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Bloody Jack #9
The Mark of the Golden Dragon: Being an Account of the Further Adventures of Jacky Faber, Jewel of the East, Vexation of the West, and Pearl of the South China Sea
Jacky Faber, soldier, sailor, spy, and sometime pirate, condemned for life to the English prison colony in Australia for high crimes against the Crown, has once again wriggled out of the grasp of British authorities. Back on her flagship, the Lorelei Lee, she happily heads back to England in the company of dear friends and her beloved Jaimy Fletcher.
However, due to a typhoon, an earthquake, tidal waves, pirates, and her own impetuous nature, Jacky is cast into a world of danger that extends from the South China Sea to the equally treacherous waters of politics in London's smoky dens of intrigue, deception, and betrayal.
Can she save herself from recapture and a final trip to the gallows? Can she also save her own dear Jaimy from the madness that seems to be overtaking his tortured mind? Devious Chinese businessmen, willowy Eurasian maidens, fierce Gurkhas, loyal friends, and wildly romantic highwaymen are all involved in this tale of love, courage, and redemption.
However, due to a typhoon, an earthquake, tidal waves, pirates, and her own impetuous nature, Jacky is cast into a world of danger that extends from the South China Sea to the equally treacherous waters of politics in London's smoky dens of intrigue, deception, and betrayal.
Can she save herself from recapture and a final trip to the gallows? Can she also save her own dear Jaimy from the madness that seems to be overtaking his tortured mind? Devious Chinese businessmen, willowy Eurasian maidens, fierce Gurkhas, loyal friends, and wildly romantic highwaymen are all involved in this tale of love, courage, and redemption.
378 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
112 people are currently reading
2499 people want to read
About the author
L.A. Meyer
18 books1,107 followersLouis A. Meyer is best known as the author of the Bloody Jack novels. He was also a painter and the author of two children's picture books, and he and his wife owned an art gallery called Clair de Loon in Bar Harbor.
Louis A. Meyer passed away on July 29, 2014 from refractory Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. His final Jacky Faber book, Wild Rover No More, was published posthumously in September that year.
Louis A. Meyer passed away on July 29, 2014 from refractory Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. His final Jacky Faber book, Wild Rover No More, was published posthumously in September that year.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 318 reviews
May 6, 2012
I am seriously considering just selling all the books i have of the series (which are all of them) because she is just going forever, her and Jamie are always separated (then he goes and sleeps with the first girl he sees, while Jacky remains somewhat faithful but didoes sleep with any of them) and she is just out there with any man she likes...
Then theres also the thing that she doesn't know right form wrong most of the time. Meyer really needs to wrap things up because I'm tired of the same thing over and over.
I loved the first book, well up to Mississippi Jack for various reasons, but I don't feel like discussing them.
I don't know, its always that same freakin' thing... sigh
*Added*
You know what? I think Jacky should just stick to girls, since I would definitely read that LOL
Then theres also the thing that she doesn't know right form wrong most of the time. Meyer really needs to wrap things up because I'm tired of the same thing over and over.
I loved the first book, well up to Mississippi Jack for various reasons, but I don't feel like discussing them.
I don't know, its always that same freakin' thing... sigh
*Added*
You know what? I think Jacky should just stick to girls, since I would definitely read that LOL
May 30, 2011
The Mark of the Golden Dragon was another rollicking good Bloody Jack adventure. Jacky Faber was up to her usual antics and her experiences are such fun to read about. No matter how many of these books LA Meyer writes I will keep on reading them. I love historical fiction, especially with a strong female protagonist and Jacky definitely fits the bill. There was never a dull moment in The Mark of the Golden Dragon and some of my favorite characters from the past entered the scene again. This series is officially one of my favorites and I could reread it again and again!
Jacky Faber is such a likable main character and her adventures and witticisms always bring a smile to my face. She always finds herself in some sort of trouble and unable to be with her fair Jaimy, and this time was no exception. A huge typhoon tears through the ocean separating Jacky from her crew, including Jaimy. From there Jacky encounters pirates, an earthquake, and old romances. Time never slows for her and she never knows what she'll have to face next.
