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Buccaneers #1
Port Royal
Young Emerald Harwick works at a Jamaican Christian school and plans to secretly marry indentured servant Baret against her brutal father's wishes. But as their lives and destinies intertwine, they find themselves drawn to take a perilous journey filled with intrigue and romance.
409 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1995
13 people are currently reading
420 people want to read
About the author
Linda Lee Chaikin
47 books229 followersLinda Chaikin is a Christian fiction author with a focus on historical fiction. She sometimes publishes using the name L.L. Chaikin.
Linda was the youngest of 10 children and her father died shortly after she was born. She wrote her first full-length novel with pen and paper at the age of 14 - this novel was later rewritten as Wednesday's Child, part of the Day to Remember series.
She met her husband, Steve, in a Bible study, and they were married 6 months later. They both went to Multnomah School for the Bible, now known as Multnomah Bible College and Biblical Seminary in Portland, Oregon.
Linda was the youngest of 10 children and her father died shortly after she was born. She wrote her first full-length novel with pen and paper at the age of 14 - this novel was later rewritten as Wednesday's Child, part of the Day to Remember series.
She met her husband, Steve, in a Bible study, and they were married 6 months later. They both went to Multnomah School for the Bible, now known as Multnomah Bible College and Biblical Seminary in Portland, Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
May 2, 2013
I've loved Linda Chaikin's Buccanneers series and her Trade Wind Series for years. They are among the few books I keep on my shelves. Recently I picked up Port Royal again to read through it and ENJOYED it immensely all over again. If you love pirates, privateers, colonial days, lots of great characters, romance, intrigue, and suspense, you won't want to miss these books!!
March 23, 2017
(4.5) This was an excellent book. It starts out slightly confusing, but once you can get into it, the story is wonderful. I especially liked the ending, since it wasn't anything I was expecting.
March 24, 2024
Port Royal holds a special place in my heart, as it was a cornerstone of my childhood. I have vivid memories of washing dishes while my big sister read it aloud to me after dinner.
As an adult with a fervent passion for pirate history, I recently revisited this book and was astonished to find that I had every word memorized. It seems that my young mind absorbed the story more thoroughly than any mandatory education ever could.
While I may not entirely agree with the author's perspective on pirate history, I can't deny the passion and love for the subject that permeates the pages. Even if the portrayal of pirates leans towards moralizing, I appreciate the balance it brings to a genre often devoid of positive representation of certain aspects, such as religion.
Ultimately, Linda Lee Chaikin may not have all the answers about pirate history, but her enthusiasm for the era shines through, making Port Royal an enjoyable and memorable read regardless of one's stance on the subject.
As an adult with a fervent passion for pirate history, I recently revisited this book and was astonished to find that I had every word memorized. It seems that my young mind absorbed the story more thoroughly than any mandatory education ever could.
While I may not entirely agree with the author's perspective on pirate history, I can't deny the passion and love for the subject that permeates the pages. Even if the portrayal of pirates leans towards moralizing, I appreciate the balance it brings to a genre often devoid of positive representation of certain aspects, such as religion.
Ultimately, Linda Lee Chaikin may not have all the answers about pirate history, but her enthusiasm for the era shines through, making Port Royal an enjoyable and memorable read regardless of one's stance on the subject.
October 6, 2010
This is a sometimes cheesy Christian romance that I fell in love with as a teenager. Proof that I loved pirates long before Johnny Depp made them cool. Every once in a while, when I'm in the need for something fun, easy and "happily ever after" I go back and re-read this series.
April 16, 2018
I read this in high school (15 years ago *gasp*) and loved it, so when I came across it in a thrift store, I snapped it up, eager to read it again. Well, somewhat eager. After looking at the cover, I started to second-guess my teenage self and figured my tastes must have matured since then . . . What does it say about me if I loved this book as much 15 years later? Haha. Or maybe it's more of a testament to Chaikin's timeless writing. Let's go with that.
Anyway, if you can get beyond the cover (Seriously - a parrot? Can you be anymore cliche?), this is a tome of historical and political intricacy. In fact, my main contention with the book is the oft-confusing political descriptions. Knowing little about this time period outside of the U.S. colonies left me scratching my head more than once. I was also overwhelmed by the amount of characters. Right from the beginning we're introduced to two main families and how they intersect - complete with cousins, great-aunts, conniving uncles, pampered second cousins, illegitimate outcasts, and questionable parentage. Even after finishing the book, I still can't quite wrap my head around how everyone connects.
That said, the writing (while heavy and long at times) is fun, the story is suspenseful, the characters are flawed and well-drawn, and the plot left me in awe of the author's prowess. How anyone can come up with so many twists, turns, secrets, and drama amazes me. Fortunately for me, the thrift store had book 2 as well. I can't wait to dive into it!
