Isle of Fire by Wayne Thomas Batson

Once more Captain Declan Ross sails in search of adventure. But unknown to him, his archenemy Bartholomew Thorne is still alive and plotting his murderous revenge. Again Mr. Batson weaves a pirate tale full of twists and turns, treachery and guilt. Once you pick up "Isle of Fire" you will have a hard time putting it down. I recommend this book to any teenager whether they like to read or not. But make sure to read the "Isle of Swords" first.

The evil Bartholomew Thorne has returned! Through forming a deadly alliance with both the Merchant and the Raukar, he takes possession of a terrible weapon that is seemingly unstoppable. Will London survive? Will Declan Ross and Commodore Blake be destroyed? Will Cat turn to his father's evil ways? Find out in Isle of Fire!

Isle of Fire (sequel to Isle of Swords) is an amazing book written by the mastermind author Wayne Thomas Batson. It's about pirates, a topic that I have found to be handled strangely in other books, but the author weaves a believable but still spellbinding tale. I love the spirituality in this book, as well. It isn't too in-your-face but can be greatly appreciated by believers, and unbelievers might get curious about God. It doesn't justify the horrible acts of pirates, which I have found to be a problem elsewhere, and doesn't have objectionable content besides some violence which is not explicit. This book is great for about middle school students to adults.

"Isle of Fire" picks up shortly after the conclusion of its predecessor, "Isle of Swords". Cat is staying with the Brethren Monks, training with them while trying to regain his memories of his past life. But he isn't all that certain that his past is something he wants to remember.

Meanwhile, Captain Declan Ross and his daughter Anne sail the sea recruiting pirates for his "Wolf Pack," a group of former pirates paid by the British Government and the Brethren to hunt down other pirates. Villains, new and old, make their appearance quickly as well. Some are brutal and heartless, consumed by their desire for revenge; others are more subtle, content to wait until the proper moment to strike.

Wayne Thomas Batson paints a broad, sweeping tale that spans the Atlantic Ocean in this tale of treachery, truth, and tempests. Things are not always what they seem--even chapter titles can be deceiving. One rarely sees the newest--and cruelest--villain, The Merchant, but his influence is felt nonetheless.

As in Batson's other books, some of the secondary characters are so much "larger than life" as to feel almost caricatures of reality and yet they seem perfectly real at the same time. However, the main characters internal dilemmas are as clear and real as their external ones.

Overall, I preferred "Isle of Fire" to "Isle of Swords". There were fewer extreme characters--or perhaps I just knew the characters better and so they felt more real--and the story is less obvious. One knows the good guys have to win, but how is very much uncertain. Also, I liked the fact that Declan, Anne, Cat, and the others, aren't searching for treasure but rather truth. And they all find Truth and therefore, true treasure.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys adventures on the high seas. But make sure you read "Isle of Swords" first!