I love all the different characters in this series. Jacky has met people from around the world and all of them are well developed and interesting. Her friends are loyal and kind, but her enemies are vicious and unyielding. There were lots of plot twists and exciting scenes in The Mark of the Golden Dragon and I can't wait to see what's next for Jacky and the gang.
There is just something about this series that I love and it will always have a special place in my heart. The Mark of the Golden Dragon was an exciting and edge-of-your-seat addition to the series and I know the next book in the series will be just as good. Sail on Jacky!
Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Jacky Faber is such a likable main character and her adventures and witticisms always bring a smile to my face. She always finds herself in some sort of trouble and unable to be with her fair Jaimy, and this time was no exception. A huge typhoon tears through the ocean separating Jacky from her crew, including Jaimy. From there Jacky encounters pirates, an earthquake, and old romances. Time never slows for her and she never knows what she'll have to face next.
I love all the different characters in this series. Jacky has met people from around the world and all of them are well developed and interesting. Her friends are loyal and kind, but her enemies are vicious and unyielding. There were lots of plot twists and exciting scenes in The Mark of the Golden Dragon and I can't wait to see what's next for Jacky and the gang.
There is just something about this series that I love and it will always have a special place in my heart. The Mark of the Golden Dragon was an exciting and edge-of-your-seat addition to the series and I know the next book in the series will be just as good. Sail on Jacky!
Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
December 19, 2011
The Mark of the Golden Dragon: Being an Account of the Further Adventures of Jacky Faber, Jewel of the East, Vexation of the West, and Pearl of the South China Sea (Bloody Jack Adventures) by L.A. Meyer is the spirited and entertaining ninth installment in the epic story of Mary “Jacky” Faber, taking readers on an adventure through the South China Sea from Rangoon to London. There is high hilarity and scandalous scheming on land and sea as only Jacky can manage, making the book fun to read; however, the story takes an ominous turn that will keep readers turning the pages to find out what happens next.
The story opens with Jacky seated in her cabin aboard the Lorelei Lee with Jaimy, Higgins, and other loyal friends and crew celebrating their recent escape from the penal colony in New South Wales. Suddenly the wind and waves pick up as a typhoon moves in. It’s all hands on deck. The treacherous storm pummels the ships, and the mast of the Lorelei Lee is severed. Jacky becomes entangled in the lines, and pulled overboard into the roiling sea...
Jacky survives against the odds like I knew she would--bobbing up like a cork-- but finds herself washed ashore in a strange land desperate to get back to her loved ones and clear their names of crimes against the crown. And here the new adventure begins! You won't find any spoilers here, but Jacky meets some new and important people, one that's deeply satisfying and made me cheer for the scared little orphan girl that still exists deep within our heroine, while also running into some old enemies in some very gratifying ways. Awesome sauce!
I really enjoyed Mark of the Golden Dragon, and its a must read for fans of the series. Meyer does a great job with the series, and with each new book the characters continue to develop and grow and change.
Kudos for the tale he’s telling. It’s not a story focused around a single event or conflict that can be quickly resolved, but the story of an orphaned girl’s life as she makes her way in the world during the early nineteenth century. With paranormal romance being all the rage these days, it’s refreshing to take a break from the supernatural and read historical fiction, especially a series with such a fun-loving, spirited, and unpredictable protagonist as Jacky Faber.
Although written from Jacky’s perspective—often upbeat and witty—this story is just as much Jaimy Fletcher's as Jacky's. Meyer uses letters written by Jaimy as a tool to give readers a glimpse into his anguished mind after Jacky's presumed death. He's tortured by all the wrongs done to them in the past and vengeance coils inside of him, dark and sinister.
The only issue I had with the story was Jaimy Fletcher's limited point of view. In The Wake of the Lorelei Lee, Meyer expounded on Jaimy's point of view to give us the full impact of the brutal treatment he suffered at the hands of the guards aboard the Cerberus, and his eventual mutiny of the ship. It would have added more to Mark of the Dragon if he'd done the same, giving readers the chance to experience Jaimy's decent into madness. Jaimy has become such an interesting, dynamic character that I'm almost sorry the story is told from Jacky's limited point of view.
