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A Prequel to Treasure Island #1
Flint and Silver
Rip-roaring adventures for fans of ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ and Patrick O’ Brian, in these pirate prequels to ‘Treasure Island’.
When all your friends are dead, there's no choice but to join the enemy…
After pirates stormed his merchant's ship, massacring all around them, they found one opponent who wouldn't go John Silver. And so with six men dead at his hand, Silver is made an offer he can't join them or die.
On the other side of the world, the legendary Captain Flint is the meanest, most dangerous bandit on the high seas. He fears no another man – until he meets
fellow freebooter 'Gentleman' John Silver. Together, they forge a formidable partnership as villains-in-arms. But there's more to piracy than rum, sodomy and the lash… there's gold, hundreds of thousands of pieces of it, enough for everyone, in fact – until the arrival of Selina, a beautiful runaway slave, triggers a violent jealousy that turns these best of friends into sworn enemies. And as Flint schemes to secure the vast loot for himself, the legend of Treasure Island begins…
When all your friends are dead, there's no choice but to join the enemy…
After pirates stormed his merchant's ship, massacring all around them, they found one opponent who wouldn't go John Silver. And so with six men dead at his hand, Silver is made an offer he can't join them or die.
On the other side of the world, the legendary Captain Flint is the meanest, most dangerous bandit on the high seas. He fears no another man – until he meets
fellow freebooter 'Gentleman' John Silver. Together, they forge a formidable partnership as villains-in-arms. But there's more to piracy than rum, sodomy and the lash… there's gold, hundreds of thousands of pieces of it, enough for everyone, in fact – until the arrival of Selina, a beautiful runaway slave, triggers a violent jealousy that turns these best of friends into sworn enemies. And as Flint schemes to secure the vast loot for himself, the legend of Treasure Island begins…
376 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2008
62 people are currently reading
674 people want to read
About the author
John Drake
21 books162 followersJust in case anyone's interested ... my latest Fletcher (Flying Machine) is up and running and selling well. Happy days.
I have just finished the third of my Londinium books (that's Roman London AD 100) and it should be out later this year: 'Gods in Londium'. My usual mixture of bloodstained savagery, plus authentic period detail.
Moving further on ...
'The Fletcher Companion' (all you need to know about Fletcher and his world), will also be available some time this year.
Beyond that, the next Fletcher for March 2023 (if the Lord spares me) will be 'Fletcher and the Constitution'. That's the US Constitution, and it's in deadly peril.
Mind how you go.
John Drake
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
March 15, 2022
Oh dear. Oh dear. Someone thinks this book is badly written and full of racism and homophobia. As for 'badly written' that's fair enough for every reader to decide. Personally I thought it was good. But then I wrote it, so I might be biased. Moving on to racism and homophobis, I offer the following story, modified from the original version which had to do with McCarthysim and the hunt for communists in the USA (look it up on Google). My version goes like this ... a woke person shows a friend a blank sheet of paper. The woke person says "how many homophobic racists can you see on this paper?" The innocent friend says "None", so the woke person says "I can see dozens of them. It takes practise." And a merry Xmas to all my readers. John Drake
July 8, 2019
If you want a good prequel to Treasure Island (or just a good pirate story in general) just watch the TV show Black Sails.
April 24, 2022
DNF @ page 36.
I'm really bummed about this. As a huge fan of Treasure Island, I was so excited for this. I bought a copy in late 2020 (never had time to start it) then that copy got destroyed in the great Texas snow-Magadan in 2021 and I replaced it (along with several others) months later. I started this a couple months back and was disappointed at the heavy language right from the get-go. And I'm talking heavy language. Since then I've kept it on my current-reads shelf, thinking I'll eventually pick it up again but I've got too many books patiently waiting for that.
I only got to chapter four so I can't rightly review the story by plot, characters and all that. From what I did read, it flips between Flint and Silver's POV and that can be a little hard to follow. There's some intense violence, as expected for a pirate novel, but it was a bit much.
All in all, I really wanted to enjoy this. The awesome cover, the interesting bio, TREASURE ISLAND PREQUEL for crying out loud! Alas, t'was not to be. I'll most likely donate my copy to the library. If language doesn't bother you and you're into pirate stories you'll probably enjoy this.
