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Castigo Cay (The Dan Kilmer "Rebel Yell" series Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Matthew Bracken (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 out of 5 stars 1,378 ratings
Castigo Cay by Matthew Bracken
Background and synopsis
Dan Kilmer is a former Marine sniper in his early thirties. He returned home from military service in the Middle East and gave college a try, but his combat experiences prevented him from fitting into campus life. In a South Florida boatyard, his uncle was attempting to refurbish an old cargo schooner, and Dan left college to help him finish the flagging project. After two years of work but before the sixty-foot boat was relaunched, his uncle fell from a scaffold and died. While still in his twenties, Dan inherited the schooner Rebel Yell. Soon after, he left the United States to embark on a series of voyages, mostly in pursuit of beautiful women and good times. While he was away from America, new federal taxes were imposed on luxury property, including privately owned yachts. Dan cannot pay these or other new taxes, so he can’t return to the States without risking confiscation of his schooner. Instead he must always fly under official radar and earn a living by his wits while staying one step ahead of the IRS and other government agencies. He must navigate the reefs of government control while always searching for a way to make money without the permission of the local authorities. This usually requires some type of shady dealing, subterfuge, and stealing from thieves as Dan moves from port to port. A shifting cast of crew members inhabits Rebel Yell, but the novel is about Dan Kilmer and his quest to live as a free man in an increasingly unfree world.



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  1. Book 1 of 3
    The Dan Kilmer "Rebel Yell" series
  2. Print length
    587 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    May 2, 2011
  5. File size
    7.9 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Matthew J. Bracken was born in Baltimore, Maryland in 1957, and graduated from the University of Virginia and UDT/SEAL Training in 1979. Besides writing novels, he has also built a steel sailboat and has made several major ocean voyages. He lives in Florida with his wife and two teenage children. Matt is the author of the Enemies Foreign And Domestic trilogy. A hundred pages of each novel may be read on his website at EnemiesForeignAndDomestic.com

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B004Z2CYLC
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Steelcutter Publishing (May 2, 2011)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 2, 2011
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 7.9 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 587 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 1,378 ratings

About the author

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Matthew Bracken

Matthew Bracken

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Matthew J. Bracken was born in Baltimore, Maryland in 1957, and graduated from the University of Virginia and UDT/SEAL Training in 1979. Besides writing five full-length novels and many short stories and essays, he has also built a steel sailboat of his own design and has made several major ocean voyages on it. About a hundred pages of each novel may be read on his website at EnemiesForeignAndDomestic dot com.

Matt has also published The Bracken Collection, including his short stories Professor Raoul X; What I Saw at the Coup; Alas, Brave New Babylon; The Alienork Way and Wolfophobia on Dog Island. The collection also includes: The Civil War 2 Cube; Night Fighting 101; When the Music Stops- How America's Cities May Explode in Violence; Trapping Feral Pigs and Other Parables of Modern Life; and many more essays and short stories.

A free audio version of Alas, Brave New Babylon may be found on the media page of Matt's website.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,378 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book captivating with a fast-paced plot that keeps them engaged. The writing is descriptive and believable, with highly developed characters, and one customer notes the author's expertise in balancing technical sailing and boating information. They appreciate the beautiful subtropics setting and the book's functionality, with one review highlighting its insight into the world of special operations.

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291 customers mention "Readability"286 positive5 negative

Customers find the book captivating and entertaining, with enough tantalizing plot lines to keep them engaged.

"...I rate this effort a strong 4.8, and is well worth the read. Rossi USMC Retired" Read more

"...Much more enjoyable with a little sunshine and rum.The sound of ocean waves along the beach if you can get it," Read more

"Well written and engaging story. The main character is nicely drawn and doesn't have an easy time...." Read more

"...If you're looking for a great story of a guy who's determined to save someone he's sworn to protect even if it takes everything he's got and then..." Read more

151 customers mention "Pacing"117 positive34 negative

Customers enjoy the book's pacing, describing it as an engaging fast-paced plot with suspense to keep readers reading.

"...Definitely knows his sailing and weapons. Lots of action and good characters. Getting ready to download his next book to my Kindle Reader...." Read more

"...It’s got a little bit of everything. Sailing, action, bumming around the Caribbean, and romance, sort of well worth read, and hard to put down...." Read more

"...Wild ride with interesting turns" Read more

"...This storyline is too thin-to-win and relies on bulked up with stodge material to fill its pages, none of which makes for a gripping reading..." Read more

135 customers mention "Writing quality"121 positive14 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, noting its descriptive and believable nature, with one customer highlighting how the verbal scenery draws readers in.

"This was my 4th Matthew Bracken Book. He writes well and does his homework. Definitely knows his sailing and weapons...." Read more

"...of these subjects, and how they fit into the adventure, without talking down to the reader...." Read more

"Well written and engaging story. The main character is nicely drawn and doesn't have an easy time...." Read more

"...I especially found humor in the veiled reference to Gov. Mark Sanford's poorly concealed affair....." Read more

88 customers mention "Insight"77 positive11 negative

Customers appreciate the book's insights, with one customer noting it provides a deep understanding of the world of special operations, while another mentions its ability to make readers feel immersed in the story.

