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The idea for my current project, THE REBEL AND THE SPY, came from Walt Disney's introduction to a multi-part episode about the Swiss Family Robinson. …moreThe idea for my current project, THE REBEL AND THE SPY, came from Walt Disney's introduction to a multi-part episode about the Swiss Family Robinson. Disney tickled my imagination with his talk about the gentleman pirate who helped Andrew Jackson win the Battle of New Orleans in 1815.(less)
Cindy Vallar
You're welcome, Mike. Pirates are part of my life as the editor of Pirates & Privateers. Should I ever decide to switch over from writing about them, …moreYou're welcome, Mike. Pirates are part of my life as the editor of Pirates & Privateers. Should I ever decide to switch over from writing about them, I will certainly consider joining the Knotty List.(less)
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The Scottish Thistle
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A Tall Ship, A Star, and Plunder
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Pirates and Privateers: Exploring the History of Maritime Piracy
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The Panda Fact: The Mexican Take Over (Dead Books & Minds) (Volume 10)
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The Shadow Princess: A Lady Katherine Adventure
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Search for Buried Treasure
Oak Island Treasure Revelations by Cerris FrancisMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
For those unfamiliar with Oak Island, it is an island off Nova Scotia, Canada, where lies a mysterious pit that is rumored to lead to treasure. The author, who has visited Oak Island, has his own theories about the Money Pit and what it may or may not hide at this point in time. He begins to share his thoughts and beliefs, Read more of this blog post »
Published on May 24, 2026 05:04
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henry-every, mining, money-pit, oak-island, william-kidd
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Jun 18, 2026 08:09AM
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For those unfamiliar with Oak Island, it is an island off Nova Scotia, Canada, where lies a mysterious pit that is rumored to lead to treasure. The author, who has visited Oak Island, has his own theories about the Money Pit and what it may or may no
For those unfamiliar with Oak Island, it is an island off Nova Scotia, Canada, where lies a mysterious pit that is rumored to lead to treasure. The author, who has visited Oak Island, has his own theories about the Money Pit and what it may or may not hide at this point in time. He begins to share his thoughts and beliefs, as well as its origin history, in this first book on the topic. In his biography, Francis mentions having found factual evidence that connects two infamous pirates of the late eighteenth century, Henry Every and William Kidd. He doesn’t share what this specific evidence is, but he offers an interesting discussion on their background and collusion to create a hidden mining venture off Canadian shores. Every’s brainchild included not only a place to secure their ill-gotten treasure but also the means to convert it into coins and ingots that can be easily passed without raising anyone’s curiosity. On the off chance that someone becomes wise to their operation, the mining venture will have a safeguard that basically floods the underground pit until it’s safe to reacquire the treasure. That chance becomes a definitive reality once Kidd is officially declared a pirate, is captured in New England, and sent to England for trial and execution. Much of the book concerns the two principal players, Every and Kidd. He introduces readers to each of these men and provides their known histories, how they may have met, and what plans they devised to set up the mining venture and deliver the treasure to Canada. I am not an authority on Oak Island by any means, but I am aware of it and its supposed ties to pirates and Templar Knights. People have been searching for the treasure for centuries, although Francis offers some keen insight into why it hasn’t yet been found and why it may never come to light. What he doesn’t provide here are the specific citations from historical documents to back up his hypotheses. He has verified the feasibility of some of what he shares with professionals versed in those aspects of mining and history, but who these experts are is also omitted. How Every and Kidd would have known that privateering licenses would still be valid two years after they formed their syndicate is also a mystery. Francis does make some statements with which I disagree. Pirates in this time period were rarely arrested. That will not become more common until the second and third decades of the eighteenth century, when opinions on pirates within society change. Six men from Every’s crew were convicted and hanged but not for piracy. Although their original trial was for that crime, the jury acquitted them. Embarrassed and needing a conviction to prove England wouldn’t tolerate piracy, the government rearrested the men for mutiny aboard a British ship; this time, the jury found them guilty. The book does include color pictures and diagrams. There are numbers to some of these within the narrative, although there is no indication as to where they are located. [As I neared the end of the narrative, I found them.] This book is informative and engaging, although hiring a professional copy editor would further improve the narrative. Francis definitely makes the reader think and ask questions; even I am left with a number of unanswered questions, including why Every would want to risk losing his booty rather than converting it in small amounts and using bankers to make it near impossible to trace its origins. Who were the other members of this syndicate? Readers will have to decide for themselves whether they agree with some of the conclusions and suppositions that Francis draws. For example, he sees Every as a mercenary as opposed to a pirate. It’s possible that Every and Kidd met while in the West Indies, but there’s no proof that this occurred. Nor is there any proof that Kidd and Robert Culliford colluded in the stealing of Blessed William while Kidd was ashore. It is hoped that when the second book is released, it will include source citations and more definitive evidence to reinforce Francis’s conclusions and answer the questions raised in this first book. (This review originally appeared at Pirates and Privateers: http://www.cindyvallar.com/adult-hist...) ...more |
