Spanish Doubloons   By: Camilla Kenyon

Spanish Doubloons by Camilla Kenyon is an engaging historical novel that takes readers on a thrilling journey through the Golden Age of piracy. Set in the 18th century, this book is filled with vibrant characters, breathtaking adventures, and a captivating plot that keeps readers hooked until the very end.

The story revolves around a young merchant sailor named David, who finds himself captured by notorious pirate Captain William Blackwood. From that moment on, the reader is taken on a rollercoaster ride as David's fate intertwines with that of the pirates and their quest for Spanish doubloons.

Kenyon's writing style is both descriptive and immersive, allowing readers to vividly imagine the various settings and scenarios throughout the book. Whether it's the treacherous sea battles, vibrant port cities, or the cramped quarters of a pirate ship, each scene is brought to life with rich detail and a strong sense of atmosphere.

The characters in Spanish Doubloons are well-crafted and multi-dimensional. From the determined and cunning Captain Blackwood to the resilient and spirited female pirate, Anne Bonny, each character adds depth and complexity to the narrative. David's transformation from an innocent sailor to a person of questionable morality is particularly intriguing. It is through his eyes that we witness the moral dilemmas and internal struggles faced by those caught up in the dangerous world of piracy.

One of the strengths of this book is Kenyon's ability to strike a balance between historical accuracy and storytelling. While the book is clearly well-researched, the historical aspects never overshadow the exciting plot. The author seamlessly weaves in historical events and facts, creating a realistic backdrop for the story without overwhelming the reader with excessive detail.

The pacing of Spanish Doubloons is relentless, with the narrative moving swiftly from one high-stakes situation to another. The author skillfully builds tension and suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The action-packed sequences, including epic sea battles and daring escapes, are the highlights of the book, guaranteeing readers a truly thrilling reading experience.

However, there are a few minor criticisms. The romantic subplot felt somewhat rushed and lacking depth, with the chemistry between the characters not fully explored. Additionally, the ending felt slightly abrupt, leaving some questions unanswered and leaving room for further development.

Overall, Spanish Doubloons is a captivating page-turner that successfully takes readers back to the captivating era of piracy. With its well-rounded characters, meticulous historical details, and relentless action, Camilla Kenyon has crafted a truly entertaining adventure that is sure to satisfy fans of historical fiction and pirate tales alike.

First Page:

Never had life seemed more fair and smiling than at the moment when Aunt Jane's letter descended upon me like a bolt from the blue. The fact is, I was taking a vacation from Aunt Jane. Being an orphan, I was supposed to be under Aunt Jane's wing, but this was the merest polite fiction, and I am sure that no hen with one chicken worries about it more than I did about Aunt Jane. I had spent the last three years, since Aunt Susan died and left Aunt Jane with all that money and no one to look after her but me, in snatching her from the brink of disaster... Continue reading book >>