Brandy, Dame of the Caribbean

By: Dan E. Hendrickson
Publication Date: December 12, 2024
ISBN: 979-8985442588
Reviewed by: Trix Lee-Rainwater
Review Date: February 10, 2025

When honor, family, and justice collide with treachery on the high seas, who can stand against the combined might of pirates, ninjas, and corrupt nobles? This question lies at the heart of Brandy, Dame of the Caribbean by Dan Hendrickson.

The story begins with Brandy, a former pirate's daughter turned freedom fighter, and her husband Captain John Edwards leading their crew on their ship, the Morning Star, to rescue runaway slaves. Their mission goes awry when they're separated, leading John to encounter Lord Frederick, a British nobleman secretly arming Southern states for civil war. The stakes escalate dramatically when their children are kidnapped by the Jaded Empress, a notorious Chinese pirate seeking revenge against Brandy's martial arts master, Zhang Yong. As Brandy commandeers a slave ship, the Pearl Reaper, to pursue her children's captors, we learn that the Empress was Zhang's first student who betrayed him, stole his ceremonial swords, and fled to Japan to train with ninja. Now she seeks to defeat Brandy and claim leadership of the ninja clan.

Multiple forces converge as the scheming British nobles plot to use this situation to take control of a powerful shipbuilding company, Joshua Shipyards, by having the Jaded Empress eliminate its rightful heirs. Everything builds to an epic confrontation where Brandy must master Zhang's teachings about controlling rage in deadly combat, while John orchestrates a brilliant naval battle against overwhelming odds.

Brandy, Dame of the Caribbean is the second book of the Pirate Princess Saga and we return to see Brandy, who has evolved from her origins as a pirate's daughter to become a formidable force for justice in the Caribbean. This story is a historical action-adventure that weaves together themes of family loyalty, justice, and honor while delivering thrilling naval battles and martial arts sequences. Hendrickson excels at crafting memorable characters, from the fierce and principled Brandy to her steadfast husband John and their wise mentor Zhang. The author's detailed knowledge of sailing ships, martial arts, and the historical period adds authenticity to the fantastical elements. While the multiple plotlines and large cast of characters occasionally threaten to overwhelm the narrative, Hendrickson keeps the story focused and engaging. Though some readers may question the convenient coincidences that bring various characters together, this is forgivable given the nature of the adventure. The fusion of Chinese martial arts with Caribbean piracy creates an intriguing cross-cultural backdrop that sets this story apart from typical historical fiction.

Quill says: Brandy, Dame of the Caribbean is a swashbuckling adventure that blends historical drama with martial arts action while exploring timeless themes of family, honor, and justice on the high seas.

For more information about Brandy, Dame of the Caribbean, please visit the author's website at: www.danehendrickson.com

Author Interview