Anyway, if you can get beyond the cover (Seriously - a parrot? Can you be anymore cliche?), this is a tome of historical and political intricacy. In fact, my main contention with the book is the oft-confusing political descriptions. Knowing little about this time period outside of the U.S. colonies left me scratching my head more than once. I was also overwhelmed by the amount of characters. Right from the beginning we're introduced to two main families and how they intersect - complete with cousins, great-aunts, conniving uncles, pampered second cousins, illegitimate outcasts, and questionable parentage. Even after finishing the book, I still can't quite wrap my head around how everyone connects.
That said, the writing (while heavy and long at times) is fun, the story is suspenseful, the characters are flawed and well-drawn, and the plot left me in awe of the author's prowess. How anyone can come up with so many twists, turns, secrets, and drama amazes me. Fortunately for me, the thrift store had book 2 as well. I can't wait to dive into it!
March 20, 2021
Port Royal is a nostalgic book for me since I remember reading it as a kid. The story follows Emerald who, though part of an esteemed English family, has a low reputation due to her father’s debts and her mother’s relations. She ends up getting involved with a man who is respected and part of another esteemed English family connected with Emerald’s family; however, he is following the life of a pirate to find the truth about his father. I remember liking the connection to the world of pirates (and still do), but now, I also appreciate the insight into the precarious balance between pirate and buccaneer in the Caribbean at the time of the Spanish Inquisition and the reign of Charles II. I also appreciate how strong spiritual truths are communicated in the story, such as Emerald constantly reminding herself of her identity in Christ. Unfortunately, those truths are often overshadowed by the overly romantic tone - distressed and fainting damsels being rescued or toyed with by strong men in half-buttoned shirts. Additionally, the dramatic irony is taken too far at times; it can help build tension, but it takes too long to come to light at times and just feels tedious and drawn out. So, the positives make me want to read the second book in the series but with a hope that the negatives won’t continue as strongly.
June 5, 2017
I fell in love with this series as a teenager and have read it every few years since then. Pirates! Buried treasure! Swordfights! Duels! Adventure and romance on the high seas! Add to that one very dashing viscount turned pirate captain and one very sweet and innocent (if a little silly) girl and you have yourself a winner!
The cover is atrocious, the story is cheesy with a capital C and the editing is just horrible - I mean, how hard is it to keep the facts about your characters straight?! But despite all that, I will always love these books! 5 stars all the way!!!
The cover is atrocious, the story is cheesy with a capital C and the editing is just horrible - I mean, how hard is it to keep the facts about your characters straight?! But despite all that, I will always love these books! 5 stars all the way!!!
October 25, 2018
I'm a Linda Chaikin fan, and this was my favorite series by her. I like that her series just flow from one book to the other - but it sure takes a long time for the "lovers" to finally get together! LOL! This series is full of adventure, suspense, intrigue, and family angst - and of course, romance.
May 10, 2022
3.5 stars
Another series I haven't read in probably 20+ years. Still has its charms - among them beautiful, lush settings and wonderful characters - but now that I'm older I have a harder time with the writing (lots of passive voice and incorrect word forms) and the some of the story (more details in my review for the third book).
Another series I haven't read in probably 20+ years. Still has its charms - among them beautiful, lush settings and wonderful characters - but now that I'm older I have a harder time with the writing (lots of passive voice and incorrect word forms) and the some of the story (more details in my review for the third book).
Read
September 29, 2022A glimpse into the past, this book is set in the time of Buccaneers and the world of Sea ports filled to the brim with pirates and Sugar Cane fields filled with slaves. An especially good book for those who are interested in the romantic genre.
June 10, 2021
Love this series!
October 20, 2022
Cheesy and fun to read. Surprisingly enjoyed it.
September 25, 2024
It is a pretty decent read
February 9, 2021
This was not a fast read, although I tried my best (and in the process missed possibly the most crucial information of the entire book). Quite complicated, as well--but the foreign setting and unique plot made it a great read.
Setting: Port Royal, Jamaica, 1663. Other settings of the Caribbean Islands included Porto Bello and Monkey Bay, the Spanish Main, Santiago, and the island of Tortuga--all of which were labeled on a map in the beginning. More specifically, many of the early events occurred at the Foxmoore estate (not to be confused with Foxworth, which I was for a a time). I thought, from my limited knowledge, that the setting was portrayed well--immersive and historically accurate. Descriptions of clothes were prominent, bringing the different castes, lifestyles, and nationalities into the forefront. The international and even national relations were fascinating--I especially loved how the Spanish Inquisition played a part in the story. I also greatly appreciated how slavery was portrayed, and the general circumstances for the slaves.
