The best pirate crews and the books that created them

How could I not include this classic pirate crew with a ship named after the very flags pirates fly? The Jolly Roger and Hook are undoubtedly the most recognizable figures amongst fictional pirates.

The Jolly Roger crew is on my list because it's a whole new experience reading it as an adult and because of the differences between Disney and the source material. The Jolly Roger was large, imposing, and the crew a fearsome, bloodthirsty bunch. The captain, Hook, is the perfect antithesis to Peter's childish attitude. He's handsome, well educated, and used the hook not just as a weapon but also to smoke two cigars at once. What's not to love?

If you've only watched the Disney movie, you owe it to yourself to read the book.

This sequel to The Lies of Locke Lamora brings pirates to a fantasy setting in ways that no other fantasy series has. The author brings to life a crew that truly feels real, with history in the fictional world that mirrors that of real pirates.

The captain, Zamira Drakasha, and her first mate are well-rounded and believable characters that jump off the page. They are brave, witty, strong, and intelligent, just as any captain should be.

Scott Lynch is the type of author that I aspire to be, and each of his books is unique and different, yet all fall neatly in line with a series. In this book, he has smartly written female characters who could and should have their own series.

This one's a bit of a cheat because the Wizard Ged isn't a pirate, and he's usually just a crew of one on his boat Lookfar, but it's worthy of inclusion in any book list.

A Wizard of Earthsea is a classic fantasy story that doesn't feature on many lists of the best fantasy novels, which is a shame because it truly deserves more love.

I love this story because it is so singular. It has a full coming-of-age story about a person searching for salvation. While you might guess the twist at the end of the story, it's no less compelling in its execution. Facing fears, sailing tumultuous seas, adventure, and a bit of magic all make it a fantastic journey worth reading.

On Stranger Tides is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure novel, and it has something for everyone. Action, black magic, voodoo, zombies, and of course, pirates.

The crew and those who command them are true pirates, loyal only to themselves and with no scruples beyond achieving the greatest score they can. They include real pirates such as Blackbeard and Stede Bonnet and creations of villainy in Benjamin Hurwood and Leo Friend. There are, of course, good characters in the crew as well, and it's the conflict between the two sides that creates tension in the book.

This book was certainly a big inspiration in my writing and is a true adventure from beginning to end.

This may be a strange pick for some, but it is one of my favourite stories. It's something I grew up with and is very influential and inspirational to me.

The crew of the Going Merry become like family, not just on the pages but also personally. Ask anyone who loves One Piece, and they will tell you that they feel attached to the characters as if they're real. You get to see them overcoming adversity and loss, and with the help of their found family, they keep moving towards their dreams over and over again.

The author creates a world where it feels like anything can happen and yet still remains grounded in that world. Given a chance, I would go there in a heartbeat, provided I can join the crew of the future Pirate King.