YA review: Bloody Jack by L.A. Meyer

In the age of pirates and Britain ruling most of the high seas, young Jack takes to the high seas after being orphaned early in childhood.  Rather than beg for food in the streets of London, Jack finds a way to earn a spot on the H.M.S. Dolphin, a ship in the Royal Navy where Jack works as a ship's boy.  Fighting pirates and fellow sailors proves to be hugely adventerous for Jack-- but the biggest adventure of all seems to be the feelings Jack has for a fellow pirate and bunk-mate.  Jack has a secret--- his real name is Mary, and Jack is actually a girl sailing on a boat full of superstitious sailors (letting a woman on board a ship was very bad luck, indeed).  Rather than face the gallows, Jack (Mary) hides her true self as best she can in hopes of jumping ship in an exotic port of call.  There are plenty of twists, chills, and laughs to keep the pages turning.  And if you like this one, there are plenty of sequels, too.