What do you think?
Rate this book
The Alexander Family Chronicles #2
Pirates Revenge
The tropical paradise known as the Caribbean was anything but peaceful when settled by the nations of Europe. Perhaps the most destructive and brutal terror was inflicted not by navies or armies, but by the ships plying the waters manned by pirates. Rafe Alexander fled England at an early age to join the pirate crew of the Cutlass, and soon learned of the brutal harm his mother endured at the hands of Ramirez, his own father he had never known. Joining the fleet of the Black Widow, queen of the largest pirate fleet to ever sail, he vowed to exact his revenge. But the Black Widow was also driven by the need for vengeance against Ramirez, and she and Rafe plotted their revenge even as their fiery passion consumed them. Together, they would become the most feared and powerful force the Caribbean would ever see. Is revenge truly enough to sustain an empty heart? Can love replace it and soothe the burning of the soul? As events would move Rafe towards the explosive confrontation, he would find out...and his world would be turned upside down.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
488 pages, Paperback
First published April 10, 2012
119 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 10, 2012
Behind every action adventure, there is always personal stories of individuals--people who became what they were in life, many times by happenstance--but sometimes from the "dastardly deeds" of others! Even in the Society of Scoundrels, there were many who became pirates because they liked to fight--they were quick to take a drink, quick to take offense, and quick to start fighting. And if those fun things could lead to money, all the better! Many of these individuals took to the seas sailing to various ports or conquering other ships on the seas, taking whatever was being shipped to another place for their own, most times killing all on board and sinking the ships they had attacked, if they had not already gone under due to the damage from their cannons...
But there were also many who had turned to piracy because of the deceit and theft of others, those who were already wealthy and continued in their thirst for power, regardless of how they got it...
That's why I would have joined the Society of Scoundrels! LOL
Readers will meet Maggie, a young servant girl who was beaten and raped by a visiting friend of her boss. He, of course, wouldn't accept the truth when he was told of the attack. And when she became pregnant, he dismissed her in order not to be tainted by the gossip. Maggie had a son who she called Rafe. She had met and fallen in love with a captain who worked for the government, sailing a ship. They were to be married but Maggie was killed on the streets by thugs shortly before and Rafe had too late come to her rescue, but had killed her attackers...The police considered him guilty as well! He ran to the ship owned by Maggie's lover and was immediately taken on as a cabin boy, learning as much as he could about sailing... But when he learned what had happened to his mother and learned who his real father was, his only thought was--revenge!
And when the man who had taken him in and raised him discovered that the government had reneged on his financial payments and property grants, he was penniless and had no choice but to take to the seas as a pirate... But there were limits to what he would do and he taught Rafe that there was no reason for killing when unnecessary--but then he was killed! By then they had become part of the Society of Scoundrels--and was loyal to the Black Widow!
Ah, the Black Widow was a beautiful woman! At one point she had faced a traumatic experience. From that day, she had known nothing but blackness in her life--she had become ruthless and showed no mercy as she captained the ship now renamed after her. She was just a bit mad and while she continuously planned her own revenge, she was quite willing to take everything in her path. Soon she had built a hidden stronghold that soon became a town...Soon individual captains came into her town seeking the protection and friendship offered. Slaves that had escaped were pleased to be accepted as equals and served on the small fleet that she was slowly building. Her tactics soon became known and feared--just the sight of the various flags that were flown on each ship ensured surrenders. Those who did not found themselves surrounded by two or three ships and soon were captured and later sunk...
Rafe was attracted to the Widow and soon they became friends, then lovers...It didn't mellow the Widow's need for revenge though--because Rafe's own needs were merged--they found that the tyrants in their pasts were the same men!
Battles at sea were the norm at that time. Pirates were fast gaining control and were the terrorists that attacked, no matter what country... Soon individual countries had lost so many ships that they were unable to respond to the needs of their respective lands... Wealthy land owners/shippers were losing everything they had to the pirates as well...