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May 24, 2026 05:03AM
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For those unfamiliar with Oak Island, it is an island off Nova Scotia, Canada, where lies a mysterious pit that is rumored to lead to treasure. The author, who has visited Oak Island, has his own theories about the Money Pit and what it may or may no
For those unfamiliar with Oak Island, it is an island off Nova Scotia, Canada, where lies a mysterious pit that is rumored to lead to treasure. The author, who has visited Oak Island, has his own theories about the Money Pit and what it may or may not hide at this point in time. He begins to share his thoughts and beliefs, as well as its origin history, in this first book on the topic. In his biography, Francis mentions having found factual evidence that connects two infamous pirates of the late eighteenth century, Henry Every and William Kidd. He doesn’t share what this specific evidence is, but he offers an interesting discussion on their background and collusion to create a hidden mining venture off Canadian shores. Every’s brainchild included not only a place to secure their ill-gotten treasure but also the means to convert it into coins and ingots that can be easily passed without raising anyone’s curiosity. On the off chance that someone becomes wise to their operation, the mining venture will have a safeguard that basically floods the underground pit until it’s safe to reacquire the treasure. That chance becomes a definitive reality once Kidd is officially declared a pirate, is captured in New England, and sent to England for trial and execution. Much of the book concerns the two principal players, Every and Kidd. He introduces readers to each of these men and provides their known histories, how they may have met, and what plans they devised to set up the mining venture and deliver the treasure to Canada. I am not an authority on Oak Island by any means, but I am aware of it and its supposed ties to pirates and Templar Knights. People have been searching for the treasure for centuries, although Francis offers some keen insight into why it hasn’t yet been found and why it may never come to light. What he doesn’t provide here are the specific citations from historical documents to back up his hypotheses. He has verified the feasibility of some of what he shares with professionals versed in those aspects of mining and history, but who these experts are is also omitted. How Every and Kidd would have known that privateering licenses would still be valid two years after they formed their syndicate is also a mystery. Francis does make some statements with which I disagree. Pirates in this time period were rarely arrested. That will not become more common until the second and third decades of the eighteenth century, when opinions on pirates within society change. Six men from Every’s crew were convicted and hanged but not for piracy. Although their original trial was for that crime, the jury acquitted them. Embarrassed and needing a conviction to prove England wouldn’t tolerate piracy, the government rearrested the men for mutiny aboard a British ship; this time, the jury found them guilty. The book does include color pictures and diagrams. There are numbers to some of these within the narrative, although there is no indication as to where they are located. [As I neared the end of the narrative, I found them.] This book is informative and engaging, although hiring a professional copy editor would further improve the narrative. Francis definitely makes the reader think and ask questions; even I am left with a number of unanswered questions, including why Every would want to risk losing his booty rather than converting it in small amounts and using bankers to make it near impossible to trace its origins. Who were the other members of this syndicate? Readers will have to decide for themselves whether they agree with some of the conclusions and suppositions that Francis draws. For example, he sees Every as a mercenary as opposed to a pirate. It’s possible that Every and Kidd met while in the West Indies, but there’s no proof that this occurred. Nor is there any proof that Kidd and Robert Culliford colluded in the stealing of Blessed William while Kidd was ashore. It is hoped that when the second book is released, it will include source citations and more definitive evidence to reinforce Francis’s conclusions and answer the questions raised in this first book. (This review originally appeared at Pirates and Privateers: http://www.cindyvallar.com/adult-hist...) ...more |
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May 24, 2026 05:02AM
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Revolution, Jacobinism, ancient feuds, and business rivalries make Genoa difficult for visitors, like Henry and James Ludlow, to know who is friend and who is foe. Coupled with the city’s labyrinth-like streets and alleys, where government neutrality
Revolution, Jacobinism, ancient feuds, and business rivalries make Genoa difficult for visitors, like Henry and James Ludlow, to know who is friend and who is foe. Coupled with the city’s labyrinth-like streets and alleys, where government neutrality is bought with gold, the republic teems with sudden danger. Just ask the brothers when they first set foot in the neutral port city and are set upon by assailants out for blood. No noise warns of their presence, although at least one bears a distinctive mark. Are they local cutthroats, or have they come from the French warship anchored in the harbor? Rumors suggest the French are responsible for the recent murder of a Royal Navy officer, or are they a convenient scapegoat designed to keep others from digging too deep for the truth? Having lost his privateering vessel – a casualty of war and the vindictiveness of a senior officer – Harry wants a new vessel and exemptions to replace the crew he lost. Admiral Hood, a family friend, wants