Ace of Spades: Upon The Horizon (Ace of Spades: The Trilogy)

Ace of Spades: Upon the Horizon follows Ace Tano, an orphaned boy from the brutal harbor town of Gordan’s Crook, who escapes a life of abuse and forced labor by stowing away on a pirate ship. Taken in by Captain Maxis, Ace grows up at sea, becoming skilled, resilient, and fiercely independent.Years later, Ace’s world collapses when Captain Maxis and his crew are publicly executed for human trafficking. Branded criminals by association, Ace and his closest companion, Corsair Everglade, narrowly escape capture. Forced into hiding, the two rely on quick thinking, disguises, and illegal work to survive, discovering their former captain’s crimes and rejecting the life they were unknowingly part of.As fugitives, Ace and Corsair begin carving their own path—smuggling goods, dodging naval patrols, and slowly embracing the outlaw life on their own terms. Along the way, they recruit unlikely allies, get into violent bar brawls, and cross paths with rumors of the infamous pirate lord Captain Dead-Eye, whose legend hints at greater dangers ahead.Ace’s natural leadership emerges despite his recklessness and temper. Though still young, he takes command, forming a new crew and stealing a brigantine—christened The Ashen Tallow—in a bold escape from port authorities. The novel closes with the crew setting sail on their first true voyage, united by shared pasts, ambition, and the promise of freedom, with Dead-Eye looming as a future threat. Read more