Rio de Janeiro, 1710. While French corsair Jean-François Duclerc prepares an audacious attack to seize the riches flowing from Brazil’s gold mines, three young friends find themselves thrust into the center of the conflict. When Leonor and Jorge’s mother are captured and forced to help the invaders, Jorge, André, and Leonor must race against time to stop the pirates and save the city. Filled with naval battles, hidden treasures, secret maps, dangerous journeys, and unforgettable villains, Pirates Ahoy! transforms a little-known episode of Brazilian history into a gripping adventure.

Written by Samir Machado de Machado, winner of the Açorianos Prize for Best Novel and one of Brazil’s most acclaimed contemporary authors of historical fiction, the book combines meticulous historical research with the pace and excitement of classic adventure novels. Drawing inspiration from the tradition of pirate stories while grounding the narrative in real events, Machado creates a uniquely Brazilian swashbuckling tale that brings colonial Rio de Janeiro vividly to life.

Rafael Coutinho’s illustrations enrich the reading experience through dramatic scenes that punctuate key moments of the narrative without limiting readers’ imagination. The carefully conceived visual project works in harmony with the text, while the author’s note and historical afterword provide valuable context about the real events that inspired the story. Blending history, adventure, friendship, humor, and courage, Pirates Ahoy! offers a fresh and engaging take on the pirate genre, proving that some of the greatest adventures took place far from the Caribbean.