tit for tat. Solve the murder in Genoa and perhaps those exemptions will be granted. James isn’t keen on being involved in another mystery, but once Harry makes up his mind, there’s little anyone can do to stop him. Being the older sibling, Harry knows that his brother prefers the land and, as a renowned portrait artist, is more at home with those of higher social circles than seamen. Harry remains noncommittal, but they do go to Genoa where he’s certain he can find a new privateer. Pious Pender, a former lockpick released from the navy and hired as a servant, accompanies the Ludlows. His ability to infiltrate and communicate with lower levels of society always comes in handy in ways that Harry never expects. This occurs after the Ludlows make the acquaintance of Count Toraglia, who must sell his beloved ship Principessa, a sleek vessel perfect for Harry’s needs. But he will only sell to the right buyer and he’s only doing so to provide for his lovely wife before he succumbs to the ailment that is robbing him of his health and his youth. Although specific permission to visit Principessa has only been alluded to, Harry and his companions venture aboard. She will be exactly what Harry desires in a vessel, if she proves to be as good a sailer as he suspects. What is unexpected is what they find in the captain’s cabin – the body of an American who also wanted to purchase Principessa and is tied to a privateering syndicate. The few interactions Harry’s had with the leader of the privateers raises numerous red flags, as does the presence of a seaman who once crewed aboard Harry’s ship. Even more curious is the fact that none of the privateers offload their prize cargoes in Genoa, yet they have money to spend. All Harry wants is a ship and crew. What he gets are more mysteries to solve with little knowledge of the inner workings of Genoa and enemies concealed behind every corner. Donachie spins a tale as complicated as the maze-like layout of Genoa, and we are never quite sure who to trust in this second volume in The Privateersman Mysteries. We experience firsthand the rivalries and dangers that the Ludlows encounter, the true mark of a good storyteller. There are cleverly crafted sea engagements between Harry and the privateers in addition to the escapades ashore. This isn’t a story for the faint of heart. Harry ends up fighting for his life against rats trained to kill, and the truth behind the syndicate’s wealth is far more egregious than waging war on enemy shipping. Are you clever enough to spot the intricately woven clues of this whodunit, or will the true murder escape detection – a real possibility as time grows short and Harry gets too close? (This review originally appeared at Pirates and Privateers: http://www.cindyvallar.com/Donachie.h.... I read the 2026 McBooks Press edition for this review.) ...more |
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Stories can simply be tales of adventure and excitement. Stories can also highlight the ills of society or enterprising individuals who work to right wrongs. This collection mixes all these elements, spicing them with pirates who follow paths of good
Stories can simply be tales of adventure and excitement. Stories can also highlight the ills of society or enterprising individuals who work to right wrongs. This collection mixes all these elements, spicing them with pirates who follow paths of good, bad, and somewhere in between. Being shipwrecked on a deserted island for a long time often leads to a constant wish to be rescued. To sweeten the possibility, Reynard vows to follow a righteous path in Jason Fischer’s “Reynard the Reaver.” When the fates grant Reynard’s fervent prayer, the outcome is not as he hopes. His rescuer is Captain Lilac, and Reynard must serve as the pirates’ cabin boy. Even so, when push comes to shove, Reynard finds a creative way to save victims taken captive when the pirates attack their ship. In a tale where nothing is quite what it seems and unforeseen twists lead to unexpected consequences, this entry ranks as one of my favorites. In “Blood for Blood,” Emmeryn Palladino recounts the testimony of Caspar, who serves as Captain Lavinia Thorne’s cabin boy. During a brief respite on the island of Rakankoa, merfolk board Thorne’s ship and insist that she and Caspar accompany the merfolk to see Queen Isene. A recent attack on a mer-settlement leaves adults murdered and the children taken captive. Isene warns that in two days the merfolk will destroy Rakankoa. Thorne vows to return the children, no matter how high the stakes. Jack’s job aboard Verity Baum’s pirate ship is to uplift the crew’s morale in “Here Be Death Rays” by Sarah Thérèse Pelletier and Scott James Taylor. Their nemesis is Captain Pius Potter, a navy officer who despises their kind. He has a mission and he will do whatever is necessary to carry out his orders. Baum knows that Potter’s hatred is also his weakness, but to steal the weapon from him, Baum needs the help of a gambler and privateer. There’s just one problem – trusting him can lead to unforeseen consequences. The twists here are exquisite, but the story itself is a bit confusing when it comes to understanding what the weapon truly is. Another favorite of mine in this collection is Neil Sharpson’s “The Devil’s Hoof Upon the Tile.” Before Black Blind Bess dies, she needs to tell her servant a story to prove that she owns the real Admiral Benbow – the one once owned by Mr. Hawkins. When she was little, her father purchases the tavern and agrees to one proviso. He must allow Captain A to remain a guest until his demise. The longer the captain lives, the fewer guests come until one day a man with one leg and a crutch ventures within. He treats Bess as a person and seems to be the only one who calms Captain A. This tale pays homage to Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island with a few creative attributes, including a connection to the infamous real pirate Ned Low. Those who read Jaymie Wagner’s “As Gentlemen Do” are reminded of Blackbeard’s notorious blockade of Charles Town, South Carolina. Doctor Conal Fief acts as a go-between, with pirates under the command of Blackmane Ch’tea on one side and Governor Eachleyes on the other. If the latter will supply the necessary aid to combat a pandemic on the Harisbe