The first chapter of The Black Ring is an uncomfortable one, describing in graphic detail the plight of African slaves on their way to the West Indies. For one brief moment, I actually wanted to stop reading, but luckily I remembered from the previous book in the series that protagonist Nicholas Fallon is rabidly anti-slavery, so I knew things would turn around somehow.

They do. And, while there are more unpleasant passages scattered throughout the book, they certainly set the scene for the horrific African slave trade at the time, as well as the brutal treatment of slaves on sugar-cane plantations in the Caribbean, and the outrage of those few people who wanted nothing more than to end its appalling existence for good. Slavery, although not the central theme of The Black Ring, runs like a thread throughout the story, and author William Westbrook presents the trade with unflinching honesty.

Set in 1798, the book continues the adventures of Fallon, a privateer in the West Indies. Although based in Bermuda, where his future father-in-law is trying without success to groom Fallon for a management job in the salt trade, the action ranges among numerous islands in the war-torn region, and Fallon and the crew of his schooner Rascal will face slavers, opposing privateers, and warships from France and Spain.

Fortunately, Fallon is good friends with the local British fleet commander, Rear Admiral Harry Davies, who has benefitted in the past from Fallon's clever tactics and brazen attitude toward England's foes.

The book is fast-paced and fun. Westbrook perhaps is not the most detailed of nautical writers, but Fallon's adventures are certainly believable -- and he's not afraid to use cunning when cannons won't serve. Exploits here range from a daring rescue from an island fortress to a lopsided battle with three enemy ships, a ploy to sink a much larger ship, and a clever ruse that threatens to topple the alliance between French and Spanish navies.

There's even time for romance, although personal drama never dominates the story. Fallon of course is still heavily involved with his boss's daughter Elinore, who suffers an unimaginable tragedy midway through the book. Davies also has found a target for his affections, although he needs Fallon's help to win her. Westbrook also populates the book with a strong supporting cast, and Fallon's first mate, Beauty McFarland -- whom I noted in the first book was overused and just a little too good at everything she did -- is reined in a bit this time around; Westbrook even sidelines her for part of the story, giving other characters a chance to shine.

All in all, the Nicholas Fallon series continues to be a great read, and I'm glad the publisher sent me the third book in the series so I can dive right back into Westbrook's world.