Pirate Latitudes

By: Michael Crichton

Narrated by: John Bedford Lloyd

Length: 9 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

From one of the best-loved authors of all time comes an irresistible adventure of swashbuckling pirates in the New World, a classic story of treasure and betrayal.

The Caribbean, 1665. A remote colony of the English Crown, the island of Jamaica holds out against the vast supremacy of the Spanish empire. Port Royal, its capital, is a cutthroat town of taverns, grog shops, and bawdy houses. In this steamy climate, there's a living to be made, a living that can end swiftly by disease - or by dagger.

For Captain Charles Hunter, gold in Spanish hands is gold for the taking, and the law of the land rests with those ruthless enough to make it. Word in port is that the galleon El Trinidad, fresh from New Spain, is awaiting repairs in a nearby harbor. Heavily fortified, the impregnable harbor is guarded by the bloodthirsty Cazalla, a favorite commander of the Spanish king himself. With backing from a powerful ally, Hunter assembles a crew of ruffians to infiltrate the enemy outpost and commandeer El Trinidad, along with its fortune in Spanish gold. The raid is as perilous as the bloodiest tales of island legend, and Hunter will lose more than one man before he even sets foot on foreign shores, where dense jungle and the firepower of Spanish infantry stand between him and the treasure....

Pirate Latitudes is Michael Crichton at his best: a rollicking adventure tale pulsing with relentless action, crackling atmosphere, and heart-pounding suspense.

©2009 Michael Crichton (P)2009 HarperCollins Publishers

This is a good book!

From the words of a review before this it seem's some may not know that Michael Crichton died from cancer over a year ago and this was found in His files! Anyway on to the review! The story is on a diffarant road than His other work that I have read and much less technical and more towards entertainment although it is a very good story with a touch of fantasy mixed in!
It is a bit bloody at times and the main character is just as bloody as most others in it. If You are looking for His typical book that teaches You alot of information about the subject then You will instead be treated to a fun and bloody pirate tale! I really liked it but it was not quite on par with the great pirate book "On Stranger Tides" by Tim Powers, But which book's are! Nevertheless It is a keeper!

Not the best book I've ever read or heard.

I am a huge fan of the author and enjoyed many of his other works. I did not enjoy this book as much as I had hoped. i found the storyline predictable and, even in a Michael Crichton world, far fetched at times. Knowing now that it was published posthumously I can't help but wonder if the book was meant to be published as it was. Just my humble opinion.

Really all Crichton?

The genius of Crichton is not as evident in this book as all his others (all of which I've read). Did he really write all of this? Parts are suspect. But a fun story.

A remarkable adventure!

Being hooked on pirate tales; this one was exceptionally enjoyable. The twists and turns were delightful. The author and narrator delivered an excellent work thouroghly appreciated.

Cheap pirate book, fun listen but no depth to speak of

Story felt like playing Assassins Creed Black Flag. Everything goes as planned and the character development/ interaction is surface deep. Fun story though, doesn't pretend to be anything else.

Great book

Enjoyed it. Slow to start but finished great

Crichton's Pirates Aren't Very Exciting

It feels like a normal Crichton book - very grounded in science and history. For some reason that style of writing just does not lend itself to the life of a pirate (or privateer). The story drags in moments when the focus of the book turns to the expansion of historical/scientific background information (although these are the moments I love most about other Crichton novels). Some sub-plots also seem to be unfinished possibly because Michael Crichton hadn't considered the novel complete. After all, it was not found and subsequently published until after his death.

Fine

In my opinoin this book is a mediocre example of a masterful author. Which makes it... Fine.

ok

interesting but felt like copy of 'pirates of the Caribbean's without the humor. the kraken didnt fit in the story

great story with a great narrator

I could not stop listening. such an enjoyable book that was well read. I had put off this book for so long, that was a mistake. this is a must