Characters: I don't know if the large amount of characters was what made the book massively confusing, or if it was just the complicated family relations. Everybody seemed to be a cousin, even when they were different nationalities, and it took several chapters for me to get everyone straightened out--and even then I might have had moments of uncertainty.
But as for the characters themselves, I really enjoyed that part as well. Baret was a delight to read, and his perpetual smooth amusement always made me laugh. I really liked how he was very much in control, and that he rarely gave away his thoughts. His interactions with Emerald were barely ever romantic, but I loved their conversations anyway--which is surprising, because I don't always appreciate verbal sparring between the lead romantic characters.
Emerald's character would be a difficult one to write accurately in this setting, but I thought the author nailed the balance--at least, I wasn't usually bugged by her strong personality (so-called "strong" women can easily get on my nerves). I thought her personality traits and natural reactions to certain news/events were portrayed well.
None of the other characters felt out of place or unrealistic. Lavender's character was done well, as was many of the other minor characters'. Notable was Sir Karlton--He was an interesting character from the beginning, but the ending took me by surprise. I couldn't decide whether I liked him very much, but he was quite clever. I liked his solidly fatherly devotion that is realistic but often disregarded or even disparaged in romance novels.
Plot: Almost as complicated as the cast of characters, but since this is the first book in the series, it didn't conclude as clearly as the characters. In fact, it was a curious plot, in that the climax didn't seem to be the culmination of the events of the plot--although every major problem was addressed and basically resolved. I was quite satisfied with the ending, although certainly there needs to be a sequel.
The romance was practically nonexistent, although it was present below the surface. The "obvious" romantic matches were lame because no real attraction took place--which I actually liked very much, since (at least for one of the planned marriages) it was portrayed very realistically, but not disparagingly. And that part was resolved well.
Faith content: Again, an aspect which could easily be turned historically inaccurate, but I appreciated the author's balance and wording in this area. It was obvious from where Emerald's spiritual opinions came, and likewise how Baret's faith developed, even though their backgrounds were completely different. The language of the characters such as Sir Cecil felt historically appropriate, and Emerald's personal relationship with Christ was not overdone or modernized too much, though it was a central part to her character arc. Spiritual matters are actually crucial to Baret's plot conclusion, as well.
Recommended for readers who enjoy unique settings, and therefore plots--and people whose minds can handle complicated family/national connections.
Setting: Port Royal, Jamaica, 1663. Other settings of the Caribbean Islands included Porto Bello and Monkey Bay, the Spanish Main, Santiago, and the island of Tortuga--all of which were labeled on a map in the beginning. More specifically, many of the early events occurred at the Foxmoore estate (not to be confused with Foxworth, which I was for a a time). I thought, from my limited knowledge, that the setting was portrayed well--immersive and historically accurate. Descriptions of clothes were prominent, bringing the different castes, lifestyles, and nationalities into the forefront. The international and even national relations were fascinating--I especially loved how the Spanish Inquisition played a part in the story. I also greatly appreciated how slavery was portrayed, and the general circumstances for the slaves.
Characters: I don't know if the large amount of characters was what made the book massively confusing, or if it was just the complicated family relations. Everybody seemed to be a cousin, even when they were different nationalities, and it took several chapters for me to get everyone straightened out--and even then I might have had moments of uncertainty.
But as for the characters themselves, I really enjoyed that part as well. Baret was a delight to read, and his perpetual smooth amusement always made me laugh. I really liked how he was very much in control, and that he rarely gave away his thoughts. His interactions with Emerald were barely ever romantic, but I loved their conversations anyway--which is surprising, because I don't always appreciate verbal sparring between the lead romantic characters.
Emerald's character would be a difficult one to write accurately in this setting, but I thought the author nailed the balance--at least, I wasn't usually bugged by her strong personality (so-called "strong" women can easily get on my nerves). I thought her personality traits and natural reactions to certain news/events were portrayed well.
None of the other characters felt out of place or unrealistic. Lavender's character was done well, as was many of the other minor characters'. Notable was Sir Karlton--He was an interesting character from the beginning, but the ending took me by surprise. I couldn't decide whether I liked him very much, but he was quite clever. I liked his solidly fatherly devotion that is realistic but often disregarded or even disparaged in romance novels.
Plot: Almost as complicated as the cast of characters, but since this is the first book in the series, it didn't conclude as clearly as the characters. In fact, it was a curious plot, in that the climax didn't seem to be the culmination of the events of the plot--although every major problem was addressed and basically resolved. I was quite satisfied with the ending, although certainly there needs to be a sequel.
The romance was practically nonexistent, although it was present below the surface. The "obvious" romantic matches were lame because no real attraction took place--which I actually liked very much, since (at least for one of the planned marriages) it was portrayed very realistically, but not disparagingly. And that part was resolved well.
