Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

What an adventure story! Jared and Danny both have a lot of bad stuff in their backgrounds (alcohol, prison, and so on) but both thought they had a second chance when Jared inherited Arrow, a boat nicer than the ones he used as a fisherman. They've decided to go treasure hunting but the Great Sea Reef is not an easy place - and there's evil lurking out there in the Golden Dragon, skippered by an ex-Marine who is, let's face it, a pirate. Lord Barclay Summers is swine, the Dragon's crew dreadful, and you'll find yourself rooting for the smaller and less well equipped Arrow. The characters are good, the plot well done, and it's a fast, entertaining read. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. This would make a good movie!

4 stars

I read the Kindle edition.

This is a great novel. There is action, intrigue and excitement as Danny and Jared sail the beautiful – and dangerous – waters of the Great Sea Reef.

I enjoyed this book. I have no idea why, but I have always liked to read seagoing adventures. (Maybe because I am a Pisces and I love being in the water.) Mr. Scott did not fail to include interesting descriptions of the sailboat on which Jared and Danny traveled. Some were technical terms that I did not quite understand, but got the meaning from the context of the book. Joel Scott is a competent write who can turn a phrase to make it thrilling. I liked the descriptions of the beautiful scenery and Sinbad was a hoot.

I want to thank NetGalley and ECW Press for forwarding to me a copy of this good book for me to read, enjoy and review.