The Pirates of Penn Cove

Weirdbey Island, Book 1

By: Eldritch Black

Narrated by: J. Scott Bennett

A boy alone on a mysterious misty island. An ancient pirate ship rising from the depths. A wild chase to find a hidden treasure that will change everything.

Dylan Wylde’s frightened, and with good reason. His brother’s a bully, he’s left his friends behind and now he’s been forced to move to Whidbey Island, or Weirdbey Island as the locals call it.

Throw in a shady secret society, a monstrous sea beast, and a desperate chase to discover a buried treasure before a cursed pirate and his ghostly crew finds it first. And he hasn’t even unpacked yet.

©2019 Eldritch Black (P)2019 Eldritch Black

Arrr there be pirates and curses in this here book

A great start to a series steeped in pirates, curses, magic, and mythical sea monsters. The world building leaned a little heavily on telling vs showing which isn't uncommon in first books and it took a while to get into the story's rhythm and groove. The back half of the novel really flies as the stakes rise and the end races towards us. J Scott Bennett's narration highlights the tension and adds to the danger and risks. I look forward to seeing how the friendships develop in the next book and I wonder if Dylan's brother will get in on the adventure or be cooped up home without a clue again. It has to be tough when you know something's up but can't quite bring yourself to ask. The Pirates of Penn Cove is a summer adventure you won't want to miss.

Delightful story and great narrator

Loved the story. Can't wait to listen to book 2. This story is good for any age! I am a little older, well a lot older, than the recommended age 8-10 years old and found the story to be entertaining. It held our interest for the 5 hours.

I have listened to other books narrated by J Scott Bennett . He does a great job with the narration. Highly recommended.


I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Stranger Things fans? Try this!

The Pirates of Penn Cove
Weirdbey Island, Book 1
By: Eldritch Black
Narrated by: J. Scott Bennett
What a terrific book for middle school kids! What a great book for older women (me!). I thought this book was a real hoot! Fun writing and dialogue, great characters, wonderful world building, with an amazing and fun plot! Combined and it made an adorable, humorous, mysterious, and had just the right suspense to be exciting book!
There are ghostly ships, a cursed pirate, a treasure that everyone is looking for, elderly evil pair of greedy treasure hunters, a ginormous octopus, and a small group of friends trying to do the right thing and stay alive, (and find treasure wouldn't hurt!)
Truly a fun book for any age! Stranger Things fans? Try this!
A delightful change of pace! Received this book from freeaudiblecodes.

Super cute little story

This book is an awesome little adventure sure to capture the imagination of every child. Hubby and I found ourselves listening right along as well. Great narration , very funny in places. Just a great book all around.

Story was a little weak

While I enjoyed the book, I think the story was an little weak. Even for a kids book it seemed to be lacking enough substance. Kids would probably love it, but I felt it was missing something.

Great fun and adventure!

Loved this! Even though this is more of a young adult book, I thoroughly enjoyed it as an adult. The story was exciting and full of adventure. The narrator was excellent! Looking forward to to listening to the next book.

A summer adventure

I am a recent subscriber to Audible. Since I’m a rabid reader, I wish I’d joined sooner. I still love books and will never give them up but having Audible for doing yard work or on my daily six mile walks or riding the bus to work is an absolute pleasure. I cancelled my XM Radio subscription in favor of Audible. I was given an audio copy of The Pirates of Penn Cove for an unbiased review. I’d already read the book and loved it so I was intrigued about the audio version. I can say that I recommend both however the audio version is fun because the narrator uses a range of voices and accents that brings the story alive.

I’ve been the new kid in town twice, once when I was going into 3rd grade and again in the 8th. Leaving friends behind tosses one into a sea of loss and insecurity, for making new friends stirs up a tempest of emotions and doubts about where you might find acceptance. In short, we all want to be liked.

Dylan is the new kid in town and the reluctant hero in Eldritch Black’s first novel in his Weirdby Island series, The Pirates of Penn Cove. He recognizes his weaknesses and when life challenges those weaknesses his first reaction is the natural reaction. He wants to run away.

Most of Dylan’s self doubt arises not from his inner voice but the voice of his older brother. Bullied and harassed, Dylan buys into his brother’s abusive words. However when the natural order of the world is challenged by visions of pirates and a giant octopus, Dylan’s curiosity is piqued, launching him on a summer adventure.

As Dylan makes discoveries he finds that he’s not alone. There are others walking the same path, some who will stand by him and others who are far more dangerous and will go to great lengths to stop him.

The Pirates of Penn Cove is a story about acknowledging fears and rising to the challenge. Its about proving the bully wrong. But ultimately, its about friendship and what true friendship means.

Nice Children’s adventure

YA isn’t really my genre, but I enjoyed this story very much. It moved along pretty quickly and was easy to follow. The author did a great job describing the characters and their surroundings.

My 8 year old son loved it.

My son and I went on a couple road trips and listened to this the whole time. He was really into it, want to listen to another one.

Greaet start to kid's paranormal adventure series

This is the first book in the 'Wierdbey Island' series by Eldritch Black. It's a kids series with paranormal elements. This one involves cursed pirates, a giant octopus and a 12-year-old boy trying to fit into a new community. This is an adventure series about kids overcoming the odds to try to save the town unbeknownst to the ignorant adults.

I've been to the series setting, Whidbey Island, WA, many times. I liked that the author was accurate with the descriptions of the island flora, fauna and geography. I was previewing this for my 7 year-old nephew. I think the series is a little advanced for him yet, but I'll hold onto it for him and share it when he's a couple of years older.

J. Scott Bennett narrated the book with skill. I liked the voices that he was able to conjure up for the main characters. His pirate voice, "Arggghhhhh there Matey!" just made me chuckle.

Thanks to the author and narrator for a free copy of this audio book in exchange for an honest review.