Bare Poles

By: Leonardo Seccia

Narrated by: Andy Barker

Bristol, 1650: a city ruled by the stench of commerce and the cold reality of survival.

Isaac Thatch and Thomas Pellow are two boys navigating its brutal streets, their friendship a fragile pact against the world's cruelty. But they are built of different stuff, driven by opposing instincts. Ike, the wary pragmatist, finds his strength in the shadows, becoming a skilled smuggler who believes in nothing but his own escape. Tom, the restless idealist, finds his hope in the ships that prick the sky, seeking a life of adventure and honor on the open ocean.

Seven years and a world of pain separate them. When a new trade, piracy, and a rumor of an unimaginable prize bring them back together, they are no longer the boys they once were. Tom is a hardened buccaneer, and Ike is a man of secrets, but a coming storm and a shared, reckless act of defiance force them to confront the true cost of their choices.

Bare Poles is a sweeping story of two friends on a collision course with destiny, exploring the thin line between freedom and imprisonment, and the final, desperate struggle to reclaim who they once were.

©2025 Leonardo Seccia (P)2025 Leonardo Seccia

Truly proper writing with realistically fleshed out characters

A tale about two downtrodden characters in an uncaring place and era. The two of them navigating the hardships of life towards the slivers of hope it throws in their way. Starting at the very bottom, the listener delves into a rough, unbreathable, and soul-chilling world. I particularly enjoyed the compelling characterization and vividly dark mental imagery.


Narrator's voice and style suited the tale, however, I found the recording quality hard to listen. (Dropping the treble in an equalizer helped)

(Disclaimer: I received this title as a complementary code but I provide my honest opinion)

The sea unites and divides at its whim

The vast openness of water, enticing to some as an escape from life's pains, but a prison to others far from the comforts of land. This tale expertly navigates the challenges of joining a pirate ship and engaging in plunder and battles, gaining trust, and losing friends. Narrated with authentic grit by Andy Barker. Adventure, despair, and delight all wrapped in an excellent portrayal of the buccaneer's life. [Disclosure: I received this title for free and listened at 2.0x.]

So good I wanted it to keep going!!!

I absolutely do not know where the time went. I finished this book in an afternoon and just wanted it to keep going. The themes of lifelong friendship and loyalty are overarching. I felt so invested in Tom and Ike’s journey, no spoilers, it’s worth the read. There’s also a touch of “prequel to treasure island”, so if you enjoyed the story line of the Black Sails series on HBO you will love this book. The writing style is reminiscent of Bernard Cornwell. I enjoyed the narrator very much, perfectly matched to the style and theme of the book. If you like stories about pirates do not hesitate to buy this audiobook it does not disappoint!!!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.