Cameron Martin
Crichton's last novel, found in his files as a complete manuscript after his death in 2008, is unabashed fun.
—The New York Times
Ron Charles
This hilariously exciting book already reads like a film treatment, jumping from one cinematic, doom-filled episode to the next as it cuts its bloody way through the encyclopedia of piracy from "Ahoy" to "Yo-ho-ho"…As in any Crichton novel, all of this breakneck adventure is decorated with little bits of historical and technical instruction that float down like parrot feathers here and there…Crichton always had a perfect sense of how much (or how little) background most readers really wanted. He may stop a moment to explain the jury system required by Parliament in 1612 or the predictive nature of waves, but then he's quick to shout, "Hoist anchor! Lively with the lines!" and we're off again. If you're on the lookout for some light adventure…thar she blows!
—The Washington Post
Publishers Weekly
In Crichton’s posthumously published novel, Capt. Charles Hunter leads a lovable gang of pirates in a raid on a Spanish ship loaded with gold off the coast of Jamaica. Hunter’s determination must contend with a host of rapacious cannibals, hurricanes, sea monsters, simmering mutiny, and capture by sadistic Spaniards. Crichton draws on every pirate cliché in the book, refreshing and reanimating them with heady atmosphere, crackling dialogue, and an endearing hero—all of which are brought to life by John Bedford Lloyd, who excels at accents and colorful personalities. Lloyd’s deep and controlled voice projects energy and excitement, and steers clear of caricature. A Harper hardcover. (Dec.)
From the Publisher
Unabashed fun.” — Cameron Martin, New York Times
“Offers unexpected turns and plenty of yo ho ho’s.” — Richard Eisenberg, People (3 out of 4 stars)
“It’s not an ironic pirate novel. It’s not a pirate novel with a secret gimmick. It’s simply an entertaining tale filled with crafty privateers, despicable villains, treasure hoards, double crosses and a sea monster. Go figure.” — Michael Berry, San Francisco Chronicle
“A lusty, rollicking 17th century adventure…. History as entertainment…. Crichton has done his homework.” — Bob Minzesheimer, USA Today
“The plot sucks you in like the giant kraken monster that nearly sinks our hero’s galleon.” — Benjamin Svetsky, Entertainment Weekly
Bob Minzesheimer
A lusty, rollicking 17th century adventure…. History as entertainment…. Crichton has done his homework.
Benjamin Svetsky
The plot sucks you in like the giant kraken monster that nearly sinks our hero’s galleon.
Richard Eisenberg
Offers unexpected turns and plenty of yo ho ho’s.
Michael Berry
It’s not an ironic pirate novel. It’s not a pirate novel with a secret gimmick. It’s simply an entertaining tale filled with crafty privateers, despicable villains, treasure hoards, double crosses and a sea monster. Go figure.
