What do you think?
Rate this book
Pirates of Ile Sainte Anne #1
The Legend of the Gypsy Hawk
Come then, and I’ll tell you the tale of the Gypsy Hawk and her wily captain – the infamous Zachary Hazard …’
To Amelia Dauphin, freedom is her most prized possession and she will stop at nothing to keep it. Daughter of a Pirate King and the youngest captain in her father’s fleet, she lives on the island of Ile Saint Anne, where pirates roam free and liberty reigns.
Zachary Hazard, captain of the Gypsy Hawk, hasn’t been seen on Ile Saint Anne for six years but his reputation precedes him. To Zach, liberty is the open water and he has little time for the land-bound pirate island.
But when he hears that Amelia’s people could be in danger, he has no choice but to return. And what begins then is a desperate fight for freedom and a legend in the making …
A swashbuckling pirate adventure. Pirates of the Caribbean for adults with a sizzling romance at the heart!
To Amelia Dauphin, freedom is her most prized possession and she will stop at nothing to keep it. Daughter of a Pirate King and the youngest captain in her father’s fleet, she lives on the island of Ile Saint Anne, where pirates roam free and liberty reigns.
Zachary Hazard, captain of the Gypsy Hawk, hasn’t been seen on Ile Saint Anne for six years but his reputation precedes him. To Zach, liberty is the open water and he has little time for the land-bound pirate island.
But when he hears that Amelia’s people could be in danger, he has no choice but to return. And what begins then is a desperate fight for freedom and a legend in the making …
A swashbuckling pirate adventure. Pirates of the Caribbean for adults with a sizzling romance at the heart!
Previously published by the author as Beyond the Far Horizon. Revised, edited and published by Choc Lit February 2015.
301 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 11, 2015
16 people are currently reading
219 people want to read
About the author
Sally Malcolm
37 books291 followersSally Malcolm was bitten by the m/m romance bug in 2016 and hasn’t looked back. It’s fair to say she’s obsessed with the genre. She has four contemporary m/m romances out, set in the fictional Long Island seaside town of New Milton.
She's also the author of eight Stargate novels and novellas, including the hit "Apocalypse" trilogy. She has penned four Stargate audio dramas for Big Finish Productions, including Stargate SG-1: "An Eye for an Eye" starring Michael Shanks, Claudia Black, and Cliff Simon.
Sally lives in South West London.
She's also the author of eight Stargate novels and novellas, including the hit "Apocalypse" trilogy. She has penned four Stargate audio dramas for Big Finish Productions, including Stargate SG-1: "An Eye for an Eye" starring Michael Shanks, Claudia Black, and Cliff Simon.
Sally lives in South West London.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 14, 2016
DNF (66%)
**I received a free copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
Well, I'll be honest. I'm almost sure that the reason I wasn't enjoying this book that much was Captain Zach Hazard.
He's a heartbreaker and definitely seemed like trouble. A total flirt. But I decided to give him a chance, he's a pirate after all, and that seemed like an "appropriate" profile of a pirate.
Sadly, I never liked the guy.
During the first part of the story he's very selfish and it's like he's always depressed about his father not caring about him as much as he'd like him to. That happens dude, grow up. And he basically had no scruples, but he'd always go ahead and think himself better than everybody else. No, sir. You're just bad news to me.
And stop blaming Amelia for your own decisions man, just because you fell in love with the woman doesn't mean she's at fault. I'm going to call it karma actually, for all the women you left heartbroken :)
Amelia is a very brave woman and I liked her, except for a little something she does pretty early in the book. But she always does her duty, and that's admirable. She'd kill and even give her own life to save her people.
And I think that "little something" she did is another reason that made me not enjoy this as much, it really made me see her in a different light, and I couldn't like her that much after it. It also made Zach change a bit, he seemed like a different person after that. But you're still no hero Zach, stop thinking so high of yourself. I don't understand why he's always called an honorable man. He's not.
The story was interesting though, but I would've preferred to see a little bit of action and adventures at the sea. Most stuff that happened was just kind of mentioned after it had happened.
The writing was rather good though, but the characters and part of the plot didn't really do it for me.
