Entries Categorized as 'Adventure'

Pigeon Post

Our rating: ****

The gang from Swallows and Amazons is back for book six. This time around, they leave the boats behind and strike out inland to find gold. Mining operations are in full swing, and they may even have found something. But a mysterious figure with a squashy hat is dogging their every move. Is he after the gold? Will he try to jump their claim? Adventure abounds in this action-packed sixth Swallows and Amazons book.

I had all sorts of fun reading Pigeon Post. There are lots of exciting parts requiring much “lurking” (the crew’s term for stealth maneuvers—gotta love it!). The signature Arthur Ransome adventures and storytelling come to a head in a masterful ending that captures the dream of the gold hunt quite properly. My only qualm with this delightful tale is a few chapters semi-devoted to (successful) attempts to dowse a well. But that’s a minor part of this tale, and the rest is wonderful. The childhood gold miner in everyone will be satisfied here!

Drowned Wednesday

Our rating: ****

Wednesday dawns and Author Penhaligon is facing his next task: finding and claiming the next part of the Will and the Third Key. But this isn’t any easier than Monday and Tuesday were. Lady Wednesday herself, rumor has it, has been transformed into a monstrous, all-devouring whale. And the terrible and powerful pirate-sorceror Feverfew is set on capturing and killing Arthur. Falling in with the unusual crew of the salvaging ship The Moth, Arthur faces high adventure on the Border Sea, risking much to complete his quest. Lives are at stake.

Drowned Wednesday is fairly consistent with the first two books of the series, while still keeping the adventures fresh and unique. A good blend of humor and peril, with both old characters and new. I can’t say that it’s an exceptionally remarkable story, but I found it imaginative and enjoyable nonetheless, and I intend to follow it up promptly with the fourth book, Sir Thursday.

Winter Holiday

Our rating: *****

Dick and Dorothea are staying at Dixon’s farm for their winter holiday. So when they meet the Swallows and Amazons, it’s time for some imaginative adventures! The itinerary? Expedition to the North Pole. The problem? The lake hasn’t frozen yet, and nobody can properly make an expedition to the North Pole without a frozen lake. Will the lake freeze in time? Find out in this excitement-packed fourth Swallows and Amazons book.

I’ve never been a big fan of winter. But when I finished this book, I almost wished I was. The children have so much fun and do so many exciting things that even I, a self-proclaimed winter humbug, couldn’t help wishing I was with them. There’s not really anything to complain about here, either, making this one of my favorites in the Swallows and Amazons series and a book that’s easy to recommend.

Starlighter

Our rating: *****

Dragons from another world who kidnapped humans into slavery? Jason Masters has never held much regard for the old myths, but when his temporary promotion to castle guard takes an unexpected turn, he discovers more than enough evidence to sway his views. In danger and determined to solve the growing mysteries, Jason sets out with a few others to find the hidden portal and rescue the captives. Meanwhile, Koren, a slave girl on the dragon planet, discovers that her unique storytelling ability is very powerful—and very dangerous. Events propel her into a tangle of intrigue, dragon secrets, and prophecies. Her desire to help the slaves is strong, but it could come at great cost.

Excellent start to a brand-new series! I’ve been looking forward to Starlighter for some time, and the combination of Mr. Davis’s familiar writing style with new characters and a new story was delightful. The pacing was good, and I enjoyed the “double fantasy” feel with both Jason’s world and the dragon world. Worthwhile for fans of Bryan Davis and newcomers alike. Can’t wait for the next book!

Den of Thieves

Our rating: ***

Cat Royal’s patron Mr. Sheridan is tearing down his London theatre so he can build a bigger one. There’s just a small problem with that: the theatre is Cat’s home! Realizing what he’s done, Mr. Sheridan sends Cat to France to do some spying for him. When Cat gets there, she immediately gets tangled up in the French Revolution and enters a dangerous world where everything hangs on the will of the people.

As is the usual Cat Royal formula, Cat finds herself in a complicated situation that is quite tense and edge-of-your-seat exciting. The storyline here is excellent, the characters dimensional and complex. Unfortunately, all this greatness is marred by language that gets a little salty at times. Den of Thieves sets up a few events for the next Cat Royal book, which (not to spoil that review!) cut back a lot on the objectionable elements. All that to say that in my opinion, Den of Thieves is probably the low point of the series. But keep going, as the next one is much better.