The Reaper

Michael Aye
Broadsides Press (2005)
ISBN 0972630341
Reviewed by Ellen Hogan for Reader Views (3/06)

Captain Gilbert Anthony gets word that his father is very ill. When he goes to see him, Gil learns that he has a grown half brother. Their father asks Gil to teach Gabe how to be a good seaman.

Meanwhile a pirate ship called The Reaper is preying on any ship that comes in its path. The Drakkar, captained by Gil is sent out to find and take care of The Reaper. The story is full of battles with pirates, a damsel in distress, salty sailors, and the new relationship between Gil and Gabe.

Captain Anthony and his crew are able to capture The Reaper after a fierce battle. Gil is then promoted to the rank of rear Admiral, while Gabe, having reached the rank of Lieutenant, gets his own command.

The characters are very believable and very colorful. Dagan the gypsy, Lady Deborah the damsel and Silas and Bart the servants of Captain Anthony all have their place and fill it well.

This is not the type of book that I usually read, but it was very enjoyable and I did not want it to end. Anyone with a love of history, pirates and good triumphing over evil will want to read this book.

The Reaper brings adventures of the 1700's to life.

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