Winds of Marque

March 1, 2019
With solar sails hoisted and war with the Sectoids imminent, Imperial Navy Subcmdr. Liam Blackwood, enigmatic quartermaster Amelia Virtue, and the crew of the HMSS Daring must stop space pirates from disrupting human supply lines in the outer sectors in the first book in a new series.Unable to catch the pirates outright, they pose as opportunistic space merchants to gather intelligence. Any booty they take from the pirates remains their prize, but sailing the system under a false flag comes with great risk: Fail, and the emperor will disavow all knowledge of the mission. Every member of the crew will be dishonorably discharged and made destitute. When Daring commander Sophia Riverton's orders jeopardize the mission, that threat becomes all too real, and the crew slips closer and closer toward mutiny. Romantic complications notwithstanding, Liam and Amelia have to uncover the truth about Riverton before the pirates discover their ruse and scuttle the mission, destroying any chance humankind has against the relentless Sectoids. While former Royal Canadian Naval officer Coles (March of War, 2017, etc.) brings nautical authenticity to this Napoleonic sailing era/space race mashup, he focuses more on the sailing and leaves the sci-fi to buzz away, sometimes forgotten, in the background. Nevertheless, the jaunty pace is unwavering and enjoyable. Coles' female characters could have used greater authenticity, but overall the colorful ensemble adds to the fun.Traditional science fiction lovers may get distracted looking for more space tech, but lovers of classic high-seas adventures and those who enjoy genre-bending SF will find this swashbuckling space adventure a worthy read.

COPYRIGHT(2019) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

May 1, 2019

This is a swashbuckling tale of the first order, set in a Regency-era world where social class dictates everything and ships sail among the planets on solar winds and currents. Liam Blackwood is second in command to a typical reckless lord who's willing to risk ship and crew in a petty and dangerous race. Blackwood eagerly accepts the opportunity to leave the regular navy and join a clandestine ship, captained by Commander Sophia Riverton, operating under a letter of marque to seek out and eliminate a scourge of vicious space pirates. Riverton and Blackwood set sail for the dark of space with a handpicked and dauntless crew on the HMSS Daring, and soon they have their first bloody confrontation. Replete with pirates, full-bore battles, enigmatic aliens, and traitors, this fast-paced tale never lets up. The characters are well defined and engaging, and there is the requisite forbidden romance and plenty of byzantine political intrigue. VERDICT Buy this diverting nautical, steampunk, and sci-fi mash-up for those who enjoy Philip Reeve's "Larklight" novels and Jim Butcher's "Cinder Spires" series.-Gretchen Crowley, formerly at Alexandria City Public Libraries, VA

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.