Book review of John Flint's Bastard: Of Chains and Slavery ~ A Trilogy: Part One

John Flint's Bastard, the first installment in the Of Chains and Slavery trilogy, plunges readers into the turbulent life of Joshua Smoot, the illegitimate son of the infamous pirate Captain John Flint. Raised in the opulent yet treacherous setting of Wakehurst Place, Joshua's rebellious spirit leads him on a perilous flight from the King's justice. This thrilling adventure is filled with action, betrayal, and the clash between freedom and slavery. His tumultuous relationship with Rebecca Keyes adds a layer of complexity to his struggle for survival. Experience a fast-paced tale of love, loyalty, and the extremes of human nature, as Joshua battles for his life and his future, setting the stage for the epic conflicts to come in the remaining books of this gripping trilogy.

Paperback 17.95 USD

5 / 7 ratings

Review John Flint's Bastard

John Flint's Bastard, the first installment in the "Of Chains and Slavery" trilogy, completely captivated me. It's a thrilling, fast-paced adventure that kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end, much like the reviews suggest. The author, Commander Roger L. Johnson, masterfully crafts a story that's both historically grounded and wildly imaginative, a blend of classic pirate adventure and a coming-of-age tale that feels surprisingly fresh.

The central character, Joshua Smoot, is incredibly compelling. He's a complex individual thrown into a brutal world from a young age, forced to grapple with difficult choices and impossible odds. His journey, from the streets of Savannah to the grand estates of England and the harsh realities of slavery in Cuba, is a whirlwind of hardship and unexpected twists. The constant struggle for identity – wrestling with being John Flint's bastard son, forced to choose between “Joshua Smoot” and “Thomas Flint” – forms the emotional core of the narrative, making his decisions feel deeply personal and resonant.

I especially appreciated the author's attention to detail in recreating the historical setting. The descriptions of 18th-century Savannah, the English countryside, and the brutal realities of the slave trade are vivid and immersive, drawing you into the story and making it feel incredibly real. This attention to detail doesn't bog down the narrative, though; it enhances it, adding depth and authenticity without sacrificing the pacing. The plot itself is a masterclass in suspense; Johnson expertly builds tension, dropping hints and red herrings that keep you guessing right up until the climactic moments.

While the novel certainly delivers on the promised action and adventure, it also explores deeper themes. The constant tension between loyalty and betrayal, freedom and slavery, and good versus evil is woven seamlessly into the narrative, making it more than just a swashbuckling adventure. It's a story about survival, identity, and the enduring power of love and determination in the face of overwhelming adversity. It made me think about the cost of choices, the weight of one's name, and how far a person will go to protect those they love.

The comparisons to classic pirate literature like Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island are apt. It shares that same sense of high adventure, swashbuckling heroism, and thrilling escapes, but it also feels modern in its exploration of complex characters and morally ambiguous situations. I thoroughly enjoyed the writing style; it's engaging and easy to read, yet maintains a level of sophistication that adds to the overall richness of the story. I wholeheartedly recommend John Flint's Bastard to anyone who enjoys pirate adventures, historical fiction, or simply a well-written and compelling story. I’m already eager to dive into the next book in the trilogy to see what awaits Joshua.

Information

• Dimensions: 6 x 0.37 x 9 inches
• Language: English
• Print length: 160
• Publication date: 2024

Book table of contents

Preview Book