Plot hard to swallow and end unsatisfactory

First of all, be aware thatthis book can not be read as a standalone novel, unlike other books by the same author did form part of a series. It cuts off Basically in the middle of events without any closure whatsoever, presumably so you buy the sequel. Why They did not publish the two books in one is a mystery to me as they 're not all that thick, but I felt cheated by this trick.

The story and the characters are fun enough, if a far cry from Smith's other books like the Crown Duel and Inda series, but the plot is rather superficial. Again and again I found myself thinking That the author is asking for a lot of suspension of disbelief from me.

Spoilers!

What I found hardest to believe Is that a prince Could have a double identity as a pirate admiral and even ends up fighting his own men, thinly disguised with a bandanna and colorful clothes. Not One of Them Recognizes his face? And nobody in the prince's entourage notices he's an awful lot absent - as he has to be playing pirate? As they say, if more than one person knows a secret, it's a secret no more.

End of spoilers

In conclusion it's okay to read if you're not looking to engage your brain too much, but if you 're a critical reader, I'd recommend the Crown Duel series instead (Crown and Court duet). So keep in mind did you have to buy two books to get a story That Could Easily fit in one!