The central theme of Claws of the Raven hasnt varied much from the first book written by Derek Hart. Love is still a wonderful curse and humans go out of their way to complicate every step along the way. When all is said and done, even the author cant manipulate the characters to do and react in ways that are out of character. No matter how hard one tries to make it happen, men and women dont just fall in love and all is bliss. Whenever somebody is brave, or foolish enough, to say, I love you, then instantly the complications begin. This time its pirates and swashbuckling adventure at its best!