More reviews on my blog: Lipstick and Mocha
**I received a free copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
Well, I'll be honest. I'm almost sure that the reason I wasn't enjoying this book that much was Captain Zach Hazard.
He's a heartbreaker and definitely seemed like trouble. A total flirt. But I decided to give him a chance, he's a pirate after all, and that seemed like an "appropriate" profile of a pirate.
Sadly, I never liked the guy.
During the first part of the story he's very selfish and it's like he's always depressed about his father not caring about him as much as he'd like him to. That happens dude, grow up. And he basically had no scruples, but he'd always go ahead and think himself better than everybody else. No, sir. You're just bad news to me.
And stop blaming Amelia for your own decisions man, just because you fell in love with the woman doesn't mean she's at fault. I'm going to call it karma actually, for all the women you left heartbroken :)
Amelia is a very brave woman and I liked her, except for a little something she does pretty early in the book. But she always does her duty, and that's admirable. She'd kill and even give her own life to save her people.
And I think that "little something" she did is another reason that made me not enjoy this as much, it really made me see her in a different light, and I couldn't like her that much after it. It also made Zach change a bit, he seemed like a different person after that. But you're still no hero Zach, stop thinking so high of yourself. I don't understand why he's always called an honorable man. He's not.
The story was interesting though, but I would've preferred to see a little bit of action and adventures at the sea. Most stuff that happened was just kind of mentioned after it had happened.
The writing was rather good though, but the characters and part of the plot didn't really do it for me.
More reviews on my blog: Lipstick and Mocha
April 7, 2015
Ile Saint Anne is a safe haven for pirates and for those men, women and children who want to live free. The bounty is shared between all and they live in harmony with each other until their paradise is threatened by the King's Men looking to put a stop to it all. When Zach, the estranged son of one of the islands key confidantes, returns to warn them all of the danger they are in his words go unheeded and he intends to leave them to their fate before the Crown catches up with him and his men too.
When Amelia, the daughter of the Pirate King of Ile Saint Anne and Captain in her own right, hears of their impending downfall at the hands of the Crown she vows to do anything to guarantee the island's safety, even if it means sacrificing a few people for the lives of the many. Caught between duty and love there is only one way Amelia can go but will this be the right way or will it only bring the end of everything and everyone she holds dear?
Capturing all the sights and sounds of pirate life, Sally Malcolm tells a fabulous story which kept me engaged page after page. The handsome and free spirited Captain Zach Hazard is very appealing and the perfect temptation for the strong minded Amelia Dauphin. Romance sizzles in intensity between the pages of rum, women and song. The treasure here though is freedom and preserving The Articles, the written code of conduct by which free men, women and children live without serving masters but for the greater good of all. A way of life is at stake and what a tempting way of life it is in such times of poverty, risk and loss.
When Amelia, the daughter of the Pirate King of Ile Saint Anne and Captain in her own right, hears of their impending downfall at the hands of the Crown she vows to do anything to guarantee the island's safety, even if it means sacrificing a few people for the lives of the many. Caught between duty and love there is only one way Amelia can go but will this be the right way or will it only bring the end of everything and everyone she holds dear?
Capturing all the sights and sounds of pirate life, Sally Malcolm tells a fabulous story which kept me engaged page after page. The handsome and free spirited Captain Zach Hazard is very appealing and the perfect temptation for the strong minded Amelia Dauphin. Romance sizzles in intensity between the pages of rum, women and song. The treasure here though is freedom and preserving The Articles, the written code of conduct by which free men, women and children live without serving masters but for the greater good of all. A way of life is at stake and what a tempting way of life it is in such times of poverty, risk and loss.
June 13, 2015
This thrilling adventure tale, the first historical romance by Sally Malcolm, opens in 1848 and is told in flashback about the legend of an infamous ship, The Gypsy Hawk, and its equally infamous captain, Zachary Hazard.
This is a gritty, raw, and real love story but the hero and heroine, Amelia (Amy) and Zach, hold their passion close to their hearts for almost the entire novel, which Ms. Malcolm reveals in teasing bits and pieces. There’s a constant push and pull where both are fighting their feelings as both are stubborn and cling to their principles and pride. But it also sometimes makes for a frustrating and angsty read. I often wondered when they would ever admit their feelings and finally get together which had me quickly turning the pages, hanging on to every word and action.
