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The Voyages of Queen Anne's Revenge #1
Blackbeard's Freedom
This is an updated cover edition of B0094QU1U0.
What would you do for your Freedom?
Would you steal?
Kill?
Die?
For Edward Thatch, there is no questioning the depths he will go for his Freedom.
Edward didn’t know he bought a former pirate ship, and when the marine captain Isaac Smith threatened to take his ship, and Freedom, away Edward took matters into his own hands.
Edward’s action sends him, and his best friend Henry Morgan, running from the law on an adventure across the historical Caribbean & Latin America. The two will have to fight not only to stay alive, but to stay free during the so-called “Golden Age” of piracy.
Edward also finds that half the ship he bought is locked, and the previous owner left clues to find the keys. Edward and his crew must follow the clues and face games of life and death before they can claim said keys.
Will Edward and Henry embrace the life that’s been thrust upon them, or will they crash against the rocks of their misfortune? See how Blackbeard came to be the scourge of the Caribbean Sea and beyond, and follow him on his fantasy adventures in The Voyages of Queen Anne’s Revenge!
What would you do for your Freedom?
Would you steal?
Kill?
Die?
For Edward Thatch, there is no questioning the depths he will go for his Freedom.
Edward didn’t know he bought a former pirate ship, and when the marine captain Isaac Smith threatened to take his ship, and Freedom, away Edward took matters into his own hands.
Edward’s action sends him, and his best friend Henry Morgan, running from the law on an adventure across the historical Caribbean & Latin America. The two will have to fight not only to stay alive, but to stay free during the so-called “Golden Age” of piracy.
Edward also finds that half the ship he bought is locked, and the previous owner left clues to find the keys. Edward and his crew must follow the clues and face games of life and death before they can claim said keys.
Will Edward and Henry embrace the life that’s been thrust upon them, or will they crash against the rocks of their misfortune? See how Blackbeard came to be the scourge of the Caribbean Sea and beyond, and follow him on his fantasy adventures in The Voyages of Queen Anne’s Revenge!
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2012
401 people are currently reading
1738 people want to read
About the author
Jeremy McLean
14 books58 followersJoin my Reader Group to receive a FREE EBOOK copy of my book, Bartholomew Roberts' Faith, and keep up to date with all my new releases!
JEREMY IS CURRENTLY LIVING IN NEW BRUNSWICK, CANADA WITH HIS WIFE HEATHER, AND THEIR TWO CATS, NAVI AND THOR.
Jeremy’s first foray into the writing world was during a writing competition called NaNoWriMo, where the goal is to write a certain number of words in the month of November.
After completing the novel he started, and some extensive rewrites, he felt it was worthy of publishing and self-published his first novel, Blackbeard’s Freedom in September, 2012.
After writing over ten books under two names, his passion for writing hasn’t wavered over the years, and hopes to one day make it his primary career.
If you enjoyed one of his books, be sure to leave a review on Amazon.com. Jeremy loves getting feedback and hearing from fans of his work. Send me an email at jeremy@mcleansnovels.com!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
May 9, 2022
An interesting pirate punk fantasy set during the Golden Buccaneer Age. The story needs a professional edit.
May 31, 2024
I liked this book. Onto book two now. Thus book kept me entertained and had action around every corner. I was looking for a good pirate adventure and this really hit the spot.
February 5, 2020
I'm not really sure what to think about this book , it seemed like this was supposed to be a YA or MG story . The story and dialogue felt more Geared toward a middle grade reader ,with one major exception the fact of the strong language used it just really threw me off . Overall I wasn't really 'vibing ' with it , so I decided to discontinue reading .
December 26, 2014
Blackbeard's Freedom, on it's surface, is a fairly straightforward pirate adventure tale. You've got the requisite characters of folks like Blackbeard himself, Henry Morgan, a female dressed up as a male so as to stay hidden on the ship, and a mad marine hell-bent on destroying them.