Pirates of the Caribbean Indeed! You may have seen the movies, but Doug Boren takes us deep into the lives of many of the captains--leaders of the ships that had turned to piracy. The story cannot be changed to ever forget what damage was done by those scoundrels. But we see a side of those individuals that you've perhaps never thought of. Based upon some historical facts about those men and women who were actively working to plunder ships and towns, Boren, nevertheless, looks at those ancestors of many of us, who may have had no choice, but to turn their backs on former lives...
Those who love action and adventure will get their fill! Sword fights, knives, pistols, cannons and other "stolen" weapons available at that time, walking the plank, burning and killing...with the reward of riches and supplies to live on...It happened historically! But I loved the underlying stories of the characters, including those in minor roles, such as the Indian who asked to join the ship and became Rafe's friend, after the love of his life had been raped and committed suicide... Invaders to the Americas were just like now--good and evil. Boren has created a fascinating tale of the individuals who were, perhaps, on both sides of any given battle. And he has done it without any loss of the thrills, danger and suspense that we all love.
An intriguing glimpse at our history from a totally different perspective, in my opinion. Thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended!
GABixlerReviews
But there were also many who had turned to piracy because of the deceit and theft of others, those who were already wealthy and continued in their thirst for power, regardless of how they got it...
That's why I would have joined the Society of Scoundrels! LOL
Readers will meet Maggie, a young servant girl who was beaten and raped by a visiting friend of her boss. He, of course, wouldn't accept the truth when he was told of the attack. And when she became pregnant, he dismissed her in order not to be tainted by the gossip. Maggie had a son who she called Rafe. She had met and fallen in love with a captain who worked for the government, sailing a ship. They were to be married but Maggie was killed on the streets by thugs shortly before and Rafe had too late come to her rescue, but had killed her attackers...The police considered him guilty as well! He ran to the ship owned by Maggie's lover and was immediately taken on as a cabin boy, learning as much as he could about sailing... But when he learned what had happened to his mother and learned who his real father was, his only thought was--revenge!
And when the man who had taken him in and raised him discovered that the government had reneged on his financial payments and property grants, he was penniless and had no choice but to take to the seas as a pirate... But there were limits to what he would do and he taught Rafe that there was no reason for killing when unnecessary--but then he was killed! By then they had become part of the Society of Scoundrels--and was loyal to the Black Widow!
Ah, the Black Widow was a beautiful woman! At one point she had faced a traumatic experience. From that day, she had known nothing but blackness in her life--she had become ruthless and showed no mercy as she captained the ship now renamed after her. She was just a bit mad and while she continuously planned her own revenge, she was quite willing to take everything in her path. Soon she had built a hidden stronghold that soon became a town...Soon individual captains came into her town seeking the protection and friendship offered. Slaves that had escaped were pleased to be accepted as equals and served on the small fleet that she was slowly building. Her tactics soon became known and feared--just the sight of the various flags that were flown on each ship ensured surrenders. Those who did not found themselves surrounded by two or three ships and soon were captured and later sunk...
Rafe was attracted to the Widow and soon they became friends, then lovers...It didn't mellow the Widow's need for revenge though--because Rafe's own needs were merged--they found that the tyrants in their pasts were the same men!
Battles at sea were the norm at that time. Pirates were fast gaining control and were the terrorists that attacked, no matter what country... Soon individual countries had lost so many ships that they were unable to respond to the needs of their respective lands... Wealthy land owners/shippers were losing everything they had to the pirates as well...
Pirates of the Caribbean Indeed! You may have seen the movies, but Doug Boren takes us deep into the lives of many of the captains--leaders of the ships that had turned to piracy. The story cannot be changed to ever forget what damage was done by those scoundrels. But we see a side of those individuals that you've perhaps never thought of. Based upon some historical facts about those men and women who were actively working to plunder ships and towns, Boren, nevertheless, looks at those ancestors of many of us, who may have had no choice, but to turn their backs on former lives...