For my full review on my historical romance and history blog: http://bit.ly/1dCWpCU
This is a gritty, raw, and real love story but the hero and heroine, Amelia (Amy) and Zach, hold their passion close to their hearts for almost the entire novel, which Ms. Malcolm reveals in teasing bits and pieces. There’s a constant push and pull where both are fighting their feelings as both are stubborn and cling to their principles and pride. But it also sometimes makes for a frustrating and angsty read. I often wondered when they would ever admit their feelings and finally get together which had me quickly turning the pages, hanging on to every word and action.
For my full review on my historical romance and history blog: http://bit.ly/1dCWpCU
February 8, 2023
Pirate Saga with a Compelling Hero and an Exotic Locale
Originally published in 2012 as BEYOND THE FAR HORIZON (the Historical Note at the end presumes that title), this is a tale of pirates trying to preserve their dying way of life.
The story begins in 1848 when a midshipman, hauls aboard a chest with a lock carved with a dolphin and a hawk and realizes it must be from the ghost ship the Gypsy Hawk, captained by Zachary Hazard who loved Amelia Dauphin in the prior century. So unfolds the story.
In 1716 off the coast of Africa, there is a pirate haven called Ile Sainte Anne, an island kingdom of pirates that has existed for some time. There the pirates see themselves as freedom-loving people and justify their robbing wealthy merchant ships with a sort of Robin Hood philosophy. Still, for all that, they are pirates.
Capt. Zach Hazard likes women, dice and rum. His father is one of the island’s leaders and protector of “the Articles”—the written pirate’s code. Years ago, Zach left the island after a fight with his father. Now he returns to warn the islanders, Amelia included, that the English, French and Dutch are coming to destroy their way of life.
Amelia is the captain of one of her father’s pirate ships (though we don’t really see her acting as such) and is smitten with the handsome Zach as he is with her. But Amelia sees him as a risky choice and to save her island, she agrees to marry a Frenchman named Luc who persuades the leaders that trade with their enemies is the way to go.
Noble Zach tries and fails to persuade the island to leave behind the past and run. He is betrayed by treacherous Luc, which Zach expected, and by naïve Amelia, which Zach did not expect. Malcolm portrayed the betrayal very well in an exciting, cliff-hanging scene at the end of “Part 1”. Years later, Amelia is to be hanged. Will Zach save her?
This is a well-written tale of adventure, betrayal, treachery and love with a little melancholy thrown in and a bit slow in the middle. Malcolm brings you into the 18th century in a fictional exotic setting with superb descriptions and well-nuanced emotional scenes. Zack is a splendid hero, hurt by his love for a woman who did not appreciate his character. And Amelia is a rather tainted heroine (the word adultery comes to mind).
If you love adventure stories set in exotic locales with a hero to die for and don’t mind a tainted heroine and the pirates’ morality, then you’ll like this one.
A few minor notes: There are no crow’s nests on ships of this period and no “ceilings” but the shipboard scenes are nevertheless very good.
Originally published in 2012 as BEYOND THE FAR HORIZON (the Historical Note at the end presumes that title), this is a tale of pirates trying to preserve their dying way of life.
The story begins in 1848 when a midshipman, hauls aboard a chest with a lock carved with a dolphin and a hawk and realizes it must be from the ghost ship the Gypsy Hawk, captained by Zachary Hazard who loved Amelia Dauphin in the prior century. So unfolds the story.
In 1716 off the coast of Africa, there is a pirate haven called Ile Sainte Anne, an island kingdom of pirates that has existed for some time. There the pirates see themselves as freedom-loving people and justify their robbing wealthy merchant ships with a sort of Robin Hood philosophy. Still, for all that, they are pirates.
Capt. Zach Hazard likes women, dice and rum. His father is one of the island’s leaders and protector of “the Articles”—the written pirate’s code. Years ago, Zach left the island after a fight with his father. Now he returns to warn the islanders, Amelia included, that the English, French and Dutch are coming to destroy their way of life.
