Review of The Black Flag Chapter One

Chapter One of “The Black Flag” introduces us to Caiabias, the protagonist of the story. There are a few minor characters as well but I feel the only one of importance is her Grandfather, who may play a much larger role in her story.

The majority of the chapter is focused on Caiabias sailing her small boat into the harbor ahead of a much larger, more extravagant ship that is trying to bully its way past her.

It is during this conflict we are shown how stubborn and determined she can be as she refuses to yield to the yacht since by the rules of the harbor, she has the right of way. However, as the reader, I felt her stubbornness came across as a negative and it detracted from the character. Had she been alone in this feud, I would not have been so concerned as being in the right, I would root for her. However, she had her friends Ryd and Ewella aboard and as the captain, she was responsible for their safety and wellbeing.

The fact she took all that into consideration and still risked their lives, even after Ryd stated neither could swim, was a bit disappointing. To me, that is a stubbornness too far gone. To risk the lives of her friends over who enters the harbor first (not even racing) is a rather large fault and not one I am eager to see play out more.

Moving beyond that, we do get to see a demonstration of her magic, the ability to manipulate water to some degree. We also learn she is half Nisiari, what appears to be possibly a “mer” species of sorts. Only being half, she is missing some physical aspects of her people as well as actual power behind her magic. However, she has enough of her heritage to be a force in the water which ultimately saves the boat from destruction and returns her friends safely to shore.

I’m not certain why Ewella didn’t lay any blame of the incident at Caiabias. Certainly the yacht was at fault for not obeying the harbor rules but Caiabias definitely endangered Ewella and her brother unnecessarily and Ewella should have at the least, admonished her to some degree for that. I don’t care how close of friends you may be. You risk my life even when I tell you not to, you and I are going to have words.

Moving on…

Here is where we are introduced to Caiabias’ grandfather. possibly someone of wealth and/or importance.

He informs Caiabias that she has received a letter from the Admiralty with an invitation to participate in the Lieutenant’s Examination, something not apparently often offered to females.

We also learn of her past military experience though not in an “official” capacity.

Although reluctant to agree to go, Caiabias ultimately does decide to attend the examination board, if nothing else, out of curiosity for what is really going on.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this chapter. The minor characters had the right amount of fleshing out to make them feel real without taking away from the main character.

I do not know if you sail or not, but your descriptions of the ships and rigging were fantastic and you gave just the right amount of detail and focus on them to be a part of the story but not burdening us with so much detail it felt like technical reading and not enjoyment.

I did not come across any major grammatical errors nor did anything jump out as out of place or not in synch with the story.

I would definitely continue reading more about Caiabias and what is in store for her.

Thank you for sharing!