The fourth book in Michael Aye's Fighting Anthonys series, SeaHorse, continues the focus on the British navy's efforts during the American Revolution.

This is also the last book in the ongoing series that the author sent me for review and, considering my reviews to date have been less than enthusiastic -- and given my several-year delay between books -- I imagine it will be the last title in the series I read. Ironically, SeaHorse is the strongest book in the collection so far, with far better plotting and dialogue than Aye -- actually the pseudonym of husband-and-wife writing team Michael and Patricia Fowler -- has previously shown. Also, the number of typographical errors, while still annoyingly present, are greatly reduced.

The series focuses on two half brothers, Admiral Lord Gil Anthony and Captain Gabe Anthony, both serving in His Majesty's navy. After a brief sojourn at home -- during which Gil spent much overdue time with his wife and young daughter, and Gabe married his sweetheart -- they are both recalled to duty in the West Indies, where they must contend primarily with American privateers and the growing threat of a French alliance with the American colonies.

Lord Anthony is given command of a squadron, with the 74-gun HMS SeaHorse as his flagship. Gabe is given command of a frigate, HMS Peregrine. Their wives decide to accompany them on the journey, taking up residence in Barbados where Lady Deborah has property. And, along the way, Gabe acquires a couple of powerful carronades to bolster his ship's firepower.

And, of course, there are enemies to fight. Some of them are quite ruthless, and not all of the battles are at sea. One in particular attempts to hit one of the brothers where he's most vulnerable -- at home.

Unfortunately, the outcomes are often predictable, and come far too easily to the brothers. More problematic is the manner in which Aye introduces and disposes of various threats. A villain arises, the villain is quickly dealt with. A battle looms, the battle is quickly won, usually at great odds and with some strategic maneuver that the opponent never sees coming. Climactic moments are over before the reader has much time to feel the tension in the plot.

Aye also has the irritating habit of stating the obvious. In a conversation between Gabe and one of his officers, for instance, Aye writes: "I would like to think that," Gabe said, responding to Markham's remark. Well, obviously, it's a dialogue, and they are responding to each other with every sentence. Similarly, he frequently tries to dramatize the importance of the admiral calling one of his men by his first name, but he does so in an obvious and repetitive manner: "Rupert," he said, using his first name.... Aye doesn't give his readers enough credit to assume they'll notice that on their own.

But this is the best book in the series so far, by far. While I was reluctant to read further in the series after the preceding three books, SeaHorse actually made me want to read more. I am glad to see Aye's work is improving.

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