Book Review: Lust in the Caribbean by Noah Harris

Lust in the Caribbean   

American release date: August 6, 2017

Format/Genre/Length: Kindle/LGBT Romance/332 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★

Being a young gay man in the year 1710 is not easy, as Thomas Treadwell can attest. He yearns to be free to be who he is. Shipping out on the Virtue, under Captain Temperance Stone, Thomas discovers that he is not alone in his desire for relations with the same sex. The ship’s head becomes the place for men to hook up anonymously in the night in order to save face during the light of day. But when Thomas is careless and gets caught with another man, there is hell to pay as Captain Stone orders the two men to be whipped to death!

Thomas watches helplessly as his previously unknown hook-up is beaten first and dies. But just as it’s Thomas’ turn to face death, a look-out fortuitously announces the arrival of another ship. Not just any ship, but a pirate ship called Manhunter, infamous for its figurehead which resembles a muscular naked man with a golden appendage, and because it is rumored to contain an all-gay crew!

The pirate ship, with its erotic take on the traditional Jolly Roger flag, hauls up beside the Virtue,  which it clearly outguns. Captain Stone has no choice but to surrender, after first ascertaining the safety of his crew’s “booty” among the gay pirates, who claim they don’t need to ravish anyone, they have plenty of “booty” on their own ship.  The pirates board the ship and their captain, Captain Seawolf, discovers Thomas lashed to the mast and discovers why he is being punished then offers him a chance to go with the pirates, which Thomas reluctantly accepts. He doesn’t really wish to do so, as he doesn’t agree with piracy as a way of life, but he also knows if he stays behind, he will die. Quite the quandary.

And so the adventure begins….

Lust in the Caribbean can be looked on as one man’s journey to be himself despite living in a time of great hypocrisy and prejudice. But primarily it is a sexual adventure, as Thomas revels in the freedom of living openly as a gay man among the pirates. There is a lot of sex in this book, believe it, as well as adventures, as the pirates go from situation to situation.  And what is a pirate story without treasure? Plus, once Thomas learns the secret of some of the crew, he is told he can never leave, but by then will he want to?

Great literature? No, it’s not. The writing is rough at times, and is filled with blatantly purple prose, and it would definitely benefit from better editing. Not to mention, I would say, if given the chance to speak with Mr. Harris, please don’t say sex juice ever again. Ever.  That. Is. Not. Hot. The author certainly knows how to tell a tale, though.  The story definitely held my attention. The characters are fairly well-written, and he does know how to write sex scenes. I suspect the major reason he hasn’t been dinged for bestiality, though, is that he manages to veil it in the guise of the main character keeping his eyes closed and not seeing what or who he is actually copulating with under the full moon. Oh, and did I mention there’s a merman or two? That being said, this is definitely only for mature audiences.

If you’re looking for a story with a lot of sex, this one won’t disappoint. I’ve seen smutty books that aren’t nearly as well written. If you’re looking for great fiction, go somewhere else. For what it is, I considered it to be satisfactory indeed. I might have to check out some of the author’s other writing.

One Piece, Volume 9: Tears Review

One Piece, Volume 9: Tears  

Author: Eiichiro Oda

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: January 3, 2006

Format/Genre/Length: Manga/Shonen/208 pages

Publisher/Industry Age Rating: Teen

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

“Sawtooth”Arlong and his pirate gang have held Coco village captive for years, extracting tribute on a yearly basis in exchange for allowing them to live. When foolhardy Usopp challenges that rule, the village is angry with him, fearing that he is endangering their safety. Nami appears to see what’s going on, lugging her precious berries. If she can collect 100 million of them, the pirates have promised to sell her the village, and she is determined to make her goal, no matter how she has to do it.

Synopsis:

Meanwhile, Zolo has been busy in Arlong Park. Hearing the trumpet blast, he gets a ride from an obliging octopus, as Luffy and the others are confronted by Momoo, the giant sea cow.

Returning to the Park, with Usopp in tow, Sawtooth is dismayed at what he finds. Especially when he learns how the perpetrator has been able to escape his vengeance. Usopp is in quite a quandary, and begs for his life. In order to prove that she is trustworthy and one of them,  and to allay their suspicions that she aided Zolo, Nami has no choice—she has to kill Usopp.

After Luffy and Sanji land on the island, a wild-eyed Johnny tells them of Usopp’s demise. Meanwhile, a navy ship has appeared off the shore of Arlong Park. Has it come to aid the villagers against the pirates? When Nami confronts Luffy and the others, they don’t want to believe her perfidy, despite Johnny’s eye-witness account of her murder of Usopp, especially the smitten Sanji. She tells them they need to go, this is none of their business and they aren’t wanted here, but Luffy decides he needs a nap and lies down in the middle of the road to take one.