Islands, Blackmane will lift the blockade without bringing murder and mayhem to those who live around Kithanton Harbor. Treachery comes from unexpected quarters here, and the sudden absence of two of Blackmane’s crew lead Conal to make a consequential decision. When men become powerful, they sometimes forget from whence they come. They fear their former comrades and take drastic means to ensure they retain what they have. This is what happens when the emperor kidnaps Bron Lagash’s wife and soon-to-be-born child. Now, Bron must return to his pirate ways and convince four high-ranking friends who have sworn allegiance to the emperor to violate their oaths and participate in a multi-pronged, high-risk venture to rescue Bron’s wife and child in Scott Colby’s “Once Upon a Pirate.” Wandering Storm is a ship, a living entity but none of the pirates ever listen to her. Her opinion is never even considered, even when circumstances are important enough to merit being heard in b. e. stack’s “Magic Leaves a Mark.” Take, for instance, the day the pirates come across a castaway – and not just any castaway. Rae’s mark of magic is her ability to HEAR. From Storm’s perspective, nothing good will come from rescuing this “little lump of a person,” but no one asks Storm. The rescue and achieving what no other pirate ship has ever achieved are of much greater importance, so the pirates ignore Storm. But Rae listens. The problem is that Storm doesn’t trust her. Once I understood the uniqueness of traits and magic in this tale and who the narrator is, this joined my list of favorites. Jagan Tar wishes to go to Alextera to attend the city’s lunar festival in “The Thing in the Sword” by Anton Kromoff. Getting there is part of the problem. One path is shorter than the other. One path is more dangerous than the other. Jagan is certain which way he’s going until an elderly merchant warns that that’s the wrong way to go. Heeding her advice, Jagan alters his original course, but he becomes fearful and anxious as he navigates the chosen path. Coral ruins, which offer sanctuary from whatever follows him, hold a weapon that may come in handy, but a small black cat warns him not to touch the saber unless he’s willing to make a sacrifice. This story brought to mind Highlander yet is uniquely different in its interpretation of a pirate tale. Cet McDaid finds himself aboard a Royal Navy warship bound for the Caribbean. He’s only a child, but the press gang doesn’t care when they take him. He’s an able body and will do until he becomes a casualty of war. He and another lad, Aidan, vow to take care of one another. It’s the best way for friends to stay out of trouble. At least until a pirate ship with black sails appears in “The Voyage of the Enbarr” by Jason Franks. “The Monster and Its Kin,” by Anya Ow, involves two opposing women and the jiao, sea creatures sought for their medicinal and defensive purposes. Captain Leuih, with help from the Mer, uses her skills to protect the jiao. Zhao Yuewen, the youngest master swordsman of her sect, employs her expertise to protect humans from these monsters. When the two ladies meet, Leuih dares Zhao to see for herself the truth or falsity of what she’s been taught and to decide which side are really pirates. Being a pawn can be costly, as Princess Nuala learns firsthand. She marries so two countries can share a trade route, but her husband soon drowns in “How a Princess Becomes a Pirate” by Allison Pang. It’s a fitting end as far as Nuala is concerned, and now she can concentrate on locating a young woman who travels with a fox. At least that’s her plan until she hears that slavers have taken a little girl. Nuala vows to save Cinda, because no one should ever be someone else’s victim. Since achieving this goal requires unconventional thinking, Nuala becomes a pirate. This story, which is a spin-off from the Fox & Willow series, pulls at the reader’s heartstrings. One doesn’t need to be familiar with the series to cheer for Nuala and those willing to help others like Cinda who are too young or weak to fight for themselves. Lady Alina Valerian, an elf, hires Miranda Athros to take her on a treasure-seeking voyage in “The Trial of the Black Rose” by Alexandra Pitchford. When they reach their destination, Miranda and her crew come upon a bloody site. This doesn’t bode well; that fact is soon proven when Bloody Bart and his men attack and imprison Miranda and her men. She also notices that Lady Alina has conveniently disappeared. Just as Miranda expects to meet the same unfortunate fate of others, the elf reappears and asks for Miranda’s trust – a big ask given that Lady Alina has been less than truthful since the start of this adventure. On board a Spanish ship from Havana is Luz, a witch of great power determined to protect her valuable cargo. When pirates attack, the pirates threaten Luz with death. Doing so, of course, means not finding the hidden treasure. She strikes a bargain with the pirates that guarantees her own safety, but they don’t understand what she is capable of in “Romero’s Doldrums” by Sabrina Vourvoulias. In “Lady Misfortune,” Kate Heartfield’s pirates follow Captain Easton, who protects the shores of Newfoundland from Spanish and Portuguese intruders. Unfortunately, his invalid letter of marque necessitates other means to continue this work. A byproduct is the problem of finding sufficient people to man their ships, which is why Sheila, her husband, and three other pirates confront an armed woman at a boathouse. They’re certain she’s protecting the men who are hiding, and it’s up to Sheila to convince the woman to turn them over to the pirates. Except the woman swears she’s the only person there. “Raiders of the Middle Passage,” written by Glenn Parris, recounts the story of slaves who take control of the ship after a storm. They join forces with pirates to get sufficient treasure to purchase a new ship and supplies, and to live free in a new world. The women in this story use their skills and knowledge to help the men when they can’t figure out how to save the ship that took them from their homeland. These fifteen short stories blend fantasy and science fiction with pirate history and culture to create extraordinary tales with unexpected eccentricities. At the same time, they weave relevant and important topics of today to shed new perspectives on subjects such as trafficking, abuse, power, greed, conspiracy, and betrayal. They highlight how cooperation, friendship, and unorthodox thinking help to overcome the less desirable aspects of society while also showing the importance of accepting others for who they are and what gifts they have rather than conforming to what the majority believe is best. Rising Tides is a compelling and intriguing anthology that promises unique, piratical adventures for anyone brave enough to take the plunge. (This review originally appeared at Pirates and Privateers: http://www.cindyvallar.com/RisingTide...) ...more |
