Pious

by Mark Barber

Lieutenant Jaymes Ellias is ready to leave the Basilean Navy. A career spent in coastal defence and administrative positions has left him dejected and resentful, and he has a plan for life outside the military. But when he is suddenly sent to the ship’s company of the HW Pious, an elohi-class frigate, he is propelled into action under the command of the harsh, sardonic Captain Charn Ferrus. Ferrus and his squadron are employed in pirate hunting duties in the sun-drenched Infant Sea, combating the increasingly aggressive exploits of the self-styled orc admiral, Ghurak. Fighting alongside Jaymes are Karnon Senne, a newly appointed Basilean marine captain experienced in warfare on land, and Caithlin Viconti, a privateer captain whose expert knowledge of sailing does not match her inexperience in warfare. Jaymes and the crew of the Pious must brave deadly orc warships and their violent pirate crews across the idyllic, green seas of the Infant Sea and the sandy island chains south of the Basilean mainland to put a stop to the brutal, deadly fleet of Ghurak.

Genres: Fiction

407 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 21, 2020

About the author

Mark Barber began writing for Osprey Publishing in 2008, with a focus on British military aviation in the two world wars. After this he worked as a historical consultant for Gaijin Entertainment's record breaking 'War Thunder' game, before a series of titles in support of various war games. These include five campaign books for Warlord Games' 'Bolt Action' and novels supporting 'Infinity' and 'Kings of War'.

Reviews

[Joe Crowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a hearty meal of burgers and fries in novel form. Maybe I'm just hungry as I write this.

What I mean is that this story is intensely, viscerally satisfying. It's a navy adventure in a fantasy realm, and the good guys fight orc pirates.

The phrase "orc pirates" should get you to buy this right now.

Author Mark Barber is an active naval officer in England, and that translates into this story. Clearly he knows his stuff, and that attention to detail is apparent. He makes fictional awesomeness out of that deep knowledge. He clearly had an absolute blast writing this book, and I can't wait to see what he comes up with next.

Another book in this series is in the works, and I need it to be ready right now.

[Ben Stoddard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Barber is obviously becoming more cimfortable with the world of Pannithor. This book was an exciting tale from start to finish and i enjoyed every minute of it. It felt a lot like Pirates of the Carribean with orcs thrown in for good measure. But it was entertaining and easy to follow which ensured my rapt attentiin throughout. Wonderful read and a really good time.

[Andrea Stoddard · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was fun pirates of the Caribbean feel. I enjoyed the characters and story arc. I do feel the author was a little wordy and sometimes lose my attention. If there was a 2nd I would read mostly if there was more of the romance.

[Ben Stoddard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Barber is obviously becoming more cimfortable with the world of Pannithor. This book was an exciting tale from start to finish and i enjoyed every minute of it. It felt a lot like Pirates of the Carribean with orcs thrown in for good measure. But it was entertaining and easy to follow which ensured my rapt attentiin throughout. Wonderful read and a really good time.