But it's where McLean strays from this template that this story really shines. There really is a lot going on within the pages of Blackbeard's Freedom. We see the rise of a pirate, we get a full on treasure hunt, and we get tons of sea battles. On top of all that, we get to see the morality of what it means to be a pirate get questioned and find out that there might be worthwhile reasons to head into the realm of pirating...ones I won't divulge here.
This book itself is quite the adventure. The old style adventure serial seems to take over the narrative whenever these hardy seafarers find themselves on land, and a sea shanty plays in your head whenever they aren't.
In fact, there's really only one thing I can truly say negative about this tale of buccaneering, which is that it could do with a good edit. The book is long, and there are more than a couple times in which it reads as such. One you get to the final third of the book, it speeds you forward, but the first two thirds can suffer from time to time with the issue of fulfilling unnecessary pieces of the narrative.
But that shouldn't be taken as a reason to not read this book. If you have any interest in pirates, this book will give you more than you could even ask for. If you love adventure tales, this one will definitely quench your thirst. If you love a grand epic read that leads well toward future adventures, then you need look no further. Blackbeard's Freedom is a great read.
But it's where McLean strays from this template that this story really shines. There really is a lot going on within the pages of Blackbeard's Freedom. We see the rise of a pirate, we get a full on treasure hunt, and we get tons of sea battles. On top of all that, we get to see the morality of what it means to be a pirate get questioned and find out that there might be worthwhile reasons to head into the realm of pirating...ones I won't divulge here.
This book itself is quite the adventure. The old style adventure serial seems to take over the narrative whenever these hardy seafarers find themselves on land, and a sea shanty plays in your head whenever they aren't.
In fact, there's really only one thing I can truly say negative about this tale of buccaneering, which is that it could do with a good edit. The book is long, and there are more than a couple times in which it reads as such. One you get to the final third of the book, it speeds you forward, but the first two thirds can suffer from time to time with the issue of fulfilling unnecessary pieces of the narrative.
But that shouldn't be taken as a reason to not read this book. If you have any interest in pirates, this book will give you more than you could even ask for. If you love adventure tales, this one will definitely quench your thirst. If you love a grand epic read that leads well toward future adventures, then you need look no further. Blackbeard's Freedom is a great read.
July 31, 2016
Loved this book!
One of the best adventure stories I ever read! This book should be added to the reading list of anyone interested in a fun adventure story! I can't wait to continue the story! Please continue to write more!!!
One of the best adventure stories I ever read! This book should be added to the reading list of anyone interested in a fun adventure story! I can't wait to continue the story! Please continue to write more!!!
July 21, 2016
Fun read
Been a while since I enjoyed this type of novel. Well done! Was a fun easy read that's most enjoyable and relaxing
Been a while since I enjoyed this type of novel. Well done! Was a fun easy read that's most enjoyable and relaxing
December 14, 2014
"…I don't want to kill anyone, but if someone tries to take my Freedom, I will fight them."
With these words, Edward Thatch sums up the central theme of this bold swashbuckling adventure.
Now, I’m not usually a fan of pirate stories, but having played Assassin’s Creed Black Flag recently I decided to give this one a whirl, and I’m very glad I did.
This books is for fans of not just pirate stories, but of adventurous tales in general.
If you’re a believer in starting a story in the thick of things, you’re going to love this particular beginning: No long, tedious setup, no waiting around to see what conflict might develop – no, it’s all there right on the first page. From the very first line, conflict looms large across our hero’s life, and it hardly ever lets up. From the streets of Port Royal to the Mayan jungles and mysterious islands in the middle of the Caribbean, there is more than enough opposition for the hero to rage against. Nothing comes free in life, and nowhere is it more obvious than in this deceptively beautiful world.
My comparison of this book to the Assassin’s Creed games also isn’t an accident: At times our heroes are challenged with fiendish puzzles and trap-laden ruins, which tests their ingenuity as well as their bravery.
The plot of this book is very nearly perfectly structured if you’re into the teachings of Larry Brooks – inciting incident well before the 20% mark, midpoint setpiece and three-quarters plot point, all exactly where they should be. I’m not saying this kind of structuring is the be-all and end-all of storytelling (many stories work without this kind of fine-tuning), but a well-balanced three-act structure certainly makes for a nicely paced read in this case.
