A Problem of Pirates

Author: Emily G. Watson
Genre: Young Adult/Fantasy
Series: Arualian Archives #3
Pages: 305
Release Date: August 4, 2025
Publisher: Self-Published

While the boys get to sail off with the new Great Fleet to chase pirates across the Sunrim Ocean, Amy and Airdella are stuck in Chalef for an unusually boring summer. Until an early morning walk down to the docks takes an unexpected turn...

Walter and Aaron are forced to play politics as they work with the representatives of the other nations to track down and eliminate the pirates plaguing their ocean. The pirates lead them on a merry chase from island to island, danger to danger...

The girls and Gail find themselves in a race against time and the pirates, following one clue after another, in search of a legendary smuggler whose choices may mean victory for the fleet… or the pirates.

The deeper they sail into this sea of thieves, the harder it becomes to know who to trust. Or where the greater danger lies - on board the ships or below them.

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Reviewer: Diana Lea

I just finished A Problem of Pirates and I’m smiling. What a creative, imaginative high-seas adventure!

This book runs two separate stories side by side. Walter and Aaron sail with the naval fleet chasing pirates across the Sunrim Ocean, while Airdella, Amy, and Gail head off on their own much more personal (and fun) journey at sea. I was way more invested in the girls’ side of things. Airdella’s chapters had me hooked! I loved watching her learn to be a real shipmate — climbing the rigging, handling ropes and sails, and rising to challenges she never expected. Her coming-of-age growth felt so natural and satisfying.

The two storylines have very different feels — the girls’ journey is full of twisty mini-adventures and discoveries, while the boys’ side slowly uncovers a bigger mystery. Together they build to a strong finish.

The characters are full of heart and courage. Airdella really shines, and Amy has some wonderful moments stepping into her ambassador role (her encounter with the merpeople was one of my favorite parts of the whole trilogy!). Aaron continues to be a steady presence, and there are some sweet thoughts between him and Airdella that made me smile. Walter, as Crown Prince, has grown impressively into his leadership role.

I was happy to see Guardian Elroy’s quiet guidance still woven through the story — through timely help, encouraging words, and the right people placed along their paths. Those gentle faith threads are one of my favorite parts of this series.

The world-building keeps getting richer with mythical sea creatures, clever pirate secrets, and fun twists (that disappearing ink map was so ingenious!). I also love the chapter titles and the gorgeous old-world cover art that perfectly fits the stories.

This has been a very satisfying conclusion to the trilogy. The royals have grown from teens into capable young adults, and Emily G. Watson has built a world that still feels full of future possibilities and untold adventures in the wonderful kingdom of Arualia. I would happily read them! 

This would be a great pick for teens, young adults, and family read-alouds. I loved every book in The Arualian Archives.

I received a complimentary copy from the author via Interviews and Reviews. Opinions here are my own.