The Sea Hawk


Read by LibriVox Volunteers

(4.6 stars; 182 reviews)

The Sea Hawk is a novel by Rafael Sabatini, originally published in 1915. The story is set in the late 16th century, and concerns a Cornish sea-faring gentleman, Sir Oliver Tressilian, who is villainously betrayed by a jealous brother. After being forced to serve as a slave on a Spanish galley, Sir Oliver is liberated by Barbary pirates. He joins the pirates under the name "Sakr-el-Bahr", the hawk of the sea, and swears vengeance against his brother. (Summary from Wikipedia) (14 hr 37 min)

Chapters

Preface and Chapter One The Huckster 35:36 Read by Denny Sayers (d. 2015)
Rosamund 27:39 Read by Denny Sayers (d. 2015)
The Forge 26:44 Read by Denny Sayers (d. 2015)
The Intervener 21:31 Read by Sandra in Wales, United Kingdom
The Buckler 28:22 Read by Denny Sayers (d. 2015)
Jasper Leigh 28:49 Read by Sandra in Wales, United Kingdom
Trepanned 17:39 Read by Denny Sayers (d. 2015)
The Spaniard 19:52 Read by Sandra in Wales, United Kingdom
The Captive 25:42 Read by Denny Sayers (d. 2015)
The Renegade 38:55 Read by Sandra in Wales, United Kingdom
Homeward Bound 11:20 Read by Denny Sayers (d. 2015)
The Raid 34:57 Read by Sandra in Wales, United Kingdom
The Lion of the Faith 24:48 Read by Denny Sayers (d. 2015)
The Convert 17:19 Read by Sandra in Wales, United Kingdom
Marzak-Ben-Asad 24:38 Read by Denny Sayers (d. 2015)
Mother and Son 24:59 Read by Sandra in Wales, United Kingdom
Competitors 31:02 Read by Denny Sayers (d. 2015)
The Slave-Market 35:21 Read by Sandra in Wales, United Kingdom
The Truth 48:46 Read by Denny Sayers (d. 2015)
The Subtlety of Fenzileh 23:46 Read by Sandra in Wales, United Kingdom
In the Sight of Allah 29:12 Read by Denny Sayers (d. 2015)
The Sign 22:20 Read by Sandra in Wales, United Kingdom
The Voyage 25:58 Read by Denny Sayers (d. 2015)
The Pannier 17:39 Read by Sandra in Wales, United Kingdom
The Dupe 15:04 Read by Denny Sayers (d. 2015)
Sheik Mat 28:01 Read by Sandra in Wales, United Kingdom
The Mutineers 37:50 Read by Denny Sayers (d. 2015)
The Messenger 14:38 Read by Sandra in Wales, United Kingdom
Moriturus 20:17 Read by Denny Sayers (d. 2015)
The Surrender 25:53 Read by Sandra in Wales, United Kingdom
The Heathen Creed 18:20 Read by Denny Sayers (d. 2015)
The Judges 20:45 Read by Sandra in Wales, United Kingdom
The Advocate 42:16 Read by Denny Sayers (d. 2015)
The Judgement 11:44 Read by Sandra in Wales, United Kingdom

Reviews

Free Audio, Review


(4 stars)

Simply put, I enjoyed this. I downloaded it without reading the official blurb, expecting it to be a history of the British sailor known as "the Sea Hawk". Nope, I got that wrong. What we have here is a story of the sea, betrayal and love. In the tradition of these older books we have the set up, the recovery, the chance for revenge, and the endgame. The story is not your hyper paced modern adventure but rather a steady series of events that explore the characters and their motivations. I was enthralled by the story slipping an episode/chapter between every other podcast I've been listening to, and was happily satisfied by the ending. Well worth listening to. Read more of my reviews of Free Audio at http://freeaudioreview.blogspot.com/

A romantic story where a true hero persists and avenged


(5 stars)

So much better than I ever expected


(5 stars)

Both readers did a good job. I generally dislike multiple readers but these two complimented each other nicely. The story at first seemed like it would be slow and uninteresting but soon became complicated, mysterious and full of adventure. Sir Oliver, had he existed, would be the most determined, intelligent, ferocious, loving and powerful man. The interpretation of Muslims and their religion is almost unnerving considering the state of the world today. If you like adventure, romance, intrigue and courageous tales, this is a book to hear.

SUPERB


(5 stars)

Hollywood did not do it this well. The plot was complicated and compelling. The ending was satisfactory and hoped for. although it was in doubt until the very end. The pair of readers we're each excellent and the alternate chapters suffered not, despite being an unusual arrangement. The listener learns much about the inner workings of Islamic hierarchy; if that is of interest I would encourage the reading of "THE WANDERER" by Waltari.

What a tale!


(5 stars)

This novel has a bit of everything. Intrigue, love, sea battles, murder, all skillfully woven together. The two readers are excellent except in one early chapter where they read alternatively the different voices. It just doesn't work. Don't let that turn you off. The rest of the novel each reader does complete chapters . I look forward to listening to to more Sabatini sagas .

A Genuine, Barbary Pirate Action-Adventure!


(5 stars)

It's no wonder, the Hollywood of Old, made millions of dollars, by bringing "Swashbuckling Heroes" to the silver screen, in adaptations of stories such as this & others, by Rafael Sabatini. I'd follow "Sir Oliver", anywhere!! Thanks be to Sandra & Denny, a masterful duet of Vocal talent

The Sea Hawk


(5 stars)

Delightful. Sabatini brings to life such great writing. For a few chapters I thought it was a bit wordy. As the story went on I changed this thought. Sabatini set the stage not by a previous chapter, it. is through his details the story slowly comes together.

Jolly Good


(5 stars)

In characteristic style the author backs our hero into one impossible corner after another followed by increasingly clever and miraculous escapes that make you think "I wish I had thought of that" all to the chagrin and consternation of an amusing cast of villains you love to hate.