Pirates & Privateers: Books for Adults -- Nautical Fiction

The Sallee Rovers
By M. Kei
Keibooks, 2010, print ISBN 978-0-557-26719-4, US $18.00
Also available in e-book format

Relegated to half pay because of the peace between England and France, Lieutenant Peter Thornton yearns for a ship. He and Lieutenant Roger Perry, his best friend whom Peter secretly loves, make their monthly trek to the Admiralty to check for orders that never come. Until now. Both are assigned to a captured French corvette, Ajax. Her captain, Horace Bishop, is a prim and proper, by-the-book commander, and it isn’t long before Peter runs afoul of him.

Also on board is Achmed bin Mamoud, envoy from the Sallee Republic, and their mission is to convey him to whichever French ports he wishes to visit to confer with officials there. Since the peace between France and England is tenuous, those aboard Ajax are also to do a bit of reconnoitering to report on French readiness. Achmed soon discovers Peter is a capable officer who is often unjustly punished or reprimanded and so befriends him to elicit information and possibly convert Peter to side with the Sallees.

When they happen upon a Spanish galley during a storm, Peter, fourteen-year-old Midshipman Archie Maynard, and several others rescue those in distress. The officers and their men readily go aboard the English vessel, but their captain insists the slaves manning the oars go down with the galley. Appalled, Peter acquires the key that unlocks their chains, and sets about trying to save the ship, the slaves, his men, and himself. While they succeed in this endeavor, Peter lacks the one thing he requires to remain in control: the respect of the men. They heed only one of their own, a handsome and charismatic Sallee rover (Barbary corsair) named Tangle. He deftly assumes control of the galley, a move that endangers Peter, for if the galley fails to elude Ajax, he and his men will be branded pirates.

The Sallee Rovers is the first book in the Pirates of the Narrow Seas series. Kei skillfully draws on his own experience as a seaman to craft a historical novel that not only examines the tenuous and tumultuous times in which the characters live, but also reveals how Peter must come to terms with his sexuality and betrayal of his duty to God and country. Occasional odd word choices, some oversights in editing, and a romantic ending that’s a bit too pat are the only elements that mar the flow of the story. While some fans of nautical fiction will object to reading this book because of gay romance that’s intertwined with the story, those episodes are few and what is referred to in industry parlance as “sweet” (no blatant sexual scenes that leave little to the imagination). The Sallee Rovers portrays what life was like in the Royal Navy, and introduces readers to sailing vessels often overlooked in nautical tales. It also exposes readers to how the Barbary corsairs saw themselves and how others saw them. As the story unfolds, it enigmatically lures the reader into the story, transporting him/her back in time to the period and places where Peter lives and visits.

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Review Copyright ©2010 Cindy Vallar

Beyond Beauport
By James Masciarelli
Köehlerbooks, 2018, ISBN 978-1-63393-655-3, US $17.95

Shannon Clarke – forty-six, separated, and a mother with grown children – finds herself at loose ends after staging a mischievous and unauthorized boarding of a vessel with three friends during the 2012 Labor Day Weekend Gloucester Schooner Festival. She and her family have lived and endured in this coastal Massachusetts town for three generations, and her life promises more of the same drudgery once the visitors return home for another fall and winter. Only a mysterious phone call from her beloved, but rarely seen, Uncle Patrick promises any excitement, but even she is astonished with the news he shares.

It turns out that she is descended from the legendary Anne Bonny and Calico Jack Rackham. While most would be skeptical, Shannon easily comes to terms with the possibility. After all, her dysfunctional relatives include “murderers, thieves, drug addicts, child beaters, gun runners, smugglers and outlaws. Why not pirates?” (17) In addition to this information, Patrick presents her with Anne’s short sword which has been passed down from mother to daughter for eleven generations. Except Shannon’s mother appropriated it for herself; Patrick stole it back and kept it until the time was right to present it to Shannon.

