First things First: should you read this even though you didn't love book #5? Yes, yes, YES!!!
Trust me, this one is all you could wish for in an Alexis Carew book. It has action, it has a decent plot, it has great characters and the best romantic couple of this series (nope, STILL not Alexis/Delaine), and the writing is excellent.
Alexis Carew is both a larger than life and down to earth character at the same time. Yes, she's lucky, but she earned it, too. She's clever, decisive, tough and competent, doesn't shy away from difficult decisions, and it's so satisfying to read about how she manages to get herself out of the tightest of spots. She can also be gracious and her sense of humor shines through as well. The fact that she still suffers from PTSD and an alcoholic makes her a well-rounded, believable character despite all her heroics.
The concept of 18th century ships in space isn't new by now (it's after all the 6th book in this series), but it still works for me. I still adore it. And J. A. Sutherland even managed to further up his game, what with his description of boarding an enemy ship in outer space at zero gravity. If you've ever wondered what an Erol Flynn sword fight would look like in 0-grav... well, you'll know after reading this book. Spoiler alert: it's thrilling! Also, what does blood from wounds do under these circumstances? You'll find that out, too (might gross you out, though). So yeah, that boarding was awesome, but my favorite move will always be when the ships roll around to fire off the other broadside, tried and tested in the other books. I looove that visual.
Last but not least: the side characters! Oh, the side characters. There's one pirate in particular that stands out- that was a LOT of fun to read. Oh, and the Queen. Only a few pages but I'm already a fan.
And while Alexis' love story still disappoints (IMO the only weak point in this book- I never really felt "it" with her and Delaine) there's one between two side characters that had me SOBBING. Huge sobs, fat tears, it wasn't pretty. The fact that it was a queer couple isn't relevant, but welcome nonetheless. I dare even the most homophobic person to not secretly like those two. They're just adorable without being clichéd or sappy or saccharine in any way. I loved every bit.
Very, very happy to have read this book. Now looking forward to finding out what Avrel Dansby has been up to in earlier years...