A fascinating insight into the Court of Queen Elizabeth 1, and the machinations that went on behind the throne to gain her funding for expeditions into the unknown.
Walter Raleigh is at the core of this story and I still find it hard to believe that people were persuaded to set fire to leaves and inhale the smoke! Nevertheless, he realised that the ingredients of the smoke were somewhat addictive and he could benefit financially from the import of tobacco.
The tales of the unnecessary ruthlessness of the early settlers were quite shocking and appalling. It's no wonder that the early settlements didn't survive, especially as they were rarely provided with essential provisions from England e.g. gunpowder.
I can thoroughly recommend this novel to readers of historical adventure, and to those who enjoy tales of the early European settlements in North America..