Fast Ships, Black Sails

Getting tired of the whole steampunk scene?  Getting warmed up to the whole talking like a pirate thing?  Ready to try out a new genre?  Well, my friend, the fates have arranged upcoming reading material just for you. 

Just as GeekDad was making preparations for Pirate Week, author Jeff VanderMeer brought news of Fast Ships, Black Sails, a new anthology of original pirate stories from Night Shade Books.  Edited by Jeff and Ann VanderMeer (interviewed on GeekDad back in March), the anthology is due in stores the first week of December and features fiction by a range of well-known authors including Garth Nix, Kage Baker, Naomi Novik, Elizabeth Bear, Sarah Monette, Howard Waldrop, Conrad Williams, Michael Moorcock, Steve Aylett, Eric Flint, Rachel Swirsky and Dave Freer.  I had a crack at a review copy and it’s been a really compelling read, taking pirates and their craft to new levels and unexpected settings.  I should have printed it out, but I didn’t want to take the time, so I’ve been lugging an iBook around with me, even reading from the screen while pretending to watch The Simpsons (blasphemy, I know, but trust me- it’s a good book).  Gotta love that cover art too…   

A quick warning- this is not aimed at young geeks.  Parents, have a look first.

At the top of my list so far has been Boojum, by Elizabeth Bear & Sarah Monette.  And, as a special bonus for GeekDad readers, the publisher has agreed to make this story available as an exclusive download.  We all know that pirates are loath to part with their treasure, so grab it while you can…

Download boojum.pdf

Get your pirate fix, celebrate International Talk Like A Pirate Day in style (yargh!!), download the story and whet your appetite for a really unique book. 

And if that’s not enough pirate-related inspiration, a video is being produced to promote the launch of Fast Ships, Black Sails.  Here’s a sneak preview featuring authors Kage Baker (complete with parrot on her shoulder) and Rhys Hughes and Carrie Vaughn.

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