I read the first pages of this book, and then continued on to the first chapters - a good start that had my interest and kept it. The author did not let me down as I found this book engaging, and different than anything I had read in a long time. My first impression was a book of strong characters. It was faced pace; certainly an enjoyable read with three different points of view. I have to admit that there were times when I could predict what was to happen next - maybe a just bit too obvious. The wonderful thing about this book is that it took me away from the murder mysteries and okay novels that I have been reading. I think that this is a good jumping off place for the rest of the trilogy. I have never been one to grab a pirate book off the shelf or look for a good pirate movie but I am happy that I gave this book a close look and continued to read despite my (initial) lack of commitment to pirate adventures.