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Revolution, Jacobinism, ancient feuds, and business rivalries make Genoa difficult for visitors, like Henry and James Ludlow, to know who is friend and who is foe. Coupled with the city’s labyrinth-like streets and alleys, where government neutrality
Revolution, Jacobinism, ancient feuds, and business rivalries make Genoa difficult for visitors, like Henry and James Ludlow, to know who is friend and who is foe. Coupled with the city’s labyrinth-like streets and alleys, where government neutrality is bought with gold, the republic teems with sudden danger. Just ask the brothers when they first set foot in the neutral port city and are set upon by assailants out for blood. No noise warns of their presence, although at least one bears a distinctive mark. Are they local cutthroats, or have they come from the French warship anchored in the harbor? Rumors suggest the French are responsible for the recent murder of a Royal Navy officer, or are they a convenient scapegoat designed to keep others from digging too deep for the truth? Having lost his privateering vessel – a casualty of war and the vindictiveness of a senior officer – Harry wants a new vessel and exemptions to replace the crew he lost. Admiral Hood, a family friend, wants tit for tat. Solve the murder in Genoa and perhaps those exemptions will be granted. James isn’t keen on being involved in another mystery, but once Harry makes up his mind, there’s little anyone can do to stop him. Being the older sibling, Harry knows that his brother prefers the land and, as a renowned portrait artist, is more at home with those of higher social circles than seamen. Harry remains noncommittal, but they do go to Genoa where he’s certain he can find a new privateer. Pious Pender, a former lockpick released from the navy and hired as a servant, accompanies the Ludlows. His ability to infiltrate and communicate with lower levels of society always comes in handy in ways that Harry never expects. This occurs after the Ludlows make the acquaintance of Count Toraglia, who must sell his beloved ship Principessa, a sleek vessel perfect for Harry’s needs. But he will only sell to the right buyer and he’s only doing so to provide for his lovely wife before he succumbs to the ailment that is robbing him of his health and his youth. Although specific permission to visit Principessa has only been alluded to, Harry and his companions venture aboard. She will be exactly what Harry desires in a vessel, if she proves to be as good a sailer as he suspects. What is unexpected is what they find in the captain’s cabin – the body of an American who also wanted to purchase Principessa and is tied to a privateering syndicate. The few interactions Harry’s had with the leader of the privateers raises numerous red flags, as does the presence of a seaman who once crewed aboard Harry’s ship. Even more curious is the fact that none of the privateers offload their prize cargoes in Genoa, yet they have money to spend. All Harry wants is a ship and crew. What he gets are more mysteries to solve with little knowledge of the inner workings of Genoa and enemies concealed behind every corner. Donachie spins a tale as complicated as the maze-like layout of Genoa, and we are never quite sure who to trust in this second volume in The Privateersman Mysteries. We experience firsthand the rivalries and dangers that the Ludlows encounter, the true mark of a good storyteller. There are cleverly crafted sea engagements between Harry and the privateers in addition to the escapades ashore. This isn’t a story for the faint of heart. Harry ends up fighting for his life against rats trained to kill, and the truth behind the syndicate’s wealth is far more egregious than waging war on enemy shipping. Are you clever enough to spot the intricately woven clues of this whodunit, or will the true murder escape detection – a real possibility as time grows short and Harry gets too close? (This review originally appeared at Pirates and Privateers: http://www.cindyvallar.com/Donachie.h.... I read the 2026 McBooks Press edition for this review.) ...more |
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Stories can simply be tales of adventure and excitement. Stories can also highlight the ills of society or enterprising individuals who work to right wrongs. This collection mixes all these elements, spicing them with pirates who follow paths of good
Stories can simply be tales of adventure and excitement. Stories can also highlight the ills of society or enterprising individuals who work to right wrongs. This collection mixes all these elements, spicing them with pirates who follow paths of good, bad, and somewhere in between. Being shipwrecked on a deserted island for a long time often leads to a constant wish to be rescued. To sweeten the possibility, Reynard vows to follow a righteous path in Jason Fischer’s “Reynard the Reaver.” When the fates grant Reynard’s fervent prayer, the outcome is not as he hopes. His rescuer is Captain Lilac, and Reynard must serve as the pirates’ cabin boy. Even so, when push comes to shove, Reynard finds a creative way to save victims taken captive when the pirates attack their ship. In a tale where nothing is quite what it seems and unforeseen twists lead to unexpected consequences, this entry ranks as one of my favorites. In “Blood for Blood,” Emmeryn Palladino recounts the testimony of Caspar, who serves as Captain Lavinia Thorne’s cabin boy. During a brief respite on the island of Rakankoa, merfolk board Thorne’s ship and insist that she and Caspar accompany the merfolk to see Queen Isene. A recent