The Pirate Devlin

The Pirate Devlin is a light, easy read that has humor, fun, and lots of adventure. There's even a little intrigue to keep you guessing. There is no romance in it, so look elsewhere if that's what you're after. But, if you want a lighthearted swashbuckler with terrific characters and great descriptions, this is it. There's a little foul language, but not much, and the local bawdy ladies make an appearance, although there's nothing graphic. On board ship there's technical references to rigging and such, but not enough to bore the reader. This is a pirate story so there's battles and fights, to be sure, and the accompanying brief descriptions of gore. But, all in all, the language is pretty tame. I loved the ending and hope it means a sequel is in the works. The pirate Devlin surely has more adventures ahead of him!

I love pirate adventure stories. Especially, if they have a cinematic feel to them as The Pirate Devlin does. As much as I enjoyed Michael Crichton's Pirate Latittudes, I have to say I enjoyed this one way more. The action is top notch and endentured servant turned pirate captain, Devlin, is a great character who you'll want to root for(he's constantly in harms way swashbuckling away). The story takes place in the early 1700's, around the time The Pirates of the Carribean takes place. The pacing is what makes this novel a standout. It moves briskly along and at the end you'll be wanting more. And more is what you'll get, I think. It seems evident that author Mark Keating is/has creating/created this into a series. If so, sign me up for the next installment. Probably the only real weak point I found with the book is the characterization. However, it's still fairly good considering this is Keating's first novel. As far as I can tell the historical aspect of the book is straight on. I really think this would make a super cool movie, if adapted correctly. No, this probably won't win an award or anything, but it will certainly make for a funtastic swashbuckling summer read!!! To be honest, there's really not a lot of piratical fiction out there that can top Keating first effort. Really, the only ones that come to mind that I thought were better are by Christian author Wayne Thomas Batson(Isle of Swords and it's sequel Isle of Fire). Those are excellent reads! The Pirate Devlin is nothing to sneeze at though. Buy it and you're guaranteed a fun-filled read that you'll blaze through in no time and be craving the next installment in the presumed series! I give it 4.5 stars out of 5 or a 9 out of 10. Great first effort!

There are certainly a lot of different kind of books out there. The ones reaching to define man's soul, and then the stuff that wants nothing more than to tell a good story. This falls in the latter category, and tell a rolickin' good story it does. I've always been a pirate fan. During high school I read the library's copy of "Pirates and Privateers" at least three times. I never did much care for the Disney franchise, but the idea of the classic pirate sailing the high seas as always gotten to me. And here is a pirate tale as appealing and as classic as they come, very much earning the cliched description of "swashbuckling". It is the story of the Irishman Patrick Devlin who rises from a captain's servant to the one running the pirate ship. It is the story of Coxon, Devlin's old boss, trying to reclaim his former glory. It is the story of Dandon, the charming doctor who takes up with the pirates. Not to mention a bevy of prostitutes, a crew of pirates, and some very nasty members of the government. And then there are a few winks and nods and cameos of a historical figure or two. No, not the fantasy of Disney, but Keating resurrects the glory days of pirate movies--in aura, at least. The historical setting is firm, the characters charming, the prose rich and flowing. Keaiting tells his tale with plenty of adventure, drama, and intrigue. This is one book where I found myself in the awkward situation of cheering for two opposing characters. "The PIrate Devlin" is a great book for any pirate fun who misses how the stories should be told.

If you are looking for some light escapist fiction this summer, Keating's THE PIRATE DEVLIN may fit the bill. Keating tells a take that is reportedly based mainly on actual events, but it's not quite historical fiction...at least as far as I could tell. The rise of Devlin from essentially an indentured servant on a British ship to the position of pirate captain makes for a fun story. The plot moves right along, there are twists and turns, and toward the climax of the tale I found myself wondering if Devlin was going to make it out of one scrape after another...after all, isn't that what a good adventure tale does? I liked the straightforward style of the author, I particularly enjoyed the fact that he didn't feel like he had to wallow in profanity or depictions of gratuitous violence to tell his tale. Thanks for the good read. I actually think that this book could sell equally well to adults or young adult readers. 4 solid stars.

Boy, I loved this book. I remember, as a child, laying in my bunk bed reading "Treasure Island," and getting swept up in the world of pirates, gold, rum, and adventure. This novel transported me back to that experience in a way that none of the Disney films did. This is wonderful, elegant, exciting storytelling, with vivid characters, cinematic action, and thrills, chills, and surprises. I was hoping that it might end with a bit of a cliff hanger so that a sequel would follow, and I was not disappointed (though I had honestly guessed at the surprise earlier in the book). I don't really make a habit of reading pirate adventures, not since childhood, but I am so glad I gave this a shot. If you enjoyed "Treasure Island," the Disney films or rides, or just fun, historically-accurate adventures on the high seas with violent, salty characters, this is a good novel for you. Easily recommended.