Pieces of Eight by John Drake is the second in his trilogy that is a prequel to the classic story, Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson. After the events of the first book, we find Long John Silver and his crew marooned on the unknown island, while the evil Captain Flint sails away to gather more men with a plan to come back and wipe out Silver and reclaim the island and his treasure for himself. Flint has also kidnapped the love of Long John’s life, the beautiful black woman Selena.

The story follows both parties as they prepare for their final meeting. Who will survive and who will get the treasure? A nation of displaced North American Indians, a cross dressing pirate captain and some diseased monkeys are thrown into the mix to keep the story lively and exciting. This is a gentlemen of fortune story that is full of action and adventure. Of course, as there is a third book, most everything is left hanging at the end of the story, but nevertheless, it’s a fun ride to get there.

Pieces of Eight is a little over-the-top as the author makes sure to include every element one could possibly expect from a pirate story. We have acts of piracy, the navy chasing the pirates, double-crossing and treachery aplenty, and the excitement of cannon fire, and swordplay. All in all an entertaining sequel to Flint and Silver, the first book of the trilogy. ( )