I didn't go into this expecting much, I was reading it for a challenge. But I was very pleasantly surprised. This was a really fun, ridiculous, over the top read. I think I had a smile on my face for the entire first half. It did start to drag in the middle but even that was realistic to a degree. Then end is where is pretty much lost me. SO VERY RIDICULOUS. Pirates, spies, and family betrayal, oh my! It just became too much. But it was written well, and entertaining. I'll probably read book two.