As they wait to see what’s going down with the navy ship, Nojiki tells them Nami’s story, and why she’s doing what she is.

  

Commentary:

This volume of One Piece has a lot going on, filled with non-stop action as the pace of the plot definitely picks up. Not that it was slow before, but now it’s rushing headlong toward a denouement. I love the intricacies of the characters and how their plots wind about one another and intertwine. I did Eiichiro Oda does a marvelous job of twisting everything about, meshing it all together.

I also love how he doesn’t make Luffy the main character in everything, although he is the main character. He treats it more as an ensemble piece, and in this volume, we see a bit more of Usopp, and a whole lot more about Nami, finding out what makes her tick and what her motivations are.

We go back to when Nami and Nojiki were foster sisters being raised by a single mother, Belle Mere, and of what happened to them, and to the village, when the pirates descended on them years before. This goes a long way to understanding Nami, and I really enjoyed it, as I hadn’t thought much of her before on the basis of her previous actions, which have been sometimes despicable. But now everything makes perfect sense, and I have compassion for her.

As for Usopp, he may be a bit of a fool, but his heart is in the right place, even if sometimes he’s a coward, but he means well, and I like him pretty much. This is a series that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, even though it’s labeled teens. A good story is a good story, and this is definitely one of those. I enjoy the artwork, I think it fits well with the writing, and I’m enjoying this series. I heartily endorse it.

One Piece, Volume 8: I Won't Die Review

One Piece, Volume 8: I Won’t Die  

Author: Eiichiro Oda

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: October 10, 2005

Format/Genre/Length: Manga/Shonen/192 pages

Publisher/Industry Age Rating: Teen

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Luffy, Sanji, and Gin survive Don Krieg’s poisonous gas attack. Luffy stands up to the pirate, proclaiming, “I won’t die.” And he means it! He attacks, and actually succeeds in bringing Krieg down on one knee, a feat never before accomplished! But can he handle Krieg’s Mighty Battle Spear?

Synopsis:

As Chef and Sanji watch the battle between Luffy and Krieg, Chef comments on Luffy’s toughness. “In the end, it’s not about weapons,” he says, “grit counts more than steel.” The fight continues. Whatever Krieg throws at him, Luffy comes back with his usual tenacity, and using the weapons in his own gum gum arsenal.

After Krieg is defeated, Gin takes his leave, deciding to stay with Krieg, but his parting words for the unconscious Luffy state that he expects their paths to cross again on the Grand Line.

Sanji tells Luffy he can’t join his crew, but Luffy doesn’t believe him. Sanji asks him if he’s ever heard of the All Blue? The cooks on the Baratie start behaving strangely (even for them), claiming that Sanji’s cooking is horrible. It’s obvious they have ulterior motives, especially when the Crap Geezer asks Luffy to take Sanji with him.

Luffy and Sanji leave the Baratie and sail on in order to catch up with Nami. Along the way, Luffy learns about the Seven Warlords of the Sea, and how dangerous they are. Hawkeye Mihawk, who defeated Zolo, is one of them, and the other six are even worse. They head toward Arlong Park, home of the fish men, led by “Saw Tooth” Arlong. Yosaku thinks that is where Nami is headed, judging by her interest in a wanted poster containing information on pirates and bounties. Sanji, being obsessed with Nami, is all for following her.

Meanwhile, Zolo and Usopp are also hot on Nami’s trail, and make a couple of new friends.

Commentary:

Most of this volume is taken by the battle between Luffy and Krieg, which is pretty good, unless you don’t like battles, of course. We see some interesting moves on both sides. Naturally, Luffy prevails. He’s the hero. Then it’s time to move on.

The floating restaurant was a cool idea, but it’s time for the action to resume in other directions, and to catch up with Nami, Zolo, and Usopp.

As the series progresses, we see more and more of Luffy’s qualities, especially his loyalty to his friends, and his never give up attitude. He’s a good role model for people of all ages. I like the depth the author gives his characters, as well as the humor, and the action.

By the time the series is done, I know I won’t remember all of these characters, there are so many of them, but a few will stick with me for a long time to come: Luffy, Zolo, Shanks and Usopp among them.

Luffy’s indefatigable good humor and buoyant spirits, and his willingness to take risks to achieve his goals make this an enjoyable series for everyone.

