I'm not usually into reading collections, but with this book, it felt like coming home. Having read about the lives of Gabriel Dante's parents and siblings before, the references made sense (which they probably would have anyway if you'd read it as a stand-alone) and past sins were avenged. Evangeline, the heroine, was stubborn, yes, but also a fearless survivor. She went through horrible trials yet never crumbled. If she did, she picked herself up again. Inspiring and delightful to read, and I definitely bought the leading couple's relationship. Marsha Canham has returned to writing her swashbucklers after an eight-year hiatus; her publishers at the time didn't want her to continue her Dante series so she told them to get lost. This story features Gabriel Dante, another son of Simon Dante and Isabeau Dante. Much as I like reading Marsha Canham, this one lacked something. Maybe it's because she is out of practice being a writer and needs to sharpen her skills; even singers and dancers can get rusty if they don't practice. The writing is okay; it's the plot that's a little weak and not up to her usual standards. Anyway, I'm glad she's back and hope her next book will be more up to what one expects from her.
What do You think about The Following Sea (2012)?
So happy Canham is back with her pirates. Some days only a pirate will do.
—Tatyana