So is this the book where Jacky and Jaimy finally get their happily ever after? It’s safe to say without spoileriness that they don’t. The more I read, the more unpredictable this aspect of the series becomes. Jacky and Jaimy fell in love when they were very young, around nine or ten years old. How many puppy love romances like theirs actually survive the changes of growing up? Is their love strong enough to withstand all they've gone through?
Also, Jacky is a flirtatious young woman that loves to be the center of attention, and admits that she has feelings for Joseph Jared (the salty sailor that nicknamed her Puss-n-boots) and the suave and sophisticated Richard Allen. Jaimy, although he loves Jacky, has had his share of sexy business with Clementine by the river and in the hayloft. Tsk, tsk, you rascal!
How will this romance end? Meyer isn't giving us any clues, and in Mark of the Golden Dragon, he shows us that matters of the heart are never simple.
Mark of the Dragon is another fun addition to the Bloody Jack Adventures. If you haven't started the series, what's stopping you? Sail the seas, buckle some swash, and fall in love!
The story opens with Jacky seated in her cabin aboard the Lorelei Lee with Jaimy, Higgins, and other loyal friends and crew celebrating their recent escape from the penal colony in New South Wales. Suddenly the wind and waves pick up as a typhoon moves in. It’s all hands on deck. The treacherous storm pummels the ships, and the mast of the Lorelei Lee is severed. Jacky becomes entangled in the lines, and pulled overboard into the roiling sea...
Jacky survives against the odds like I knew she would--bobbing up like a cork-- but finds herself washed ashore in a strange land desperate to get back to her loved ones and clear their names of crimes against the crown. And here the new adventure begins! You won't find any spoilers here, but Jacky meets some new and important people, one that's deeply satisfying and made me cheer for the scared little orphan girl that still exists deep within our heroine, while also running into some old enemies in some very gratifying ways. Awesome sauce!
I really enjoyed Mark of the Golden Dragon, and its a must read for fans of the series. Meyer does a great job with the series, and with each new book the characters continue to develop and grow and change.
Kudos for the tale he’s telling. It’s not a story focused around a single event or conflict that can be quickly resolved, but the story of an orphaned girl’s life as she makes her way in the world during the early nineteenth century. With paranormal romance being all the rage these days, it’s refreshing to take a break from the supernatural and read historical fiction, especially a series with such a fun-loving, spirited, and unpredictable protagonist as Jacky Faber.
Although written from Jacky’s perspective—often upbeat and witty—this story is just as much Jaimy Fletcher's as Jacky's. Meyer uses letters written by Jaimy as a tool to give readers a glimpse into his anguished mind after Jacky's presumed death. He's tortured by all the wrongs done to them in the past and vengeance coils inside of him, dark and sinister.
The only issue I had with the story was Jaimy Fletcher's limited point of view. In The Wake of the Lorelei Lee, Meyer expounded on Jaimy's point of view to give us the full impact of the brutal treatment he suffered at the hands of the guards aboard the Cerberus, and his eventual mutiny of the ship. It would have added more to Mark of the Dragon if he'd done the same, giving readers the chance to experience Jaimy's decent into madness. Jaimy has become such an interesting, dynamic character that I'm almost sorry the story is told from Jacky's limited point of view.
So is this the book where Jacky and Jaimy finally get their happily ever after? It’s safe to say without spoileriness that they don’t. The more I read, the more unpredictable this aspect of the series becomes. Jacky and Jaimy fell in love when they were very young, around nine or ten years old. How many puppy love romances like theirs actually survive the changes of growing up? Is their love strong enough to withstand all they've gone through?
Also, Jacky is a flirtatious young woman that loves to be the center of attention, and admits that she has feelings for Joseph Jared (the salty sailor that nicknamed her Puss-n-boots) and the suave and sophisticated Richard Allen. Jaimy, although he loves Jacky, has had his share of sexy business with Clementine by the river and in the hayloft. Tsk, tsk, you rascal!
