As historical novel go, this is fairly good and interesting. Set during the reign of Elizabeth the First, when Spanish Empire tried in vain to subdue England and privateers and corsairs scoured the seas, this novel takes the point of view of the eventual losers, the spaniards, through the eyes of an Irishman/spaniard nephew and assistant of the ambassador of Spain in England. In Ireland he will make acquaintance with a young disgraces son of an Irish Earl, Robin. They fall in love with eacxh other, but fate will separate them. They wuill see each other at sea, among battles, pirates and they will bot experience picaresque adventures in Spain. The historical part is fairly accurate, and whilst I think that the novel would have used some more editing, it remains a very good work. I've loved the disenchanted yet loyal Dermot channing and the brave, tender Robin.A great gay historical novel.