Faith content: Again, an aspect which could easily be turned historically inaccurate, but I appreciated the author's balance and wording in this area. It was obvious from where Emerald's spiritual opinions came, and likewise how Baret's faith developed, even though their backgrounds were completely different. The language of the characters such as Sir Cecil felt historically appropriate, and Emerald's personal relationship with Christ was not overdone or modernized too much, though it was a central part to her character arc. Spiritual matters are actually crucial to Baret's plot conclusion, as well.
Recommended for readers who enjoy unique settings, and therefore plots--and people whose minds can handle complicated family/national connections.
September 7, 2022
My favorite series by Linda Chaikin! Who doesn’t love a pirate story. I’d love to see this as a movie - Pirates if the Caribbean can’t be the only pirate movie ever?! I’ve seriously read this series at least 10 times.
September 11, 2023
#throwbackthursday
Book: Port Royal
Author: Linda Chaikin
You guys are probably tired of my Linda Chaikin recommendations😂 but she’s good guys and one of my favorite authors, what can I say!
This is my FAVORITE series of hers, my daughter is currently reading and loving it. It fits with Monday’s theme of a book that features pirates.
This book is exciting and engaging, features pirates, a God fearing young woman, a dashing viscount that is more handsome than the book cover suggest and a host of well rounded side characters that enhance the story.
I’ve given you the exciting details, but it also explores elements of deep faith, the Spanish Inquisition and slavery.
All in all, it is a five star read!!
Highly, highly recommended!!
https://m.facebook.com/groups/scriptl...
Book: Port Royal
Author: Linda Chaikin
You guys are probably tired of my Linda Chaikin recommendations😂 but she’s good guys and one of my favorite authors, what can I say!
This is my FAVORITE series of hers, my daughter is currently reading and loving it. It fits with Monday’s theme of a book that features pirates.
This book is exciting and engaging, features pirates, a God fearing young woman, a dashing viscount that is more handsome than the book cover suggest and a host of well rounded side characters that enhance the story.
I’ve given you the exciting details, but it also explores elements of deep faith, the Spanish Inquisition and slavery.
All in all, it is a five star read!!
Highly, highly recommended!!
https://m.facebook.com/groups/scriptl...
April 10, 2014
I read this series every 5 years and it never gets old. I love Baret and Emerald. Their adventures together are funny, surprising, frustrating, and lovely. For a Christian book it's certainly good. Baret is a heart breaking character with all the charm a lady would want. Emerald's despairing reputation hopefully overcome by the handsome Baret. Will he turn his eyes to her and push aside his betrothed for a lowly but Christian woman? I always ask myself that when I read Port Royal. And the answer is always the same but newly highlighted as I read it again and again. This book is definitely worth 5 stars.
May 21, 2017
I read this years ago and picked it up again looking for a clean romance with pirates. It's an enjoyable, escapist-type read with a decent plot and characters. I was tempted to rate it lower because there was so much "fluff" -- often there were three chapters where one would have done just as well, and lots of repetitive self-reflection from the characters. But I don't expect literary greatness from light romance, and it's an enjoyable story. I'm going to read the rest of the series.
July 22, 2022
Good but not really my style.
August 26, 2014
Well, this series was a lot of fun - I really liked the descriptions and the characters; the reader is definitely transported to another time & place. I admit I'm a sucker for a romantic storyline, but I also thoroughly enjoyed the sword fighting scenes and intrigue. Beware that the final book does leave some loose ends… that was my only complaint; otherwise, a great read.
January 23, 2008
Another great series by Linda Chaikin. The romance of the Caribbean, the drama of pirates, all in one! Not only is the book suspenseful and romantic, I learned a lot about the Spanish Inquisition and how christians were persecuted for not being Catholic.
March 3, 2015
While this book did suffer from to many characters at times, I ended up loving it. Really, toward the middle it started feeling like Christian version of an Errol Flynn movie, and I loved it. I will probably delve into the next book soon.
Want to read
April 14, 2008Oh, wow. A series about pirates! I love it already. lol I will have to read this someday.
September 28, 2010
I have to admit I was very disappointed in this book, I have no intention of reading the others in this series. This one left way to many loss ends. The "India" series was better I think.
January 15, 2012
Barret Buckington was my absolute hero and my first literary crush :) lol...
Great read!
Great read!
October 27, 2012
ummm....AMAZING!!!!
February 4, 2015
I love this series. Have read it several times. Great swashbuckling fiction!
August 30, 2015
not believable; too many holes.
April 29, 2016
Good read. it moves a little slow. but i will read this more then once.
Read
January 8, 2017not bad book. eay read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews