PIRATICA II

While those who adored Piratica will probably long for this sequel, it lacks much of the spark and energy of its delicious forebear. Artemesia (Art) has married her beautiful artist Felix and lives in splendor. But she’s bored, and when the nation (an England not quite as we knew it) offers her a ship to pirate in service of her country, Art and her crew, both the genuine pirates and the actor pirates, leap at the chance. Felix and Art argue stupidly and separate painfully; Felix gets kidnapped in El Tangerina; and Art’s adventures include the white shores of Africay, shipwreck, storm and betrayal. It all comes together in the battle of Trey Falco (Trafalgar, sort of), but not before ghost ships, camo ships, the Purple Foxglove (read Scarlet Pimpernel) and much else happens. Readers don’t need to catch all the historical wordplay, though it’s funnier if they do. Alas, it all lumbers a bit, and the romantic ending leaves Art entwined with her Felix and quite pregnant. Perhaps Piratica III will return to the thrilling days of yesteryear. (Fiction. YA)