Brandy, Dame of the Caribbean: Saga of the Pirate Princess Book 2 by Dan E Hendrickson is the latest iteration of the swashbuckling adventures of Captain John Edwards and his fearsome, fighting wife Brandy Erasmus Edwards. Trained by Shaolin Master Zhang Yong in the ways of Kung Fu, Brandy is feared across the Caribbean as someone never to cross swords with. Along with her husband John, Brandy has been at the forefront of the abolitionists transporting escaped slaves from the U.S. South to freedom in “maroons” located across the Caribbean and in South America. Their continued efforts for the past decade have made them many enemies both in the South and in Britain. With talk of secession by the South and the Civil War imminent, tensions are ratcheted up to an all-time high. With their protector and friend Vice Admiral Arthur Joshua’s health declining and a hostile takeover of the Vice Admiral’s family business back in England, not to mention Master Zhang Yong’s former pupil hell-bent on killing her former master and uncle, the scene is set for another non-stop, action-filled Caribbean adventure.

Brandy, Dame of the Caribbean, like the first novel, is compelling reading that will capture your attention from the get-go and take you on a non-stop ride of emotions and action that will be impossible to put down. I have read this author’s books from the beginning of his career and it has been my privilege to watch him grow and mature as a writer. It has reached the point where I consider any new offerings to be a must-read. Although this book is the second in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone novel with the author dropping gems of information about the characters' previous exploits throughout the story. Perhaps what always stands out with these two main characters is their morality and their determination to ensure that everyone is entitled to a fair chance, especially when confronted by classism, sexism, or racism. The setting takes readers all around the world from the Caribbean to South America, South Africa, Hong Kong, Japan, and the United States, which allows for plots and subplots to be developed, adding immensely to the breadth of the story. I particularly appreciated the generational aspect with characters evolving across several generations of their family, adding a sense of continuity to the adventure. If you love swashbuckling antics, there are plenty here at a frenetic pace, but there is also a deep sense of community and family that will give you a gentle embrace. I loved this book and cannot wait to see where this talented author will head next. I highly recommend this read.

In Brandy, Dame of the Caribbean by Dan E Hendrickson, Brandy Erasmus Edwards, skilled in swordplay and trained by Zhang Yong, leads aboard the Morning Star. Her daughter Katrina surpasses her under Zhang's guidance. In London, Lady Adriana Joshua asserts control over Joshua Shipyards as succession disputes involving her daughter Davonte and brother-in-law Arthur grow. Meanwhile, Kailli Yong seeks revenge with the Black Demon Hanzo Ninja Clan. Captain Edwards and Brandy return home, later hoping to aid runaways in Grand Isle, when they are confronted with arms shipments and cannon fire from the Mastersfire. As Brandy plans a rescue mission, threats from the Jade Empress become more targeted, and deadly. So too are the troubles between Lord Frederick and Captain Williams, as a hostage situation aboard La Plata and Confederate efforts to thwart the rescue of children mount.

As it turns out, a woman really can have it all. Or at least Brandy does as a mother and a respected pirate in Brandy, Dame of the Caribbean by Dan E Hendrickson, book two of the Saga of the Pirate Princess series. This book is as steeped in historical authenticity as its predecessor, portraying naval tactics, ship types, and the geopolitical context of the Caribbean during the era. It's possible to be both entertained and educated, and I walked away knowing about the types of cannons used, the strategic importance of Kingston, Jamaica, and the involvement of naval powers like the British and the Confederacy in 19th-century waters. Hendrickson also captures the atmosphere of the American South during the Civil War era, and there's a scene where “Mrs. Sophia Duncan” externally portrays the good that can come from playing bad, while internally embracing themes of freedom, justice, and morality. This is an action-packed, fully immersive story, and a heck of a lot of fun to read. Very highly recommended.

It’s the late nineteenth century, an era of pirates and abolitionists and all who ply the seas for a better life. Dan E. Hendrickson’s Brandy, Dame of the Caribbean tells the story of one pirate, a woman named Brandy, who was heralded as the Pirate Princess of the Caribbean. Daughter of a pirate couple and married to another man of the seas, Captain John Edwards, Brandy is set on making things right, finding a better life for herself and for those who were torn from their homes and placed into slavery. A warrior at heart and well-trained in combat, Brandy has more on her plate than rescuing slaves. She’s about to take on the deadly and most feared pirate of the South China Sea: the Jaded Empress, a most dreaded butcher.

Dan E. Hendrickson’s Brandy, Dame of the Caribbean is the second book in the Saga of the Pirate Princess series. The plot follows an adventurous course, moving forward with great panache and considerable action. In this historical novel, the author demonstrates his knowledge of the period, especially regarding pirates and worthy men and women who dominated the seas. The descriptive narrative provides a beautiful view of the Caribbean in this era. Dialogue is used well to develop the characters and set the scene. There is some romance woven into the plot, adding to its engaging quality. The main character, Brandy, is the epitome of a strong female role model. The story is a real page-turner.

Brandy, Dame of the Caribbean by Dan E. Hendrickson is a deftly executed, swashbuckling follow-up to Brandy, Ballad of a Pirate Princess. In this action-packed second installment of the Brandy saga, Hendrickson expands upon the abolitionist theme established in the first book. In Brandy, Dame of the Caribbean, it is fifteen years later (1854, to be precise) and Brandy and Captain John Edwards are now married with a son and daughter; in addition, Brandy has received fifteen years of training from the Shaolin Master Zhang Yong – training which puts her in a perfect position to serve as the heroine of this epic tale. Zhang Young’s niece Kailli Yong betrayed her uncle by stealing Shaolin swords which she did not earn, thereby dishonoring her uncle, trained for years with the Black Demon ninjas, and now employs her dark gifts as the Caribbean’s most feared pirate - the Jaded Empress - making her an ideal antagonist. Zhang Yong must return to China to right the wrong of his disciple niece’s betrayal and restore the purloined Shaolin swords to their rightful clan. Brandy, his beloved protégée, must make the dangerous journey by his side. The adventure that unfolds is both compelling and unforgettable and is sure to delight readers of all ages.

Brandy, Dame of the Caribbean incorporates many powerful themes and motifs – feminine empowerment, racism, slavery, moral and ethical codes, accountability, honor, duty, and a host of other vices and virtues of vital importance. Apart from being exceedingly well crafted, Hendrickson’s narrative is historically accurate and thoroughly researched. The plot is complex; to that end, Hendrickson has included a summary of the first book in the series and a handy glossary of characters to help keep track of important players and events. Brandy, Dame of the Caribbean by Dan E, Hendrickson is a prime example of just how much excitement and adventure can be squeezed into a few hundred pages. Readers of all ages will be delighted with the myriad plot twists and suspenseful surprises and will no doubt find themselves longing for book three as soon as they have turned the last page of this rollicking, epic adventure.