Castaways of the Flying Dutchman
Castaways of the Flying Dutchman series, book #1
by Brian Jacques
Adventure
Historical Fiction
Mystery
Review #1
* * * * * Stars (Amazing!)
Ye all have heard of the Flying Dutchman, that cursed ship that has been cursed to sail the seas forever… Woe to the sailor who sees Captain Vanderdecken and his ghostly crew… Sometime in the near future, those who see this ship shall be cursed to sink forever! But have you heard of how this ship came to be cursed? And only two living souls know…Neb and Den, a mute boy and a black Labrador, are on the ship as ship’s cook (through a rather unfortunate series of events) and ship’s dog (through a rather fortunate series of events).
Tierra El Fuego. Cape Horn. Those names bring dread to all sailors…and what if your captain forced you to try to round the horn three times, with dwindling supplies and mutinous men on the ship? Brought to a state of madness, the captain brings ruin upon himself and his crew, and they are doomed to sail the seven seas forever. Except for Neb and Den. The innocence of their hearts saved them from the curse extended to the rest of the crew…they are given magical, mysterious gifts. Neb can now speak (as can Den, though only Neb can hear him) and they are both to stay forever young…Will these two immortal beings be enough to save Cheapvale?
Brian Jacques is more famously known for his series, Redwall. From the cover this book looked interesting, and it did not disappoint. A mystery filled with interesting clues and a towheaded boy and his dog will keep you sucked in as you learn about the only two survivors of the Flying Dutchman. For upper elementary kids, and middle and high school teens.
