Blood for Breakfast — Adam Hardy

(also titled SEA OF GOLD)

His dreams are shattered, his vain hopes for a high post in the British navy fading. He has long since surpassed all expectations for a lowly Thames marshboy, and further promotion is next to impossible -- despite his spectacular accomplishments.

Only one chance for greatness remains. As Fox eyes his golden booty, the idea grows ... He will forsake the navy and become a pirate, an adventurer of fortune. It is not an honorable profession. However, Fox sails under his own code of honor.

But the discovery of a sinking French merchant vessel and its cargo of beautiful Turkish harem girls changes everything. Suddenly Fox finds a new chance for honor -- and an entirely new sort of temptation. The would-be privateer becomes the protector and the peacemaker. He will sail home in glory ... Or will he?

FOX IS NOT THE NOBLE HERO OF TRADITIONAL FICTION. FOX IS A FIGHTING MAN WHO TRANSCENDS HEROISM -- HE DOESN'T CARE HOW HE WINS AS LONG AS HE WINS. HE'S MEAN, CUNNING AND MOST VICIOUS WHEN TRAPPED. THERE'S NO WAY TO OUTFOX FOX!

Adam Hardy was a pen name used by Kenneth Bulmer (1921-2005). A prolific writer, Bulmer wrote over 160 novels and many short stories, both under his real name and various pen names. He is best known for science fiction, including his long-running Dray Prescot series of planetary romances, but he wrote in many genres.