Amelia is the captain of one of her father’s pirate ships (though we don’t really see her acting as such) and is smitten with the handsome Zach as he is with her. But Amelia sees him as a risky choice and to save her island, she agrees to marry a Frenchman named Luc who persuades the leaders that trade with their enemies is the way to go.
Noble Zach tries and fails to persuade the island to leave behind the past and run. He is betrayed by treacherous Luc, which Zach expected, and by naïve Amelia, which Zach did not expect. Malcolm portrayed the betrayal very well in an exciting, cliff-hanging scene at the end of “Part 1”. Years later, Amelia is to be hanged. Will Zach save her?
This is a well-written tale of adventure, betrayal, treachery and love with a little melancholy thrown in and a bit slow in the middle. Malcolm brings you into the 18th century in a fictional exotic setting with superb descriptions and well-nuanced emotional scenes. Zack is a splendid hero, hurt by his love for a woman who did not appreciate his character. And Amelia is a rather tainted heroine (the word adultery comes to mind).
If you love adventure stories set in exotic locales with a hero to die for and don’t mind a tainted heroine and the pirates’ morality, then you’ll like this one.
A few minor notes: There are no crow’s nests on ships of this period and no “ceilings” but the shipboard scenes are nevertheless very good.
October 5, 2016
I have to confess to having a passion for historical romance particularly if a pirate like Zach Hazard is involved. I absolutely loved this book. It moved at a great pace, keeping you wondering what was going to happen next. There were a few 'suspend belief' moments but they were part and parcel of this magical trip. As this is the first of a series, I'm looking forward to what comes next.
April 18, 2015
Fabulous pirate story. The tension between hero and heroine sizzles. I was so gripped by this novel I read in one sitting and didn't want it to end. More from Captain Zachary - please! Gone to the top of my list of all time favourite reads.
June 7, 2015
The perfect summer read with great characters, just the right amount of angst, and an effortless writing style that makes it all the more fun and relaxing. I'm a fan of Malcolm's writing and Legend of the Gypsy Hawk didn't disappoint.
November 20, 2012
i thought it was an amazing read! Love a good pirate romance and this is one of them! I gave it five stars not only for the pirate romance but all the great history she added to the story!
February 4, 2014
I loved this book. Story moved along well, Characters were fun and exciting. Great love story, adventure & suspense!
September 7, 2015
A proper pirate tale with a hero even more delicious than Captain Jack Sparrow - great read!
January 20, 2018
Pirates! *swoon* Oh my!
Well, yes, it's romantic trash but it's decent romantic trash. Bit racier than I expected it to be (how do they write those scenes???), I prefer my romances less...specific. And the hero was -- well, he was a romance hero, wasn't he, so; not exactly reasonable but apparently irresistible.
It does suffer a little from a highly romanticised but very vague notion of social equality and a hero/heroine relationship that seems to be based largely on physical attraction, but the story is good and the prose didn't get too purple and whibbly when trying to describe burnished skin, shadowed eyes and/or the golden sunset.
Well, yes, it's romantic trash but it's decent romantic trash. Bit racier than I expected it to be (how do they write those scenes???), I prefer my romances less...specific. And the hero was -- well, he was a romance hero, wasn't he, so; not exactly reasonable but apparently irresistible.
It does suffer a little from a highly romanticised but very vague notion of social equality and a hero/heroine relationship that seems to be based largely on physical attraction, but the story is good and the prose didn't get too purple and whibbly when trying to describe burnished skin, shadowed eyes and/or the golden sunset.
October 13, 2020
Nice story plot, but I thought it took too long to move the story along and I felt it was a bit melodramatic. As an author myself, I know how hard it is to be criticized, but I must be honest.
February 19, 2016
Full review available on All About Romance - http://likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookRev...
I can’t be the only one who is tired of the romanticized pirates, the Fabios of the romance novel world. Don’t get me wrong, there are some absolutely wonderful pirate romances out there, and luckily, The Legend of the Gypsy Hawk is one of them. Instead of romanticizing the freedom of the wind and waves, along with the romance, the author gives us the fight for freedom, and shows us the all-too-common consequences of that fight.