I'm really bummed about this. As a huge fan of Treasure Island, I was so excited for this. I bought a copy in late 2020 (never had time to start it) then that copy got destroyed in the great Texas snow-Magadan in 2021 and I replaced it (along with several others) months later. I started this a couple months back and was disappointed at the heavy language right from the get-go. And I'm talking heavy language. Since then I've kept it on my current-reads shelf, thinking I'll eventually pick it up again but I've got too many books patiently waiting for that.
I only got to chapter four so I can't rightly review the story by plot, characters and all that. From what I did read, it flips between Flint and Silver's POV and that can be a little hard to follow. There's some intense violence, as expected for a pirate novel, but it was a bit much.
All in all, I really wanted to enjoy this. The awesome cover, the interesting bio, TREASURE ISLAND PREQUEL for crying out loud! Alas, t'was not to be. I'll most likely donate my copy to the library. If language doesn't bother you and you're into pirate stories you'll probably enjoy this.
July 7, 2016
My God I love this book!
Although I have to admit that the original "Treasure Island" first got my attention beause of the prequel TVshow "Black Sails", this is a completely different take on the origins of Flint, Long John, Billy Bones and all the other beloved characters.
At first I wasn't quite sure if I would enjoy a genuinely mad Captain Flint or an utterly honorable John Silver, but as it turns out I love them both and once I had made it past the first few chapters, the story got me hoocked and I finished the book quicker than most books I have read - ever.
The plot is intriguing, some characters you love; others you love to hate.
Very brutal at times and packed with action, but brilliant.
I am currently reading the 2nd installment "Pieces of Eight" and from what it looks like I shall definitely be reading "Skull and Bones" as well.
For any pirate fan out there.
You should have a clue about "Treasure Island" though, otherwise you might find it hard to get into the plot. Because (among other things) what makes this book fun is finding out how the characters came to be who they are in the original book. And you won't believe their backstory.
Great book, I highly recommend it.
Although I have to admit that the original "Treasure Island" first got my attention beause of the prequel TVshow "Black Sails", this is a completely different take on the origins of Flint, Long John, Billy Bones and all the other beloved characters.
At first I wasn't quite sure if I would enjoy a genuinely mad Captain Flint or an utterly honorable John Silver, but as it turns out I love them both and once I had made it past the first few chapters, the story got me hoocked and I finished the book quicker than most books I have read - ever.
The plot is intriguing, some characters you love; others you love to hate.
Very brutal at times and packed with action, but brilliant.
I am currently reading the 2nd installment "Pieces of Eight" and from what it looks like I shall definitely be reading "Skull and Bones" as well.
For any pirate fan out there.
You should have a clue about "Treasure Island" though, otherwise you might find it hard to get into the plot. Because (among other things) what makes this book fun is finding out how the characters came to be who they are in the original book. And you won't believe their backstory.
Great book, I highly recommend it.
October 23, 2019
I'm usually pretty skeptical when it comes to prequels, especially when it comes to classics. John Drake's Flint & Silver falls into one of the best prequels I've read. Earlier this year I reread "Treasure Island" & still enjoy it. I also love the series "Black Sails" on Starz (although I haven't finished the series yet). Drake's portrayal of Captain Joseph Flint as a master manipulator/cheat/pirate is superbly written & kept me on the edge of my seat wanting to know how far he'd go to keep that treasure. The introduction of Captain "Long" John Silver as a "gentleman of fortune" & the closest thing this book has as a hero. You do sympathise with John as he tries to lead & lookout to the men on the ship, but these fools as so easily swayed by promises of riches & pretty words. I also must give a shout out the the narrator Tim Gregory with who performed wonderfully in bringing these characters to life. I hope to continue this trilogy, but it may take me some time as the second & third books aren't on Audible.
November 18, 2019
I'm begging everyone to watch Black Sails instead of reading this. Parts of the book are enjoyable, like the initial friendship between Silver and Flint - especially the way that Silver's influence makes Flint a better person - but the misogyny and low-key homophobia in the book are unbearable. The sex scenes are horrendous at best and the whole "Flint's 'curse' is that he can't fuck a woman (but don't worry guys he's not gay, he jacks off via voyeurism instead!" thing is... gross. Like, please, I'm begging you, write a better character conflict than "jealous over the same woman (whom they both assault at one point or another)".