What happened to Anne after her conviction has long been a mystery. She simply vanished from the historical record. Patrick recounts how she disappeared and lived to die of old age under another name. He also shares information about the possibility that together he and Shannon may be able to recover treasure that Anne and Jack buried centuries ago. They have no map, but Anne did leave clues. Although a long shot at best, Patrick and Shannon set off on an adventure that takes them to Florida, the Caribbean, and South Carolina. Along the way Shannon learns to become a master sailor aboard her uncle’s replica brigantine and meets a cousin she never knew existed. They also cross paths with human traffickers, the FBI, and an informant.

Beyond Beauport is a well-spun tale of a Gloucester woman who must come to terms, as we all do, with her past and her family. We are introduced to some piratical history and two New Englanders, Captain Jonathan Haraden and Sailing Master Nathaniel Haraden – brave and daring men who left their mark on seafaring history during the early days of the American republic. A few scenes, such as the bar in South Florida, might rub some readers the wrong way, but the story is portrayed both realistically and believably. One weakness is the lack of tension. Only once and briefly will readers feel as if Shannon and Patrick are truly in danger. What Masciarelli achieves best is paying homage to Gloucester women: rugged independence, deep connections to family, and resourceful pragmatism. In Shannon, readers witness all of this and more as she comes to terms with who she is, the legacy she’s been left, and the abuse and abandonment she has suffered.

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Review Copyright ©2018 Cindy Vallar

The California Run
By Mark A. Rimmer
Penmore, 2018, ISBN 978-1-946409-54-6, US $19.95
Also available in ebook format

Harry Jenkins has two particular skills: wooing women and acquiring their valuables. His latest victim came with a father who’s now intent on reclaiming his daughter’s honor. This necessitates a hasty escape from Ireland, which is how he comes to be in New York. One might think Harry has learned his lesson. Alas, such is not the case. He needs to increase the distance between his vengeful pursuer and that requires money, so a new target is needed. Much to his chagrin, Lady Margaret Thompson seems immune to his charm. Then miracle of miracles, she suddenly pursues him and helps him acquire a ticket to San Francisco.

The past eight years were pure torture for Sarah Doyle, lady’s maid to Lady Margaret Thompson. On the eve of their voyage to New York, her employer postpones their trip and, on a whim, Sarah appropriates her identity and luggage and sails to America. Nor has she taken this chance only to be duped by Harry Jenkins; she separates him from his ticket and baggage and, for good measure, convinces two strangers to waylay him so she can board a California-bound clipper as Mrs. Harry Jenkins.

If told to kill someone, Gideon has no problem doing so. He’s not a hired killer, although he does enjoy using his knife. No, he owes Thaddeus Oglesby and will do almost anything for him. After all, his employer is one of the most powerful men in the city. Not even the law can touch him. Oglesby also owns Sapphire, the Yankee clipper upon which Gideon normally serves as second mate. The ship is soon to depart for San Francisco, but this time without Gideon. He’s to hire on as one of the crew of the Achilles to make certain she does not reach San Francisco first. Even if that means sending the newly-built clipper and those aboard to the bottom of the sea, for his employer has no intention of losing the race to California, the $50,000 wager, or the rich profits the first ship will garner once her cargo is sold in the gateway to the gold rush.

Being the second mate of Achilles is both an honor and a worry for Nate Cooper, who’s never served as a watch officer before. His first introduction to the chief mate proves less than welcoming, since Robert Biggs seems to rely heavily on belaying pin and lash to make the crew carry out their work. Nate disagrees with such tactics, but he’s not in a position to object. He knows only too well that he will have to prove himself every day of the 200-day voyage that he is the best seaman for the job, not only to himself, but also to the captain, the chief mate, and the crew. Nor will this be an easy task; the men of the forecastle are a mix of crimped landlubbers – one of whom is Harry, who hasn’t a clue about sailing, and nine Swedes, who barely speak English – and packet-rats, unruly bullies who’ve crewed aboard the transatlantic Liverpool packet ships.

Someone who shares his misgivings is Emma Jacobs, the captain’s niece. She has accompanied him on his voyages for three years, although this is the first stint on a clipper. During that time, she’s become an adept navigator . When rumblings of replacing Nate with another crewman as second mate begin, she intervenes and begins teaching him the art of navigation to better secure his position.

Set in 1850 during the California Gold Rush, The California Run is an arresting depiction of shipboard life during a 15,000-mile journey around Cape Horn. The unique and entertaining characters provide a volatile mix to which are added a thief, a saboteur, and a murderer. Interspersed throughout the story, rather than interwoven into it, are explanations about the ships and her crews. While this lessens the tension somewhat, it provides newcomers to nautical fiction with a good grounding in what it was like to be a merchant seaman when the fastest ships ever built sailed the seas.

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Review Copyright ©2019 Cindy Vallar

Falcon's Revenge
By Joseph L. O'Steen
Trafford Publishing, 2003, ISBN 1-4120-0505-1, US $19.95

In 1803, Britain declares war on France and recalls young naval officers with experience from their postings in the Caribbean to fight Napoleon Bonaparte. One such gentleman is Lieutenant Nathan Beauchamp of His Majesty's Royal Navy. Having missed the mail packet that would have taken him to Portsmouth, Nate becomes Acting First Officer of HMS Sampson, a weatherworn, aging ship with a leaky hull bound for England. With her captain ailing, Nate assumes most of Dexter's duties as well. A storm at sea worsens the leak below the waterline, and Nate decides their best chance of survival is to careen the ship on a nearby island to effect repairs. Their problems mount when a French privateer intercepts them, but Nate's ingenuity saves the day. After transferring crew and cargo onto the captured Bateuse, he learns that she sails with another privateer, anchored on the far side of the island, that has captured the pay chest of the Royal Marines stationed in Jamaica.

Thus begin Nathan Beauchamp's adventures in the dangerous waters of the Caribbean. While not a rousing tale of pirates, Falcon's Revenge follows the tradition of maritime adventures set during the age of wooden sailing ships. Like Horatio Hornblower, Nate Beauchamp is intent on rising in the ranks of the Royal Navy. He faces whatever trials he encounters, and does so knowing each time may mean his death, yet never lacking in courage and daring to accomplish the task set before him.

Falcon's Revenge is the first book in a series of six that will follow Nathan Beauchamp through his naval career and his fight against French privateers and Napoleon Bonaparte. It shall be interesting to watch Nate mature and aspire to greater heights as he matches wits with formidable foes to come.

Cover
Art: The Pirate & the Three
Cutters

The Pirate & the Three Cutters
By Captain Frederick Marryat
Trafalgar Square, 2006, ISBN 1-84588-205-9, US $9.95

The Pirate recounts the story of twins separated at a young age during a storm at sea. Neither knows the other lives, but one is raised in a comfortable lifestyle in England to become an officer in the Royal Navy. A notorious pirate captain raises the other as his own, but Francisco abhors his father’s cruelty and welcomes marooning. Fate intervenes to draw these two young men together and therein lies the adventure, romance, revelations, and mutiny – all on the high seas.

The Three Cutters is a short novella that follows the paths of three vessels on an intersect course. The yacht belongs to an aristocrat who’s brought along some friends for an outing. The second vessel belongs to smugglers. The revenue cutter patrols English waters in search of the smugglers. One tries to outrun the other, only to have the third interfere. But who wins the day?

These two stories first appeared in 1836 and, therefore, the style is far different from today’s rousing high seas adventures. This does not detract from the intrigue and exploits of what were then pioneering novels recounting tales at sea. The reader may surmise certain elements of the story prior to the author revealing them, but there are tidbits that remain elusive until the author wants the reader to know the truth. The stories flow much like the ebb and flow of the tide, and that pacing soon draws the reader into the story. A welcome reintroduction to Captain Marryat, who wove his knowledge and experience of a life at sea into rousing escapades.

Pursuit of Honor
By Joseph O’Steen
JADA Press, 2004, ISBN 0-9761110-9-8, US $13.95 / CAN $17.25 / UK £7.25

Commander Nathan Beauchamp of the British Royal Navy returns in a new adventure to thwart Irish rebels and Caribbean pirates. Black Caesar, a nasty pirate, has discovered a vast quantity of gold in a Spanish shipwreck. Irish rebels intend to use the gold to fund a war against the English government. To prevent the traitors from carrying out their plans, the navy converts a former Dutch merchantman into a pirate raider. With a specially picked crew, Nathan sails to the West Indies to prevent the retrieval of the gold without incurring the wrath of Spain, an ally rather than an enemy in 1803. Unbeknownst to Nathan there are spies aboard who have no intention of allowing him to complete his mission.

This is a fast-paced naval adventure that combines suspense with intrigue and romance. It is not meant for those readers well versed in naval yarns of the Napoleonic Era. Rather, it introduces new readers to the world of wooden sailing ships and life in the Royal Navy. The pirates play a minor role in this tale, but the spies and traitors keep readers interested from start to finish. A good read in spite of the lack of copy editing.

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The Winds of Folly
By Seth Hunter
McBooks Press, 2016, ISBN 9781590137055, US $18.95
Also available in e-book format

It is 1796 and General Napoleon Bonaparte leads the French Army against the Austrians. If he succeeds, they will lose the Italian provinces and leave Britain to fight alone. While the Council of Ten in Venice prefers to remain neutral in this war, the Venetian admiral would form an alliance with England and lead his navy in the fight against the aggressors. For a price. Before negotiations are completed, Il Diavolo (the Devil) has his assassins kill the admiral.

Nathaniel Peake captains HMS Unicorn and, having had a successful voyage, he looks forward to receiving the hefty sum his captured prizes will bring. Arriving at Leghorn, a major center of trade in the Mediterranean, he finds the city under attack from land, the citizens attempting to flee by sea, and French corsairs lurking on the horizon. Not only is he tasked with escorting the convoy of rescue ships, he must defend them against these sea marauders and transport the paramours of some officers, including Commodore Nelson, to safety. The last proves a trying and irritating duty that results in the loss of his quarters, but he succeeds in delivering the ladies as ordered.

Nelson and the British ambassador believe Nathan is the perfect candidate for a secret mission because of his previous service as the king’s agent. He needs to reestablish contact with Venice, notify the admiral that his price has been met, keep the Venetians from forming an alliance with France, and assess the seaworthiness and capabilities of the Venetian fleet. At the same time, he must take soundings of the harbors and lagoons while hunting down French corsairs prowling the Adriatic Sea. What he is not to do is to become embroiled in the politics of Venice, but that seems less likely when he hears rumors of the admiral’s death. Now, he must confirm this report and determine if there is another willing to work with the British to stop Napoleon; this requires him to enlist the assistance of the Deputy Prioress of a convent where the sisters are known for their gambling casino and carnal knowledge.

Il Diavolo dispenses his own brand of justice in the name of the Venetian Republic and knows of Nathan’s presence. He will do whatever is necessary to dispose of the British intruder, and it could cost Nathan his life.

Hunter includes several maps to orient readers unfamiliar with the region, as well as an author’s note explaining the history behind the novel. Since there are a variety of winds specific to the Mediterranean, he provides a brief explanation of these since they play important roles in the story.

This is the fourth installment in the Nathan Peake series, but readers unfamiliar with previous tales will have no problem following this story. (There are sufficient clues to tantalize such readers to go back and read these titles.) In many ways the opening chapters of The Winds of Folly mimic what it is like to sail aboard a wooden ship – manic high drama of short duration interspersed with long and tedious periods of mundane daily activity. Readers who survive the delivery of the officers’ women are richly rewarded with edge-of-your-seat adventure and dangerous intrigues that end with several unexpected and surprising twists.

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The Sea of Silence
By Seth Hunter
McBooks Press, 2021, ISBN 978-1-4903-5919-5, US $27.95
Also available in e-book format

Twice before the man facing Nathan Peake has tried to kill him, yet now he offers what Nathan craves – command of a ship in time of peace. Even so, experience has taught him not to trust Gilbert Imlay, especially since what he reveals is often only a portion of what is necessary to know. His plan seems to advance the interests of the Americans and the British, but their previous encounters have taught Nathan that, in reality, it promotes Imlay’s own. Trusting a spy is rarely a good thing. Imlay has the support of the First Lord of the Admiralty and Admiral Lord Nelson, who brings the two together. Instinct warns Nathan to refuse; out of courtesy to his former commander, he listens to Imlay.

