Black Pearl: Book 5 in the Cody Musket Series by James Nathaniel Miller II begins with a rescue mission in Puerto Rico. It's 2041, and Cody Musket Jr. discovers that some people in the government are covering up the appalling human trafficking operating underground. As he tries to rescue more children, Cody angers a powerful human trafficker who starts to come after him aggressively in every direction. Now, the media and the government are painting him badly, putting him and his family at risk of being harmed or killed. Cody must find how he can clear his name, catch the real offenders, and protect his family with the help of God, his secret-agent brother, and the mischievous kids with him before it's too late.

It's a fight between light and the darkest side of humanity, mainly human trafficking and unimaginable atrocities. Black Pearl is both a story about and a call for action against human trafficking and modern slavery. Additionally, it contains sci-fi elements for fans of the genre and messages that would inspire and teach readers about Christianity. I felt enraged, worried, and sorrowful all at the same time as the realities of the victims of such circumstances described in the story were brought to my attention in the most vivid manner. However, I also felt hope, courage, and compassion in James Nathaniel Miller II's story. Finally, Black Pearl kept me transfixed and eager to find out how it would pan out, and the climactic, explosive ending proved it was worth every bit of the emotional pandemonium it evoked in me.

In Black Pearl by James Nathaniel Miller II, Cody Musket Jr is asked to rescue three missionaries who have been stranded on a beach in Puerto Rico. Alongside him sits 12-year-old Kennedy, a stowaway, and one of the trafficked children Cody has rescued. The rescue mission doesn't go to plan and results in Kennedy and one of the missionaries being left behind at the mercy of armed traffickers. Kennedy and Raquel swim toward a boat called the Black Pearl for safety, but soon they are found by the traffickers just as Cody arrives to rescue them. The rescue attempt is met with death and destruction and Cody's actions onboard the Black Pearl result in the entire Musket family becoming a target for a wealthy and influential human trafficker, Demarco. As events unfold, Cody's family's lives are now in danger and slowly they realize the horrific lengths Demarco will go to in order to exact his revenge. When Cody's elder brother Raymond 'Ghost' Musket, of the USMC, is specifically requested by the President to spare Demarco, he believes there is a connection between them and he is determined to find out what it is. Can the formidable power of the Musket family put an end to Demarco's reign of torture, trafficking, and murder?

In Black Pearl by James Nathaniel Miller II, the action begins immediately as Cody rescues the abandoned missionaries. The first chapter is truly emotional to read and highlights the strength and kindness of young Kennedy. There are parts of the storyline that are so difficult to read because they contain such vivid and realistic scenes of abuse and trauma but that is a true testament to the storytelling ability of the author. The scene with little Freddy was heartbreaking, especially when he asked Cody about Jesus. There are biblical references throughout which added some great life lessons and depth to the story. I was pleased to see some of the old characters make a reappearance, such as Knoxi and the heroic Cody Sr. I loved the sisterly relationship Knoxi developed with Cody's girlfriend Diamond. There are some nail-biting moments throughout the plot and many twists and turns which caught me off guard. No character is safe from the clutches of Demarco, one of the most sadistic, cold-hearted villains I have come across. Cody's elder brother Raymond made just a brief appearance towards the end but I can already recognize he is going to be another awesome character in the next novel. A must-read action thriller that you will not be able to put down.