New Review! Dragon Lady by Autumn Bardot 5 Cranky Stars

Dragon Lady by Autumn Bardot
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 CRANKY STARS


This book is an excellent offering of historical fiction. Set in China in the early 1800’s, I found it fascinating. The author appears to have done a thorough job of researching this era. The story revolves around the pirates who rule the south China coast and islands. Xianggu is a real woman who became the mighty ruler of the Red Flag fleet.


Xianggu was only 13 when her father sold her into slavery to cover his debts. His orange grove was failing, money was tight, and girls were not valued as much as sons. She was dragged to the coast and sold to the madame running the most successful flower boat on the river. In other words, a brothel. As an underage virgin, she was first used as a slave waiting on the madame. As she matured it became obvious, she would make more money as moon girl, so she decided to be the best she could be. When the Red Flag pirates killed the madame and took the girls hostage she knew she must act fast. She convinced their leader to spare her. After all, she knew where the riches were stored.


Well, one thing led to another and the Red Flag Captain married her. They had two children together and she learned how to be a ship’s captain. She was ever curious and bothersome but tricked the men into adoring her and teaching her all she needed to know. When a bad storm and the Mongolians attacked together, the Captain was washed overboard.


Now, she must convince the fleet she was the best choice to take over. In the pirate culture, no one took orders from a woman. What she was able to accomplish is astounding. The author keeps you interested in a fast paced and entertaining history lesson.


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