attack on a mer-settlement leaves adults murdered and the children taken captive. Isene warns that in two days the merfolk will destroy Rakankoa. Thorne vows to return the children, no matter how high the stakes. Jack’s job aboard Verity Baum’s pirate ship is to uplift the crew’s morale in “Here Be Death Rays” by Sarah Thérèse Pelletier and Scott James Taylor. Their nemesis is Captain Pius Potter, a navy officer who despises their kind. He has a mission and he will do whatever is necessary to carry out his orders. Baum knows that Potter’s hatred is also his weakness, but to steal the weapon from him, Baum needs the help of a gambler and privateer. There’s just one problem – trusting him can lead to unforeseen consequences. The twists here are exquisite, but the story itself is a bit confusing when it comes to understanding what the weapon truly is. Another favorite of mine in this collection is Neil Sharpson’s “The Devil’s Hoof Upon the Tile.” Before Black Blind Bess dies, she needs to tell her servant a story to prove that she owns the real Admiral Benbow – the one once owned by Mr. Hawkins. When she was little, her father purchases the tavern and agrees to one proviso. He must allow Captain A to remain a guest until his demise. The longer the captain lives, the fewer guests come until one day a man with one leg and a crutch ventures within. He treats Bess as a person and seems to be the only one who calms Captain A. This tale pays homage to Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island with a few creative attributes, including a connection to the infamous real pirate Ned Low. Those who read Jaymie Wagner’s “As Gentlemen Do” are reminded of Blackbeard’s notorious blockade of Charles Town, South Carolina. Doctor Conal Fief acts as a go-between, with pirates under the command of Blackmane Ch’tea on one side and Governor Eachleyes on the other. If the latter will supply the necessary aid to combat a pandemic on the Harisbe Islands, Blackmane will lift the blockade without bringing murder and mayhem to those who live around Kithanton Harbor. Treachery comes from unexpected quarters here, and the sudden absence of two of Blackmane’s crew lead Conal to make a consequential decision. When men become powerful, they sometimes forget from whence they come. They fear their former comrades and take drastic means to ensure they retain what they have. This is what happens when the emperor kidnaps Bron Lagash’s wife and soon-to-be-born child. Now, Bron must return to his pirate ways and convince four high-ranking friends who have sworn allegiance to the emperor to violate their oaths and participate in a multi-pronged, high-risk venture to rescue Bron’s wife and child in Scott Colby’s “Once Upon a Pirate.” Wandering Storm is a ship, a living entity but none of the pirates ever listen to her. Her opinion is never even considered, even when circumstances are important enough to merit being heard in b. e. stack’s “Magic Leaves a Mark.” Take, for instance, the day the pirates come across a castaway – and not just any castaway. Rae’s mark of magic is her ability to HEAR. From Storm’s perspective, nothing good will come from rescuing this “little lump of a person,” but no one asks Storm. The rescue and achieving what no other pirate ship has ever achieved are of much greater importance, so the pirates ignore Storm. But Rae listens. The problem is that Storm doesn’t trust her. Once I understood the uniqueness of traits and magic in this tale and who the narrator is, this joined my list of favorites. Jagan Tar wishes to go to Alextera to attend the city’s lunar festival in “The Thing in the Sword” by Anton Kromoff. Getting there is part of the problem. One path is shorter than the other. One path is more dangerous than the other. Jagan is certain which way he’s going until an elderly merchant warns that that’s the wrong way to go. Heeding her advice, Jagan alters his original course, but he becomes fearful and anxious as he navigates the chosen path. Coral ruins, which offer sanctuary from whatever follows him, hold a weapon that may come in handy, but a small black cat warns him not to touch the saber unless he’s willing to make a sacrifice. This story brought to mind Highlander yet is uniquely different in its interpretation of a pirate tale. Cet McDaid finds himself aboard a Royal Navy warship bound for the Caribbean. He’s only a child, but the press gang doesn’t care when they take him. He’s an able body and will do until he becomes a casualty of war. He and another lad, Aidan, vow to take care of one another. It’s the best way for friends to stay out of trouble. At least until a pirate ship with black sails appears in “The Voyage of the Enbarr” by Jason Franks. “The Monster and Its Kin,” by Anya Ow, involves two opposing women and the jiao, sea creatures sought for their medicinal and defensive purposes. Captain Leuih, with help from the Mer, uses her skills to protect the jiao. Zhao Yuewen, the youngest master swordsman of her sect, employs her expertise to protect humans from these monsters. When the two ladies meet, Leuih dares Zhao to see for herself the truth or falsity of what she’s been taught and to decide which side are really pirates. Being a pawn can be costly, as Princess Nuala learns firsthand. She marries so two countries can share a trade route, but her husband soon drowns in “How a Princess Becomes a Pirate” by Allison Pang. It’s a fitting end as far as Nuala is concerned, and now she can concentrate on locating a young woman who travels with a fox. At least that’s her plan until she hears that slavers have taken a little girl. Nuala vows to save Cinda, because no one should ever be someone else’s victim. Since achieving this goal requires unconventional thinking, Nuala becomes a pirate. This story, which is a spin-off from the Fox & Willow series, pulls at the reader’s heartstrings. One doesn’t need to be familiar with the series to cheer for Nuala and those willing to help others like Cinda who are too young or weak to fight for themselves. Lady Alina Valerian, an elf, hires Miranda Athros to take her on a treasure-seeking voyage in “The Trial of the Black Rose” by Alexandra Pitchford. When they reach their destination, Miranda and her crew come upon a bloody site. This doesn’t bode well; that fact is soon