Those who love action and adventure will get their fill! Sword fights, knives, pistols, cannons and other "stolen" weapons available at that time, walking the plank, burning and killing...with the reward of riches and supplies to live on...It happened historically! But I loved the underlying stories of the characters, including those in minor roles, such as the Indian who asked to join the ship and became Rafe's friend, after the love of his life had been raped and committed suicide... Invaders to the Americas were just like now--good and evil. Boren has created a fascinating tale of the individuals who were, perhaps, on both sides of any given battle. And he has done it without any loss of the thrills, danger and suspense that we all love.
An intriguing glimpse at our history from a totally different perspective, in my opinion. Thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended!
GABixlerReviews
February 10, 2015
Reviewed by Alice D. for Readers Favorite
It's the present day and Josh Alexander is going through his grandparents' musty attic looking for information on his ancestor, Rafe Alexander, the pirate. Rafe supposedly sailed with the famous female pirate, the Black Widow. Then Josh comes upon an old trunk and in it he finds an old manuscript called "Pirates Revenge". What is there about Rafe and pirates wanting revenge? Back in 1700, Rafe's eighteen year old mother, Maggie Alexander, worked as head of the household for Lord Myron Victor of Cheswick. She is raped and beaten by Lord Myron's guest, Carlos Ramirez, who takes slaves to the Caribbean Islands from their home in Africa and brings back rum, molasses, cotton and sugar to sell in Spain. Lord Myron is Ramirez's financial backer. When Maggie finds she is pregnant with Ramirez's child, Lord Myron fires her and she is forced to work as a wharfside tavern's barmaid while she raises her child whom she loves dearly and names Rafe. When Maggie is murdered, Rafe runs away to sea with Sam Newell who loved Maggie. Rafe wants revenge against Ramirez who is now one of the wealthiest men in the Caribbean. But Rafe is not the only one who would like to see Ramirez suffer and die for the awful things he has done.
"Pirates Revenge" is an entertaining story that is well-written and well-edited. The characters of Rafe, his mother Maggie, Sam Newell, and Chantica Vinson, commonly known as the Black Widow, are all totally believable and will draw readers into this swashbuckling story full of fighting, blood, gore, sinking ships and cannon fire. The plot moves believably to the end and contains action and dialogue that are first-rate. But as Author Douglas Boren writes towards the end on page 485, "The pirates of the age were in fact the true terrorists of their time. They were not the lovable ruffians that today's culture makes them out to be...a pirate was a common enemy to all nations. He stole from all." Nonetheless, this is a book that readers should not miss.
It's the present day and Josh Alexander is going through his grandparents' musty attic looking for information on his ancestor, Rafe Alexander, the pirate. Rafe supposedly sailed with the famous female pirate, the Black Widow. Then Josh comes upon an old trunk and in it he finds an old manuscript called "Pirates Revenge". What is there about Rafe and pirates wanting revenge? Back in 1700, Rafe's eighteen year old mother, Maggie Alexander, worked as head of the household for Lord Myron Victor of Cheswick. She is raped and beaten by Lord Myron's guest, Carlos Ramirez, who takes slaves to the Caribbean Islands from their home in Africa and brings back rum, molasses, cotton and sugar to sell in Spain. Lord Myron is Ramirez's financial backer. When Maggie finds she is pregnant with Ramirez's child, Lord Myron fires her and she is forced to work as a wharfside tavern's barmaid while she raises her child whom she loves dearly and names Rafe. When Maggie is murdered, Rafe runs away to sea with Sam Newell who loved Maggie. Rafe wants revenge against Ramirez who is now one of the wealthiest men in the Caribbean. But Rafe is not the only one who would like to see Ramirez suffer and die for the awful things he has done.