Amelia Dauphin, Amy, has grown up on Ile Sainte Anne, an island free of any empire, where people are equal and grow up outside conventional laws. Of course, they are also mainly pirates and pirate relations. Amy is the daughter, the only child, of Captain Dauphin, the pirate king, protector of the island and the Articles of Agreement. Like her father, and many of her friends, Amy is willing to give her life to protect their freedom and the Articles, but Captain Zachary Hazard, son of the pirate king’s second in command, has a different idea of freedom and what is worth risking your life for. And the Articles are definitely not one of those things.
Although Amy is dedicated to Ile Sainte Anne, and doing her duty (which apparently includes an engagement to French privateer Luc), Zach has always looked to himself as number one. And despite his best efforts to move on, he has loved Amy for years. So when, four years later, Zach discovers the burned remains of Ile Sainte Anne, and hears of Amy’s capture, he sails to London to try to help her escape despite his constant protestations that he doesn’t care. (And I do mean constant.) Together, they have to find their way back to the sea without being caught.
On top of all that, there is some sort of mysterious cabal, along with all the regular dangers, and Amy's fiance Luc is somehow involved in all that. Which is utterly fascinating. How does a French privateer get involved in a British scheme? Is the cabal British after all? Hopefully the series will go into that more in future books, because I find myself insanely curious.
I can’t be the only one who is tired of the romanticized pirates, the Fabios of the romance novel world. Don’t get me wrong, there are some absolutely wonderful pirate romances out there, and luckily, The Legend of the Gypsy Hawk is one of them. Instead of romanticizing the freedom of the wind and waves, along with the romance, the author gives us the fight for freedom, and shows us the all-too-common consequences of that fight.
Amelia Dauphin, Amy, has grown up on Ile Sainte Anne, an island free of any empire, where people are equal and grow up outside conventional laws. Of course, they are also mainly pirates and pirate relations. Amy is the daughter, the only child, of Captain Dauphin, the pirate king, protector of the island and the Articles of Agreement. Like her father, and many of her friends, Amy is willing to give her life to protect their freedom and the Articles, but Captain Zachary Hazard, son of the pirate king’s second in command, has a different idea of freedom and what is worth risking your life for. And the Articles are definitely not one of those things.
Although Amy is dedicated to Ile Sainte Anne, and doing her duty (which apparently includes an engagement to French privateer Luc), Zach has always looked to himself as number one. And despite his best efforts to move on, he has loved Amy for years. So when, four years later, Zach discovers the burned remains of Ile Sainte Anne, and hears of Amy’s capture, he sails to London to try to help her escape despite his constant protestations that he doesn’t care. (And I do mean constant.) Together, they have to find their way back to the sea without being caught.
On top of all that, there is some sort of mysterious cabal, along with all the regular dangers, and Amy's fiance Luc is somehow involved in all that. Which is utterly fascinating. How does a French privateer get involved in a British scheme? Is the cabal British after all? Hopefully the series will go into that more in future books, because I find myself insanely curious.
February 12, 2016
Wow! Five stars.
I don't know how to even begin with this review. This is one of those books that I literally devoured and then sat back afterwards in awe thinking, "What do I do with myself now?" I was just so engrossed in their story. My heart was broken and patched together again throughout this novel, and I still can't get over how much it meant to me!
Amelia and Zach's story takes you on an exhilarating adventure that spans years, from the pirate safehold 'Ile Sainte Anne' across the treacherous seas, to the city of London, accompanied with a lot of pain, heartache, and a lot of love.
I'm basically in love with Zach, and no I shall not apologise for that. Sally Malcolm doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of history, and in turn doesn't make Zach an unrecognisable pirate. No he was in turns stubborn, gruff and dangerous, whilst also possessing that charming swagger that had women fall for his bad-boy ways. And then you get Captain Amelia Dauphin, who is not as easily impressed. Their back and forth banter throughout the novel had me in stitches one minute and then wanting to bang their stubborn heads together in the next. Their chemistry was electric and I loved seeing how the change in setting affected their relationship and how comfortable they were with each other.
