Book Review: Wolves and Empires

Reviewed by Melissa Suggitt

This swashbuckling adventure plunges readers into the heart of the high seas, where piracy, loyalty, and vengeance collide. 

Join the Wolf of the Aegean, Captain Lucien Marcellus Dumaine, and the rest of his loyal crew as they embark on a relentless quest for freedom and justice during a tumultuous period of geopolitical strife. 

Journeying from the waters of England and France down into the Caribbean and beyond, their travels are fraught with maritime adventure, shocking betrayals, cunning escapades, and the unyielding pursuit of a treasure that could change the fate of empires. As alliances are tested and enemies lurk in every shadow, the saga unfolds into a compelling tale of courage, intrigue, and the unbreakable bonds of brotherhood.

What sets Wolves and Empires apart is its fearless journey into the emotional landscapes of its characters, an exploration as unexpected as it is welcome amidst the swashbuckling and skullduggery.  

Author Daniel McKenzie deftly navigates the characters’ vulnerabilities and strengths, revealing the true treasure of human connection. This is poignantly illustrated in the bond between David L’Helm and Armand d’Este of Sicily, particularly with David’s open-hearted declaration to his mother before setting out once again for danger and intrigue on the seas: “Mother, let me preface by saying we are absolutely in love and have been together for almost the two decades I’ve been absent. He is a perfect complement to my heart. He is kind, tender, loving…”

His declaration lays bare the depth of their connection and underscores the novel’s refreshing treatment of an LGBTQ+ relationship, presenting it with a remarkable normalcy that is both touching and unexpected within the genre.

The depth, emotion, and poetic influence in McKenzie’s dialogue is refreshing and wholly appreciated throughout the narrative as well.

“I understand the poets and the pain and longing and fulfilling joy to be with the beloved who completes if only for a day. Leaving her is such a scathing, raw, insecure ripping of life. But in the same exact moment so real and fulfilling to just know that there is a being in this giant Earth whose love is unconditional and completes you.”

That’s not to say the action isn’t thrilling!  An example I can give that won’t give away key plot information is the Hurricane sequence in the last third of the novel. It showcases the crew’s courage and skill in the face of nature’s fury as well as the author’s ability to inject tension and excitement. As the Vengeance battles towering waves and howling winds, Captain Lucien’s leadership shines, navigating the tempest and leaving readers eager to see where the rest of the series will take us.  (Wolves and Empires is book 2 of the Seafourthe Saga).

McKenzie’s skill in exposition ensures that even those who have not read the first book are immediately drawn into the world of the Vengeance and its crew effortlessly. Through dynamic and engaging dialogue, he offers a clear window into the past actions and motivations of characters, adding clarity and depth without overwhelming the reader.

The story’s language, rich with the arrg-thentic lilt of pirate speak throughout many of the scenes, may seem a bit confusing, but it adds an authenticity to the narrative and immerses readers more fully into the atmosphere.

Wolves and Empires is a treasure—a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit, showcasing the resilience and bonds forged in adversity. And it is fun. Daniel McKenzie has crafted not just a pirate adventure but a heartfelt exploration of loyalty, love, and the human condition. It’s a story that sails far beyond the boundaries of conventional storytelling—a true adventure.

---

Thank you for reading Melissa Suggitt’s book review of Wolves and Empires by Daniel McKenzie! If you liked what you read, please spend some more time with us at the links below.