"Engaging, exciting, and enthralling in equal measure. Acclaimed graphic novelist Stevenson shines in his prose debut; his worldbuilding is clever and highly immersive, conveying an atmosphere that’s completely novel while also nostalgic. With its pirates, magic, adventure, friendship, and found family, this middle-grade gem comes very close to achieving the impossible—having something for everyone." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"Riveting...Stevenson deploys lush, lyrical writing to craft an original pirate adventure." - Publishers Weekly
"Stevenson's foray into prose is a fantastic demonstration of his ability to create immersive worlds and eclectic, engaging casts of characters in which each stands out without crowding the narrative. His mixed-media illustrations add charm and thrill, and the complexity of this soon-to-be classic will keep readers hooked and ready for the duology closer." - Booklist (starred review)
"So begins the adventure of a lifetime...This is a truly fantastic title, offering complicated heroes and villains, intriguing mysteries and backstories, and moments of genuine creepiness that will have readers gripping their seats. Reading this is like finding a pot of gold." - School Library Journal (starred review)
"Suspenseful and exceptional... Laced with horror and humor--including both the clever wordplay and the silly chaos often favored by children--the story perfectly balances the whiplash of a traditional high fantasy pirate adventure set in a terrifying world reshaped by adults." - Shelf Awareness (starred review)