I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A mission from President Jefferson to wage a secret war against France in the Caribbean sends a naval hero into the world of pirates in author David L. Nichols’s “The Brotherhood of Pandora”.
The Synopsis
To combat Napoleon’s increasing interest in the Caribbean and help pressure France to sell New Orleans to America, Vice-President Thomas Jefferson enlists the aid of friend and naval hero Captain Jacob May. He asks Captain May to wage a clandestine war against the French in the Caribbean not as part of the US Navy, but as pirates.
To accomplish this, Captain May uses the cutting-edge technology of 1799: Girardoni air rifles, Fultons self-propelled torpedoes, a submarine, cannons with rifling, and Pandora, a specially modified ship. Captain May molds his crew into the Brotherhood of Pandora and gives Jefferson chaos in the Caribbean.
The Review
This was an absolutely compelling and captivating read. The author does a fantastic job of crafting a narrative that plays to both the excitement of a high-seas adventure and the detail of a historical fiction novel. The rich detail helped bring this time period and setting to life perfectly, from the frigid airs of the North to the warm waters of the Caribbean. The story itself carried an air of authenticity as if readers could feel this secret mission taking place in the shadowy world of hidden history.
To me, the heart of this narrative resided in the dynamic atmosphere and the compelling character dynamics that this novel housed. From the inclusion of historical figures like Napoleon Bonaparte and Thomas Jefferson gracing the background of this narrative through their actions during this tumultuous time, to the heartfelt and engaging personal moments between the protagonist and his crew who undertake this mission to begin with, this novel featured some great moments of tension, shock, and thrilling action all in one great story.
The Verdict
Memorable, action—packed, and entertaining, author David L. Nichols’s “The Brotherhood of Pandora” is a must-read historical fiction novel that readers won’t put down. The gripping atmosphere and daunting task presented to the cast of characters and the detailed historical aspect of the narrative allowed this narrative to shine and keep readers invested until the book’s final pages. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
David L. Nichols has been building boats and making sails for approximately fifteen years. When he isn’t designing sails or building boats you’ll find him in the boats he’s designed and built. He feels that the only way to truly understand boats and sails is to use them. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, he has written for boating magazines like WoodenBoat and Boatbuilder, as well as writing and producing boat building videos.