September 5, 2018
Treasure Island was written for children. This book is not. As a prequel to Treasure Island it portrays the gritty world of pirates as it probably existed. These men are tough, brutal, villainous greedy and bloodthirsty. Their language is peppered with cursing. They live a rough existence on the open ocean and spend their short time ashore as if there was no tomorrow, which was, more often than not, the case for these salty criminals.
Long John Silver is portrayed in a better light than most of the other pirates. He tries to gain his men's trust with respect and the implementation of ships articles, agreed to by all hands, which are a set of rules of conduct that would incur stiff punishment if broken. Flint, on the other hand, rules by fear, cunning, and persuasive argument. He is not someone likely to be crossed.
Mr. Drake does a fine job of setting the atmosphere of life aboard a pirate ship and the intrigues that take place and to explain how some events led to the making of the Long John we see in Treasure Island.
Long John Silver is portrayed in a better light than most of the other pirates. He tries to gain his men's trust with respect and the implementation of ships articles, agreed to by all hands, which are a set of rules of conduct that would incur stiff punishment if broken. Flint, on the other hand, rules by fear, cunning, and persuasive argument. He is not someone likely to be crossed.
Mr. Drake does a fine job of setting the atmosphere of life aboard a pirate ship and the intrigues that take place and to explain how some events led to the making of the Long John we see in Treasure Island.
December 19, 2018
I loved! this book. I don't know if only having very recently read Treasure Island for the first time influences that, or if it would be a fabulous read regardless, but it was just really really good.
I borrowed this from my library, and they don't (and neither does any library in my state!) have books 2 or 3 in the trilogy, AND they're not on kindle, either (arrgghh). Just purchased them from Abebooks, but they're shipping from the UK so it'll be a few weeks.
Really looking forward to the rest of the prequel trilogy!
Hm, I guess it's back to Peter Pan sequels, retellings, perhaps ...
I borrowed this from my library, and they don't (and neither does any library in my state!) have books 2 or 3 in the trilogy, AND they're not on kindle, either (arrgghh). Just purchased them from Abebooks, but they're shipping from the UK so it'll be a few weeks.
Really looking forward to the rest of the prequel trilogy!
Hm, I guess it's back to Peter Pan sequels, retellings, perhaps ...
July 17, 2009
I'm dubious about whether or not I will actually finish this. The story is not very congruent, lacks a consistently interesting narrative, and is crude and ribald....which i guess fits a description of pirates, or a piratical description. However, other than an exciting opening scene, the author seems to rely on description instead of narrative, a constant information dump. What narrative does happen seems laden with ribald and paper thin characters and language. I doubt I will finish this book.
September 19, 2011
Excellent! Simple as that. An action packed novel based on the characters created by Robert Louis Stevenson. The novel has left me begging for more of the same but I do have slight reservation. I read Treasure Island as a young teenager. The fighting and violence in this prequel is a tad more descriptive than Stevenson. Also, although it is well used in context, the novel is littered with strong language which, in my mind, detracts from the story and pushes it into a more adult classification.
November 19, 2009
Well, I got half way through the 2nd disc before another audiobook arrived off my waiting list at the library, and I gratefully returned this one. I've never read Treasure Island, so perhaps this wasn't the book for me. I was at first incredulous that a bloke who had allegedly never fought before could kill 6 pirates, and alone from his ship's crew survive. I found the author's style patronising, like the voice of a patient teacher to a particularly dull student, explaining how the actions of various characters will have downstream consequences as if we would be unable to draw the conclusion for ourselves. Much of the action seemed to be described in a passive rather than an active voice, which for me killed much of the excitement. The descriptions of the action to be overly visual to my mind, as if he was really making notes for whoever picked up the film rights.
And then he stuck a flash-forward in. One minute Flint's crew had run aground, the next they were sailing into Savannah 3 years later. At the end of the chapter we went back to the aground ship. And the point was???? Never mind that the action of the captain to send the ship aground seemed completely out of what character the gentleman in question had so far shown... well. I figure I got 15% of the way through the story, and not the slightest inclination to know what else happens.
And then he stuck a flash-forward in. One minute Flint's crew had run aground, the next they were sailing into Savannah 3 years later. At the end of the chapter we went back to the aground ship. And the point was???? Never mind that the action of the captain to send the ship aground seemed completely out of what character the gentleman in question had so far shown... well. I figure I got 15% of the way through the story, and not the slightest inclination to know what else happens.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2016
Mmmmm... nì.
