ok Henty fare. You probably won't read many books written from the loyalist perspective in the American revolutionary war. About half of the book is taken up with battle statistics as Henty makes his case that the English (he uses this term rather than British) were superior to the Americans in almost every way but numbers. (even contradicting himself when he tries to claim there were more loyalists than rebels)
Still its refreshing to see things from the other side, especially that Henty doesn't downplay American brutality during the conflict. I'm guessing this one might ruffle a few patriotic feathers.
Could serve as the title to every Henty novel. It's too bad Henty wasn't a better writer because his choice of topics and eras is the best thing about his books. The final result is always a disappointment.
Usual Henty fare. the hero is far too young and competent. they put him in charge of a galley at age 18.
the annoying thing is that in a henty novel he spends so much time having characters recite the exploits of the main character over and over again. Just so the protagonist can be all "english" and modest about it. it gets really annoying.
but the adventure is decent.
interesting idea, a giant floating island constructed by a mad scientist. but the short story format means it is unable to exploit the idea.