The current cessation of hostilities between England and France after many years of fighting is merely an interlude. Napoleon Bonaparte still rules, which means he has plans to expand his domain. Since the Royal Navy no longer enforces its blockade of the French coast, a French fleet of eighty ships carrying 20,000 troops has sailed for the West Indies. They intend to put down the slave rebellion on Saint-Domingue, using whatever means are necessary. Once peace is restored, the island will be the staging ground to launch an invasion on Louisiana, where Napoleon intends to establish a second empire. Imlay proposes, with Nathan’s help, to throw a wrench in those plans by running guns to Toussaint Louverture, the rebel leader. The longer he and his men can delay French forces, the less likely Napoleon’s grand scheme will come to fruition.

Rather than refuse outright, Nathan agrees to view the captured French corvette. She’s relatively new and well-manned. The sea calls and Nathan is torn. Better to think things through overnight. As he places greater distance between him and the vessel, Nathan resolves to decline the invitation . . . until a trusted friend visits him with news. One of their acquaintances has been arrested – an unforeseen complication with a resolution that alters Nathan’s decision to work with Imlay. What can possibly go wrong?

This is the seventh novel in the Nathan Peake series, but can be read as a stand-alone novel. It takes place early in the first decade of the 19th century and combines intrigue with smuggling, a sea chase and sea battle, mass murder, and treachery. It features two of Napoleon’s siblings, as well as General Charles Victor-Emmanuel Leclerc and Touissant Louverture. Several other historical personages make cameo appearances. Fans of Peake will enjoy this addition to the series. Several scenes involve thrilling action or unbelievable horrors, while tidbits about the past may entice new readers to discover the earlier titles of Nathan Peake’s adventures.

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The Force of Fate
by Seth Hunter
McBooks Press, 2024, ISBN 978-1-4930-7784-7, US $25.95
Also available in other formats

Anthony Merry is something of a diplomatic Jonah and he’s not pleased to be the British envoy to Washington City. When an imaginary slight from the president occurs, Merry is determined to get his vengeance. That seems entirely likely after his wife introduces him to Aaron Burr, who has a plan to secede the western territories from the infant United States and create a new country. This sounds like a plan that his superiors back in London can get behind, and so Merry immediately outlines how backing Burr is the way to go.

Captain Nathan Peake has his own problems. His fiancée – his word, not hers since she refuses to marry – is with child and he may or may not be the father. Plus, he must appear before a court of inquiry that is determined to discover why he was aboard the French ship responsible for killing Vice Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar and whether Peake colluded with the enemy. Not to mention the fact that he does have ties to the Bonaparte family, as does his fiancée, which may or may not be known to the court. Then, there’s the fact that both his mother and his fiancée are in imminent danger of arrest on charges of espionage.

Fate intervenes when the death of William Pitt brings about a change of government and those in power believe Peake will be more useful elsewhere. As a result, he is promoted to commodore of a squadron, which reunites him with old friends. He is also charged with a diplomatic mission to Washington City where the current envoy will be led to believe one thing while President Jefferson is reassured of the opposite. Fate, of course, is always accompanied by consequences. This time around Peake reunites with his nemesis, Gilbert Imlay, and must abet an escape from the Tower of London. Everyone has their own agendas, even President Jefferson, and a French fleet lurks off the coast of the Carolinas. Its representatives collude with Americans opposed to the current negotiations between the United States and Great Britain to bring about an end to the slave trade.

The Force of Fate takes place during the middle of the first decade of the 19th century and culminates with the 1806 Battle of the Atlantic between the British and French navies. It’s a facet of the Napoleonic Wars that is rarely depicted, which makes for an interesting interlude, especially when tied in with Burr’s scheming and early attempts to suppress slavery. Those who have never read a Nathan Peake novel may find this one a bit challenging to comprehend all of the story’s nuances, but fans of the series will enjoy this ninth entry. As always, Hunter excels at his depiction of sea battles, keeping readers on the edges of their seats as Peake and his men fight not only the enemy but also Mother Nature.

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