Picture two American storytellers weaving high-seas adventures that whisk readers to the pirate-infested Caribbean of the 1680s—meet Brad Strickland and Thomas E. Fuller! This dynamic duo crafted the thrilling Pirate Hunter trilogy, blending historical fiction with pulse-pounding action. Their collaboration brought to life tales of bravery, betrayal, and buried treasure that continue to captivate young readers and history buffs alike.
While Strickland, a prolific fantasy and sci-fi author, built a career spanning over 75 books, Fuller, an actor and playwright, added dramatic flair to their joint works. Together, they created stories that feel like a cannon blast from the past, inviting readers to sail alongside swashbucklers and schemers.
The Making of Brad Strickland and Thomas E. Fuller
Born on October 27, 1947, in New Holland, Georgia, Brad Strickland discovered his love for storytelling early. His passion deepened during the Georgia Governor’s Honors Program in 1964, where he honed his writing craft. After publishing his first story, 'The Third Grave,' in 1966, Strickland took a 30-year hiatus before returning to writing, inspired by his wife Barbara, Fuller, and artist Joe DeVito. He also serves as an English professor at the University of North Georgia, balancing academia with adventure. Thomas E. Fuller, born in 1948 in Alabama, was a multifaceted talent—actor, playwright, and author. His early work included fantasy stories and audio dramas, but his collaboration with Strickland marked a high point, bringing historical depth and theatrical energy to their novels.
Brad Strickland and Thomas E. Fuller’s Unforgettable Stories
The Pirate Hunter trilogy, published by Aladdin, is Strickland and Fuller’s crowning achievement. Set in the late 17th-century Caribbean, the series follows young Davy Shea, an orphan navigating a world of pirates, mutinies, and secret missions. The first book, Mutiny! (2002), introduces Davy’s journey to Jamaica, where he joins his uncle Patch on a covert mission to hunt the notorious pirate Jack Steele. The Guns of Tortuga (2003) ramps up the stakes as Davy infiltrates a pirate haven, uncovering deadly secrets. The trilogy concludes with Heart of Steele (2003), a high-octane showdown with the elusive Steele.
Beyond pirates, the duo explored sci-fi with the Mars Year One series, a young adult saga about colonizing Mars. Their writing style blends vivid historical detail with fast-paced action, making complex settings accessible to younger readers. Themes of loyalty, courage, and deception resonate, wrapped in a playful tone that echoes the swashbuckling spirit of their tales.
Strickland’s solo work, including the Lewis Barnavelt series and middle-grade novels like Are You Afraid of the Dark?, showcases his versatility, while Fuller’s theatrical background infused their collaborations with dramatic tension. Together, they crafted stories that feel both timeless and thrillingly alive.
Why Brad Strickland and Thomas E. Fuller Matter
Strickland and Fuller’s work left an indelible mark on young adult historical fiction. The Pirate Hunter trilogy not only entertains but also educates, weaving real-world details—like pirate lingo and 17th-century ship life—into gripping narratives. Their ability to make history accessible and exciting has inspired reluctant readers and sparked curiosity about the past. Fuller’s untimely death in 2002 cut short a vibrant career, but his legacy endures through the trilogy’s enduring popularity and Strickland’s continued storytelling. Their collaboration reminds us how teamwork can create literary magic, blending Strickland’s narrative polish with Fuller’s dramatic instincts.
- Born: Brad Strickland (October 27, 1947); Thomas E. Fuller (1948)
- Key Works: Pirate Hunter trilogy, Mars Year One series
- Awards: Strickland won the 2001 Georgia Author of the Year Award for When Mack Came Back
Ready to set sail with Davy Shea and battle pirates? Grab Mutiny! and dive into Strickland and Fuller’s swashbuckling world of adventure!