The story is populated by a colourful cast of what might be labelled misfit adventurers, but that could perhaps not be said for all of them – you’ll have to decide for yourself. There’s a lot of “us versus them” going on, but even within the group there’s plenty of conflict (along with secrets being kept, shifting loyalty and questionable pasts), which makes for a multi-layered story that doesn’t just run on a single track like some others I’ve read. I absolutely loved the conceited Frenchman!
It’s not all large clashes and brutal conflict, though. Inbetween the swordfights and cannonballs, there are plenty of times the story delves into deeper aspects of the people involved, and at times it characterises with a surprisingly deft touch. One particular scene from a character’s past struck me with its poignancy, and cast a whole new light on him. There’s even some time spent on a subdued romance subplot, but it doesn’t dominate the entire story, which is great for me.
The hero himself is a likeable rogue, and from the beginning you can see the author has a plan for his development – make no mistake, this is an origin story like the superhero variety, and it’s clear that Edward is moving in a certain direction, sometimes in fits and starts, sometimes in a full-blown slide toward his destiny of becoming the infamous pirate Blackbeard. I admit I don’t know too much about this historical figure, but it’s fascinating to see the stepwise changes coming over Edward as he charts a course through the events of the plot.
It’s a testament to how engrossed I was in the story that by the time the last line rolled around, my first thought was a somewhat disjointed “Wait, there’s gotta be another chapter after this, right? I need to know how Edward’s going to deal with this!” So yeah, this is definitely the first part in a longer tale. Even so, this story does wrap up the main story question properly – asked at the beginning and answered by the end of the tale; the final cliffhanger that follows has the definite feel of a new story threatening to start, so I’m betting that a fair share of readers will be wanting to know what happens next.
Where the book falters a little is in the styling of individual sentences and paragraphs. Not too often, mind you, but once in a while a sentence might strike me as awkwardly constructed, or a paragraph might have a run of sentences with a similar rhythm, coming out as a bit stilted or staccato. The author has also obviously done his research on ships and the times, but here and there the knowledge is presented to the reader in a somewhat less-than-subtle way, leaving a few passages that feel like a lecture instead of a narrative.
All in all these problems don’t take away too much from a story that is at times charming, tragic, exciting and just plain fun. Think Pirates of the Caribbean (the movies) and you won’t be too far off.
I need to be off now; even just writing this review has put me in the mood for some Assassin’s Creed, and the high seas ain’t gonna plunder themselves.
The good:
Adventure spanning large swathes of the seventeenth-century Caribbean
Characters with strong, believable desires
Solidly structured plot with exciting battles and intriguing puzzles galore, and a couple of good twists thrown in the mix
Alexandre!
The not-so-good:
Character descriptions are sometimes delivered slightly in excess, causing the details of various characters’ appearances to blend together a bit in places, especially early on (this might just be me)
Once in a while the writing style feels awkward or stilted
The author/narrator intrudes here and there to add details and tidbits, which can be slightly distracting
Final verdict: 7/10
With these words, Edward Thatch sums up the central theme of this bold swashbuckling adventure.
Now, I’m not usually a fan of pirate stories, but having played Assassin’s Creed Black Flag recently I decided to give this one a whirl, and I’m very glad I did.
This books is for fans of not just pirate stories, but of adventurous tales in general.
If you’re a believer in starting a story in the thick of things, you’re going to love this particular beginning: No long, tedious setup, no waiting around to see what conflict might develop – no, it’s all there right on the first page. From the very first line, conflict looms large across our hero’s life, and it hardly ever lets up. From the streets of Port Royal to the Mayan jungles and mysterious islands in the middle of the Caribbean, there is more than enough opposition for the hero to rage against. Nothing comes free in life, and nowhere is it more obvious than in this deceptively beautiful world.