"This was my 4th Matthew Bracken Book. He writes well and does his homework. Definitely knows his sailing and weapons...." Read more

"...He explains most all of these subjects, and how they fit into the adventure, without talking down to the reader...." Read more

"interesting read written before current times yet insightful and some throughlines that we’re experiencing today. Wild ride with interesting turns" Read more

"...So what's my problem - how come 3 stars? Mr. Bracken is highly knowledgeable about firearms, explosives, etc..." Read more

84 customers mention "Character development"75 positive9 negative

Customers praise the character development in the book, particularly noting the highly developed and believable protagonist Dan Kilmer, with one customer highlighting the well-drawn villains.

"...Definitely knows his sailing and weapons. Lots of action and good characters. Getting ready to download his next book to my Kindle Reader...." Read more

"In Matt Bracken's 537-page Castigo Cay, he creates a believable hero in Dan Kilmer, a retired Marine Corps sniper who now sails the Caribbean...." Read more

"Well written and engaging story. The main character is nicely drawn and doesn't have an easy time...." Read more

"...Another thing I liked were the flaws in the characters...." Read more

13 customers mention "Knowledge of sailing"13 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the author's knowledge of sailing, with one noting their expertise in maintaining sailboats, while another mentions their detailed understanding of weapons.

"...He writes well and does his homework. Definitely knows his sailing and weapons. Lots of action and good characters...." Read more

"...Along with those subjects, he is totally familiar with sailing yachts and how to sail them...." Read more

"...It’s got a little bit of everything. Sailing, action, bumming around the Caribbean, and romance, sort of well worth read, and hard to put down...." Read more

"...Sailing is great, but it's still quite a bit of work...." Read more

11 customers mention "Beauty"11 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the beauty of the book, describing its beautiful subtropics and colorful scenes, with one customer noting its romantic mood.

"...He also has a cool background and blends some really cool "spy" skills into his adventures that make him a really neat character to read about...." Read more

"...When you really enjoy something you want to stay there... Loved the backdrop and attention to details that a former SEAL would know to put in...." Read more

"...The pace was just right, The writing was ver descriptive and colorful and the character development just right...." Read more

"...You can just picture this playing out in South Florida and beautiful offshore islands. I love boating and Matt's descriptions are true to life...." Read more

10 customers mention "Functionality"10 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's functionality positive, with one customer noting it provides a good blend of elements that work well together.

"...That works just as well, which is why this gets five stars instead of four...." Read more

"...As a writer, Bracken is competent and tells a good story. I eagerly await his next novel." Read more

"...It's an old, boy's own, theme yet this one is handled particularly well...." Read more

"...It all worked just fine and made sense. Great read and looking forward to his next work." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Yaron
    5.0 out of 5 stars Thoroughly Good Read
    Reviewed in the United States on November 22, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    This was my 4th Matthew Bracken Book. He writes well and does his homework. Definitely knows his sailing and weapons. Lots of action and good characters. Getting ready to download his next book to my Kindle Reader. His other books on Enemies, Foreign, and Domestic brought a LOT of well thought out ideas that seem to be coming to fruition in this crazy world we are currently living in.
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  • H. J. Rossi
    4.0 out of 5 stars Bracken Creates A Hero That Is Not A Superhero
    Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    In Matt Bracken's 537-page Castigo Cay, he creates a believable hero in Dan Kilmer, a retired Marine Corps sniper who now sails the Caribbean.

    By page 20, the plot is set. Kilmer's beautiful Venezuelan girlfriend Cori Ferratti-Vargas who's real "land of Oz" is Miami, has dumped Dan in favor of the wealthy evil Englishman Richard Prechter who is supposedly going to Miami as his next port of call. Dan is suspicious, and proved correct, as Prechter's yacht leaves going the other way to.... Castigo Cay.

    The small group of 4 islands supposedly had been set aside as an environmental project by the private organization known as GORP (Global Ocean Research Partnership), but in reality, was Prechter's future base of operations, and hideaway for his sick sexual escapades. You see this coming..... Cori is to be the next victim.

    Bracken, as a navy UDT veteran, knows many things. Navy military terms, knows his explosives and firearms. He also knows the cultural undercurrent of the Caribbean. Along with those subjects, he is totally familiar with sailing yachts and how to sail them. He explains most all of these subjects, and how they fit into the adventure, without talking down to the reader.

    Further, the book's hero is not a flawless planner. His early strategic thinking lead him to tactical errors. I won't comment on how many, but there were more than one. This was most realistic.... many of the best laid combat plans fail at the first contact. Logistics were a major problem to overcome. America had suffered a financial collapse resulting in hyper-inflation. As an example, fuel (if you could get it) was in the area of $50.00 a gallon. Because of the time and distances, along with unpredictable weather, a best-laid plan was fraught with potential failure points.