One Piece 7: The Crap-Geezer Review

One Piece, Volume 7: The Crap-Geezer  

Author: Eiichiro Oda

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: July 6, 2005

Format/Genre/Length: Manga/Shonen/200 pages

Publisher/Industry Age Rating: Teen

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Sanji shows that he’s more than cook when he defends the Baratie with a tremendous kick, deflecting the fish-head, to the amazement of his crew! His action re-energizes the sea cooks, who vow to fight for their floating restaurant to the end against the scurvy knaves that comprise Don Krieg’s pirate crew. So of course Krieg has to throw them a curveball—in the form of his second unit commander, Invincible Pearl.

Synopsis:

Pearl, as his name implies, is a huge fellow covered in shields with pearl centers, and wears a pearl on his head. As he leaps onto the Baratie, he takes down two of the cooks with his Pearl Surprise move. One of Krieg’s men attempts to take the knife from one of the dying men but Sanji puts a stop to that with a swift kick. “A chef’s knife is his soul,” he tells him. “A crap-bum like you had better not touch it.”

Pearl boasts to Sanji that he’s been invincible in 61 battles to the death; in fact, he’s never even been injured, and has never lost a single drop of blood in battle. Meanwhile, Luffey is clinging for his life to a mast—if he drops into the ocean, he’s a dead man; since eating the devil fruit, he can’t swim a stroke and would sink like a stone. Luckily, Krieg’s maneuver drops him onto the Baratie, right on top of Pearl, drawing blood, to the pirate’s surprise. When Krieg’s crew see the blood, they immediately try to calm Pearl down, fearful of the consequences. Because of experiences as a child, when Pearl feels threatened, he sets himself aflame. Under the circumstances, being on a ship, afloat at sea and all, this is not a good idea.

The sea cooks back down from the human wall of flame, but not Sanji. “Moron,” he says, “you can’t be a cook if you’re afraid of fire!”  Things are starting to look up when Sanji finds himself on the wrong end of a gun barrel, being pointed at him by Gin, the pirate whose life he saved when he was starving!

Gin offers Sanji the opportunity to get off the ship, but he refuses, even when Chef Zeff taunts him, calling him eggplant head.  Luffy tries to intervene, but to no avail. He certainly doesn’t understand Sanji’s attitude, and neither does anyone else. Especially when Pearl pounds him with some of his best moves. Still the stubborn chef refuses to go. But there is method to his madness, and he finally explains why he refuses to let the Baratie be taken away from the ornery one-legged Chef Zeff. It all began nine years before…

When Sanji is done with his tale, everyone understands the debt he owes Zeff, and why he won’t allow anything else to be taken from him. Still, Luffy thinks Sanji is being ridiculous, and he sees only one way out of the situation—he intends to sink the Baratie himself. He tells Sanji it’s not worth dying over, and what use is Zeff saving his life if he’s going to just throw it away?

Don Krieg steps in and he and Luffy get into a battle of words, Luffy adamantly proclaiming himself the best pirate there is. Finally it comes down to Gin and Sanji. Can Gin kill the very man that showed him incredible kindness? Well, he is a ruthless pirate, after all…

Commentary:

The battle over the Baratie continues as we meet yet another of Krieg’s crew in the form of Invincible Pearl. Despite his record, Pearl’s a blowhard and not very likeable, but he’s an interesting villain. The backstory involving Chef Zeff and Sanji explained a lot about the latter’s loyalty to the crap-geezer, as he calls him. Sanji is a very interesting character, one I suspect we’ll be seeing a lot more of in the future. In this volume, Luffey doesn’t play as big a part as usual, but when he does, he’s generally very brave, but often in the way, in misguided attempts to assist.

This is a fun series for all ages, and there’s lots more fun ahead. Sticking with it for the long haul!

One Piece 6: The Oath Review

One Piece, Volume 6: The Oath  

Author: Eiichiro Oda

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: March 1, 2005

Format/Genre/Length: Manga/Shonen/200 pages

Publisher/Industry Age Rating: Teen

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Sanji, sous chef and maitre d’ on the oceangoing restaurant Baratie, feeds a starving pirate, and Luffy is even more convinced that Sanji is the man for him. He invites him to join his pirate crew, but Sanji declines, although Luffy declines his declination and insists that the chef has to join them! The just-fed pirate declares himself to be a member of the pirate Krieg’s crew and, on hearing of Luffy’s plans, he warns them to stay away from the Grand Line!

