Helpful Score: 1
Typically I read books about history, biographies, or memoirs. It is not to often I pick up a fiction book. Prior to finding an audio version of Birds of Prey, I had no idea what a Swashbuckler story was (I had to look the term up). So basically, right off the bat, this was not the type of book I read and I really had no idea what to expect.
While I expected this to be the literary version of a pirate movie, I have to say I found the book surprisingly complex. On one hand, Birds of Prey is a highly entertaining book, telling a story about the days of old. Set in 1667, the book tells the story of a father and son team. The father and his crew are not pirates in the traditional sense, but rather they are mercenaries, fighting for whomever offered them the greatest opportunity to plunder enemy ships to obtain the spoils of war. As the story takes place during a couple of wars, as one would expect, the tale is filled with exciting fight scenes, thrilling chase scenes, suspenseful turns of events, surprisingly steamy adult scenes, and a stereotypical ending where the man gets the woman.
However, on the other hand, the story is really about Hal, the son in the father and son team. Much of the tale is centered around him. As much as this is a story about action, blood, and guts, this is also a story about Hals passage from a meek man who really does not matter to a true leader, leading his man from the clutches of death and to a promise land of riches.
I found the narrator, Christopher Cazenove, to be pleasant to listen to. He also made the story really believable, making the listener really feel like they were there.
I was surprised to find this story worked on several levels. I found the beginning of the story to be a but confusing and I had a difficult time trying to keep the characters straight. However, once I learned who was who, I found this to be a rather enjoyable story to listen to.
If you are looking for a great, classic, action packed, bloody story, than this will fit the bill. It is also a great coming of age story if you look past the violence. Overall, I recommend reading this book.
While I expected this to be the literary version of a pirate movie, I have to say I found the book surprisingly complex. On one hand, Birds of Prey is a highly entertaining book, telling a story about the days of old. Set in 1667, the book tells the story of a father and son team. The father and his crew are not pirates in the traditional sense, but rather they are mercenaries, fighting for whomever offered them the greatest opportunity to plunder enemy ships to obtain the spoils of war. As the story takes place during a couple of wars, as one would expect, the tale is filled with exciting fight scenes, thrilling chase scenes, suspenseful turns of events, surprisingly steamy adult scenes, and a stereotypical ending where the man gets the woman.
However, on the other hand, the story is really about Hal, the son in the father and son team. Much of the tale is centered around him. As much as this is a story about action, blood, and guts, this is also a story about Hals passage from a meek man who really does not matter to a true leader, leading his man from the clutches of death and to a promise land of riches.
I found the narrator, Christopher Cazenove, to be pleasant to listen to. He also made the story really believable, making the listener really feel like they were there.
I was surprised to find this story worked on several levels. I found the beginning of the story to be a but confusing and I had a difficult time trying to keep the characters straight. However, once I learned who was who, I found this to be a rather enjoyable story to listen to.
If you are looking for a great, classic, action packed, bloody story, than this will fit the bill. It is also a great coming of age story if you look past the violence. Overall, I recommend reading this book.
"Deemed one of the world's most popular and prolific adventure writers" by the Washington Post, bestseeling author Wilbur Smith presents "Birds of Prey", a swashbuckling epic of adventure, intrigue, and passion on the dangerous high seas.