How will this romance end? Meyer isn't giving us any clues, and in Mark of the Golden Dragon, he shows us that matters of the heart are never simple.
Mark of the Dragon is another fun addition to the Bloody Jack Adventures. If you haven't started the series, what's stopping you? Sail the seas, buckle some swash, and fall in love!
March 10, 2014
I am officially tired of this series, which is so saddening for me. For any new readers reading this, I recommend the first three or four books, and then not continuing. While there have been plotlines and moments throughout each subsequent book that have been worth reading, on the whole, each book is a copy of the one before.
How many times does she have to get kidnapped? For someone who should be fairly aware of her surroundings by now and someone who can fight back, men are always making off with her. I'm tired of the near-rapes. I am tired of her never-consummated, never-realized relationship with Jamie; I don't care if they wind up together but either get it together or drop it. This constant "Hey, here we are, let's get marriedOH NO! Something bad happened and now we're separated again!" thing is exhausting and silly. I'm tired of her shacking up with random people who take care of her until Jamie gets back, of her harvesting loyal followers wherever she is, of her coming up with brilliant plans to save the day when her followers can't be bothered to rescue her...again.
This story is like all the ones that came before only dressed in different garb. Now she's running around pretending to be Chinese/Indian. She's back in the spy biz, only this time, she assigned herself the mission. People in her world are idiots and very few ever catch on to what she's doing. I guess there were a lot of nearly-bald, blonde-ponytailed pretend-Asians running around London during that time?
It borders on ridiculous.
Also, at this point, Jacky knows 1 out of every 5 people in a crowd the world over. The world's populace was MUCH smaller at the beginning of the 1800's, apparently.
This story gets particularly eye-roll-worthy with all the literary name-dropping. She's riding along Blackmoore Heath, or wherever she is, and finds a sign that says "Baskervilles." She doesn't know if it's an area, a manor, or what, but she hears a hound baying in the distance. Granted, younger readers aren't going to get this reference nor will it make any difference to them because it has no bearing on the story whatsoever. But fans of Sherlock Holmes may well roll their eyes and think, "Really? You went there? Was that necessary?"
Ditto the Highwayman. There are direct quotes from the poem. "Bess, the Landlord's dark-haired daughter" and such. I was singing Loreena McKennitt's rendition of the song for days afterward. While that wasn't bad, the earworm I mean, I was irritated by the whole thing.Now Jamie is the tragic figure in a poem written in the early 1900's? It was just too much. I've mostly enjoyed the historical accuracy - real Naval ship names, real characters from the time period, etc - throughout the series but this is going overboard.
Side Note: I do find it amusing that the war ship Temeraire has been mentioned several times in this series because it makes me think of the dragon from Naomi Novik's alternate-reality historical fiction series about the same "ship"...and come to think of it, that series has the exact same problem this one has.
This book gets a second star because of the reader. I give her full credit for maintaining characters, for being as enthusiastic of a reader as she was for the first book, and for adding depth to the story via vocalization, depth that is lacking in the story itself.
How many times does she have to get kidnapped? For someone who should be fairly aware of her surroundings by now and someone who can fight back, men are always making off with her. I'm tired of the near-rapes. I am tired of her never-consummated, never-realized relationship with Jamie; I don't care if they wind up together but either get it together or drop it. This constant "Hey, here we are, let's get marriedOH NO! Something bad happened and now we're separated again!" thing is exhausting and silly. I'm tired of her shacking up with random people who take care of her until Jamie gets back, of her harvesting loyal followers wherever she is, of her coming up with brilliant plans to save the day when her followers can't be bothered to rescue her...again.
This story is like all the ones that came before only dressed in different garb. Now she's running around pretending to be Chinese/Indian. She's back in the spy biz, only this time, she assigned herself the mission. People in her world are idiots and very few ever catch on to what she's doing. I guess there were a lot of nearly-bald, blonde-ponytailed pretend-Asians running around London during that time?
