The first few pages had me wondering if I'd just wasted my money on this book; the language was dense, sometimes awkward, with word and phrase repetitions. I wished a bit of editing would have tightened it up a bit and got me immediately involved in wanting to invest my time in this 500+ page novel. But I soldiered on and was gradually caught up in the incredible adventure! The prose (reminiscent of classic 19thC adventure tales), began to just flow, perhaps as I became more accustomed to it, but more, I think, I was just caught up as the characters were introduced and the story was established.

It's a fabulous picaresque narrative, set in 1667, told in first person by Lord John Williams, Viscount of Marsdale who has been adventuring in the capitals of Europe as a duelist, assassin and all around rogue, bedding both women and men in an audacious manner that would give Casanova a run for his money. He's been away from England for a decade, ever since some major unpleasantness between him and his cousin--and total lack of regard from his father. But, weary of his dissolute lifestyle, he returns home, only to find he's still not ready to settle down (he's still just 26 years old). When his father proposes that he act as his agent in his investment in a Jamaican plantation, he agrees to go. Even though he takes his responsibilities seriously, once he arrives he is intrigued by the buccaneers who are based out of Port Royal. When it is suggested that he may find it interesting to go roving with a ship in search of Spanish gold, it doesn't take him long to sign on.

Introduction to the life of a buccaneer through Will's eyes is just fascinating. If you love sea adventure, there's a ton of it here as Will's first trip encompasses raiding pigs, making the dried meat boucan (from which came the term “buccaneer”), careening, taking a galleon and being shipwrecked. He also acquires a matelot: a bunk-mate; Gaston, an aristocratic Frenchman who is said to be mad. But Will senses a kindred spirit in Gaston--or at least a well-read and agile mind in a man of a similar background, whom he can befriend-- although he eventually hopes it will become much more than that. Unfortunately, both of them are scarred by their pasts, Gaston even more than Will, so the course of true love runs far from smoothly.

Aside from Will and Gaston--two unforgettable and intricately drawn characters, there are many others, most amazingly sympathetic given the wild frontier-like quality of Port Royal and the Caribbean, such as the helpful agent, Theodore and the core of friends Will makes among the buccaneers: Striker and Pete and the Bard. The book is full of complex and interesting characters, both good and bad. The historical background seems solid enough, the details feel real. This is a substantial book, with a depth and richness that is not often encountered in most sub-genres. In many ways it is easily classifiable as a historical fiction, with m/m romance elements (although those who enjoy love and sex will not be disappointed).

It's a fascinating read that deserves its accolades. I don't feel I can adequately express how good this book is! It has become one of my favorite books of all time and all genres. I can't wait to read the subsequent books in this amazing series. ( )

Lord Marsdale had left his home at the age of 16 and never looked back. Now, over a decade later he is forced to return to face a father who has always been disappointed in him and memories he had desperately tried to avoid. When offered the opportunity to go to Jamaica in the New World he is not sure if he should consider it a blessing or a curse. That is until he finds his life's calling as a buccaneer and a home in the arms of a madman.

If you're looking for a light novel of gay romance with a happy, feel good plot, this may not be the one for you. If, instead, you enjoy epic historical stories with lots of angst, sword fighting, duels and slightly damaged characters this is a very good one. Personally I really enjoyed this novel. It is a very character driven and lots of time spent on the open seas which is something I've found I really like. I do get the feeling that the author did her homework historically although I'm not personally familiar enough with the 1600s to really say for sure, but it seemed reasonable. Will and Gaston are both quite interesting. Both are emotionally scarred individuals and I really wanted to see things work out for them. There are also many very interesting side characters (I had to laugh at Tom, Dick(ey) and Harry) which help to round out the tale. However, I did have a problem with losing track of who was who. Near the beginning the story rather reminded me of Swordspoint that I recently read but with one main difference, unlike St. Vier, Will has a conscience that makes him a much more human and, for me, sympathetic character.

Although this is a gay romance in a historical setting it is unlike many I have read. There is much talk of violence and sex but neither were presented in an overly graphic way. This is much more a story of characters dealing with the repercussions of traumatic experiences than of just falling in love and heading to bed.

This is a very good, very long seafaring tale of buccaneers on the tropical seas who live, fight, love and sacrifice for each other and I am certainly interested in reading more in the series. ( )

Well, I wrote it, so of course I love it. ( )

Thoroughly enjoyed the book, will definitely read the rest of the series. I can't speak for the historical accuracy of the book (it seems that some reviews have said the author was wrong on many points), but I feel that the author definitely researched the topic and this shows in the details she presents. The one minor annoyance that I had with this book has to do with language. One of the main characters is French, the other is English but speaks French and the two use this language to communicate especially when they don't want others to hear their conversation. Fine. Except then their dialogs constantly involve the use of "oui" and "non" as the only two French words in the entire book in the midst of everything else being in English. I don't know, it just bothered me; besides being completely unnecessary. ( )

VERY good book. One of the most well-written and well-researched books of gay fiction I've ever read. ( )