The Brotherhood of Pandora

Many of you will know David Nichols from his popular boat designs or his traditional boat-building books, but he’s just released a historical, nauticallly-accurate fiction book to rave reviews. 313 riveting pages.

Synopsis

To combat Napoleon's increasing interest in the Caribbean and help pressure France to sell New Orleans to America, Vice-President Jefferson enlists the aid of friend and naval hero Captain Jacob May. He asks Captain May to wage a clandestine war against the French in the Caribbean but not as part of the US navy, as pirates. To accomplish this, Captain May uses the cutting-edge technology of 1799: Girardoni air rifles, Fulton's self-propelled torpedoes, a submarine, cannons with rifling, and Pandora, a specially modified ship. Captain May molds his crew into the Brotherhood of Pandora and gives Jefferson chaos in the Caribbean.

Here are a few reviews from readers

With his vivid descriptions of the seafaring exploits of Captain Jacob May and the diverse, unusual crew of the Pandora, David Nichols brings to life the early years of the American republic in this entertaining and instructive tale of adventure on the high seas. I, for one, am looking forward to a sequel.

Bette W Oliver, Ph.D.

Author of ten books on the French Revolution and its aftermath, including Surviving the French Revolution: A Bridge across Time

The Brotherhood is a page-turner that I could not put down. Imagine a 1798 nautical Mission Impossible with a stealth ship, a two-man submarine, silent weapons, and more, all waging a covert war for Vice President Thomas Jefferson, and you have The Brotherhood of Pandora. The characters are believable and well-developed, the weapons are real, and it all reminds me of C S Forester and Patrick O’Brien. It’s an entertaining and fun read. You can’t go wrong with this one!

Lowell C

The Brotherhood of Pandora is a captivating tale of American piracy in the early 1800’s, waged by a group of sea-faring men (and – spoiler alert - a few women) and led by the wise, principled, and thoughtful Captain Jacob May.  Unusual characteristics for a pirate, to be sure, but that’s part of the book’s appeal. The story begins in Philadelphia, where the necessary crew is recruited and assembled, however Captain Jacob isn’t just interested in his crew: he’s also a keen naval engineer who’s got several innovative features in mind for his ship Pandora. As the Pandora sails to St Kitts and the Bahamas, other pirate ships (and one “slaver”) are encountered, with some thrilling battles. Readers who love sailing and all things nautical will enjoy the rich detail of life on board ship, naval tactics, and vivid story-telling of The Brotherhood of Pandora.

Gael L