My comparison of this book to the Assassin’s Creed games also isn’t an accident: At times our heroes are challenged with fiendish puzzles and trap-laden ruins, which tests their ingenuity as well as their bravery.
The plot of this book is very nearly perfectly structured if you’re into the teachings of Larry Brooks – inciting incident well before the 20% mark, midpoint setpiece and three-quarters plot point, all exactly where they should be. I’m not saying this kind of structuring is the be-all and end-all of storytelling (many stories work without this kind of fine-tuning), but a well-balanced three-act structure certainly makes for a nicely paced read in this case.
The story is populated by a colourful cast of what might be labelled misfit adventurers, but that could perhaps not be said for all of them – you’ll have to decide for yourself. There’s a lot of “us versus them” going on, but even within the group there’s plenty of conflict (along with secrets being kept, shifting loyalty and questionable pasts), which makes for a multi-layered story that doesn’t just run on a single track like some others I’ve read. I absolutely loved the conceited Frenchman!
It’s not all large clashes and brutal conflict, though. Inbetween the swordfights and cannonballs, there are plenty of times the story delves into deeper aspects of the people involved, and at times it characterises with a surprisingly deft touch. One particular scene from a character’s past struck me with its poignancy, and cast a whole new light on him. There’s even some time spent on a subdued romance subplot, but it doesn’t dominate the entire story, which is great for me.
The hero himself is a likeable rogue, and from the beginning you can see the author has a plan for his development – make no mistake, this is an origin story like the superhero variety, and it’s clear that Edward is moving in a certain direction, sometimes in fits and starts, sometimes in a full-blown slide toward his destiny of becoming the infamous pirate Blackbeard. I admit I don’t know too much about this historical figure, but it’s fascinating to see the stepwise changes coming over Edward as he charts a course through the events of the plot.
It’s a testament to how engrossed I was in the story that by the time the last line rolled around, my first thought was a somewhat disjointed “Wait, there’s gotta be another chapter after this, right? I need to know how Edward’s going to deal with this!” So yeah, this is definitely the first part in a longer tale. Even so, this story does wrap up the main story question properly – asked at the beginning and answered by the end of the tale; the final cliffhanger that follows has the definite feel of a new story threatening to start, so I’m betting that a fair share of readers will be wanting to know what happens next.
Where the book falters a little is in the styling of individual sentences and paragraphs. Not too often, mind you, but once in a while a sentence might strike me as awkwardly constructed, or a paragraph might have a run of sentences with a similar rhythm, coming out as a bit stilted or staccato. The author has also obviously done his research on ships and the times, but here and there the knowledge is presented to the reader in a somewhat less-than-subtle way, leaving a few passages that feel like a lecture instead of a narrative.
All in all these problems don’t take away too much from a story that is at times charming, tragic, exciting and just plain fun. Think Pirates of the Caribbean (the movies) and you won’t be too far off.
I need to be off now; even just writing this review has put me in the mood for some Assassin’s Creed, and the high seas ain’t gonna plunder themselves.
The good:
Adventure spanning large swathes of the seventeenth-century Caribbean
Characters with strong, believable desires
Solidly structured plot with exciting battles and intriguing puzzles galore, and a couple of good twists thrown in the mix
Alexandre!
The not-so-good:
Character descriptions are sometimes delivered slightly in excess, causing the details of various characters’ appearances to blend together a bit in places, especially early on (this might just be me)
Once in a while the writing style feels awkward or stilted
The author/narrator intrudes here and there to add details and tidbits, which can be slightly distracting
Final verdict: 7/10
August 29, 2023
A fun summer read.
A rollicking pirate adventure with a treasure hunt, cannon battles and a little romance.
A rollicking pirate adventure with a treasure hunt, cannon battles and a little romance.
April 27, 2016
Original review posted at Travel with Books and Coffee
This book catches my attention because the story is about pirates. I am always fascinated by the tales and adventures of a pirate, especially my favorite pirate, Captain Jack Sparrow (played by Johnny Depp in the Pirates of the Caribbean).