"Pirates Revenge" is an entertaining story that is well-written and well-edited. The characters of Rafe, his mother Maggie, Sam Newell, and Chantica Vinson, commonly known as the Black Widow, are all totally believable and will draw readers into this swashbuckling story full of fighting, blood, gore, sinking ships and cannon fire. The plot moves believably to the end and contains action and dialogue that are first-rate. But as Author Douglas Boren writes towards the end on page 485, "The pirates of the age were in fact the true terrorists of their time. They were not the lovable ruffians that today's culture makes them out to be...a pirate was a common enemy to all nations. He stole from all." Nonetheless, this is a book that readers should not miss.
July 17, 2013
A young man—Josh Alexander—endeavors to discover more about his lineage and encounters a story the likes of which he could have never imagined.
WOW! What a rush! I can't even begin to express how much I loved this story. I was totally and completely enthralled. It was THE BEST Pirate story I have EVER read!
It inspired me. It engulfed me in emotions. I cried, I laughed. It overpowered me at times. I mean by the end of the story I was exhausted, in a GOOD way.
Ramirez, was a criminal beyond reproach. The kind that makes your teeth grit with contempt.
Rafe his bastard son, was a good man turned bad.
Maggie, a girl taken from what could have been a good life and abused in terrible ways, yet did the best with what she had.
Sam, a man with a heart of gold but a life that didn't match his heart.
Then there was Angus, Baka'mu, Tiwanne... And the list goes on!
And the Black Widow, of boy! No words, I tell you—I have no words to describe the impact she had on me!
People with lives interrupted, abused and looking for vengeance in the most powerful of ways. Plundering and proving themselves viable or some sort of worthiness, no matter what the cost.
This was the '6 Degrees of Separation' in a world engulfed by Pirates, reprisal and despair.
I think what really grasped me in this story is that I am of Puerto Rican descent, and what these pirates lived through, the places they encountered, the people they saw where my ancestry. So I felt a certain connection to this story in a very powerful way. It was like seeing, through the eyes of the author, the lives of the people from which I derived.
It was AMAZING! Seriously, I devoured an almost 500 page book in a span of 3 days. THAT'S how much I loved it!
WOW! What a rush! I can't even begin to express how much I loved this story. I was totally and completely enthralled. It was THE BEST Pirate story I have EVER read!
It inspired me. It engulfed me in emotions. I cried, I laughed. It overpowered me at times. I mean by the end of the story I was exhausted, in a GOOD way.
Ramirez, was a criminal beyond reproach. The kind that makes your teeth grit with contempt.
Rafe his bastard son, was a good man turned bad.
Maggie, a girl taken from what could have been a good life and abused in terrible ways, yet did the best with what she had.
Sam, a man with a heart of gold but a life that didn't match his heart.
Then there was Angus, Baka'mu, Tiwanne... And the list goes on!
And the Black Widow, of boy! No words, I tell you—I have no words to describe the impact she had on me!
People with lives interrupted, abused and looking for vengeance in the most powerful of ways. Plundering and proving themselves viable or some sort of worthiness, no matter what the cost.
This was the '6 Degrees of Separation' in a world engulfed by Pirates, reprisal and despair.
I think what really grasped me in this story is that I am of Puerto Rican descent, and what these pirates lived through, the places they encountered, the people they saw where my ancestry. So I felt a certain connection to this story in a very powerful way. It was like seeing, through the eyes of the author, the lives of the people from which I derived.
It was AMAZING! Seriously, I devoured an almost 500 page book in a span of 3 days. THAT'S how much I loved it!
June 22, 2012
Move over Captain Jack Sparrow there’s a new Captain in town and the names Rafe. Douglas Boren has outdone himself with his tail amongst the high seas. This book is full of action and adventure along with a gritty reminder that we are reading about pirates and they aren’t always the most civil of people. Along with looting there’s brutality mixed in with a bit of romance.