I don't want to say anything more about the story, because it ripped me apart, had me frantically turning the page and desperate to know what was going to happen next, to see who would survive and whether forgiveness is ever really possible after betrayal....and really I want to put you through this too! (evil laugh)
This is a must-read for historical romance fans, and will put your emotions through the ringer. Enjoy!
5 Stars!
I don't know how to even begin with this review. This is one of those books that I literally devoured and then sat back afterwards in awe thinking, "What do I do with myself now?" I was just so engrossed in their story. My heart was broken and patched together again throughout this novel, and I still can't get over how much it meant to me!
Amelia and Zach's story takes you on an exhilarating adventure that spans years, from the pirate safehold 'Ile Sainte Anne' across the treacherous seas, to the city of London, accompanied with a lot of pain, heartache, and a lot of love.
I'm basically in love with Zach, and no I shall not apologise for that. Sally Malcolm doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of history, and in turn doesn't make Zach an unrecognisable pirate. No he was in turns stubborn, gruff and dangerous, whilst also possessing that charming swagger that had women fall for his bad-boy ways. And then you get Captain Amelia Dauphin, who is not as easily impressed. Their back and forth banter throughout the novel had me in stitches one minute and then wanting to bang their stubborn heads together in the next. Their chemistry was electric and I loved seeing how the change in setting affected their relationship and how comfortable they were with each other.
I don't want to say anything more about the story, because it ripped me apart, had me frantically turning the page and desperate to know what was going to happen next, to see who would survive and whether forgiveness is ever really possible after betrayal....and really I want to put you through this too! (evil laugh)
This is a must-read for historical romance fans, and will put your emotions through the ringer. Enjoy!
5 Stars!
June 17, 2016
In 1716, Zach Hazard, captain of a pirate ship, returns to the idyllic West African island of Ile Sainte Anne. A safe haven for pirates, the island is operated by a pirate king, Captain Dauphin, under a strict code of conduct, the Articles of Agreement, which works somewhat similarly to Robin Hood’s philosophy. Zach meets up with Dauphin’s daughter, Amelia, now a pretty 21-year-old, and a pirate ship’s captain herself. Having heard murmurs in mainland taverns and brothels, Zach wants to warn the islanders of an impending invasion by an armada from some European nations. Amelia and others ridicule Zach’s talk of a truce between the Dutch, French and British, and wonder if their opulent monarchs are more afraid of Ile Sainte Anne than of each other. Yet Zach implores them to flee rather than stay and face death. However, the arrival of a French privateer, the amorous and devious Captain Luc Géroux, provides them with a third option.
First of a series, this novel explores the theme of whether pilfering from the rich to share with the deprived is justifiable. Also, to what lengths will these pirates go to preserve their way of life? The plot continues to hold readers’ attention with the thread of a romance between Amelia and Zach and the presence of an adversary. The descriptions of life on a tropical island, on sailing ships, and in London are eloquently narrated, and the period scenes are effectively drawn. The steamy sexual encounters and frequent banter between the characters about whether or not to stay on the island seem overdone, but swashbuckling tales set during the Golden Age of Piracy are generally good for leisurely reading, and this novel is no exception. It promises an entertaining series.
This review first appears in the HNR Issue 76 (May 2016)
First of a series, this novel explores the theme of whether pilfering from the rich to share with the deprived is justifiable. Also, to what lengths will these pirates go to preserve their way of life? The plot continues to hold readers’ attention with the thread of a romance between Amelia and Zach and the presence of an adversary. The descriptions of life on a tropical island, on sailing ships, and in London are eloquently narrated, and the period scenes are effectively drawn. The steamy sexual encounters and frequent banter between the characters about whether or not to stay on the island seem overdone, but swashbuckling tales set during the Golden Age of Piracy are generally good for leisurely reading, and this novel is no exception. It promises an entertaining series.
This review first appears in the HNR Issue 76 (May 2016)
April 22, 2012
This is a really good story, with good characters, and a lot of promise but I do have a reason for the three stars.
Malcolm is a good writer with a lot of great potential. She clearly mapped out her characters and did her research when it came to the time period. The scenes in London were especially well-written, lots of attention to detail which is great.
