“In this third book in the series, U.S. Navy Lt. Matty graves is recovering from a brain fever on Saint-Domingue in the aftermath of Toussaint's slave rebellion. He's called back to the newly-built Washington when politics have led to inquiries about certain past events and finds himself landed, no longer a lieutenant and vying for the heart of the sister of his friend and shipmate, Dick Towson. Finally, he's back at sea with a mission to discretely deal with a U.S. Navy officer who has turned pirate.
The dialogue and language give a strong sense of the period, as do the descriptions--particularly of the nascent Washington. It was interesting to see the dearth of any berths or positions during times between wars, and the workings of influence. Back on the sea there is plenty of action, as well as out-thinking and out-maneuvering, and the complications of questioning personal ethics and loyalty.
I jumped into this series with this book, and it is possible to read this as a stand-alone, although I think it all might have more impact if a reader begins with the first book and reads them in order.”
aprillee wrote this review Wednesday, May 20 2009.
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