I am fortunate enough to know the author of this book and was able to read a draft during the editing stages. Although it took me a few chapters to get into the book, Julia skillfully uses flashback to unfold Stephen Boswell’s backstory and the reason for his present paranoia. Her characters are multi-dimensional, with even the most ruthless pirates being able to show affection, insecurity, and regret. The heroine, 10-year-old Alice, shows remarkable grit and strength for a character of her age. (And yes, I know she is fictional.)

The greatest thing about this book, in my humble opinion, is it’s historical accuracy. Julia did tons of research on pirates, weapons, ships, sailing, jargon, and the British navy to ensure that her book illustrates pirates the way they actually were, not as Hollywood likes to portray them. However, with historical accuracy comes the unpleasant truth of violence and murder. This book it not for those who squirm at blood and torture. I, myself am not fond of violence, and found some parts of the book difficult to get through. Be aware that Captain Boswell IS a merciless pirate.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who likes characters with deep, complex psyches, fast-paced stories and plots, and/or historical fiction novels (especially in the realm of pirates). Definitely a book to add to your personal library.

P.S., there’s a crazy plot twist towards the end that will blow your mind.

This is the first book I’ve read/listened to by this author and I would listen to another.
Captain Boswell is an interesting character. True to old prejudices (and even current ones), he does all he can to forge his way as an honest, hard-working man, yet most everyone bases their opinion of him on his pirate father. Everyone has their breaking point. Now he’s on the run and captain of a pirate crew that offer no quarter.
Alice is a young girl who evaded execution when their ship is attacked. She hides aboard the pirate ship. Once she is found, Captain Boswell spares her life.
Much of the story revolves around the relationship between them.

This is the first book I’ve listened to by this narrator ( Thomas Cardwell ) and I would listen to another. I liked his portrayal of Alice and he did well with the other character voices. His narration helped bring out the horror of the pirates actions, the paranoia of the Captain and the courage of Alice.

There are no explicit sex scenes, excessive violence or swearing.

Very compelling and thrilling book! It's very easy to get lost in this book. The story is well narrated, with each character having their own voice. The characters come alive, and I found myself becoming drawn to certain characters.
Definitely a book I would recommend even if you aren't into Pirates.

An engrossing story that accurately portrays pirates and the British navy who hunted them. This was a very unique book, that left me conflicted as to how I felt toward Captain Boswell and his crew. The Red Flag somehow manages to humanize the pirates without turning them into heroes. It started off by grabbing my attention and kept me engaged until the end.

Julia Maiola has written something that is very much a well polished and realistic piece of historical fiction. Her Antagonist is deep and layered in a role that is traditionally archetypal and two dimensional. The realism and grim realities of the life of seafarers in the eighteenth century are very well portrayed, even to the point of walking the line of what we consider savage with respect to our modern sensibilities. Punches are not pulled with this book. Highly recommended.

The Red Flag is very well written and kept my interest from the beginning to the end. I didn’t want to put it down and when I wasn’t reading, I found myself wondering what would happen next. The author’s descriptive writing style made me feel like I was back in time and actually knew the characters. The book was full of suspense and the ending was a real surprise! I look forward to reading Julia’s next book!

Really enjoyed this book. Complex characters create a well-written, action filled story where innocence meets evil. You’ll find yourself torn between the two...

I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review. This is a book that demands to be taken on its own terms. Maiola fills the book with historically accurate details about colonial era pirates, yet the dialogue and expressions are contemporary. (I thought this was a good choice. Otherwise, it would sound like a faux Victorian romance.) The lead female, Anna, is ten years old, too young to be a romantic partner for any of the men in the story. If you're looking for a historical romance, or for a comic-adventure like "Pirates of the Caribbean," you will be disappointed. But, if you let Maiola lead you through her story, you will find yourself engrossed and thoroughly entertained.

The leading man is brutal and violent. In today's world, we would call him a psycho-killer. Yet, he has moments of vulnerability, and he generates love and loyalty from the other characters in the story. The Pirate, Captain Boswell, reminded me a little of Macbeth in the way he violently fights against his fate. He was too ruthless, however, for my tastes. He simply kills too many people to be truly admirable. I wondered if Anna's affection for him wasn't an example of Stockholm syndrome. The ending ties up the loose ends a little too neatly. Still, this is a strong, ambitious novel from a young writer. I look forward to her next story.

The Red Flag is a fast paced story that will capture your attention at the very first chapter. The more you read, the more you connect with the characters and feel like you’re right there with them. There is a crazy plot twist at the end that will catch you off guard and tie entire story together. This book is very well written and I highly recommend it to anyone ready for an adventure!

I could not stop reading this adventure. All the characters came to life as the author took me into the various interactions and relationships that sometimes surprised me and always shocked me.

Your imagination will run wild as you hear the story of innocence meeting evil.

A gripping tale. Had me on the edge of my seat with every page that was turned. The details really made me feel as if I was there. I could hear the crashing waves, smell the salty air of the sea, and I felt the suspense!! Great storyline! Cannot wait for more works from Julia!

I enjoyed reading this book more than I thought I would, it kept my attention. The nautical details were the best part, life on the ship, the pursuit by the British Navy, and how the pirates evaded, were engaging.

However, I just couldn't buy the premise of the book, that the Captain killed out of fear. The reason for his extreme fear seemed a bit lacking, not enough to justify his extensive, cold blooded murdering. Similarly, his final speech to Jane lacked justification, amounting to "I murdered your husband and grandfather, but try not to think too badly of me."

Still, if you're looking for light reading among the many free offerings for Kindle, and you like historical fiction, give it a try.

A truly engaging story. I could not put it down after I started! Suspenseful, I needed to know what happens next. It’s a fast paced read that will keep you on your toes from start to finish. Julia’s descriptive writing style allows you to feel connected to each character, you’ll feel like you personally know each one and the respective emotions they are facing. Even if it’s not your usual genre you will highly enjoy it. This book is a win-win, a gripping tale with a lesson in history. Patiently waiting for Julia’s next book!

While I wanted to find out what happened to the pirates I had to take a few breaks for games. Did not expect the ending, but I’m not sure what I was expecting had several endings in my head. All were wrong.

If you like pirates and great characters , you will enjoy
this book, let's you see how they would have lived and survived

a wonderful story I enjoyed it so much the Pirates were described very well and in a very interesting manner the narrator was great and I enjoyed the story very much
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review

Good strong Enjoyable fiction my a talented new voice. The courage to take on emotions of of a fortyish year old man and a ten year old girl is commendable though possibly too much of a stretch. Still, good strong voice and idea. I would read more

Excellent read. Young lady will have a great future.

I really love this book! It constantly keeps you wondering what will happen next, and the characters are realistically complex and easily loved, even those who are on competing sides. This is an excellent debut from an incredibly talented author, it’s well written, well informed, and an overall excellent read!