There is something timeless and romantic about piratical behavior in fiction. Who were these men and women leading a lawless life, stealing from the rich and sailing the open seas? Pirates were outlaws, the bad guys. They created a crisis in world trade during the Golden Age of Piracy by capturing and plundering more than 2,400 ships on the Atlantic Trade Route. Pirates have been demonized through history, but also admired. They broke away from conventional culture and represent escape, riches and unchartered realms.

When I wrote Blacksouls, I knew the story would be a lot more swashbuckling than Blackhearts, and it required quite a bit of research. When I first started writing this post, I planned to show you a day in the life of a pirate. But then I asked my twin sister for some advice and she said that subject might be a bit boring, a bit too dry. Together, we came up with something that is significantly more entertaining: FAVORITE PIRATES OF FICTION!

Will Turner

I’ll start out by mentioning Will Turner. Before I wrote Blackhearts, Orlando Bloom as Will Turner was the hottest of them all, IMHO. Then I wrote Teach and everything changed, but I will forever hold a soft spot for my original pirate crush, sweet William Turner, the blacksmith apprentice in Port Royal, Jamaica, who was in love with the governor’s daughter.

When they cut out his heart and he became captain of the Flying Dutchman, he reached new levels of smolder for me. And his love and devotion to Elizabeth was swoon-worthy. I nearly cried at the end of POTC At World’s End, when Will and Elizabeth were separated, only to be reunited every 10 years. Sorry for any spoilers, but if you haven’t watched the POTC movies, I don’t know what to tell you. Because, PIRATES.

Dread Pirate Roberts

My next pirate crush is the Dread Pirate Roberts from the genius that is THE PRINCESS BRIDE.

He’s smart, funny, strong, loyal. The whole package. Definitely swoon-worthy. And he knows how to fight. Plus let’s not forget his catchphrase: “As You Wish,” all for the woman he loves. I’m a sucker for romance with my pirate stories and this one does not disappoint.

Elizabeth Swan

Not all pirates are male. Elizabeth Swan makes my list, because she’s feminine and fierce! It’s so fun to see her character arc as she changes from the pampered daughter of a governor to a swashbuckler. Her love story with Will Turner is so sweet and one of the reasons I didn’t enjoy POTC 4 as much. Without Will and Elizabeth, the movie lost something. I’m hoping POTC Dead Men Tell No Tales lives up to my expectations. At least Will is back.

Captain Hook

Next on my list is Hook from Once Upon a Time. I have to admit, I’ve only seen a few episodes, but this modern take on Captain Hook is very easy on the eyes.  He has perfected the art form of guyliner.

Captain Jack Sparrow

Of course, no list of pirates would be complete without Captain Jack Sparrow. While I still find Will Turner more appealing, I cannot deny there’s something about Jack. His ability to get out of scrapes in enviable, and whether he plans it or not, Sparrow’s charm is irresistible.

Edward “Teach” Drummond

Now, as the author of another pirate, I have to include my own Edward “Teach” Drummond on this list. He’s MY version of what Blackbeard was like, before he became a pirate. Anyone who follows me on Twitter or Instagram knows I have my dream cast for Blackhearts and Blacksouls. Although he’s quite a bit older than my Teach, I think Aidan Turner would have made a brilliant young Blackbeard back in the day.

And here’s another one, just because I can.

So, there you have them. Some of my favorite fictional pirates. I hope once you read Blackhearts and Blacksouls, Teach will find his way onto your favorite pirate list as well. 

—Nicole Castroman

Author of Blackhearts (Simon & Schuster, 2016) and Blacksouls, the sequel, coming 4/11/17! Visit Nicole at nicolecastroman.com and follow her on Twitter @nicolecastroman