Rafe’s mother is dealt a bad hand when she set to work for the privileged. For her reward she’s raped and in comes Rafe. His passion for revenge coupled with that of the Black Widow makes for enthralling tale of vengeance. However after years of seeking revenge one can see how it grows tiresome and some have a change of heart.
The author has done a great job of capturing some of the true history of pirates. His writing clearly displays the research he underwent. Never have I been this excited over history. I found myself holding my breath as my eyes explored the battle scenes. Pirates Revenge is an excellent action packed read in which I highly recommend to all readers young and old.
4.5 Golden Stars
This book was provided for reviewing purposes.
Golden Pen
http://thegoldenpenreview.blogspot.com/
Rafe’s mother is dealt a bad hand when she set to work for the privileged. For her reward she’s raped and in comes Rafe. His passion for revenge coupled with that of the Black Widow makes for enthralling tale of vengeance. However after years of seeking revenge one can see how it grows tiresome and some have a change of heart.
The author has done a great job of capturing some of the true history of pirates. His writing clearly displays the research he underwent. Never have I been this excited over history. I found myself holding my breath as my eyes explored the battle scenes. Pirates Revenge is an excellent action packed read in which I highly recommend to all readers young and old.
4.5 Golden Stars
This book was provided for reviewing purposes.
Golden Pen
http://thegoldenpenreview.blogspot.com/
March 12, 2013
Very enjoyable read, interesting take on how people became pirates.
The characters were very well written, always a good sign when you can picture them in your head.
The battle scenes were brilliant, as were the weapon descriptions.
Best thing is that its part of a series, very good news. Long live the Alexander family : )
The characters were very well written, always a good sign when you can picture them in your head.
The battle scenes were brilliant, as were the weapon descriptions.
Best thing is that its part of a series, very good news. Long live the Alexander family : )
September 25, 2013
It's the present day and Josh Alexander is going through his grandparents' musty attic looking for information on his ancestor, Rafe Alexander, the pirate. Rafe supposedly sailed with the famous female pirate, the Black Widow. Then Josh comes upon an old trunk and in it he finds an old manuscript called "Pirates Revenge". This is an enticing tale of agony, woe, defeat & the subsequent survival. Maggie is a chamber maid when a visitor to the Lord's estate violently rapes her- changing her life forever. Pirates Revenge is the story of Rafe- born from rape, raised in the slums, he takes to the sea out of necessity at a young age. As Josh sets out to discover his heritage, he is sent back in time to try to discover what happened in the past to bring him to who and where he is today, we learn the pirates life may not always be what it seems. Through strife & adversity, battles & loss, struggles & wins- we learn to cheer for the underdog pirates who are seeking their revenge for the turmoil thrown at them by society. Boren has created characters to love, hate, despise and tolerate. You are never left wanting more in this story, with historically accurate details to a fictional story depicting the possibility of how a pirates life could have been. From the villain Ramirez- who I personally wanted to torture- to the naive business woman turned Black Widow to the underdog fighting to survive and all their respective counter characters, we are led on a journey overcoming the odds time and again- battles, wars, take-overs & tragic losses- the ultimate question- what will ultimately come of the pirates as well as the lang magnates? Will Rafe find & exact his revenge or will he be just another pirate lost to the sea? Boren creates wonderful details that put you right in the heart of the action- you feel the emotion, the pain, the longing, & the tragedy of the events. With wonderful characters and setting that is ever-changing, this is a wonderful stand alone in the Alexander Family Chronicles. I recommend this to mature readers due to the graphic details, mature content and subject matter.
August 29, 2012
Pirates are such brutal and inconsiderate people and this is true in Pirates Revenge by Douglas Boren. Rafe Alexander leaves England to become part of a pirate crew aboard the Cutlass. After joining the crew, Rafe learns his mother was treated horribly and this does not sit well with him. Rafe’s mind is reeling and thought and visuals of revenge is all he can see. Rafe realizes he will help to carry out his plans so he joins forces with the Black Widow. After joining the Black Widow’s fleet, Rafe comes to terms knowing that to get his revenge will take a lot out of him.
