This was really good. I didn't put it down until it was over. Alternate reality is a great place to mix in a lot of elements and who doesn't like Pirates! Very fast paced with action and personal growth/introspection from the very hollow and therefore vunerable hero. I have owned the sequel for a long time and am really glad I waited to read this one first. I am hoping to learn a lot more about the characters in the next book. The concept of a personality being distilled over time has a lot to offer in terms of exploring the conflicts that different urges and desires raise in each of us. ( )