The synopsis itself is quite intriguing, with the Freedom’s history, hidden secrets and treasure hunting. I’m so eager to join their adventure.
On the first chapter, it never made sense to me as to why Smith surrendered himself, rather than let his marine be captured and just leave Edward’s ship and come back later for revenge. But then I thought maybe Smith had a plan for Edward and he took the bait.
The way Edward defended the Freedom is amazing and freaky. He’s scared as hell but yet he appeared calm and composed. I think he is a pirate by heart, he just doesn’t know it yet until that desperate incident with Smith.
I kept reading the riddle over and over again. Thinking of ways to crack the code but I finally give up and continued reading. I can’t keep my excitement as to where the riddle would take them.
I love the Edward-Henry best friend relationship. They’ve been together their whole lives and helped each other through their ups and downs. They fight and piss each other but still care for the other as brothers. Henry is patient and loyal even though Edward’s starting to be full of himself as a pirate. And Edward will always listen to Henry’s decisions and suggestions for what’s best for Freedom and for the crew.
I’m curious to know everything about Jim. There’s something in him that can make or break Edward, or worse, the Freedom.
I enjoy those Alexandre moments when he reveals what he observed. He is great using the art of deduction, like Sherlock Holmes. Edward is lucky to have him on board.
The adventures to find the keys were such a page-turner. I didn’t remember holding my breath until I needed to inhale oxygen again.
The way the author created different kinds of people to aboard the ship is genius! He reveals another side of the characters with every turn of the page. I can’t keep the book down!
Gah! Such a twisted ending! Can't sleep for days thinking of what will happen to Freedom. This book is so recommended I want to read the next book now! More adventures please?
This book catches my attention because the story is about pirates. I am always fascinated by the tales and adventures of a pirate, especially my favorite pirate, Captain Jack Sparrow (played by Johnny Depp in the Pirates of the Caribbean).
The synopsis itself is quite intriguing, with the Freedom’s history, hidden secrets and treasure hunting. I’m so eager to join their adventure.
On the first chapter, it never made sense to me as to why Smith surrendered himself, rather than let his marine be captured and just leave Edward’s ship and come back later for revenge. But then I thought maybe Smith had a plan for Edward and he took the bait.
The way Edward defended the Freedom is amazing and freaky. He’s scared as hell but yet he appeared calm and composed. I think he is a pirate by heart, he just doesn’t know it yet until that desperate incident with Smith.
"From two ports of two crescent moons, two and two islands north and northwest. Two by two islands, two by two tests. Two by two crews, one of wit, one of grit. Each test gains one key for the chest. Bring the keys and find the chest in the belly of the fifth."
I kept reading the riddle over and over again. Thinking of ways to crack the code but I finally give up and continued reading. I can’t keep my excitement as to where the riddle would take them.
I love the Edward-Henry best friend relationship. They’ve been together their whole lives and helped each other through their ups and downs. They fight and piss each other but still care for the other as brothers. Henry is patient and loyal even though Edward’s starting to be full of himself as a pirate. And Edward will always listen to Henry’s decisions and suggestions for what’s best for Freedom and for the crew.
I’m curious to know everything about Jim. There’s something in him that can make or break Edward, or worse, the Freedom.
"The jungle holds the next key. May this map be your guide to the captain’s trial. Look at it with eyes clouded by a pirate’s home. Know this: Only the captain may enter, and only the captain may leave."
I enjoy those Alexandre moments when he reveals what he observed. He is great using the art of deduction, like Sherlock Holmes. Edward is lucky to have him on board.
The adventures to find the keys were such a page-turner. I didn’t remember holding my breath until I needed to inhale oxygen again.
The way the author created different kinds of people to aboard the ship is genius! He reveals another side of the characters with every turn of the page. I can’t keep the book down!
"South of Jamaica,
East of Providencia,
Northwest of Barranguilla.
The Lone Island,
Holds the next,
In the line of keys.
One entrance, one exit,
Two corridors of tests,
Two enter, two leave."
