This post was published more than a few years ago (on 2004-02-23) and may contain inaccurate technical information, outmoded thoughts, or cringe takes. Proceed at your own risk.
If I recall correctly, I am somehow contractually obligated to use the term "rousing tale" with the phrase "adventure on the high seas." Fortunately in this case, it's an apt description. An amazing yarn from beginning to end-- though it ends with the hint of another adventure to be had, which is fitting, considering the twenty book series whence it came. The title is an amalgam of two of the book titles actually, but whether the story is as well, I know not. I'm sure I'll soon be reading these books to find out.
It somehow manages to fit neatly in the "white guys having adventures" genre I so adore (see Mountains of the Moon, et al.), plus it's great to see Paul Bettany in another meaty role.