Corsair

by Chris Bunch

Book Overview

For years, the Linyati slavers have raided the coasts of Saros. But now swashbuckling Captain Gareth Radnor has taken command of the carrack Steadfast. The excited young sailor seeks vengeance against... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0446609463
• ISBN13: 9780446609463
• Release Date: May 2001
• Publisher: Warner Books (NY)
• Length: 416 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.0" x 8.1"

Customer Reviews

A fun, pirate read with a fantasy twist

I picked this up because, like a few folks, I like pirates and fantasy, but not alot of books written for that combo. I enjoyed it a lot, I liked the idea that magic is not trusted by sailors and inclusion of blackpowder weapons. I'll agree with a previous review that there isn't much of a wrap up, but I got the feeling this was supposed to be a series that never got off the ground. I read this book through pretty quick, wanting to see what was going to happen next, and even threw the book down once or twice exclaiming, "Don't these guys ever get a break!" Maybe not the deepest of books, but a fun read none the less.

Swashbuckling Sword & Sorcery

What a damn good read! A blend of swashbuckling naval adventure and magic combines to make a thoroughly entertaining tale.The magic detracts slightly from our hero's audacity and cunning, but makes for some interesting scenarios; and the handling of the ships is over-simplified, especially the sailing qualities of square-rigs vs lateens. Having said that, and accepting that this IS fantasy, the story is believable, although our hero, as a pirate Captain, seems out of place with his aversion to alcohol and extra-marital sex, but his moral stand on human rights rings true, reminding one of the real-life Lord Cochrane in the early 19th Century.Based at sea, this is a slight departure from his Seer trilogy, but he still retains the same basic elements, the brilliant youthful tactician allies with a wizard to make a formidable team. The story feels like 2 books combined into one at the last minute, there is a noticeable hiatus halfway through where one feels that all is lost, followed by an up-beat finale that ends in a surprising high. The scene is set for a follow-up.I thoroughly enjoyed it - as did my wife. *****

Page-turning, heart pounding action

I thoroughly enjoyed this tale of a young rogue adventurer, Gareth, and his band of fellow pirates, seeking revenge on the high seas for heinous crimes committed against their people. The story is gripping, the descriptions of the battles against the evil Linyati are riveting, and the imagery is truly intense - Bunch's ability to paint a clear picture of the landscapes that surround his characters, the vessels on which they sail, the foods they eat, the clothes they wear, and the people they encounter is amazing. Add just the right amount of romance between Gareth and his Lady Cosyra of the Mount, and you have a perfect mix of all the components needed for a great adventure novel. The only thing I found dissastisfying about this book was the ending - the reader is left with an empty feeling, almost as if Bunch forgot to add the final chapter. I can only assume he plans to continue this story in further novels. All things considered, though, I loved this story, and will happily await any future installments.

A tale from an alternate world

This is one of the better swashbuckling tales of modern vintage. The plot is analgous to the situation in England in the late 16th century. Saros is nominally at peace with the hostile Linyati empire, while pirates from Saros plunder Linyati ships and cities.Gareth Radnor, driven into the Saros capital of Ticao as a teenager when Linyati raiders destroy his town, is sent to sea after a youthful escapade antagonizes a powerful lord. Events lead him into a position as captain of a pirate ship, the piracy being tolerated when it brings large revenues to the crown. Raids on the Linyati uncover many secrets about the enemy and establish various allies (the enemy of my enemy is my friend). Secrets are also revealed in Ticao.Overall, it is an action filled novel that holds the reader's interest, with numerous battles and adventures, some on land and some on sea. I would give it a PG-13 rating based on sex and violence contained in the story.

grand fantasy novel

He was a teen fishing in a secluded spot with two friends when the Linyati entered his village, killing those who fought and enslaving the rest. The village is destroyed and Gareth Radnor's family along with it. Gareth moves to the Capitol City to live with his uncle. When a bored Gareth pulls a prank on a noble, the lord vows vengeance. For his nephew's safety, his uncle sends Gareth to sea.Over time he becomes voted the captain of the Steadfast. He leads his men in battle against the Linyati and wins. He returns home wealthy, but unable to rest on his laurels. He devises a plan to steal the Linyati treasury that requires trekking deep into enemy territory.Chris Bunch is a wonderful storyteller who writes fantasy that adults will enjoy. The Linyati are a strange, enigmatic race who serves masters that seem more apropos as residents of hell. The innocent Gareth grows quickly into a hardened warrior filled with grief, anger and pain that shapes him into being a fan favorite while steering CORSAIR into a fast-paced, absorbing novel.Harriet Klausner