proven when Bloody Bart and his men attack and imprison Miranda and her men. She also notices that Lady Alina has conveniently disappeared. Just as Miranda expects to meet the same unfortunate fate of others, the elf reappears and asks for Miranda’s trust – a big ask given that Lady Alina has been less than truthful since the start of this adventure. On board a Spanish ship from Havana is Luz, a witch of great power determined to protect her valuable cargo. When pirates attack, the pirates threaten Luz with death. Doing so, of course, means not finding the hidden treasure. She strikes a bargain with the pirates that guarantees her own safety, but they don’t understand what she is capable of in “Romero’s Doldrums” by Sabrina Vourvoulias. In “Lady Misfortune,” Kate Heartfield’s pirates follow Captain Easton, who protects the shores of Newfoundland from Spanish and Portuguese intruders. Unfortunately, his invalid letter of marque necessitates other means to continue this work. A byproduct is the problem of finding sufficient people to man their ships, which is why Sheila, her husband, and three other pirates confront an armed woman at a boathouse. They’re certain she’s protecting the men who are hiding, and it’s up to Sheila to convince the woman to turn them over to the pirates. Except the woman swears she’s the only person there. “Raiders of the Middle Passage,” written by Glenn Parris, recounts the story of slaves who take control of the ship after a storm. They join forces with pirates to get sufficient treasure to purchase a new ship and supplies, and to live free in a new world. The women in this story use their skills and knowledge to help the men when they can’t figure out how to save the ship that took them from their homeland. These fifteen short stories blend fantasy and science fiction with pirate history and culture to create extraordinary tales with unexpected eccentricities. At the same time, they weave relevant and important topics of today to shed new perspectives on subjects such as trafficking, abuse, power, greed, conspiracy, and betrayal. They highlight how cooperation, friendship, and unorthodox thinking help to overcome the less desirable aspects of society while also showing the importance of accepting others for who they are and what gifts they have rather than conforming to what the majority believe is best. Rising Tides is a compelling and intriguing anthology that promises unique, piratical adventures for anyone brave enough to take the plunge. (This review originally appeared at Pirates and Privateers: http://www.cindyvallar.com/RisingTide...) ...more |
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Going after a French frigate with twenty-eight guns may not be Harry Ludlow’s best move, but he can’t help himself. Fighting warships is in his blood, what he trained for before being forced out of the Royal Navy. Now, he toys with Verite despite the
Going after a French frigate with twenty-eight guns may not be Harry Ludlow’s best move, but he can’t help himself. Fighting warships is in his blood, what he trained for before being forced out of the Royal Navy. Now, he toys with Verite despite the threat she poses to his Medusa and those aboard. Even though he’s along for the ride and his health, James Ludlow questions his brother. The camaraderie they share allows this, but even James admits he’s a landlubber, an artist more in tune with the gentry than a seaman. Somewhere out of sight, yet close by, are British warships on blockade duty. If Harry can lead Verite closer to them, he and his fellow countrymen will make short work of the French frigate. Except HMS Magnanime doesn’t do what Harry expects. First, she stands off and waits and Harry is both astonished and perplexed by the seventy-four-gun warship’s refusal to engage. In the ensuing but unequal fight, Harry suffers a head wound and blacks out. When he comes to, he and his brother are aboard Magnanime, Medusa is gone, and his men are aboard the French prize ship bound for England, forced to join the Royal Navy. The British seventy-four is not a happy ship. Undercurrents and secrets, as well as the strange and awkward relationship between the captain and his first lieutenant, are not as they should be. Nor does it help that Harry and Magnanime’s captain have a past. When the first lieutenant is murdered and James is found holding the murder weapon, Harry has only a few days to unearth the mysteries aboard this ship and prove his brother’s innocence. Set in 1793, The Devil’s Own Luck is the first book in The Privateersman Mysteries. Donachie captures your attention from the start and doesn’t release it until the story ends. The twists and turns echo the nail-biting sea duel between Magnanime and two French seventy-fours in the midst of a full-blown gale. Harry’s knowledge of this ship, having once served on her, and of the Royal Navy enrich the story. The characters are well drawn, each having his own personality that makes him stand out from the others. Donachie vividly shows the intricacies involved in gaining trust from strangers as well as what happens when past grudges lead to hatred that clouds one’s judgement. Treachery, life at sea in the Royal Navy, and the intricate differences between officers, seamen, and privateers hinder Harry at every turn. They also keep him and you guessing the identity of the murderer and his motive until the very end. For those unfamiliar with Donachie and his many books (like me), The Devil’s Own Luck serves as a great introduction. For those already familiar with his stories, this mystery is like getting reacquainted with old friends. (This review originally appeared at Pirates and Privateers and has recently been republished by McBooks Press: http://www.cindyvallar.com/Donachie.html) ...more |
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Apr 22, 2026 05:18AM
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A storm in the Pacific rages for three days before tragedy strikes. Without knowing specifically where Mentor is, the whalemen assume they are as safe as possible in an age when sailing ships sometimes vanish, never to be heard from again. On 21 May
