Six cannonballs (out of five) ;-)

A Caribbean Spell by Maureen O. Betita

So, it ain’t normal for an author to review her own book and make recommendations. But I figure if I do it outright and above board, I shouldn’t stir up too much controversy. I’m not doing this with an assumed name, I’m not going to wax poetically and pretend I’m not talking about myself – despite the long tradition in literature for authors to do just that!

Nope, I’m gonna put it right out there.

A Caribbean Spell is a charming beginning to what is to be a very long series. I hope to publish 30 books, but it could go longer. It could also die if the interest does. Or if I do. Things happen.

With ACS, the reader is introduced to the main characters, Miranda – the time traveling witch, who restores her magical energy through sex and Jake, a wily pirate captain who really enjoys helping Miranda restore her magic. These two will sail through every single book. Yes, one couple. Though there is a supporting cast of hundreds over the series’ life. I promise to take the reader places and into situations that will surprise them, thrill them, perhaps disgust them… I’ve never been known for playing it safe. At some point, I will kill the dog. Sorry.

Regarding this first volume. I show promise here. 

Let me start by addressing the critics. Yes, you will complain of too much passive voice. I did my best, but sometimes it just fits into the narrative I’m creating. I know it’s there. Was I lazy about digging it all out? Maybe. Or maybe I just didn’t want to change the character of the book. I’m a bit old school and grew up on a writing style that is different than what is the norm now.

But trends change and it could come back. So maybe I’m ahead of the trends. So, there.

Yes, I do juggle POV. Even lapsing on occasion into the deadly omniscient, or narrative, POV. I know. I did it on purpose. Really. It fit. I’m sorry if it offends. (Not really.)

Show vs. Tell. Ah, how I long for the days when a reader didn’t really know the difference. Because, I don’t always know the difference. Which is why you’ll find that slipping in here and there.

Anything else I could address that would be considered negatives?

Sometimes, there is purple prose. I think. I’m not entirely certain.

The plus sides! Oh! Action, adventure, sex, pirates, a really deliciously despicable villain, a side story to anchor the reader in the two worlds Miranda and Jake will balance between; the wild seas of the Caribbean and life aboard the pirate ship, Moonstone, and the more prim and proper world of Port Royal, Jamaica. 

Miranda is a woman of our century, but she’s been slipping through time and space for twenty years giving her the savvy and know-how to survive wherever she lands. She can’t control her travels. Reynard is a clever pirate and his world holds a practical viewpoint regarding magic and commerce. Him? Well, it's all about the profit. And keeping his ship and crew flourishing.

This is not a historically accurate world

Yes, critics, it isn’t accurate. At all. In the least. It’s made up. Totally. The world is smaller, the ships are cleaner, the people are tolerant, the pirates are…Hollywood pirates. 

We start with a standard tiny bit of back story, an arrival, a challenge…and more challenges. Lots of challenges. Miranda appears on page one, Jake appears at the end of the first chapter. What can I say about the story that will convince you to read it?

It’s Maddy and Dave if they’d survived having sex. It’s Hart to Hart on the high seas. Add in adult situations and vocabulary. Danger that doesn’t mince words and violence that is real, and causes actual pain, sorrow and anger. But there is also lighthearted fun and simple romping, friendships, secret relations, the comedy of a fish out of water…and magic. Good and bad.

It’s a story that moves fast and will sweep you away. Cast a spell upon you and invite you to come set sail in this Caribbean, on this ship, with this series! A Caribbean Spell is book one. Red Sean’s Revenge is the second and will be available in June. Next is The French Gambit followed by Twice Trapped! And that is for 2013. Four more in 2014.

I fell in love with Jake as I wrote him, I fell in love with Miranda. Jake’s only complaint is he wishes he were taller, while Miranda has forgiven me much. I believe they love me back.

So, authors, if you could be the critic, the reviewer…what do you think will be loved or loathed about your book? Ever read multiple reviews where the same thing one person loves is the thing another person hates?