Gah! Such a twisted ending! Can't sleep for days thinking of what will happen to Freedom. This book is so recommended I want to read the next book now! More adventures please?
December 29, 2014
This is a story packed full of pirates, high seas and swashbuckling adventure. There are some really famous pirate names in the novel, and I really enjoyed seeing Blackbeard start out on his legendary career with his friend Henry Morgan – especially since he becomes a pirate almost by accident.. Edward makes for a very likable, charming hero, and you can clearly see the growth he undergoes in the course of the story.
The other characters are great too – I loved that there were strong female characters included in the story and even a romantic element, which was elegantly done and which did not intrude on the main events. And who hasn’t at some point wished they could buy a pirate ship and go adventuring through the Caribbean? Some of the adventures also reminded me of Indiana Jones, which came as another pleasant surprise. The ship also comes with a mystery waiting to be solved – but first there are quite a few trials to undergo. The pacing is great an here isn’t a dull moment as one danger follows the next and you’re left wondering how Edward will get out of this one.
Very excited for the next book!
The other characters are great too – I loved that there were strong female characters included in the story and even a romantic element, which was elegantly done and which did not intrude on the main events. And who hasn’t at some point wished they could buy a pirate ship and go adventuring through the Caribbean? Some of the adventures also reminded me of Indiana Jones, which came as another pleasant surprise. The ship also comes with a mystery waiting to be solved – but first there are quite a few trials to undergo. The pacing is great an here isn’t a dull moment as one danger follows the next and you’re left wondering how Edward will get out of this one.
Very excited for the next book!
August 6, 2015
This fictional account of Edward Thatch's journey to becoming Blackbeard the pirate is a puzzle packed adventure.
To begin with, Edward Thatch sets out on an honest whaling vessel, circumstances then force his hand and he must live a life of piracy.
Surrounded by many interesting characters (with their own secrets and stories), Edward sets out on a quest to obtain keys for locked sections of his new ship "Freedom".
I really enjoyed this book, it was a lot of fun to read, the characters are lovable and the author has a good grasp of naval terminology which made this feel quite realistic.
If you like pirates and puzzles, this is definitely worth a read. I have already purchased the next book!
To begin with, Edward Thatch sets out on an honest whaling vessel, circumstances then force his hand and he must live a life of piracy.
Surrounded by many interesting characters (with their own secrets and stories), Edward sets out on a quest to obtain keys for locked sections of his new ship "Freedom".
I really enjoyed this book, it was a lot of fun to read, the characters are lovable and the author has a good grasp of naval terminology which made this feel quite realistic.
If you like pirates and puzzles, this is definitely worth a read. I have already purchased the next book!
August 28, 2014
This was a truly fun read. As the pages kept turning, I kept wondering what was coming next. And now I find myself awaiting the arrival of Book 2 in port. Can't wait to see how this continues. Full of action and likeable characters. Some parts you knew were coming, just didn't know when; yet others you must still ponder and wait to see.
We received this book for free via Goodreads First Reads.
We received this book for free via Goodreads First Reads.
May 15, 2015
Lift anchor-sail away
This is one of the most spectacular books I have ever read about sailing and pirates.It is packed with adventures,and trials.funny and sad.non-stop action,and very clever writing.But the most reason I would highly recommend this bok,and the author,is because the story is not packed with cussing or foul language.For this,I truly admire the author.Splendid story.
This is one of the most spectacular books I have ever read about sailing and pirates.It is packed with adventures,and trials.funny and sad.non-stop action,and very clever writing.But the most reason I would highly recommend this bok,and the author,is because the story is not packed with cussing or foul language.For this,I truly admire the author.Splendid story.
June 28, 2017
Fantasy says it all
I like sailing ships and novels about them and also those with pirates. This started out alright, but went unbelievable in short order. Unable to get in half of the ships compartments, undeliverable obstacles on treasure map mixed with Malaysian jungle fantasy was topped with royalty in the crew..