    I reserve a 5-star review with one huge criteria.... the reader does not want the book to end. That was not the case here. Bracken did a fine job of logically finishing the adventure. I rate this effort a strong 4.8, and is well worth the read.

    Rossi
    USMC Retired
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Zachary Hodge
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read if you like action and sailing
    Reviewed in the United States on December 3, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Really enjoyed this first for a into Dan Kilmer‘s life. It’s got a little bit of everything. Sailing, action, bumming around the Caribbean, and romance, sort of well worth read, and hard to put down. Much more enjoyable with a little sunshine and rum.The sound of ocean waves along the beach if you can get it,
    Helpful
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  • Fran Van Cleave
    5.0 out of 5 stars Real Man Fights Evil of Our Time
    Reviewed in the United States on October 17, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Well written and engaging story. The main character is nicely drawn and doesn't have an easy time. The background of the loss of liberty in the US is also very well done.
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  • Parrothead Jeff
    5.0 out of 5 stars Castigo Cay - Engaging read
    Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    I thoroughly enjoyed Castigo Cay. I can't pin down the exact reason I couldn't seem to put this book down, but I can pick out some of the highlights.
    Matt's been around sailboats and that comes through in so many of the passages set on Dan Kilmer's 20 meter yacht. Sailing is great, but it's still quite a bit of work. For example, without a shipyard you're probably going to end up careening your vessel on a beach to scrape the barnacles from the hull just like the pirates in the days of square rigged ships and like Dan had to do at the beginning of the book. Sure, you can travel with only the power of the wind for long periods of time, but you're gong to have to run the engine from time to time and that fuel is going to cost money just like the paint and other maintenance on the boat. That came through for me as very realistic.
    Another thing I liked were the flaws in the characters. Dan Kilmer may be a former Marine sniper, but he's not some sort of perfect guy who never makes a mistake. He makes quite a few as do many of the other characters through the book. I've read many other suspense thrillers where the hero of the story can do no wrong and comes through in grand fashion in spite of those who are supposed to help him. That's not how this one played out.
    What really kept me hooked into the story though was the suspense. I was always wondering just how Dan and his largely ad hoc cohorts were going to get through the various problems. The plot has quite a few twists and they were great. I have a feeling more than a few were setting up for a sequel, but none seemed like they were there solely for that purpose.
    Folks, this is a great suspense novel. It's not a Michael Bay movie with constant explosions and it's not a super intelligent Rambo taking on an evil government in the hope of restoring virtue and goodness to a blighted land. It was never supposed to be that. If you're looking for James Bond, look elsewhere. If you're looking for a great story of a guy who's determined to save someone he's sworn to protect even if it takes everything he's got and then some, you'll probably enjoy this book and I highly recommend it!
    7 people found this helpful
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  • Pat
    4.0 out of 5 stars Castigo Cay...... an enjoyable read
    Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    The book was a "page-turner" from the first....
    I especially found humor in the veiled reference to Gov. Mark Sanford's poorly concealed affair.....
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  • Juju
    5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting read
    Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2024
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    interesting read written before current times yet insightful and some throughlines that we’re experiencing today. Wild ride with interesting turns
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Top reviews from other countries

  • malcolm lees
    5.0 out of 5 stars Factual. Interesting. Exciting.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 10, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Literally could not put it down. More of a learning experience than a bedtime read. I now have a different opinion about the struggle against extremists than before I read this book
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  • FK_CGY
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great story by a gifted author (buy printed copy to reliably have on your shelf)
    Reviewed in Canada on January 24, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Matt proved his prescient abilities in his earlier Enemies series. I follow his Gab account and interviews on various podcasts as much as I can to better understand the implications of current events. Two things make his novels great: (1) he is very well read on the topics he writes about and (2) he connects the dots of current geopolitical events to project very plausible scenarios.

    In Castigo Cay, Matt introduces Dan Kilmer, who sails the Caribbean, Central and South America on a tight budget. Dan avoids the taxes, decay and lost freedom in the USA until circumstances motivate him to use his military background to pursue justice. Matt’s navy seal training and sailing experience bring realism to the characters and situations in all his novels.

    I sailed in my younger days and am concerned about what we likely face in the near future, I wish we had crossed paths as I would have enjoyed getting to know Matt in person. He is a polished writer and spins a gripping yarn. Five stars.
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  • MPorisky
    4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
    Reviewed in Canada on November 2, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Excellent story and an easy read. A great buy.
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  • Ruth Martin
    4.0 out of 5 stars castigo cay a must read novel.
    Reviewed in Australia on September 16, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I really enjoyed this exciting novel. It's full of adventure, intrigue & kidnapping, yet is without the crude language which often is found in this type of story.
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  • Kevin Leeds
    4.0 out of 5 stars Decent page turner
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 27, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    A good, satisfying action thriller. It could have been 5 stars with a bit of good, critical editing. Eg, I'm not sure how many times we need reminding of the hero's height, military prowess, success with the opposite sex etc? And the detail re weaponry and ammunition is interesting to start with, but then becomes a bit trainspotter-ish and distracts from the flow.
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