Black Widow has a score to settle with Ramirez the captain of Cutlass. Black Widow plays it smart by joining forces with Rafe seeming they both want vengeance against the same person. In the course of planning and all of the action Rafe and Black Widow become fond of each other. A passion starts, flames are ignited and soon everyone should beware because their deadly combination is much to fear.
I have not been a fan of pirate theme storylines but Pirates Revenge, took me by surprise. This book was an action packed thriller and full of adventure. The author does a wonderful job of capturing the era and keeping the reader interested. This was a relatable book that encourages the reader to visualize that action as it is happening. I recommend Pirates Revenge to others.
This book was provided by the author for review purposes.
Teresa Beasley
A&RBC Reviews
Black Widow has a score to settle with Ramirez the captain of Cutlass. Black Widow plays it smart by joining forces with Rafe seeming they both want vengeance against the same person. In the course of planning and all of the action Rafe and Black Widow become fond of each other. A passion starts, flames are ignited and soon everyone should beware because their deadly combination is much to fear.
I have not been a fan of pirate theme storylines but Pirates Revenge, took me by surprise. This book was an action packed thriller and full of adventure. The author does a wonderful job of capturing the era and keeping the reader interested. This was a relatable book that encourages the reader to visualize that action as it is happening. I recommend Pirates Revenge to others.
This book was provided by the author for review purposes.
Teresa Beasley
A&RBC Reviews
June 19, 2015
Pirate's Revenge was the first book in the Alexander Family Chronicles I read and was hooked from the first paragraph. Rafe Alexander and the Black Widow team up to exact, their much deserved, revenge on an unsavory character named Ramirez. The beautiful tropical waters of the Caribbean are the backdrop to this fast paced adventure. As the reader you'll experience love, loss, life, hardship, endurance and every emotion the characters endure. Pick your favorite reading spot and settle in for an action packed adventure!
Enjoy...
Enjoy...
September 23, 2012
First off I have to say that I won this book as a give away from goodreads. I really liked this book. It was a great story. I could have done with out all the graphic rape scenes that are in the book I know they were needed to make you hate one of the characters but I could have hated him just as much with out the graphic nature of the scenes. I did care for the pirates and hoped for them to succeed. I cannot wait to read the other books that will be part of the Anderson family chronicles.
March 22, 2016
I really enjoyed Pirate's Revenge. It is a well-written book and the characters are well developed. The story is fascinating and exciting. I look forward to reading more of this author's work.
May 8, 2019
An Epic Pirate Adventure with Great Personal Touches
Late in Douglas Boren exciting and insightful adventure novel, Pirate’s Revenge, the protagonist Rafe explains, “It’s not that I want to be a pirate. It’s what life made me.” Given the mistreatment of Rafe’s mother and numerous unwise decisions by the British government, Rafe has a legitimate argument. More importantly, he has all types of thorny revenge issues as the man most responsible for everything bad that has transpired in his life happens to be his father.
Pirate’s Revenge has not only an epic sweep, but also an intimacy rare in such adventure novels. Rafe’s story contrasts with that of the beautiful Chantica, who through a series of mistreatments becomes the Black Widow, the most feared pirate in the Caribbean. Their desires, their goals, and morals intertwine both passionately and divergently, giving the novel added layers of romance and tension. The ethical outlook of Rafe’s father figure and mentor Sam provides a moral compass for the protagonists, even as their behaviors blow terribly off course.
As Rafe will question, “How long has it been since we fought for gold instead of simply kill and destroy? No, I don’t think Sam would like it at all.” Up against these personal feelings and decisions are exciting strategizing and fighting. The planning, battle, and rescue of Captain Simmons and his crew at Port Royale is tour de force by Boren. Similarly, the climax – with its epic sea battle set in relief against missions of personal grudges, desires, and loves – clings to the memory.
