Review: No Quarter By Broos Campbell

Christine Sanderson, Voice of Youth Advocates magazine: In 1799, seventeen-year-old Matty Graves, a midshipman in the United States Navy, began service aboard the Rattle-Snake, a schooner under the command of Lieutenant William Trimble, Matty's cousin Billy. During this time, U.S. ships were engaged in unofficial battles with France, a former ally, for control of the Caribbean. When the Rattle-Snake encounters barges of "picaroons," or French pirates, Billy wants to surrender the ship rather than fight. "We cannot fight. . . . If we do, they will kill us all." Lieutenant Peter Wickett, second in command, takes control, successfully fighting the battle. Realizing that Billy, impaired by heavy drinking, is not a fit captain, Matty is forced to choose between family and his ship. "Billy had steered his own course, but by God I wish he hadn't enlisted me for his crew." He aligns himself with Wickett, advancing his career while sealing his cousin's fate. Campbell's novel, the first in a series of Matty Graves novels, is a work of nautical fiction, offering a detailed account of life on a ship during the Navy's infancy. Descriptions of the ships, the living conditions, and the battles make the setting come alive. Historically accurate, this adventure story could be read in an American history class. Perhaps its biggest drawback is that students unfamiliar with nautical terms will have difficulty understanding some of the language. The plot is engaging, and with a little help, most students, particularly boys in junior and senior high school, would enjoy it. see details | buy this book

Review: What Lies Buried by Dewey Lambdin

The Midwest Book Review:
Set in pre-revolution North Carolina, What Lies Buried: A Novel Of Old Cape Fear is a thrilling mystery. Nothing is as it seems in pre-Revolutionary Wilmington, North Carolina. Respected political leader Harry Tresmayne has been found murdered beside a lonely road in Cape Fear, and the more his friend Matthew Livesey uncovers about Harry's private life, the more he finds motives for murder. The suspect list ranges from the elite to the lowest-born of the region. Matthew Livesey and his family find themselves facing dangerous consequences as a cold-blooded killer is run to ground. Dewey Lambdin is an expert author of historical novels, and once again has employed his considerable talents in creating strange characters, accurate period dialogue, and historical accuracy to infuse this deftly written murder mystery with local color. The result is an enthusiastically recommended novel that is as entertaining as it is engaging from beginning to end. see details | buy this book

History Channel: True Caribbean Pirates

Profiles female pirates, Anne Bonny and Mary Read, with commentary by James L. Nelson, author of The Only Life That Mattered.

Pirates, before Hollywood came calling. Men with names such as Blackbeard, Calico Jack, and Black Bart pillaged and plundered ships and seaport towns, offering violent retribution to those who resisted and seizing fortunes at will. Viewers get to know the real characters, fight the battles they fought, watch nations rise up to stop them, and separate fact from fiction.

Sunday, July 9th, 2006 at 8pm/7c
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Review: Inside the Ropes by Arthur Mercante

Reviewed By Benny Henderson Jr.
"...I was intrigued with this man who lived, loved and breathed boxing, from his time as a boy in Brockton, Massachusetts learning the ‘sweet science’ from his two uncles (one of whom was Joe Monte, a professional boxer who fought Max Schmeling and James J Braddock)... refereeing in one hundred and forty five title fights, some very unforgettable ones, meeting and making life long friendships with some of the biggest names in boxing, from the International Boxing Hall of fame all the way to ‘Papa Referee’. He covers it all..." read the review | buy this book

Review: The Only Life That Mattered by James L Nelson

Reviewed by Cindy Vallar
...Nelson’s knowledge of pirates combined with his experience as a sailor provide a credible and enthralling glimpse into pirate life during the Golden Age of Piracy. Although readers know the outcome before they open the book, Nelson’s masterful storytelling compels them to read until the last page to find the nuances and surprises that make this an unforgettable and alluring tale of piracy and women who choose to follow a path different than the one society contrives... read the review | buy this book