Seafaring stories
Based at sea or with a nautical feel
Style: Good
Attitude: Positive
The year is 1800 as Peter Raven sails as midshipman aboard the Torrone, only to be hurt in a sea battle off France; when he sails again to the Caribbean the ship is attacked by Pirates and he is set adrift to save himself.
An exciting story, well-populated. A few slightly gruesome scenes.
Adventure, Boys, Historical, Seafaring, War
Style: Good
Attitude: Unobjectionable
Matt Cruse learns of the location of the lost airship Hyperion, reputed to be carrying vast wealth.
An enjoyable adventure, if a little slow-moving in places. The pseudo-Edwardian setting with its valve-and-steam technology provides the atmosphere for what is a fairly conventional adventure plus romance story with no real issues. The supporting characters are mostly cardboard but the main leads have just enough depth to them, the female characters in particular having strengths and weaknesses without compromising their femininity.
Adventure, Boys, Fantasy, Seafaring
The Swallows and Amazons Series
Style: Classic
Attitude: Positive
Three families of children enjoy themselves outdoors in general, and sailing in particular, over several holidays.
Classic set of gentle outdoor adventure stories, often with a sailing theme. Healthy combination of imagination and down-to-earth competence in outdoor pursuits. Nicely-rounded characters inhabiting an inter-war landscape where children are allowed a wide degree of freedom but where politeness and consideration are uppermost. The books' uncomplicated style coupled with their outdoor milieux is like fresh air to a modern reader.
Classic, Friendship, Growing-Up, Seafaring
Style: Weak → Average
Attitude: Some Care Needed → Unobjectionable
Ben is captured by slave traders while Ned is rescued from the sea by friendly travelling entertainers who are themselves taken by the slave traders under false pretences.
Easy-reading adventure story with heroism and friendship. Simple characterisations. Surprisingly many violent deaths.
Adventure, Historical, Seafaring
Style: Good
Attitude: Positive
Lord Hunter travels on the Arctic Tern with a message of peace from Queen Elizabeth of England to the King of Spain.
Remorse at assisting in an evil act, however tempted; redemption by finding and punishing the person responsible.
Adventure, Historical, Seafaring, Spooky