It borders on ridiculous.
Also, at this point, Jacky knows 1 out of every 5 people in a crowd the world over. The world's populace was MUCH smaller at the beginning of the 1800's, apparently.
This story gets particularly eye-roll-worthy with all the literary name-dropping. She's riding along Blackmoore Heath, or wherever she is, and finds a sign that says "Baskervilles." She doesn't know if it's an area, a manor, or what, but she hears a hound baying in the distance. Granted, younger readers aren't going to get this reference nor will it make any difference to them because it has no bearing on the story whatsoever. But fans of Sherlock Holmes may well roll their eyes and think, "Really? You went there? Was that necessary?"
Ditto the Highwayman. There are direct quotes from the poem. "Bess, the Landlord's dark-haired daughter" and such. I was singing Loreena McKennitt's rendition of the song for days afterward. While that wasn't bad, the earworm I mean, I was irritated by the whole thing.Now Jamie is the tragic figure in a poem written in the early 1900's? It was just too much. I've mostly enjoyed the historical accuracy - real Naval ship names, real characters from the time period, etc - throughout the series but this is going overboard.
Side Note: I do find it amusing that the war ship Temeraire has been mentioned several times in this series because it makes me think of the dragon from Naomi Novik's alternate-reality historical fiction series about the same "ship"...and come to think of it, that series has the exact same problem this one has.
This book gets a second star because of the reader. I give her full credit for maintaining characters, for being as enthusiastic of a reader as she was for the first book, and for adding depth to the story via vocalization, depth that is lacking in the story itself.
December 5, 2011
Should I read it or give up on the series? Well I decided to read it! I just keep hoping that the author will resolve the series. The first 25 pages or so I felt a little lost and had trouble remembering some of the side characters and what had happened in all the previous books! After that I quickly got into it and enjoyed reading about Jacky's latest adventure...
HOWEVER...I was really disappointed in the ending!!! Not only do Jacky and Jamie NOT get together, but she sends him clear across the world to recover from his mental breakdown. What? The Jacky in the previous books would not have let him get away from her unless she was bound and dragged away! It seemed out of character. Maybe the author is intentionally allowing them to drift apart or maybe the author just found a quick way to end the story without a resolving the series. ARG. Maybe book 10 will finally give the happy ending they deserve!
HOWEVER...I was really disappointed in the ending!!! Not only do Jacky and Jamie NOT get together, but she sends him clear across the world to recover from his mental breakdown. What? The Jacky in the previous books would not have let him get away from her unless she was bound and dragged away! It seemed out of character. Maybe the author is intentionally allowing them to drift apart or maybe the author just found a quick way to end the story without a resolving the series. ARG. Maybe book 10 will finally give the happy ending they deserve!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2011
I'm a huge fan of Jacky Faber and her adventures, but honestly, this series should have finished up a couple volumes ago. It's just getting too ridiculous, especially the constant getting together and then parting of Jacky with her beloved Jaimie, who she never gets together long enough to actually marry and consummate their long-standing lust for each other. Also, the coincidences that pile up on top of one another, where Jacky runs across her friends in the middle of the ocean without warning, just stretch my sense of disbelief too much. I am sad to not give this a good review, but I really think Mr. Meyer needs to wrap up Jacky's story and go on to something else. Perhaps he could have a series about one of the minor characters in the series if he just can't let go!
October 9, 2011
So so volume in series. I like Jacky's early adventures much more. Getting too predictable now... meet historic character/event, trouble, miraculous escape, miss getting together with Jamie, repeat. It also seems in the last few books that the language got a bit rougher/the almost-sexcapades a bit more tricky?? making it tougher to recommend these books to the younger teens for whom they are supposed to be written.
October 7, 2012
3.5/5 stars
The Mark of the Golden Dragon was better than expected, though I must admit my expectations were low. I'd been warned that if I expect resolution this was not that book. The Jacky Faber story keeps going in circles. They are fun romps, but never-ending cycles that don't advance the plot forward.