I like sailing ships and novels about them and also those with pirates. This started out alright, but went unbelievable in short order. Unable to get in half of the ships compartments, undeliverable obstacles on treasure map mixed with Malaysian jungle fantasy was topped with royalty in the crew..
November 25, 2014
This book was incredible! Full of adventure, puzzles, and pirates, this book is an amazing reading experience! I am incredibly curious to see what will happen in the next installment! I'm interested in seeing where the wind takes these pirates!
*won on GoodReads First Reads*
*won on GoodReads First Reads*
October 1, 2015
Even though it started out rather slow for me, before too long I didn't want to put it down. Well written with great characters.
April 25, 2018
I enjoy historical fiction, and on a recent trip to the Beaufort area of North Carolina, I thought this would be an appropriate book to read since that is the town in which he lived for a while and where his ship, the Queen Anne, lies at the bottom of the bay. The book is a blend of fact and fiction which explores Edward Thatch's past, including the puzzling loss of his father (is he dead or just missing?) to his evolution to Blackbeard the Pirate.
The plot explores the many factors that cause his change from civilian to pirate, his gaining the ship, and the strange “puzzle” which he must solve: various "tests" that Blackbeard had to undergo to "unlock" the various rooms on his ship. All the while, he is being hunted by a determined captain bent on capturing him.
All of this leads to interesting action which does keep the reader reading. Some folks seem to either like or hate the book; I find it a nice afternoon read with some clever plot ideas. Granted, it does seem to go “overboard” at times, but I enjoyed sailing through the pages. To be fair, it was free for the Kindle for Amazon Prime members, so the price was right. Regardless, if you like pirates, adventure, and puzzles, this is definitely worth a read. I have already purchased the next book! Come on board and give it a try!
The plot explores the many factors that cause his change from civilian to pirate, his gaining the ship, and the strange “puzzle” which he must solve: various "tests" that Blackbeard had to undergo to "unlock" the various rooms on his ship. All the while, he is being hunted by a determined captain bent on capturing him.
All of this leads to interesting action which does keep the reader reading. Some folks seem to either like or hate the book; I find it a nice afternoon read with some clever plot ideas. Granted, it does seem to go “overboard” at times, but I enjoyed sailing through the pages. To be fair, it was free for the Kindle for Amazon Prime members, so the price was right. Regardless, if you like pirates, adventure, and puzzles, this is definitely worth a read. I have already purchased the next book! Come on board and give it a try!
October 26, 2017
This was a different Pirate Story. Edward Thatch wakes up and all his money is Gone, But he Owns a ship. The "Freedom" is a beautiful ship. Edward, Crews it and they take off! As they are sailing they cannot get the main sail to unfurl, Edward climbs up and with some help, pries lose a spike that holds it. He gets back down and as they unfurl the Sail! Edward finds out that the "Freedom" was once a pirate ship. How does he find out, you ask? The sail as it unfurls shows a Skull and Crossbones, to Make matters worse, there is an English War ship near them. The Chase is on! He and his Best friend Henry Travel back and forth across the Caribbean and Latin America. Oh, I forgot to tell you, his ship has locked rooms in it, with clues and maps to find the Keys! There are so many secrets and twists in this Story. But you know, as Usual, this is all you get!! I Hate to ruin your Read of this very good Pirate Yarn by telling you too much! So Enjoy this Very Good Read!
Santa Mike
Santa Mike
March 22, 2018
This could work as an adventure fantasy, if the author had not chosen to make his main character "Blackbeard" who in fact, was a true historical figure. If the reader has even the slightest knowledge of Edward Thatch/Teach, it is not possible to suspend your disbelief. As a fantasy it could work, as an account of a real person it is just totally unbelievable. Actually its absurd.
I could have enjoyed this as a kind of Indiana Jones/pirate fusion. As is, I have no interest in reading more in the series.
I could have enjoyed this as a kind of Indiana Jones/pirate fusion. As is, I have no interest in reading more in the series.
May 18, 2021
Fairly good read.