The thing that got to me was the repetition on the part of Amelia and Zach. They had been dancing around their relationship for so long, that when they finally jumped into it, I wasn't into anymore. Her constant urging for him to return to Ile Sainte Anne and defend the articles became repetitious and annoying. Clearly, if he wasn't going to agree to it before he was hanged, then he certainly wasn't going to after that episode. I did like the character of Amelia, but if she wanted to win him over, I wanted her to have more reasons for him to stay and fight for her and her beliefs. I didn't think she was giving him enough to go on.
The action in the story was great. Adventures on the high seas always draw me in! The ending... not so much. I thought it was predictable and almost cliche.
I would recommend this book to someone looking for a light, easy, beachy-kind of read. I've read a lot of serious books so far this year, and I needed some pirates and romance in my life! Definitely a good first book, and I would read more of her material.
Malcolm is a good writer with a lot of great potential. She clearly mapped out her characters and did her research when it came to the time period. The scenes in London were especially well-written, lots of attention to detail which is great.
The thing that got to me was the repetition on the part of Amelia and Zach. They had been dancing around their relationship for so long, that when they finally jumped into it, I wasn't into anymore. Her constant urging for him to return to Ile Sainte Anne and defend the articles became repetitious and annoying. Clearly, if he wasn't going to agree to it before he was hanged, then he certainly wasn't going to after that episode. I did like the character of Amelia, but if she wanted to win him over, I wanted her to have more reasons for him to stay and fight for her and her beliefs. I didn't think she was giving him enough to go on.
The action in the story was great. Adventures on the high seas always draw me in! The ending... not so much. I thought it was predictable and almost cliche.
I would recommend this book to someone looking for a light, easy, beachy-kind of read. I've read a lot of serious books so far this year, and I needed some pirates and romance in my life! Definitely a good first book, and I would read more of her material.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2016
The Legend of the Gypsy Hawk (Choc Lit) by Sally Malcolm is the kind of story that first caused me to fall in love with romance books many years ago. It has a Daphne Du Maurier feel to it. No, not Rebecca but more Frenchmen’s Creek or Jamaica Inn; a bit of dark with the sweet. So while I do not read as much historical romance now this is one story I could totally get lost in.
There is a to-die-for swashbuckling hero, a spunky passionate heroine, attraction that builds slowly into love, betrayal, danger with thrills and spills adventure. The entire story is written in flowing graceful style providing insight and realism to the events and characters. I especially like the beginning starting with the chest, then going over a hundred years back in time to tell the story of what really happened before it became the legend.
The Legend of the Gypsy Hawk took me back to my roots with all the things I love about a wonderful romantic adventure. I loved it. It not a novel to read about but one to steal away to read for yourself. I’m looking for more by Sally Malcolm.
The publisher through Net Galley provided a copy.
There is a to-die-for swashbuckling hero, a spunky passionate heroine, attraction that builds slowly into love, betrayal, danger with thrills and spills adventure. The entire story is written in flowing graceful style providing insight and realism to the events and characters. I especially like the beginning starting with the chest, then going over a hundred years back in time to tell the story of what really happened before it became the legend.
The Legend of the Gypsy Hawk took me back to my roots with all the things I love about a wonderful romantic adventure. I loved it. It not a novel to read about but one to steal away to read for yourself. I’m looking for more by Sally Malcolm.
The publisher through Net Galley provided a copy.
dnf
February 19, 2018I got as far as Chapter 12. I think this story could have been good if the plot line had been tightened but nothing happened. The chapters alternate between the H's thoughts and the h's thoughts. What was frustrating to me was the H always saying he was leaving the next day, back to the sea, and then he doesn't. Turn the page and it's three months later. The only action was when the h makes her way out to save some sailors on a wrecked ship; she saves them but gets thrown into a heaving ocean in the middle of a horrific storm with lightening and thunder. She's drowning but wait!...a flash of lighting shows her a ship that the H owns. After being away four months, pirating, he sails close to the h's island and by chance with a flash of lightening sees the h struggling in the heaving ocean. Naturally, he dives in and saves her. C'mon. Give me a break. This is a contrived scene one could expect from early 19th century plotting.