However I gave Jacky a long break. Months and months. In this book Jacky herself claims that she's best in small doses and I'm thinking that maybe she's right. So for Jacky Faber fans who are growing tired of her running around in circles, leading Jamie on and never growing up I had advice for you. Take a break between books. Listen to something else. Give Jacky a few months to fade from your mind. Then when you come back enjoy the high sea adventures, fun flirtations and everything we love about Jacky.
Aside from the break, this book had a few things in it's favor from the start. Lord Richard Allen is one of my favorite Jacky flirtations. He's older, dashing, snarky and I love him. So I'm automatically biased towards book with him in it. So when you're deciding how you'll like this book, consider how much you like Lord Richard Allen.
I always enjoy books where Jaimy actually does things. That may sound silly, but sometimes I feel like he's off on a ship somewhere just writing love letters to Jacky. Though he and Jacky are separated, and there are letters, he's got a big part to play in this book. Jaimy has gone mad with grief, turned into a highwayman. There's some entertainment value to that, especially since he's seeking revenge upon some of our favorite villains.
The problem with this series is not that the books aren't enjoyable. They are, especially in audiobook form narrated by the incomparable Katherine Kellgren. However after the first few books each subsequent book seems to start at point A and end at point A. There is no forward progress.
As expected at the end of Golden Dragon we were back in exactly the same position we'd been before. It's entertaining, but like Jaimy I've reached the point in my relationship with Jacky where I want more than she seems to be willing to offer. Despite my misgivings, I know Jacky has a way of bouncing back so I haven't given up on this series yet. I doubt I ever will.
The Mark of the Golden Dragon was better than expected, though I must admit my expectations were low. I'd been warned that if I expect resolution this was not that book. The Jacky Faber story keeps going in circles. They are fun romps, but never-ending cycles that don't advance the plot forward.
However I gave Jacky a long break. Months and months. In this book Jacky herself claims that she's best in small doses and I'm thinking that maybe she's right. So for Jacky Faber fans who are growing tired of her running around in circles, leading Jamie on and never growing up I had advice for you. Take a break between books. Listen to something else. Give Jacky a few months to fade from your mind. Then when you come back enjoy the high sea adventures, fun flirtations and everything we love about Jacky.
Aside from the break, this book had a few things in it's favor from the start. Lord Richard Allen is one of my favorite Jacky flirtations. He's older, dashing, snarky and I love him. So I'm automatically biased towards book with him in it. So when you're deciding how you'll like this book, consider how much you like Lord Richard Allen.
I always enjoy books where Jaimy actually does things. That may sound silly, but sometimes I feel like he's off on a ship somewhere just writing love letters to Jacky. Though he and Jacky are separated, and there are letters, he's got a big part to play in this book. Jaimy has gone mad with grief, turned into a highwayman. There's some entertainment value to that, especially since he's seeking revenge upon some of our favorite villains.
The problem with this series is not that the books aren't enjoyable. They are, especially in audiobook form narrated by the incomparable Katherine Kellgren. However after the first few books each subsequent book seems to start at point A and end at point A. There is no forward progress.
As expected at the end of Golden Dragon we were back in exactly the same position we'd been before. It's entertaining, but like Jaimy I've reached the point in my relationship with Jacky where I want more than she seems to be willing to offer. Despite my misgivings, I know Jacky has a way of bouncing back so I haven't given up on this series yet. I doubt I ever will.
June 12, 2016
Always an adventure...I never get tired of these books and in this recent installment on the life of the cunning and now beautiful Jacky Faber, soldier, sailor, spy, and Pirate Extraordinaire we follow Jacky into a world of danger and high adventure in the South China Sea!!!!
The Mark of the Golden Dragon: Being an Account of the Further Adventures of Jacky Faber, Jewel of the East, Vexation of the West, and Pearl of the South China Sea (Bloody Jack Adventures) doesn't disappoint - on her return trip to London to find the man she loves a typhoon turns the ship, and the lives of the crew, around!