The story started out very well and continued to about midway and started to change to a Peter Pan type story without fairies. I got flashbacks to Jack Sparrow. A Mayan warrior even though the Mayans disappeared in the 1200s. A crocodile bite to the stomach and still able to fight. Not sure if this was historical fiction or fantasy. Started as one and morphed to the other.
The story started out very well and continued to about midway and started to change to a Peter Pan type story without fairies. I got flashbacks to Jack Sparrow. A Mayan warrior even though the Mayans disappeared in the 1200s. A crocodile bite to the stomach and still able to fight. Not sure if this was historical fiction or fantasy. Started as one and morphed to the other.
July 9, 2018
Great read if you like pirates
I was hooked from the beginning of the first chapter and I can't wait to read the second book of the series. Edward Thatch comes to life in Blackbeard's Freedom. All of the characters are well represented and full of color and life. My favorite has to be Jack. Keep it up Mr McLean, you will have lots of fans like myself.
I was hooked from the beginning of the first chapter and I can't wait to read the second book of the series. Edward Thatch comes to life in Blackbeard's Freedom. All of the characters are well represented and full of color and life. My favorite has to be Jack. Keep it up Mr McLean, you will have lots of fans like myself.
December 31, 2020
If you like a good bit of posts fiction then this is for you.
Cracking story with a fair bit of adventure and left me wanting to immediately download the second book in the series as soon as i finished it.
Some great characters created and good back stories weaved in that you know will again crop up in further books.
Really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend.
Cracking story with a fair bit of adventure and left me wanting to immediately download the second book in the series as soon as i finished it.
Some great characters created and good back stories weaved in that you know will again crop up in further books.
Really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend.
June 16, 2017
Fun read
How can you go wrong when you mix historical fiction with fantasy?! Easy read and I would recommend this for youth too. Some violence yes but with a respect for women and other cultures.
How can you go wrong when you mix historical fiction with fantasy?! Easy read and I would recommend this for youth too. Some violence yes but with a respect for women and other cultures.
July 30, 2017
The book started off ok but by the time i got to the middle i felt that the book started to drag. It took some doing but I finally finished the book. Dont get me wrong, I like adventure books but this just left me asking when it was going to end.
January 10, 2018
Fantastic read.
A really good page turner, lots going on and you could not gues where it was going. Although fictional it still fell in line factually with some pirate history and times macking it more believable and an even better read.
Highly recommend.
Cant wait to read the next two books.
A really good page turner, lots going on and you could not gues where it was going. Although fictional it still fell in line factually with some pirate history and times macking it more believable and an even better read.
Highly recommend.
Cant wait to read the next two books.
September 14, 2018
Pirate story
Every page was filled with adventure, the thrills never stopped. I'm assuming, since there are more books after this, that Blackbeard gets out of the last scrape he found himself in, and the adventure continues.
Every page was filled with adventure, the thrills never stopped. I'm assuming, since there are more books after this, that Blackbeard gets out of the last scrape he found himself in, and the adventure continues.
January 19, 2024
Everything a great pirate story should have
This book has it all. Love, ship battles, treasure, puzzles, run and more. It is so well written and even had me surprised at certain points that I just did not see the next thing coming. I cannot wait to read the next one!
This book has it all. Love, ship battles, treasure, puzzles, run and more. It is so well written and even had me surprised at certain points that I just did not see the next thing coming. I cannot wait to read the next one!
June 30, 2017
It was entertaining. A cross between The Goonies and Pirates of the Caribbean... Some things were hard for me to imagine... but it still kept my interest.
September 26, 2017
Decent read
Enjoyable read through. Lacked in the mechanics/ common sense didn’t jive with the story line. Overall smooth read and would recommend.
Enjoyable read through. Lacked in the mechanics/ common sense didn’t jive with the story line. Overall smooth read and would recommend.
November 18, 2017
Excellent Read!
Not the way history portrayed Edward Teaches but it makes a good story. Could Blackbeard have simply been a man trying to right a wrong?
Not the way history portrayed Edward Teaches but it makes a good story. Could Blackbeard have simply been a man trying to right a wrong?
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