Si tratta di una lettura interessante se vista come uno studio di personaggi (ma fino a un certo punto!), oppure se si considerano gli spaccati di vita piratesca che l'autore offre al suo pubblico. E' un peccato, però, che la trama sia carente e che i continui flashback-flashforward di cui Drake si serve per movimentare la narrazione siano troppo frequenti e generino confusione nel lettore.
In tutto questo, mi spiace che le mie speranze siano state disattese. La relazione amicale tra Flint e Silver, ad esempio, è stata presentata in modo molto originale (prima quando essa in crisi, poi nell'esatto momento in cui i due si conoscono), ma non è stata sviluppata. Stesso problema per gli altri personaggi secondari come Billy Bones, o Selena.
Che peccato.
Si tratta di una lettura interessante se vista come uno studio di personaggi (ma fino a un certo punto!), oppure se si considerano gli spaccati di vita piratesca che l'autore offre al suo pubblico. E' un peccato, però, che la trama sia carente e che i continui flashback-flashforward di cui Drake si serve per movimentare la narrazione siano troppo frequenti e generino confusione nel lettore.
In tutto questo, mi spiace che le mie speranze siano state disattese. La relazione amicale tra Flint e Silver, ad esempio, è stata presentata in modo molto originale (prima quando essa in crisi, poi nell'esatto momento in cui i due si conoscono), ma non è stata sviluppata. Stesso problema per gli altri personaggi secondari come Billy Bones, o Selena.
Che peccato.
August 23, 2021
Unfortunately I must disagree with many fellow reviewers bringing up Black Sails. Black Sails was amazing. This is not Black Sails, nor does it try to be. It is telling a different story of Flint and Silver. The characters are different from the show and I'm fine with that. The book was good. And in a world of pirate fiction where I want swashbuckling and treasure and only seem to find Fabios and damsels on the covers on Goodreads Pirate lists, this was a welcome change. I was ready to continue the saga of Flint and Silver but also my library only carried the first one. Looks like I'll be on my own treasure hunt to track down the other titles in this series.
June 26, 2023
Wish I knew before I bought this that there are two more books after this, would be able to continue the story right now. Really appreciate this book was writing to explain some stuff of Treasure Island, like Flint and Siver relationship along the other sailers, including Cap'n Flint, absolutely love that parrot!! Very enjoyable, before you read it tho you have to prepare yourself and understand how cruels and savages pirates can be, not all of them of course, but most of them. Will try to find some way to buy the second and third.
October 24, 2024
Great read!! Arh
July 20, 2015
Another of my audio book library roulette picks. Note: This is not a child's pirate story. This is for adults.
Stats: Audio book - Narrator: Tim Gregory, 9 or 10 discs - I don't remember, print 359 pages, published 2009
Blurb: John Silver had never killed a man. Until now, his charisma, sheer size and, when all else failed, powerful fists had been enough to dispatch his enemies. But on a smoldering deck off the coast of Madagascar, his shipmates dead or dying all around him, his cutlass has just claimed the lives of six pirates. Finding himself surrounded by their revenge-thirsty crewmates, Silver fears his promising merchant navy career is at an end. But then the pirate captain makes him an offer he can't refuse.
On the other side of the world, Joseph Flint, a naval officer wronged by his superiors, plots a bloody mutiny. Strikingly handsome, brilliant but prey to sadistic tendencies, Flint is regarded as the most dangerous bandit on the high seas.
Together these gentlemen of fortune forge a deadly and unstoppable partnership, steering a course through treachery and betrayal while amassing vast treasure. But the arrival of Selena, a beautiful runaway slave with a murderous past, and Flint's schemes to secure the pieces of gold for himself trigger a rivalry that will turn the best of friends into sworn enemies.
What I liked: I think Drake did well in capturing the feel of swash-buckling pirates and the time period and making up a good story for John Silver and Captain Flint pre-Treasure Island. He probably makes John Silver a little to good, but he does well with the nasty Mr. Flint. It really makes you want to read Treasure Island again, and I probably will. I just picked up an original book at a estate sale last weekend. He also makes Selena - the woman Silver loves - more of a character and more sexy than she was in Treasure Island, which would make sense since TL is a children's book and this is not. Tim Gregory does a fine job narrating this tale. It must have been fun doing the pirate voices, especially Flint, who he makes the typical growly pirate voice - arrrh.
