Long John Silver--Volume 1--Lady Vivian Hastings

March 15, 2011

"No women in the story, Lloyd's orders," wrote Stevenson to his friend William Henley about Treasure Island. Thankfully, Dorison's spin-off ignores Stevenson's stepson. Twenty years later, Long John Silver is back in his old job as owner and cook at the Spy Glass tavern, impressing the ruffian regulars with his cuisine. In sashays bodacious Lady Vivian Hastings, looking for Silver's help to seize booty from an expedition led by her estranged and hated husband. No saint herself, Vivian has been bonking Lord Prisham in hubby's absence, partly out of boredom, partly out of spite, and partly to score another provider if Lord Hastings doesn't return. But now he's actually found the treasure of Guiana-Capac, and the lady wants a piece of it in spades. We can only munch happily on our popcorn to watch a he-rogue and a she-rogue try to cooperate against a worse foe. VERDICT Picaresque color art renders the lady, pirate, and period setting with juicy appeal. The story is shaping up nicely thanks to more rogues with cross-agendas. The series runs to four volumes, and this one is way too short. Recommended for adult collections.--M.C.

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