnny Depp's portrayal of Jack, while also giving her own spin on the character. Her research is well shown, with details about life on the sea, 18th century ships, weapons, and tactics well scattered amongst the misadventure, romance and humour of the novel.

At a whopping 653 pages, it might be a bit of a stretch for those who don't like their novels on the long side. However, it's Crispin's attention to detail, her faithful rendering of characters we know and love, and her skillful storytelling that make The Price of Freedom seem nowhere near long enough.

The Pirates' Guidelines : a booke for those who desire to keep to the code and live a pirate's life

Title: The Pirates' Code Guidelines : a booke for those who desire to keep to the code and live a pirate's life
Author: Joshamee Gibbs
Publisher: Hyperion Press
Year of Publication: 2007

About the Book:
"...the code is more what'd you'd call "guidelines" than actual rules."

A fun book for those familiar with the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, this book is based on the oft-mentioned Pirate Code of the Brethren.
Written as part of the franchises mythos, it is depicted as written by the character of Joshamee Gibbs.
While this particular code is fictional, it is based on the actual codes and articles used by real pirates, who did write their own codes for governing their ships.

This book is fun, even if you do feel like you are too old to enjoy it. Printed as if it had been in the possession of Mr Gibbs, it features his own notes and drawings in the margins, as well as cameos from our favourite characters in the form of letters from Jack Sparrow, Elizabeth Swann and Will Turner.
Including such topics as how to play Liar's Dice, an extensive guide for sailing terminology, the right of parlay; and humourous ones such as Elizabeth Swann's additional uses for a wedding dress, and how to survive on an island full of cannibals.

A must for any of those who are fans of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, or who just want a fun read.