What I didn't like: It was a bit slow to get into - partly the story was slow but also it took a bit to get into the pirate lingo.
Rating: 4/5
John Drake has a sequel - Pieces of Eight, which I will probably listen to as well.
Stats: Audio book - Narrator: Tim Gregory, 9 or 10 discs - I don't remember, print 359 pages, published 2009
Blurb: John Silver had never killed a man. Until now, his charisma, sheer size and, when all else failed, powerful fists had been enough to dispatch his enemies. But on a smoldering deck off the coast of Madagascar, his shipmates dead or dying all around him, his cutlass has just claimed the lives of six pirates. Finding himself surrounded by their revenge-thirsty crewmates, Silver fears his promising merchant navy career is at an end. But then the pirate captain makes him an offer he can't refuse.
On the other side of the world, Joseph Flint, a naval officer wronged by his superiors, plots a bloody mutiny. Strikingly handsome, brilliant but prey to sadistic tendencies, Flint is regarded as the most dangerous bandit on the high seas.
Together these gentlemen of fortune forge a deadly and unstoppable partnership, steering a course through treachery and betrayal while amassing vast treasure. But the arrival of Selena, a beautiful runaway slave with a murderous past, and Flint's schemes to secure the pieces of gold for himself trigger a rivalry that will turn the best of friends into sworn enemies.
What I liked: I think Drake did well in capturing the feel of swash-buckling pirates and the time period and making up a good story for John Silver and Captain Flint pre-Treasure Island. He probably makes John Silver a little to good, but he does well with the nasty Mr. Flint. It really makes you want to read Treasure Island again, and I probably will. I just picked up an original book at a estate sale last weekend. He also makes Selena - the woman Silver loves - more of a character and more sexy than she was in Treasure Island, which would make sense since TL is a children's book and this is not. Tim Gregory does a fine job narrating this tale. It must have been fun doing the pirate voices, especially Flint, who he makes the typical growly pirate voice - arrrh.
What I didn't like: It was a bit slow to get into - partly the story was slow but also it took a bit to get into the pirate lingo.
Rating: 4/5
John Drake has a sequel - Pieces of Eight, which I will probably listen to as well.
January 28, 2019
Ok, this book was getting 3 stars... The plot was average, typical pirates and treasure, but I have to give it 4 stars. It was so well written. Despite an average plot, the characters really come to life. They evoke emotion and thought. I found myself angry and frustrated at antagonists, cheering on protagonists and even laughing out loud twice in tandem with the characters coming to realisations of things that had been expertly foreshadowed by John Drake. This book was a cheap find in a supermarket, but would be well worth a book store price. Hopefully I'll get to read the sequel to it. Would recommend this book to a friend.
June 23, 2020
Treasure Island is one of my favourite books, I have vivid memories of reading it for the first time when I was very young.
When I stumbled upon this book in my pursuit of pirates, I was sceptical.
Shiver me timbers was I surprised! It’s enthralling absolutely enthralling. It literally carried me away and kept me up half the night. It’s a work of genius because it gives you a history of the protagonists and a great adventure, and never steps on the sacred toes of Stevenson’s gem.
I’m so glad I found it and I’m off to start the next one.
When I stumbled upon this book in my pursuit of pirates, I was sceptical.
Shiver me timbers was I surprised! It’s enthralling absolutely enthralling. It literally carried me away and kept me up half the night. It’s a work of genius because it gives you a history of the protagonists and a great adventure, and never steps on the sacred toes of Stevenson’s gem.
I’m so glad I found it and I’m off to start the next one.
December 16, 2019
I read this book a few years ago and loved it. Terrific writing. Terrific action. I recommend it to anyone. I am reviewing only now because I have also read a very strange, recent, goodreads review unlike any other goodreads review because it uses abusive and obscene words to describe this book. Can't understand it. I won't argue with it, but will just repeat that the book is terrific. Should be filmed. Everyone would love it.
January 11, 2020
3.9
This is the first book of a trilogy. I bought the other two after finishing this, so that should give you a clue (I haven't read the other two yet). It's a prequel to Treasure Island, and while it's maybe a a bit not as good as Porto Bello Gold, it is still a very good, solid pirate story. I have realized that most people giving it one star are comparing it to... Black Sails. Which is TV show. Which is as apples-and-oranges as a comparison can get. To each their own I guess.
This is the first book of a trilogy. I bought the other two after finishing this, so that should give you a clue (I haven't read the other two yet). It's a prequel to Treasure Island, and while it's maybe a a bit not as good as Porto Bello Gold, it is still a very good, solid pirate story. I have realized that most people giving it one star are comparing it to... Black Sails. Which is TV show. Which is as apples-and-oranges as a comparison can get. To each their own I guess.
October 23, 2019
Shive me timbers! 10 CDs of pure listening pleasure by a fine reader. Action, intrigue, betrayals, and plotting by two pirates, one a gentleman by nature and the other who only pretended to be one. At first friends and then mortal enemies. This prequel to Treasure Island left me anxious to read or listen to the second prequel.
August 7, 2021
Oh. Wow.
Normally, when I find prequels or a spin off of Treasure Island, I struggle to get through a chapter. This book not only sucked me right in but stands as a plausible beginning to the characters I know and hear about in Treasure Island. Engrossing, raw, and riveting, I look forward to rereading this before continuing with the next book in the series.
Normally, when I find prequels or a spin off of Treasure Island, I struggle to get through a chapter. This book not only sucked me right in but stands as a plausible beginning to the characters I know and hear about in Treasure Island. Engrossing, raw, and riveting, I look forward to rereading this before continuing with the next book in the series.
March 2, 2017
Captain Flint in the flesj
Having read Treasure Island, I too needed answers. How bad could a pirate be to scare Edward Teach? Drake has fleshed out Captain Flint in a way I found fascinating. Worth the read for pirate obsessed folks such as myself.
Having read Treasure Island, I too needed answers. How bad could a pirate be to scare Edward Teach? Drake has fleshed out Captain Flint in a way I found fascinating. Worth the read for pirate obsessed folks such as myself.
unfinished
August 3, 2010Actually, I found this surprisingly boring and couldn't finish it.
June 7, 2017
It was pretty disappointing :/
March 14, 2025
Most of the time, a prequel or sequel isn't as good as the original. When it takes its departure from a classic, beloved by generations of teenage boys (or adults reliving their youth), a prequel is an even higher hill to climb.
However, I enjoyed "Flint and Silver" from beginning to end! Author Drake has gone to a lot of trouble to study the original "Treasure Island" and bring back familiar characters like Long John Silver, Cap'n Flint (both the man and his parrot), Billy Bones, Ben Gunn, Blind Pew, and Israel Hands. He has made them consistent with their roles in the main event to an impressive extent. The author's Afterword (worth reading) explains why he decided to modify Israel Hands and essentially create a new character, Selena, to inject adult romance into the situation, since writing in his mature age, he preferred not to stick with the youthful point of view of the original.
I haven't reread "Treasure Island" in more than 20 years, and honestly didn't recall that Mr. Stevenson had given us a one sentence reference to the black woman who was Silver's housekeeper, or something. However, in one of the many movie versions of "Treasure Island", she was his wife, and author Drake either picked up on this or decided to introduce a romance on his own. I don't think that's objectionable; it adds to dramatic tension as the two main characters of the title become rivals for her favor.
Other than those differences, this book is an action-packed pirate adventure, with plot twists happening on practically every page. It doesn't matter that we know it's going to end with the treasure buried on the island, and Silver back in England; it held my attention and kept me glued to the text for hours. I had my doubts if Capt. Flint would really have sailed into the anchorage without sounding it first just on the strength of Portuguese sailing directions, the sequence that strands HMS Elizabeth near where Jim Hawkins beaches Hispaniola in the original book. Other than that it was totally authentic.
It is bloody! But pirates were like that. Making Capt. Flint into a cold-blooded murderer is consistent with what's in the original, even though we don't get to see him alive in that book.
An element of speculation is the pirates' motivation for burying their treasure. Now that I've read the afterword I recognize that there's a certain logical inconsistency to this, but I like the author's conclusions. When you have tons of treasure and want to keep it all, you might not be completely rational. Tales of pirates burying their treasure are a staple of New World myth, so author Drake can be excused for taking it at face value even though he's writing from the UK.
It's verry much worth your time.
