Privateer's Apprentice

August 15, 2012
In a nautical tale that leaks from stem to stern, a printer's son survives one unlikely adventure after another after being shanghaied by British privateers. First orphaned, then sold into indenture on a false charge, then clubbed and carried off to sea, 13-year-old Jameson finds himself sailing into the Caribbean aboard the Destiny, Captain "Attack Jack" Edwards commanding. Jameson inexplicably worms his way into the captain's good graces despite being sullen, accident-prone and so slow on the uptake that he has to be told twice why the ship doesn't fly British colors in enemy waters. He goes on at Edwards' behest to bury a packet of maps in a secret cave during a wild storm for no good reason (except perhaps the general paucity of dramatic scenes), then, before sailing off to deliver the aforementioned maps to Queen Anne (this is 1713), he rescues the captain from being hanged as a pirate by forging a Letter of Marque. The author displays an incomplete knowledge of nautical terminology and the techniques of letterpress printing, and the climactic courtroom scene is so contrived that even Perry Mason would wince. With the likes of Peter Raven, Tom Cringle and even Jacky Faber roaming the literary sea lanes, not even the frequent references to dung, dirt, blood and noxious foods are enough to float such an underresearched, arbitrarily plotted clinker. (Historical fiction. 11-13)

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February 1, 2013

Gr 4-6-Jameson, an orphaned teen living in colonial Charles Town, South Carolina, loses his father's printing business, is jailed for a theft he didn't commit, faces indentured servitude, and is dragged against his will aboard a privateer's ship. He meets a no-nonsense captain, the first mate, two shifty sailors, and other quirky crew members. It becomes quickly apparent that the captain is wise to the rough sailors and Jameson's plight. When he learns of the boy's printing ability, a skill that saves the captain's life, he commissions Jameson to draw what he sees as the ship navigates contested waters in search of more land for the British crown. The driving plot, including a harrowing battle at sea and an escapade on a mysterious island, whets readers' appetites for more action. Youngsters will gain some awareness of colonial life and the salty world of a ship, but the story lacks much historical context. Jameson's naivete, especially his confusion when various deceptive flags are raised, endears him to readers, yet his character is not that unique. The bullying sailor and the seasoned first mate seem like stock characters in comparison to the captain, who is the most intriguing person on the ship. Pirate and adventure stories are fairly prolific, and this one is not especially remarkable.-Hilary Writt, Sullivan University, Lexington, KY

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2013
Thirteen-year old Jameson Martin Cooper, the son of a printer, is orphaned and homeless in 1712 Charles Towne, Carolina Territory. Abducted by Queen Anne's privateers, he eventually earns back his freedom through bravery, hard work, and his skills as a printer. This undemanding yet diverting maritime adventure will engage middle-grade historical fiction fans.

(Copyright 2013 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)