Considering this is the author's first attempt at a book it is not something you would guess from reading it. Geoff Woodland has combined historic fact with fiction and created an eminently readable novel which I would recommend to anyone.

Amazon customer review - Mr S A Budd

Geoff Woodland has written a very engaging nautical novel. The voyage begins when young naval officer, William King, in his first command, captures a slave ship. The condition of the human cargo and the brutality of the slavers touch William deeply, and his fight against the "peculiar institution" begins.
William is the son of George King, a Liverpool shipping magnate, partnered with the Nicholsons: Donald, the father, and his children, Charlotte and Henry, who all seem to be genetically evil. The company has discovered the human flesh trade is extremely lucrative. However, William is determined to show his father and the Nicholson’s money can be made without degrading oneself or others. The Nicholsons don't believe they need any lessons from William and make it their mission to thwart his efforts whenever possible.
The plot moves quickly as William sails to trans-Atlantic ports of call, brought vividly alive in Woodland's detailed prose, demonstrating his extensive historical research and his years at sea. The story races through this period of British history when slavery was an explosive issue and strong, honorable, determined people, like William, risked their lives and fortunes to end "the Trade."
I think a good novel captivates the reader so much she/he thinks about the story and its characters when the covers are closed- Triangle Trade is such a book.

Susan Denning NJ. USA - www.nolimitpress.com

With an admirable economy of words Triangle Trade opens by divulging a wealth of information to the reader. The nature of the First Mate is 'shown' by actions - capable, decisive, logical, pragmatic, wise in the ways of the sea - as opposed to the rash, greedy and short-sighted late captain. This enviable ability to produce graphic descriptions, revealing characteristics, both physical and mental, of the players, without patently doing so by direct information dumping, is present and prevalent throughout the work. The marine expertise of the author, in addition to diligent research, is a supporting bulwark for his obvious competence with the written word. The quality of this work isolates it from many others of its genre and I would not hesitate to use the term 'epic' in relation to it. For anyone doubting this, do not take my word; the proof is in the reading. Superlative.

Robert Davidson. UK - The Tuzla Run www.authorbobdavidson.com

Triangle Trade is the story of an ambitious young ship's captain at the turn of the 19th century in England, who is determined to succeed on his own terms. Appalled by the inhumanity of the slave trade, he vows to prove one can still turn a profit by trading in goods that were not produced by slaves. Ice is the unlikely commodity that launches his career.
The novel rings with such surprising authenticity of life at sea, England's naval conflict with Spain, and the cruelty of the slave trade that readers will constantly find themselves checking the publishing date to make sure this was really written by someone in the present. The author, Geoff Woodland, weaves a rich and colourful tapestry of life in 19th century England, transporting readers into the middle of exciting adventures on the high seas and the coastal towns of England and The Americas. There's romance, intrigue, mystery, action, a social conscience -- and even an education!
The writing is crisp and moves the plot along at a fast clip, with a complex set of characters and plot lines skilfully propelling the action to a satisfying and surprising conclusion. Triangle Trade is a great read, well deserving of a hearty "aye, aye," and a five star rating.

Bookemdano - New York, USA

A very entertaining, well researched, story about Liverpool during the slave trade. a must read for anybody who enjoys reading books about sailing ships, and the trading families that built the early shipping lines.

Tony C. - East Sussex

I have always loved sailing ships and tales of adventure on the high seas. Triangle Trade will always be one of the best for me. When I began reading this book, I felt as if I had settled in with a tale that was truly written in the early 1800s -- the author's prose and style has the feeling of the long-ago literary greats. Well-drawn characters and a compelling plot make this book difficult to put down.
Read this book it is a wonderful tale!

Kathy V – New Mexico

Imaginative story, holds attention throughout, clever plotting, well written – altogether a “good read” about goodies, baddies, wicked women; brainy angels, bold mariners, and Georgian merchant shipping.

Geoffrey H. Poole. UK

Probably the longest book I have read in a while, but it felt as though it was finished too quickly. I would get up early for work just so that I could get on the train sooner to read this book. I sat at my desk eating and reading and I sat with the family reading this book instead of socializing. The thing is, yes this book was addictive but I am unsure as to why. The story was clever and original and yet it was slightly predictable. The characters were varied and interesting but I never felt like I knew any of them personally or that they related to me directly.
However, in saying that, maybe it was the whole package. There is history, action, romance, betrayal and success. I suppose there is not much more you would want from a story?
Another historical fiction, set in Liverpool during the final few years before the abolition of the ‘African Trade’ (which occurred in 1807) within the British Empire. The main characters are a Father and Son, the Father caught up in the ‘African Trade’ and the Son working hard to put an end to it.
Highly recommend...and I have just realised what I could not put my finger on before. This is a man’s book! The story is of the navy and shipping, booze and women, even the front cover has a masculine attraction.
Now I understand why I enjoyed the book but still had my breath at the end of it.

Erin - Essex, UK

Triangle Trade is a thoroughly enjoyable historical novel. It includes interesting, well-drawn characters and plenty of action, romance and authentic early nineteenth century detail.

Lee H. Cleveland, Ohio

I really enjoyed this book . It`s a cracking good story and moves along at a decent pace . It usually takes a while for me to get through a novel but I couldn’t put this book down. I hope Geoff Woodland writes the sequel soon. I shall certainly be first in line in the book store for a copy. Still don`t take my word for it dash out and purchase a copy. If you like historical novels with adventure, love and conflicting morals then the Triangle Trade is for you.

When noting the name of the reviewer please be aware that this is NOT the author, this gentleman is not relation to the author, they just share the same name.

Geoffrey L. Woodland - Bristol, UK. December 2012.

Not the sort of novel I normally read, but was going to meet the author at a reunion so thought I would give it a try. It had a bit of every genre in it - history/ romance/ intrigue/crime. Couldn't put it down.

Lyn G. UK.