However, I enjoyed "Flint and Silver" from beginning to end! Author Drake has gone to a lot of trouble to study the original "Treasure Island" and bring back familiar characters like Long John Silver, Cap'n Flint (both the man and his parrot), Billy Bones, Ben Gunn, Blind Pew, and Israel Hands. He has made them consistent with their roles in the main event to an impressive extent. The author's Afterword (worth reading) explains why he decided to modify Israel Hands and essentially create a new character, Selena, to inject adult romance into the situation, since writing in his mature age, he preferred not to stick with the youthful point of view of the original.
I haven't reread "Treasure Island" in more than 20 years, and honestly didn't recall that Mr. Stevenson had given us a one sentence reference to the black woman who was Silver's housekeeper, or something. However, in one of the many movie versions of "Treasure Island", she was his wife, and author Drake either picked up on this or decided to introduce a romance on his own. I don't think that's objectionable; it adds to dramatic tension as the two main characters of the title become rivals for her favor.
Other than those differences, this book is an action-packed pirate adventure, with plot twists happening on practically every page. It doesn't matter that we know it's going to end with the treasure buried on the island, and Silver back in England; it held my attention and kept me glued to the text for hours. I had my doubts if Capt. Flint would really have sailed into the anchorage without sounding it first just on the strength of Portuguese sailing directions, the sequence that strands HMS Elizabeth near where Jim Hawkins beaches Hispaniola in the original book. Other than that it was totally authentic.
It is bloody! But pirates were like that. Making Capt. Flint into a cold-blooded murderer is consistent with what's in the original, even though we don't get to see him alive in that book.
An element of speculation is the pirates' motivation for burying their treasure. Now that I've read the afterword I recognize that there's a certain logical inconsistency to this, but I like the author's conclusions. When you have tons of treasure and want to keep it all, you might not be completely rational. Tales of pirates burying their treasure are a staple of New World myth, so author Drake can be excused for taking it at face value even though he's writing from the UK.
It's verry much worth your time.
May 17, 2021
The first rule of writing is show, don't tell; and if you'd like an example of what not to do, I highly recommend this book. How tiring to be told that there was a rousing speech without reading one, and to be told how the crew was suddenly angry and mutinous over a sentence a character utters, when one paragraph ago they loved the very same person!
This brewed characters that were shallow and transparent, without any real personality (other than the ideas about them the author is telling you to have). Long John Silver is simultaneously a weakling with no backbone and somehow an upstanding and intimidating man?
Not to mention the passages that appear to romanticise RAPE:
"Parson Smith kept his mind off rape for nearly a day and a half..... She was asleep, naked! She was stark-shining-luscious-delectable-beautiful naked, stretched out in the boiling heat on the padded seat that ran under the windows. ... He was throbbing with lust and agonising to contain himself."
SERIOUSLY?
The only female character in the book appears to be helpless in defending herself and almost nothing but an item of sexual interest. No strong female characters but hoards and hoards of male pirates who appear to dissolve into fitful lust when they see any female human, most of whom they're paying for, and amount to nothing other than background threats of rape when aboard the ship. How many times must it be mentioned that the only reason they aren't raping the only main female character is fear of what the captain will do to them? Even the men defending her entertain the thought! Disgusting.
An atavistic and misogynist story. I understand there is a roughness and rogue-ness about piracy but this was a disaster. It had so much potential but fell flat on so any levels. I was clinging to the idea that the plot could save the story but it was so transparent, I'm surprised I made it to the end.
This brewed characters that were shallow and transparent, without any real personality (other than the ideas about them the author is telling you to have). Long John Silver is simultaneously a weakling with no backbone and somehow an upstanding and intimidating man?
Not to mention the passages that appear to romanticise RAPE:
"Parson Smith kept his mind off rape for nearly a day and a half..... She was asleep, naked! She was stark-shining-luscious-delectable-beautiful naked, stretched out in the boiling heat on the padded seat that ran under the windows. ... He was throbbing with lust and agonising to contain himself."
SERIOUSLY?
The only female character in the book appears to be helpless in defending herself and almost nothing but an item of sexual interest. No strong female characters but hoards and hoards of male pirates who appear to dissolve into fitful lust when they see any female human, most of whom they're paying for, and amount to nothing other than background threats of rape when aboard the ship. How many times must it be mentioned that the only reason they aren't raping the only main female character is fear of what the captain will do to them? Even the men defending her entertain the thought! Disgusting.