A storm in the Pacific rages for three days before tragedy strikes. Without knowing specifically where Mentor is, the whalemen assume they are as safe as possible in an age when sailing ships sometimes vanish, never to be heard from again. On 21 May 1832, shortly after midnight, Mentor crashes into a reef. Waves drive her into the obstacle three times, causing damage to her rudder and leaving the helmsman unable to control the ship. They suffer no losses, but a disagreement ensues as to whether to abandon ship now or wait until daylight. First mate Thomas Crowley and nine others choose to board one of the whaleboats and leave. They are never seen again. Captain Bernard and his remaining twelve crewmen strike out for a small cay in a damaged whaleboat the next day. Perhaps they can make repairs and chance crossing to a larger island later, for they can’t take enough supplies from the ship with them or gather sufficient food on the deserted cay. There is evidence that someone visits on occasion, and within a short time, tattooed and armed natives in a canoe arrive. At each turn, Barnard and his men encounter trials and tribulations in their attempts to leave the Palauan archipelago and return home to America. Salvation comes but neither soon nor as hoped for or for everyone. No punches are pulled in depicting what the shipwreck victims endure or in the differences between the different tribes. Two particularly telling inclusions in this tale are excerpts from one survivor’s book that shares Tobian vocabulary and dialogues and how self-interest plays significant roles in negotiations for the survivors’ freedom. The epilogue incorporates the aftermath of the whalemen’s rescue, as well as other Westerners on Pacific islands, and what becomes of those who return home. Twenty-two set out on the voyage of Mentor, but only seven survive the journey. This book is divided into twenty-three chapters and includes a Cast of Characters. Color plates are located in a center section, while black-&-white illustrations and maps are scattered throughout. Footnotes appear at the bottom of pages within the text, providing explanations to words and statements found in the narrative. In his introduction, Dolin explains that he combines historical documentation with oral tradition because there are few sources from the Palauans, yet he wishes to provide a more-rounded glimpse into these natives and the archipelago where they live rather than solely relying on Western impressions and memories. Chapter notes and an index complete the book. The Wreck of the Mentor is more than just a recounting of what happens to the ship and her crew. Dolin also summarizes the history of whaling and how whalers work. He discusses what’s happening in the world at the time along with beachcombers, Westerners who live on the islands rather than return home with their shipmates. He introduces readers to the archipelago, the peoples who live there, their ways of life and beliefs, and how interactions with seamen from the West impact their lives for better and worse. More importantly, from Captain Barnard’s perspective, is that one of these encounters involves Antelope, a British East India Company’s packet that wrecks there nearly fifty years earlier. What he knows of the incident comes from a book written by George Keate, which doesn’t tell the whole story. What seems like paradise can be deceiving as other run-ins between natives and Westerners, before and during the Mentors’ experiences, demonstrate. Despite what are sometimes violent clashes, real attempts at cultural exchanges are attempted. (This review originally appeared at Pirates and Privateers: http://www.cindyvallar.com/Dolin.html...) ...more |
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Apr 22, 2026 05:12AM
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An uninhabited rock rises from the sea bottom one mile from Martinique’s coast. With orders to harry French trade, enterprising men of the Royal Navy tackle the challenging basaltic cliffs and establish a base there. They commission the “stone frigat
An uninhabited rock rises from the sea bottom one mile from Martinique’s coast. With orders to harry French trade, enterprising men of the Royal Navy tackle the challenging basaltic cliffs and establish a base there. They commission the “stone frigate” as HMS Diamond Rock. In 1805, she becomes such a thorn in Napoleon’s side that the emperor tasks Admiral Villeneuve to seize the island. After several failed attempts, the French fleet finally manages to escape the British blockade and Villeneuve’s ships sail for the Caribbean. Aboard one of the supply ships is an injured enemy officer, Commander Percy Snowden. He is a prized captive, so infamous even Napoleon knows of him. When a fierce storm causes the vessel to sink, the French abandon their ship and leave Snowden to drown. Despite his failing health, that is not in Snowden’s plans, yet once he escapes, he still has to find a way back to civilization – preferably English. Meanwhile, the breakout of the French fleet from Toulon provides orders to the men aboard Snowden’s Oleander. With the enemy heading to the West Indies, it is essential that Lord Nelson be made aware of this as soon as possible and that dispatches notify British authorities there of the danger facing them. This is an absorbing and face-paced tale, although the title is a bit misleading. Diamond Rock does make appearances, but Villeneuve’s attack is glossed over and more focus is on the daring and inventive ways that Snowden, once he reunites with the Oleanders and gains a new command, makes himself and his men even more irritating to the French than before. Woven into this tale is a subplot involving Napoleon’s attempt to acquire gunpowder for his army in the Caribbean from du Pont, a French émigré who now resides in the United States. Teamwork plays a significant role in this fictional tale, incorporating knowledge gained from how the British establish their fortress upon Diamond Rock, and with help from Thomas Cochrane. (This review originally appeared at Pirates and Privateers: http://www.cindyvallar.com/adult-naut...) ...more |
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| Non Fiction Book ...: January/February 2019 - Under the Black Flag: The Romance and the Reality of Life Among the Pirates by David Cordingly | 32 | 36 | Jan 14, 2019 07:36AM |
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