To combat Napoleon’s increasing interest in the Caribbean and help pressure France to sell New Orleans to America, Vice-President Thomas Jefferson enlists the aid of friend and naval hero Captain Jacob May. He asks Captain May to wage a clandestine war against the French in the Caribbean not as part of the US Navy, but as pirates.
To accomplish this, Captain May uses the cutting-edge technology of 1799: Girardoni air rifles, Fultons self propelled torpedoes, a submarine, cannons with rifling, and Pandora, a specially modified ship. Captain May molds his crew into the Brotherhood of Pandora and gives Jefferson chaos in the Caribbean.
Bill Thompson –
David Nichols has created an engaging and tantalizing plot. His knowledge of 19th-century sailing ships, military machinery and naval military tactic makes this book a pleasure to read.
Chris Crocker –
The Brotherhood of Pandora is an enjoyable novel in the tradition of C.S.Forester and Patrick O’Brian. The story is written with well-developed characters, an intriguing story-line, and the pace that pulls you along. Set in the days following the American Revolution, the action takes place on the high seas with a band of American sailors with the mission to upset the balance of power between colonial powers. David Nichols’ obvious nautical knowledge, attention to the cultural norms of the times, and a combination of humor and suspense makes for entertaining reading.
Gael Lonergan –
The Brotherhood of Pandora is a captivating tale of American piracy in the early 1800’s, waged by a group of sea-faring men (and – spoiler alert – a few women) and led by the wise, principled, and thoughtful Captain Jacob May. Unusual characteristics for a pirate, to be sure, but that’s part of the book’s appeal. The story begins in Philadelphia, where the necessary crew is recruited and assembled, however Captain Jacob isn’t just interested in his crew: he’s also a keen naval engineer who’s got several innovative features in mind for his ship Pandora. As the Pandora sails to St Kitts and the Bahamas, other pirate ships (and one “slaver”) are encountered, with some thrilling battles. Readers who love sailing and all things nautical will enjoy the rich detail of life on board ship, naval tactics, and vivid story-telling of The Brotherhood of Pandora.