Whether You’re a Gentleman Pirate or a Blackbeard, You’ll Love These 10 Books Like Our Flag Means Death

After losing his ship, Captain Christopher “Kit” Penrose takes a job as a valet to an elderly British diplomat. But pirates attack the ship soon after setting sail, and he’s taken hostage on board Captain La Griffe’s vessel. As he acclimates to working with these pirates and outrunning the navy, Kit struggles with being on the wrong side of the law. His new captain, though, intrigues him more than he’ll admit. As he learns more about the pirate way of life, he learns more too about the captain, and this draw they seem to have to each other. This is perfect if you liked the discussions of morality and the pirate romance in Our Flag Means Death.

Prince Tal has spent most of his life in the walls of the castle, hiding away. But finally, it’s time for his coming-of-age tour through the kingdom with his brother. On their journey, they encounter a ship with a prisoner inside. Tal, drawn to this stranger named Athlen, is disappointed when he jumps overboard and disappears. But when pirates kidnap Tal with a plot to reveal his magical secret, it’s the stranger’s turn to return the favor. This sweet, sea-based high fantasy romance is perfect for fans who want similar vibes but in the YA world.

Captain Daniel Horton works for the Queen’s Navy, putting his duty before his family and his future. His crew, though, isn’t happy with his leadership and mutinies, throwing him overboard. Along comes Captain Merric, a skilled pirate secretly longing for a quiet life. Captain Merric fishes the man from the water, realizing afterward it was a blast from his past. Daniel and Merric were in love, once, but circumstances separated them. Now, together again, can they get past their past and move on, or will what happened keep them apart forever? If you liked the themes of longing for another life in Our Flag Means Death, pick this up!

Aristotle, who goes by Ari, doesn’t know how to swim. His brother is in prison, his outlook on life plagued by his self-doubt. Dante knows how to swim, loves poetry, and is open to the world in ways Ari can’t understand. They come together and forge a bond that leads them to explore who they want to be. If you liked the sunshine/grumpy vibe from Our Flag Means Death or want touching water metaphors and explorations of identity but in a contemporary YA form, check this out!

To get off the streets (and avoid starvation) Flora takes on a new identity, Floridian, and joins the crew on a pirate ship. The ship, under the guise of transporting passengers, then stage an uprising and take the passengers prisoner. On one such journey, Lady Evelyn is on board, en route to an arranged marriage she desperately wants out of. Floridian is assigned to watch Evelyn and the pair unexpectedly bond despite their far different circumstances and pasts. If you liked Jim’s character, the clashing of aristocrat and pirate ways, and unexpected bonds in the show, this one’s for you!

Raven’s father is the Pirate King, and she’s set to inherit his empire. But her brothers locked her in a tower and took her rightful place. Now she’s out for revenge, and to do it, she needs a crew. Enter Sunshine, a cunning thief, Ximena, their navigator, and Jay, their explosions expert. This diverse, kickass group of women take to the seas proving piracy isn’t only a man’s game. If you liked the humor and swashbuckling alike in OFMD, you’re sure to love this.

Xiang grew up sheltered in a remote village when she discovers a clue to treasure: a pendant her father left her before he died. Too bad it was stolen by a girl named Anh. The pair strike up a deal and set sail, in search of the long-lost treasure of the great pirate Zheng Yi Sao. This sapphic retelling of Treasure Island has themes of found family, adventure on the sea, and love in unexpected places you likely loved in Our Flag Means Death. Give it a try!

Makeda doesn’t want to be a princess. She’s too busy dealing with the fall out after losing her job and girlfriend in one day. When Beznaria, an investigator, shows up and tries to convince her to sail to Ibarania to claim her title as heir there, she’s hesitant. After a threat against her grandmother comes, she agrees to join the intriguing investigator to climb aboard. This nails the grumpy/sunshine dynamic, sea-faring adventures, and queer romance all in one, making it one of the books like Our Flag Means Death you need to read.

The Wisteria Society ladies are tea-drinking Victoria ladies who also happen to be excellent at blackmail, thievery, and piracy. Cecilia is trying to convince her elders she’s ready to be one of their members when Ned Lightbourne shows up and announces he’s been ordered to kill her by his employer, Captain Morvath. Ned, however, can’t bring himself to kill his target and instead the pair team up to prove she belongs in the Wisteria Society. This whimsical, adventure-packed historical fantasy has the zany delight of OFMD and the shenanigans too.

When Chef Owen “Wedge” Wedgewood is kidnapped by pirates, he isn’t expecting the request he receives from the captain: cook a gourmet meal for her every Sunday and he’ll live. The captain in question? The notorious dread Hannah Mabbot, ruthless in her escapades. On the ship, though, Wedge finds very little to work with. Forced to make do and tag along on the pirate’s adventures, their Sunday dinners lead to talking and understanding each other more. Despite his fighting against it, Wedge is interested in the Captain who captured him. This middle-aged unlikely pairing at sea is a must read for OFMD fans.