May 23, 2015
If you enjoy romance and pirates, and who doesn't, this is a wonderful novel. It is the first novel I have read by Sally Malcolm but it will definitely will not be the last! Her swashbuckling characters were a joy to read.
The strong willed, as well as minded, Amelia Dauphin is caught between love and duty to protect the inhabitants of Ile St. Anne. A safe haven for pirates and those who wish to live free, her father has kept them safe but times are changing.
Captain Zach Hazard, proper pirate name, returns to the island to give warning to all that the Kings Men have other plans. His father, along with Amelia's, do not believe there is any cause for alarm. With his heeds of warning unwelcome, he tries to convince Amelia to leave. Struggling with his own demons, it is the choice between love or freedom of the open seas.
As the two go their separate ways, they will find each other again and sail with the Gypsy Hawk
The strong willed, as well as minded, Amelia Dauphin is caught between love and duty to protect the inhabitants of Ile St. Anne. A safe haven for pirates and those who wish to live free, her father has kept them safe but times are changing.
Captain Zach Hazard, proper pirate name, returns to the island to give warning to all that the Kings Men have other plans. His father, along with Amelia's, do not believe there is any cause for alarm. With his heeds of warning unwelcome, he tries to convince Amelia to leave. Struggling with his own demons, it is the choice between love or freedom of the open seas.
As the two go their separate ways, they will find each other again and sail with the Gypsy Hawk
January 8, 2016
I took myself out of my comfort zone to read this - I don't normally read historical novels - too much Jean Plaidy in the 70's! But I'm very glad I did!
It is an absolute whirlwind through piracy in the 18th Century. There is a hot romance, a stinking London, piracy and the gutsiest heroine ever!
I thought Amelia was wonderful - way ahead of her times in women's equality, and her sense of fairness and equality for all men as well. She lives on island which is a haven for those do not fit in elsewhere - and her father declares everyone to be equal. (Although he lives in castle, so some were more equal than others, as was pointed out! T'was ever thus!)
The rescue had me so hooked, I read way into the night to finish it! I loved the way Sally used her skills in descriptions. I felt as if I was in a stinking hold, a freezing countryside, a warm island.
Absolutely loved it and I will definitely read the next one in the series when it appears. Hopefully it will tell us more about Luc!
It is an absolute whirlwind through piracy in the 18th Century. There is a hot romance, a stinking London, piracy and the gutsiest heroine ever!
I thought Amelia was wonderful - way ahead of her times in women's equality, and her sense of fairness and equality for all men as well. She lives on island which is a haven for those do not fit in elsewhere - and her father declares everyone to be equal. (Although he lives in castle, so some were more equal than others, as was pointed out! T'was ever thus!)
The rescue had me so hooked, I read way into the night to finish it! I loved the way Sally used her skills in descriptions. I felt as if I was in a stinking hold, a freezing countryside, a warm island.
Absolutely loved it and I will definitely read the next one in the series when it appears. Hopefully it will tell us more about Luc!
January 20, 2016
The Legend of the Gypsy Hawk is a hair-raising, spine-tingling, swashbuckling tale of love and treachery. Nothing is ever as it seems or as simple as some characters believe. From the utopia of Ile Sainte Anne to the fetid squalor of London, Malcolm weaves a complicated tale that whisks the reader back in time to the last vestiges of the Golden Age of Piracy. She subtly weaves history into this first adventure in the Pirates of Ile Sainte Anne series, and it is hoped that subsequent books prove equally compelling.
January 16, 2016
Disclosure: I received this title for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest book review.
This story was enjoyable. It started off somewhat slow but picked up quickly. I liked how the heroine was developed throughout the book. I wish the same had been true for the hero.
This story was enjoyable. It started off somewhat slow but picked up quickly. I liked how the heroine was developed throughout the book. I wish the same had been true for the hero.
December 25, 2012
This was good for a freebie. The romance seemed forced though and I think it would have been fine as just a pirate adventure.
April 5, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. Great storyline, much more than just a romance novel.
April 15, 2012
WOW! You get so emotionally involved with this book. Could not put it down!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews