Would you be the greatest pirate in the South China Sea or would you hang up your sword to be with the woman you love? Malaysia, 1849. The Tigers of Mompracem are a band of rebel pirates fighting for the defense of tiny native kingdoms against the colonial powers of the Dutch and British empires. They are led by Sandokan, the indomitable "Tiger of Malaysia", and his faithful friend Yanez de Gomera, a Portuguese wanderer and adventurer. Orphaned when the British murdered his family and stole his throne, Sandokan has been mercilessly leading his men in vengeance. But when the pirate learns of the extraordinary "Pearl of Labuan" his fortunes begin to change... Selected by Julia Eccleshare as one of the 1001 Children's Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up