An atavistic and misogynist story. I understand there is a roughness and rogue-ness about piracy but this was a disaster. It had so much potential but fell flat on so any levels. I was clinging to the idea that the plot could save the story but it was so transparent, I'm surprised I made it to the end.
March 11, 2022
The story itself is interesting even though the principal character is pure evil. He tortures, lies, terrorizes, and murders those under his command. The foul language, which is in almost every conversation in the book, is unnecessary to the plot and quite offensive to Christian ears like myself. But probably the worst for me are the very graphic and detailed sexual scenes that are too frequent and quite disturbing. I are not talking about consensual sex between adults, but rape, sexual abuse of children, and masturbation. One of the characters has vivid scenes of remembering his days as a rapist/abuser of little girls. The author seems a bit obsessed with sex and profanity. There is no ending to the story because the author wants you to buy the sequel Pieces of Eight. I will not be reading the sequel.
November 4, 2019
Como fan acérrimo de la novela original de Stevenson, llevaba mucho tiempo esperando hincarle el diente a Flint & Silver. El resultado ha sido muy decepcionante.
Cuando uno cuenta una precuela de La Isla del Tesoro sabe que tiene que abordar tres puntos clave: El personaje del Capitán Flint, cómo y por qué se entierra el botín en la isla y cómo Long John Silver pierde la pierna izquierda. Si la intención del autor era escribir una trilogía, no entiendo cómo pudo ser tan torpe como para hacer que todas esas cosas ocurrieran en el primer libro. Y peor aún, cómo podían ocurrirle a personajes tan atractivos como los que Stevenson creó dándoles unas motivaciones o una personalidad inexistentes o irrisorias. Personalidades y motivaciones que el autor tiene que explicar cada poco porque su prosa tiene la sutileza de una porra antidisturbios y prefiere explicarte las cosas de la mano a dejar que sea el lector el que saque unas conclusiones que de por sí resultan obvias.
Black Sails decidió ignorar el "canon" de la Isla del Tesoro para desarrollar sin limitaciones una relación fascinante entre los personajes de Flint y Silver, y novelas como la precuela-secuela de Björn Larsson denotaban un estudio intenso de Stevenson no solo en la ambientación sino también en los temas y personajes. Son buenas historias que beben de un clásico de la literatura, no un librillo de aeropuerto que aparte de poco inspirado resulta mortalmente aburrido. Y hacer una novela aburrida con semejante galería de personajes debería de contar como crimen literario.
No pienso molestarme en saber qué les pasa después a estos piratas de guiñol.
Cuando uno cuenta una precuela de La Isla del Tesoro sabe que tiene que abordar tres puntos clave: El personaje del Capitán Flint, cómo y por qué se entierra el botín en la isla y cómo Long John Silver pierde la pierna izquierda. Si la intención del autor era escribir una trilogía, no entiendo cómo pudo ser tan torpe como para hacer que todas esas cosas ocurrieran en el primer libro. Y peor aún, cómo podían ocurrirle a personajes tan atractivos como los que Stevenson creó dándoles unas motivaciones o una personalidad inexistentes o irrisorias. Personalidades y motivaciones que el autor tiene que explicar cada poco porque su prosa tiene la sutileza de una porra antidisturbios y prefiere explicarte las cosas de la mano a dejar que sea el lector el que saque unas conclusiones que de por sí resultan obvias.
Black Sails decidió ignorar el "canon" de la Isla del Tesoro para desarrollar sin limitaciones una relación fascinante entre los personajes de Flint y Silver, y novelas como la precuela-secuela de Björn Larsson denotaban un estudio intenso de Stevenson no solo en la ambientación sino también en los temas y personajes. Son buenas historias que beben de un clásico de la literatura, no un librillo de aeropuerto que aparte de poco inspirado resulta mortalmente aburrido. Y hacer una novela aburrida con semejante galería de personajes debería de contar como crimen literario.
No pienso molestarme en saber qué les pasa después a estos piratas de guiñol.
October 31, 2021
The writing is atrocious. In addition to the misogyny and homophobia other reviewers mentioned, we need to talk about the racist language, too. "A tall black," really?! Jesus Mary and Joseph it's not that hard to get it right. I noped out of this read. I'm glad I came by it secondhand for free. I'd be mighty disappointed if I spent money on this. Woof.
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