Scarlet Morning

"Two orphans, seemingly resigned to death by boredom on the island of Caveat, are rescued (in a sense) by a mysterious sea captain seeking a mysterious book in their possession. Once they leave, they find themselves plunged into a world of uncertainty, danger and undeniable excitement. Viola and Wilmur have only ever had one another, but after they throw in their lot with the captain and her crew, they begin to untangle the mystery of their decomposing world and whether it’s possible to set it right again. ND Stevenson puts his back into this inventive series of exploits and near escapes. Smart as a whip, with enough surprises and deeply creepy elements to keep kids guessing, this is a swashbuckling epic certain to make pirate enthusiasts out of all its young readers. (For ages 8 to 12)"