Blackbeard

Based on the latest historical research, this novel gives us a different vie of the famous pirate, one thar is very different from the one we all think we know.

Marquais paints a portrait of an engaging sailor and a life that resonates with many of our cherished ideas of freedom and individuality.

It was a wonderful book. And in case you wonder how accurate the reconstruction is, the author has extensive historical notes at the end of the book, giving you details about several of the main characters.

An interesting and refreshing take on one of America's most beloved 18th century characters. Drawing on historical evidence Mr. Marquis takes the idea of the swashbuckling, raiding, rebel, hard drinking and hard living idea of Blackbeard and turns him into an average (well, maybe not quite average) man with a family to protect, a good woman he loves, and a country that he wants to save from the true scoundrels of 18th Century America, those loyal to the British Empire, in particular one Virginia Lieutenant Governor Alexander Spostswood.

I have to say for meet was really fun getting this look at Blackbeard, who hung around with one of my ancestors, Captain Sam Bellamy, better known as Black Sam and because a good portion of the book occurs in Williamsburg, VA where I currently live. I am now ready to go explore all the places along D.O.G. Street and through out Williamsburg with new eyes. While the rest of you can't do that I will tell you that Mr. Marquis does do a wonderful job presenting the setting for you so that you have a clear picture in your head. On that note I did find Blackbeard to be almost too descriptive. While I like a less heavily detailed book I know it will appeal to many others and even if you aren't overly found of lots of information and details don't let this turn you away from what is really a great pirate book.

It is interesting to me how in the end you may have a different opinion on who Blackbeard was I can say that I am not sure you will walk away seeing anyone in this book as either a hero or a villain. This is an interesting look at how two men and the choices they were given leave to make, shaped America as we know it now. It is intriguing to think that our country was not just founded and shaped by the likes of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, et al. But men like Blackbeard, the Gentleman Pirate, Black Sam, and The Flying Gang. How one sunken ship laden with treasure changed the course of history for both good and bad and how perhaps the pirates of our history were less pirate and more patriot than you could have ever imagined.

This fictional story of Blackbeard's life draws on new historical evidence to support the author's suppositions. While we may never know his true identity, Marquis did an excellent job of piecing together previously known and recently discovered information to tell the tale of this pirate who sailed American waters in the 18th century. The author tried to separate myth from the 'real man'. Marquis tells of the loyalty of Blackbeard's crew to him and how his reputation as a vicious pirate was unfounded. A recommended read for those interested in pirate lore.

A brilliantly novel that raised the bar on pirate fiction to new heights for all the right reasons. This novel will make its way to the Top 10 of many pirate-novel fans!

Edward Thatcher, also known as Blackbeard, British Navy privateer turned pirate, controlled the Atlantic and the Caribbean during the Golden Age of Piracy. Both a hero and a villain of his time, Blackbeard became one of the first American revolutionaries in the War of Independence against the British. But who was he before Blackbeard, the most known pirate of the seas? This is the true story of the honourable man that masterfully dodged his obsessed pursuer, Alexander Spotswood, Virginia’s governor, became the most feared pirate to conquer both Atlantic and Pacific.

I can’t even put into words how much I enjoyed this novel. If I could give it more than five stars, I would.

As the reader follows both the perspectives of Blackbeard and Alexander, the reader is taken deep into the adventure marked by both determination and obsession in this cat-and-mouse game across the seas. The pace starts slow but picks up the pace, especially in the third part of the novel. I couldn’t put it down.

The novel starts with a detailed presentation of Edward Thatch, his life and values, portraying him as a hero before he became the evil pirate that he’s still known for nowadays. Pirates were paid by the British settlers in the New World to attack French and Spanish ships, something that Blackbeard was accustomed to doing. Only later, alliances shifted. The common dislike for the rule of King George of the House of Hanover the growing desire to see James III from the House of Stuart in his place fuelled a revolution that turned the ties in favour of the New World. As the rich became richer and the common folk paid the price, Blackbeard turned against the British taking the fortune of the rich and distributing it fairly amongst the people. Since the beginning, however, the man was known for his charisma, leadership and the way he swiftly attacked ships avoiding deadly confrontations for both his crew and the adversary. He treated everyone equally, no matter the colour of their skin or background. His men were proud to work with and for him. Surprisingly, by the end, he made choices that I definitely wasn’t expecting from him.

The way Samuel Marquis describes the life of Blackbeard and his crew, I could almost smell the salty waters and feel the fresh breeze. At the same time, he smoothly makes clear that those who became pirates had political, economic motivations and a deep love of freedom. He jumps from scene to scene connecting you to the story and its numerous characters with perfect ease, giving you just enough time to process all the details and information and fully visualise the settings.

The style of writing is incredible, Marquis found the perfect balance between historical facts, and fiction, bringing it together with a solid historical base and a beautiful, melodically and addictive style that makes you want to stay and sail the seas in it. I was amazed at the number of true facts the author embedded and I must admit I questioned myself which ones were true and which ones were fiction. Marquis mixed everything so perfectly, that it’s hard to distinguish what’s real and what’s not.

As you might have figured out, Blackbeard isn’t the villain of this story. Alexander Spotswood, Virginia’s lieutenant is the opposite of Blackbeard. A vindictive and tyrannical man, disliked by the members of his colony, obsessed in capturing the notorious privateer-turned-pirate to gain the favour of England, Alexander his known for his thirst for power and dominance. Marquis did an incredible job with this character and his build-up; he’s the perfect villain of this Golden Age of Piracy and the representation of the beliefs that the founders of the future United States would go against. Other characters like Steede Bonnet, a man that gave up his plantations in Barbados to make a life at sea (despite knowing next-to-nothing about it), give an extra touch of “human” to the story, making the story jump out of its pages. Marquis is a master of character building!

Buying a paper version of this novel is on my priority books-to-buy list! My recommendation? Read it, read it, read it! It’s a brilliant novel that will freshen up the lives of all pirate fans!

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher Mount Sopris Publishing and the author for allowing me to read and review a digital copy of this book.

5 stars and a bottle of rum to Blackbeard! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

One of the places I was fortunate to live while growing up was the coast of North Carolina. Blackbeard’s ship, The Queen Anne’s Revenge, was run aground in 1718 at Beaufort Inlet, NC. Blackbeard everything abounded from special standing exhibits at the local museum and aquarium, trinkets and souvenirs, a restaurant in his name, and even a play. I was a young child then and already had an interest in history, so my obsession with the legend of Blackbeard began.

Reading this historical fiction book about Blackbeard was like the most delectable bit of nostalgia. Told in dual narratives of Blackbeard himself and Virginia lieutenant governor, Alexander Spottswood, Blackbeard is on the run while the obsessive Spottswood wants him captured to garner favor with England.

Prior to that, the book gives a full background on Edward Thatch (Edward Teach) painting him as quite the hero before he became much maligned. His motives and values are explored. In the early days, pirates like Blackbeard were given charters from state governments to attack French and Spanish ships, and it was only later that alliances were shifted.

Interestingly, the author is a distant relative of Captain Kidd, so he offers unique insight into this tale. I was able to read Blackbeard over a couple weeks, easily picking up the book at different times and falling right back into the well-written, engaging, and entertaining story. Well-done, Samuel Marquis! I’ll be checking out more of your historical novels.

Thank you to Samuel Marquis, JKS Communications, Mount Sopris Publishing, and Netgalley for the ARC. Blackbeard is available now!