A boy and dog trapped aboard the legendary ship, the Flying Dutchman, are sent off on an eternal journey by an avenging angel, roaming the earth throughout the centuries in search of those in need. Their travels lead them to Chapelvale, a sleepy nineteenth century village whose very existence is at stake. Only by discovering the buried secrets and solving the dust-laden riddles of the ancient village can it be saved. This will take the will and wile of all the people-and a very special boy and dog! Brian Jacques turns from Redwall to a very different sort of story, and succeeds admirably.
Amazon.com Review Fans of the Redwall series eager to sink their teeth into the latest adventure from Brian Jacques will be surprised to find that the cover of Castaways of the Flying Dutchman belies the contents of this fine mystery novel. A handsome young lad, sporting a billowing, ripped shirt, gazes off into the distance, while behind him a ship founders on an eerily tempestuous sea. It's true, the first (brief) section of the book does tell the tale of a stowaway orphan on the legendary, ill-fated ship, the Flying Dutchman . And that's as swashbuckling a story as they come. But as soon as the boy and his newly adopted dog are tossed into the sea during a ferocious storm, the book takes a sharp turn. Ben and his dog, Ned, given eternal life by a sympathetic angel, now set out to "bring confidence and sympathy, help others to change their fate." Two centuries later, they arrive in the village of Chapelvale, which is filled with quirky, affectionate citizens, who immediately welcome the mysterious but kindhearted and brave boy and his dog. The impending destruction of their village by the blustering, bloated Obadiah Smithers, an industrial speculator, propels Ben and his new friends into a thrilling search for a solution, involving ancient Byzantine gold chalices, mysterious coded messages, and some fierce tête-à-têtes with hired bullies. Illustrator Ian Schoenherr's intriguing line drawings at the beginning of each chapter hint at the upcoming clues to the mystery. Redwall fans be warned: you'll find no warrior mice here. But readers will find a satisfying story that never leaves a doubt as to the ability of good to triumph over evil. Views: 35
Sophie knows how it feels to be the new girl---different and 'weird.' She also remembers needing a friend. When a new girl in class is assigned to Sophie's drama group, she wants to get to know her. Sophie learns to accept her new friend's culture. But how will the other Corn Flakes teach others about acceptance if they cannot seem to learn themselves? Views: 35
The final installment of the Domestic Discipline Quartet - Alex wants to reconcile with Grace, but can she ever trust him again? Eleanor knows she has to reveal her pregnancy, but will Edwin still love her once he can no longer bed her? Wesley is going to marry Cynthia, but can he provide her with both the excitement and discipline she needs? At least Hugh and Irene have things under control. Views: 35
A riveting tale of love, death and revenge. Soldier of fortune Michael Duffy returns to colonial Sydney on a covert mission and with old scores to settle, still enraged by a bitter feud between his family and the ruthless Macintoshes. The Palmer River gold rush lures American prospector Luke Tracy back to Australia's rugged north country in his elusive search for riches and the great passion of his life, Kate O'Keefe. From the boardrooms and backstreets of Sydney to the hazardous waters of the Coral Sea, the sequel to Cry of Curlew confirms the exceptional talent of master storyteller Peter Watt. Views: 35
Orion has survived the tunnels of Outpost Five, filled with mutant creatures and dangers around every bend. She has traversed the cordons, exposed to the radiation of the flash curtain and hunted by forces that want her stopped, dead or alive. Now, with Dram by her side, she has made it to the safety of the mountain provinces, where free Conjurors live and practice their craft of manipulating matter. But Orion's story is far from over.With the effects of the flashfall spreading and the might of the protected city of Alara looming, Orion must travel into the hands of her enemies once again. Heart-pounding action and adventure await in Flashtide, Jenny Moyer's thrilling follow up to Flashfall. Views: 35
Temptation led to addiction, which exploded into an eruption of chaos. And when the pieces settled, only one thing became clear...devotion. One great love. A love worth fighting for. Because the only thing that lasts forever is love. Views: 35
Ray Lilly has been summoned to the headquarters of the Twenty Palace Society to answer one question: How has he managed to survive mission after mission fighting alongside his boss, Annalise? He doesn't have the power of a full peer of the society. He's a wooden man. An assistant. A diversion. The other peers want to know what's going on, so it's off to Europe for a trip to the First Palace. And no place in the world is safer than inside the headquarters of the Twenty Palace Society, right?Right? Views: 35
Reeling from her father's death, Angel Delaney is overcome with emotion. While her family gathers to pay their last respects, she can't help but think of her missing brother, Luke. As a private investigator, she has often thought of trying to find him. But it's been six years since his sudden and mysterious disappearance, and Angel still has no substantial clues.Then a close family friend is seriously wounded and evidence of criminal activity is uncovered. Is Luke involved somehow? Angel can't believe that her brother could be a criminal, but her search to find the truth takes her on an adventure across state lines and into the lives of more than a few suspicious characters. A story of suspense and intrigue, As Good as Dead is the exciting and captivating conclusion to the Angel Delaney Mysteries. Views: 35
Kress returns to the world of Beggars in Spain to tell a new tale in an America of the future, strangely altered by genetic modifications. Wracked by the results of irresponsible genetic research and nanotechnology and overburdened by a population of jobless drones, the whole world is on the edge of collapse. Who will save it? And for whom?
Nominated for Nebula and Hugo awards for Best Novel in 1995. Views: 35