Hell’s Raging Fury

Brandy’s journey to the new colonies of America was not the one that her father planned…

With his last breaths, Brandy Sinclair’s father told her to leave immediately for her guardian’s home in the Colonies. As sole heir, she was seen as an easily dispatched hindrance by her step-brother and step-sister. Brandy did not heed her father’s warning quickly enough; she is brutalized by her step-brother and sold into slavery. After unimaginable acts of degradation and humiliation during which she blacked out, Brandy wakes to learn that she will travel on a ship of whores bound for a life of slavery in the colonies of America. Brandy is befriended by a young whore, Starlla. Starlla teaches her tricks of survival in this new harsh world and keeps her spirits up. Brandy is determined to escape as soon as the ship docks, she does not want to ever be owned or touched again by any man. Unfortunately, she is caught by a crew member and her punishment is to be a severe flogging. Even if she can bear it, it will surely kill her.

A band of rebel colonial patriots have heard that gold and military secrets are hidden on the ship of female slaves. Their leader, Nick Tremaine had only intended to distract the ship’s captain while his men stole the goods, but as soon as he saw the beautiful young girl about to be flogged, he knew he had to act quickly. When she collapsed in a bloody heap, Nick cut short the torture, threw his money at the captain and took her female companion as compensation for the damages inflicted. They left the harbour quickly as the theft will likely be soon discovered.

Nick and his partner Darcy do all that they can to save the girl’s life but she struggles in her fevers and it is obvious that she wishes to die. After Starlla tells Nick what she knows of Brandy’s past, he becomes more determined than ever to save and protect her. However, it will take more than caring and contentment for Brandy to trust a man after her cruel mistreatment.

Hell’s Raging Fury is a historical tale that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The heroine and hero are both survivors and rebels; they refuse to lie down and accept an unwanted fate, but their resistance is the cause of constant endangerment. Brandy’s youthful open-minded outlook and determination get her through the most unbearable moments of her life. Her very realistic reactions and thoughts draw readers into the tale right from the opening pages. She is very deserving of her loyal, loving friends, Starlla and Nick. The healing of her body and spirit kept this reader hoping that she would also come to accept the love and devotion of Captain Nick. He is a man who is willing to sacrifice his life for his love and his beliefs, and a worthy hero for this young woman. Some of the early descriptions of Brandy’s ill-treatment are quite graphic and horrific, but necessary to understand how much she has to overcome to be able to trust again. This heart-warming romance, set against the backdrop of early-American resistance to British rule will be long remembered by this reader.

Reviewed by: Naomi