As I read this gripping story, I was impressed by Boren’s ability to continue to engage the reader over the course of many conflicts and battles. The author’s knowledge of the history and geography of piracy is so rich and subtle that he built a drama that integrates the views of many parties (including the victims and those fighting the pirates) in compelling ways. The integration of these views comes together nicely in the meeting of Rafe and the plantation owner’s daughter Monique, who offers Rafe a path to redemption instead of revenge.
Pirate’s Revenge is a great fun, but it is also smart and thoughtful. I highly recommend this novel as it never forgets the difficult personal implications of this wild and dark period of history.
Late in Douglas Boren exciting and insightful adventure novel, Pirate’s Revenge, the protagonist Rafe explains, “It’s not that I want to be a pirate. It’s what life made me.” Given the mistreatment of Rafe’s mother and numerous unwise decisions by the British government, Rafe has a legitimate argument. More importantly, he has all types of thorny revenge issues as the man most responsible for everything bad that has transpired in his life happens to be his father.
Pirate’s Revenge has not only an epic sweep, but also an intimacy rare in such adventure novels. Rafe’s story contrasts with that of the beautiful Chantica, who through a series of mistreatments becomes the Black Widow, the most feared pirate in the Caribbean. Their desires, their goals, and morals intertwine both passionately and divergently, giving the novel added layers of romance and tension. The ethical outlook of Rafe’s father figure and mentor Sam provides a moral compass for the protagonists, even as their behaviors blow terribly off course.
As Rafe will question, “How long has it been since we fought for gold instead of simply kill and destroy? No, I don’t think Sam would like it at all.” Up against these personal feelings and decisions are exciting strategizing and fighting. The planning, battle, and rescue of Captain Simmons and his crew at Port Royale is tour de force by Boren. Similarly, the climax – with its epic sea battle set in relief against missions of personal grudges, desires, and loves – clings to the memory.
As I read this gripping story, I was impressed by Boren’s ability to continue to engage the reader over the course of many conflicts and battles. The author’s knowledge of the history and geography of piracy is so rich and subtle that he built a drama that integrates the views of many parties (including the victims and those fighting the pirates) in compelling ways. The integration of these views comes together nicely in the meeting of Rafe and the plantation owner’s daughter Monique, who offers Rafe a path to redemption instead of revenge.
Pirate’s Revenge is a great fun, but it is also smart and thoughtful. I highly recommend this novel as it never forgets the difficult personal implications of this wild and dark period of history.
January 17, 2014
I won a copy of this book from Douglas Boren from the Alexander Chronicles E-Zine that he writes.
Josh Alexander is looking for answers. He wants to know where his family came from, and what the background might be. While searching the attic, he finds a chest tucked away, and within that chest, the beginning of an adventure.
Rafe Alexander was raised in Gin Alley, the roughest slum in London. His mother, the victim of a vicious rape, was dismissed from the house where she was serving as lead servant when it became clear what her condition was. While she was angry about it, she was also matter of fact. She never hid any of the details from Rafe, who she thought had a right to know. After she is brutally murdered one night while on her way home from work, Rafe turns to the one man he looks to as father figure. After they are beggared by the government, they turn to pirating and eventually wind up joining the crew of the Black Widow.
The Black Widow has her own ax to grind with the man who fathered Rafe, and revenge is the only thing she is living for. It has consumed her from the day that her husband was murdered and she almost lost her own life. Slow hard work has built up an armada of ships she calls her own, and each of her captains are fiercely loyal to her. She only has to command for them to act. After years of bidding her time and waiting for the right moment, she decides to act against the one man that turned her into a pirate. Don Ramirez believes that he can beat the Black Widow, but underestimates her sheer determination to see him ruined, one that ruins the lives of many men in the process.
Rafe, for the sake of his mother has decided he has had enough. Monique, whom the Black Widow took as captive for ransom, has captured his heart, and it is for her alone that he decides to put his pirating days behind him. Can they escape the Black Widow and live out their lives, or will she refuse to let him leave?
