Admiral

Ned Yorke: 3

ISBN: 0-7529-9903-6 Order from: Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com

A brisk and fairly well detailed adventure of sailing and privateering in the West Indies, suffering from lack of suspense, major struggles or worthy opponents.

Reviewed by David on October 30, 2000

Genre: Fantasy (Naval Adventure, Historical)

Synopsis: While Cromwell ruled in England, Royalists such as Ned Yorke and his friend Thomas Whetstone in the West Indies had to hide under false names. After finding a living as privateers, the two friends and their lovers are happy to hear of Oliver Cromwell's death and the restoration of the monarchy. However, with the Spanish threatening all others in the hemisphere, and unrepenant Republicans around every corner, Ned has his hands full as he tries to survive, and find some measure of security and prosperity for his allies and the precarious Jamaica colony.

Full Review: While having the conventional color of 17th-century naval adventures, lack of true personal or military conflict, and the flat nature of the opponents leaves this novel as one of the lesser examples of this entertaining genre. In fact, any reading deeper than superficial fails to create much sympathy for our heroes the Buccaneers, who are shown to behave rather like well-organized criminals.

Overall: 4.5; Plot: 4; Characters: 4.5; Style: 4.5; World-building: 5.5; Originality: 4.5;

ISBN: 0-7529-9903-6 Order from: Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com