📖 Overview
Deadman's Cross takes place in a world where pirates hunt demons and supernatural creatures who prey upon humanity. Captain Devyl Bane leads a crew of cursed pirates aboard the Deadman's Cross, sailing through dangerous waters to protect the living from malevolent forces.
The story centers on battles between Bane's crew and demonic entities while exploring the complex relationships between the damned sailors who serve under him. Each crew member carries their own dark past and seeks redemption through their service aboard the supernatural vessel.
The narrative combines elements of historical seafaring adventure with dark fantasy, featuring naval warfare alongside supernatural combat. Mythology and pirate lore intertwine as the crew faces both human and otherworldly adversaries.
This tale examines themes of redemption, loyalty, and the price of second chances, set against the backdrop of an eternal war between good and evil.
👀 Reviews
Readers note this novel merges some of Kenyon's previous series characters and mythology into a new pirate-themed paranormal romance setting.
Positive feedback focuses on the action sequences, world-building details around cursed ships and zombies, and the chemistry between main characters. Multiple reviewers highlight Cameron Jack's determination as a standout character trait.
Common criticisms mention pacing issues in the first third, confusion for those unfamiliar with Kenyon's other works, and plot elements that feel rushed toward the end. Some readers found the supernatural rules and mythology overwhelming without prior series knowledge.
Ratings:
Goodreads: 4.35/5 (1,200+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.6/5 (300+ reviews)
BookBub: 4.4/5 (90+ ratings)
Sample reader quote: "The pirate setting gives a fresh twist to Kenyon's usual formula, but new readers may want to start with Dark-Hunters first to understand the universe." - Goodreads reviewer
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🤔 Interesting facts
🏴☠️ Sherrilyn Kenyon has written over 70 novels and has more than 70 million copies of her books in print across various genres.
⚔️ The book combines elements of pirate lore with zombie mythology, creating a unique supernatural maritime adventure that differs from traditional pirate tales.
🌊 The story draws inspiration from historical Caribbean piracy during the Golden Age of Piracy (1650-1730) but adds paranormal elements.
📚 Deadman's Cross is part of a trilogy, with its companion novels being "Death Doesn't Bargain" and "At Death's Door."
💫 The author developed the series while recovering from a serious illness, channeling her personal battle into the themes of survival and resilience found throughout the book.