I liked the book for the most part. I wasn't really sure what to expect from it. I thought that some of the rape scenes were a bit to descriptive, but that is just me. By the middle of the book, I was having a hard time putting it down, because I had to know what happened next. Mr. Boren paints the pirates in such a way that you find yourself wishing for their success, even to the detriment and deaths of others, because, had they not been wronged, they would not have turned to piracy in the first place.
Josh Alexander is looking for answers. He wants to know where his family came from, and what the background might be. While searching the attic, he finds a chest tucked away, and within that chest, the beginning of an adventure.
Rafe Alexander was raised in Gin Alley, the roughest slum in London. His mother, the victim of a vicious rape, was dismissed from the house where she was serving as lead servant when it became clear what her condition was. While she was angry about it, she was also matter of fact. She never hid any of the details from Rafe, who she thought had a right to know. After she is brutally murdered one night while on her way home from work, Rafe turns to the one man he looks to as father figure. After they are beggared by the government, they turn to pirating and eventually wind up joining the crew of the Black Widow.
The Black Widow has her own ax to grind with the man who fathered Rafe, and revenge is the only thing she is living for. It has consumed her from the day that her husband was murdered and she almost lost her own life. Slow hard work has built up an armada of ships she calls her own, and each of her captains are fiercely loyal to her. She only has to command for them to act. After years of bidding her time and waiting for the right moment, she decides to act against the one man that turned her into a pirate. Don Ramirez believes that he can beat the Black Widow, but underestimates her sheer determination to see him ruined, one that ruins the lives of many men in the process.
Rafe, for the sake of his mother has decided he has had enough. Monique, whom the Black Widow took as captive for ransom, has captured his heart, and it is for her alone that he decides to put his pirating days behind him. Can they escape the Black Widow and live out their lives, or will she refuse to let him leave?
I liked the book for the most part. I wasn't really sure what to expect from it. I thought that some of the rape scenes were a bit to descriptive, but that is just me. By the middle of the book, I was having a hard time putting it down, because I had to know what happened next. Mr. Boren paints the pirates in such a way that you find yourself wishing for their success, even to the detriment and deaths of others, because, had they not been wronged, they would not have turned to piracy in the first place.
July 23, 2015
I was excited to read this book and felt assured by the high reviews that I was in for a treat. But the lack of historical accuracy and poor dialogue, I came close to abandoning the book. I thought perhaps the story was meant for a younger crowd until the racy scenes continued escalating. DEFINITELY not meant for children no matter how terribly corny they were.
(Seriously during one rated X rendevous, the female is getting a mouthful of a sword, to be pushed back & told she was about to get a mouthful of something else. What does she say? "That would be nice....")
Also, if you read this book prepare to be told in almost every chapter how ample the Pirate Queens bosom is .... actually all the women have tig ol' bitties now that I think about it. Every other sea battle involved the terms mortal combat & "the fight of their lives".
The awful dialogue... lack of vocabulary... derived of historical correctness... I SO wanted to like this book but I just couldn't.
(Seriously during one rated X rendevous, the female is getting a mouthful of a sword, to be pushed back & told she was about to get a mouthful of something else. What does she say? "That would be nice....")
Also, if you read this book prepare to be told in almost every chapter how ample the Pirate Queens bosom is .... actually all the women have tig ol' bitties now that I think about it. Every other sea battle involved the terms mortal combat & "the fight of their lives".
The awful dialogue... lack of vocabulary... derived of historical correctness... I SO wanted to like this book but I just couldn't.
May 9, 2014
Great novel so far. Really enjoying it.
October 13, 2023
I truly think this is the best "pirate" novel I have ever read. Characterizations are amazing. The action non stop. The romance and erotica exciting.
There is so much to like about this book!
There is so much to like about this book!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews