Review - Dauntless by Lisa Henry and J.A. Rock
Dauntless
by J.A. Rock, Lisa Henry
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Volume 1 of Dauntless Island
Posted in Book Reviews on March 4, 2026
The residents of Dauntless Island are proud of their history as mutineers who lynched their tyrannical captain after being shipwrecked on the island 200 years ago. Joe is a direct descendant of the leader of the revolt and is well aware of the power that gives him on the island, although he is careful about how he exercises that control. Eddie is a history graduate student descended from the captain the mutineers lynched. He’s never set foot on the island, but he’s come into possession of a diary written by one of the sailors, which contradicts the story handed down by the islanders. Sparks are bound to fly when Eddie sets foot on the island, just not the ones anyone expects.
This mystery-romance throws together two men who have practically nothing in common, but still feel a spark of attraction. The mystery, which starts with who attacked Eddie soon after his arrival, drives the plot. There is no shortage of suspects, since almost everyone in the small community dislikes outsiders in general, and any descendant of the tyrannical captain in particular.
The point of view switches between Eddie and Joe from one chapter to the next. His job as a lighthouse keeper suits the introverted Joe. The statue in the town square of Joe’s great-great-whatever grandfather bearing the same name means he can never forget the burden of expectations the islanders have of him.
I found it a little harder to get a firm image of Eddie. He’s a history nerd, certainly, but beyond that he feels a little bit sketchy. He seems like a nice guy, but while we get a good idea of the influences that have shaped Joe, Eddie is more of a blank slate.
“Dauntless” is available from Smashwords.