Synopsis:

It’s back to work for Chore Boy, as it has been determined that Luffy must serve on the Baratie for one year to pay what he owes. Although he seems to be adding to his debt with the number of dishes he’s broken already. Thinking to make himself useful, he tries to clean the wok, only to get a hot hand for his trouble and a scolding.

To his dismay, he finds Zolo, Nami, and Usopp sitting at a table, waiting to be served while he has to work! Life just isn’t fair, and how can they do this to him? Sanji arrives at their table and is instantly besotten with Nami. He gives her anything she wants, but all he gives the others is a hard time.

Meanwhile, pirate Gin has returned to Don Krieg’s ship, only to learn that it’s in deplorable condition—he offers to guide the wounded ship to the Baratie.

Sanji and the chef of the Baratie are arguing in the dining room, but this is something the diners come for, to see the battles that take place on the restaurant/ship. Sanji and Usopp aren’t exactly hitting if off either, but Nami is really being treated like a queen!

Two days later Don Krieg and his pirate crew reach the Baratie. Instantly he demands food for one hundred starving pirates. The cooks tell him no way, if they feed the pirates, then they’ll regain strength and seize their ship. Why should they want to do that? Despite that logic, Sanji heads to the kitchen to make those hundred meals.

“My job is to feed people, not judge them,” he says, and off he goes to cook.

When Don Krieg sees Chef Zeff, he recognizes him as “Red Shoe” Zeff, at one time a most formidable foe. Apparently Zeff has been to the Grand Line too, and Krieg wants the journal he kept of the experience.  Says Zeff, “I won’t give it to the likes of you.”

What happened at the Grand Line to produce such fear in the hearts of the pirates? And what will Luffy and his crew do when the same calamity that befell them makes its appearance at the Baratie? And hey, just where the heck did Nami go with the Merry Go and all the treasure?

Commentary:

Watching Luffy assemble his crew piece is piece is very entertaining, and the escapades aboard the Baratie are no exception to that rule. I like Sanji, and the new nemesis is already proving to be a worthy foe. The fun never stops with One Piece, and the action just keeps on going!

I like the artwork, and think it fits the characters and the story very well. Before each chapter, there are images of Buggy the Clown, for those who miss the colorful pirate.

This volume ends, as most of them do, with a cliffhanger. Can’t wait to see what the next one brings! I highly recommend this series for readers of all ages.

One Piece 5: For Whom the Bell Tolls review

 One Piece, Volume 5: For Whom the Bell Tolls  

Author: Eiichiro Oda

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: November 9, 2004

Format/Genre/Length: Manga/Shonen/200 pages

Publisher/Industry Age Rating: Teen

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Usopp’s pirates, protecting Kaya, are chased by the hypnotist/pirate captain Django, while Klahadore, the false butler, faces down Luffy, Zolo, and Usopp. He thinks he has them where he wants them, but Zolo shows that the Meowban brothers are no match for him, although Usopp goes down, and cannot rise. No problem! Zolo will carry him, leaving Luffy to deal with Klahadore.

Synopsis:

As Luffy and Klahadore battle, the pirate butler’s plan becomes apparent—annihilation for all, including his trusty crew. He wants to get rid of anyone who knows about his past.  He reminds them of the circumstances that caused him to quit the sea, and his desire to take the riches from Kaya and go where no one will ever find him. Naturally, this does not sit well with the crew. Luffy manages to half-declaw Klahadore, even as Django is working on hypnotizing the stubborn Kaya to get her to sign the will in favor of her butler, but to no avail—she refuses to open her eyes.

Klahadore has had enough of Luffy and his insults, so he decides to let loose one final attack, although his crew begs him not to—his out-of-the-bag attack! Luffy doesn’t see the big deal.  “He’s only slouching…”

Famous last words, as the attack begins. Can Luffy counter it?

In the aftermath of the battle, Usopp exhorts his little band of pirates, as well as Miss Kaya, to say nothing of what has happened, to allow the village to live in ignorance of what has occurred in order to maintain their peace of mind. And to let them keep on believing that he is a liar. It’s a hard thing to do, but they agree that it is in the village’s best interest, as well as Usopp’s.  Kaya offers Luffy and his crew a ship—a caravel. Not the best, but a sight better than what they had. Of course, Kaya has ulterior motives, which quickly become apparent.

Having added a new crewmember, Luffy’s crew sets sail and raises their own standard for their new ship, the Merry Go. Luffy knows what needs to be done next—they need to find a ship’s cook, and quickly!

Can it be as easy as it sounds? With this bunch, not likely!

Commentary:

This is the last volume concerning the fight with Klahadore and his band and the saving of the village. Great fun, much bravery, and spectacular fights.  Luffy gains a new crewmember, one who is worthy to be part of his crew. Very satisfactory, while leading into new territory with the search for the ship’s cook, and we meet some interesting people onboard the Baratie, an ocean-going restaurant.

With One Piece, the fun never stops. It’s a good read for all ages, and I highly recommend it!

One Piece, Volume 1: Romance Dawn Review

One Piece, Volume 1: Romance Dawn  

Author: Eiichiro Oda

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: July 23, 2003

Format/Genre/Length: Manga/Shonen/216pages

Publisher/Industry Age Rating: Teen

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Just before Gold Roger, the “King of the Pirates”, is beheaded for his crimes, he’s asked for the whereabouts of his treasure. His reply—that it’s still out there in the world somewhere, and free to the person who finds it—triggers the start of a great era of piracy!

Synopsis:

A pirate ship has made its base in a small harbor village for the past year. A young boy in the village, Monkey D. Luffy, is determined to be a pirate and go with them on pirate adventures. When they refuse to take him seriously, he shows them he means what he says by stabbing himself beneath his eye! Although they are amazed that he’s done that, nothing changes. Pirate Captain “Red Hair” Shanks reminds him that a pirate has to be able to swim, and Luffy can’t do that—he has a tendency to sink like a stone. Luffy refuses to give up on his dreams, no matter how nicely the pirates try to let him down. He is determined that he shall learn to swim!

When a big blustery mountain bandit named Higuma comes into the tavern and tries to rile up the pirates, they refuse to fight, to Luffy’s dismay. He pegs them as cowards and yells at them. However, when he tries to storm away, he makes a startling discovery—because he stole and ate the gum-gum fruit the pirates took from an enemy ship, his body is now rubbery and stretchy! Furthermore, as the captain informs him to his chagrin, now he’ll never be able to swim!  Oh no!

Luffy has a lot to learn about what constitutes true courage!

Ten years later, his real adventures begin.

Still determined to become the king of the Pirates, Luffy sets out in a small boat, with no real sense of direction but a whole lot of determination. An encounter with a whirlpool leaves him in the company of the pirates of the dread lady pirate Iron Mace Alvida. Here he meets Koby, a timid young man who’s been enslaved by her against his will, and only wishes to join the Navy. Luffy befriends Koby and instills in him a courage and fortitude he’s sorely lacking. After they leave her, Luffy confides that he is assembling a super pirate crew in order to seek Gold Roger’s treasure, known as “One Piece”. He’s heard about a really good swordsman who’s imprisoned at the naval base, named Roronoa Zola, and he’s determined to add him to his crew. Koby is a bit skeptical.

They reach the naval base, which is under the command of Captain Morgan, and his despicable, cruel, effeminate son Helmeppo.  Zolo is a prisoner, tied to a post in the naval yard. But when Luffy approaches him for possible recruitment, he says forget it, it’s only for a month, he can tough it out. Luffy soon discovers that things are not as they appear to be.

Can Luffy rescue Zolo? And even if he does, can he convince him to join his pirate crew? What of the despotic Captain Morgan and his horrible son? Can Luffy help Koby attain his lifelong dream of being in the navy, or will their acquaintanceship put an end to Koby’s chances?

Commentary:

First off, I know, I’m slow at getting to this. That being said, I wasn’t sure what to expect, despite the fact that it’s a long-running series. That doesn’t mean it’s for everyone. I quickly discovered that it’s really quite funny and very entertaining, and I’m looking forward to reading more.

Monkey D. Luffy is quite the character, and a fitting hero for this series. His ability to be rubbery at will, and also to withstand bullets, is pretty cool, and not something you see in your average hero. He’s young and enthusiastic and determined—traits which will carry him a long way. Eiichiro Oda doesn’t play to stereotypes. The pirate captain Shanks isn’t what you’d necessarily expect in a pirate, and neither is his crew. I like the artwork, it matches the story well, even to the exaggeratedly big mouth that Luffy has, a common characteristic I notice in Oda’s characters.

This book is rated for teens, but I think it would be enjoyed by all ages. It’s first and foremost an adventure tale, so there will be fights, but it’s not what I’d call particularly gory. If I have any complaints with the artwork, it would be that his girls tend to look more like boys. But that’s not really a complaint so much as an observation.

I enjoyed the first volume and look forward to reading more. Yes, I know he’s up to like 60 now. Guess I’ll be reading for a while!