V.E. Ulett
Auteur de Captain Blackwell's Prize
Séries
Œuvres de V.E. Ulett
Étiqueté
Partage des connaissances
Il n’existe pas encore de données Common Knowledge pour cet auteur. Vous pouvez aider.
Membres
Critiques
Prix et récompenses
Statistiques
- Œuvres
- 5
- Membres
- 19
- Popularité
- #609,294
- Évaluation
- 3.8
- Critiques
- 3
- ISBN
- 8
While I am by no means an expert on nautical fiction, I have read enough within the genre to know the basics of ships and life at sea during the Age of Sail. This novel clearly illustrates that Ulett has a strong understanding of and appreciation for all things nautical, as well as of the language, culture and societal expectations of the early 19th century. The nautical foundations of this story help to make it an appealing read, but it is the novel's characters that truly make it come alive. Mercedes is characterized as a strong, intelligent and highly capable young woman, one who will undertake whatever necessary to ensure her survival. Although I initially had a hard time accepting Captain Blackwell as a romantic lead, he grew on me as the story progressed and I ultimately found him worthy of Mercedes. The novel's secondary characters, including Captain Blackwell's brother, Francis, a diplomat travelling on Inconstant, are easy to like and help to enhance the story. I particularly enjoyed the few scenes involving young Jack Verson, the son of one of Inconstant's lieutenants. The only issue I had with the novel was the brief appearance of Jane Austen. Given two of her brother's were Royal Navy officers during the period in which this book is set, Austen's appearance in and of itself isn't out of place. My issue, however, was with Ulett's portrayal of Jane and the nature of her relationship with Captain Blackwell, which I didn't like and isn't authentic. As such, I think the story would have been better served with a fictional character being used in Jane's place.
As I'm not a fan of romance novels, I was a little worried about the romantic aspect of this book prior to starting it. I needn't have worried. Even though the book does feature a few sex scenes they don't detract from the story or serve as a central feature. As a result, I think Captain Blackwell's Prize will appeal both to readers who enjoy nautical historical fiction and those who simply enjoy a good romance or adventure no matter the setting.
Note: I received a copy of this novel as part of the V.E. Ulett's Virtual Book Tour in exchange for a fair and honest review.… (plus d'informations)