I have to share a moment with you - I love these books for the gripping adventures and world travel - but I never realized just how much is based in history and how much of the drama and events that unfold are based in reality. I was watching Jeopardy one night and was able to answer an entire column of questions on the founding of the Australian Colonies due to the last book in this series The Wake of the Lorelei Lee: Being an Account of the Further Adventures of Jacky Faber, On Her Way to Botany Bay (Bloody Jack Adventures). BRAVO L.A. Mayer - who knew history could be so much fun!
Recommended for boys & girls alike (my opinion - 10 and up) - girls will love the strong willed Jacky and boys will be in awe!
January 22, 2019
Once again, Meyer does not disappoint. I read this book over the course of two days, and I am already eager for the next Jacky Faber adventure. I love when I understand the literary references, which are so deliciously woven into each novel. When I was a kid, my favorite poem was The Highwayman, which seems a little disturbing, but the imagery is so beautiful! Anyway, I about died of happiness to read Meyer's twist.
"The wind was a torrent of darkness
among the gusty trees,
The moon was a ghostly galleon
tossed upon cloudy seas,
The road was ribbon of moonlight
over the purple moor,
And the highwayman came riding -
Riding - riding -
The highwayman came riding,
up to the old inn-door."
I have to disagree with many of my fellow readers - I do NOT want Jacky and Jaimy to settle down! I love that there is a heroine out there who isn't focused on getting married and popping out brats. I don't want kids, and I finally have a heroine (even if she is nothing like me!) who hasn't "settled down" yet. I love her fire and her thirst for adventure, and honestly, I hope she ends up with someone other than Jaimy, who clearly just wants to knock her up and reign her in the second he has the chance.
"The wind was a torrent of darkness
among the gusty trees,
The moon was a ghostly galleon
tossed upon cloudy seas,
The road was ribbon of moonlight
over the purple moor,
And the highwayman came riding -
Riding - riding -
The highwayman came riding,
up to the old inn-door."
I have to disagree with many of my fellow readers - I do NOT want Jacky and Jaimy to settle down! I love that there is a heroine out there who isn't focused on getting married and popping out brats. I don't want kids, and I finally have a heroine (even if she is nothing like me!) who hasn't "settled down" yet. I love her fire and her thirst for adventure, and honestly, I hope she ends up with someone other than Jaimy, who clearly just wants to knock her up and reign her in the second he has the chance.
July 1, 2014
I gave this book about 30 pages and while there was some talent within I found the writing style too jumbled and on the chaotic times for my tastes. It seemed like an interesting concept but it wasn't for me. WHEN READ: February 2012; OVERALL GRADE: C minus to C.
Want to read
March 22, 2011I hope this is the last one, I want closure already!
edit: darn it, it's not the last book. sigh.
edit: darn it, it's not the last book. sigh.
February 24, 2013
Always love a Bloody Jack.
February 3, 2020
DNF on page 198.
It saddens me to say this, because I loved the earlier books of this series a few years ago. I've been pushing my way through this one for a month with no progress. I dread picking it up, so I'm just going to quit. It reads almost like a summary of a book rather than an actual story because there is so much drama happening. The character development is dead in the water (get it? haha) and it just is going no where. I will not be continuing with this series.
It saddens me to say this, because I loved the earlier books of this series a few years ago. I've been pushing my way through this one for a month with no progress. I dread picking it up, so I'm just going to quit. It reads almost like a summary of a book rather than an actual story because there is so much drama happening. The character development is dead in the water (get it? haha) and it just is going no where. I will not be continuing with this series.
May 18, 2016
A review in which I contradict myself!
Once again our Jacky & Jamie have parted ways and Jackie is once again thought to be dead and this sends Jamie over the edge, the edge of sanity that is, can Jacky find him in time to help him out of madness? Once again Jacky finds her way out of some close scrapes and once again Higgins and her good brothers from the dolphin find her in the middle of nowhere and rescue her.
I love this series but as you can see in my first paragraph there is a lot of “once agains” in this book and as much as I love Jacky and her story, it is starting to get a bit repetitive…Jacky & Jamie are together now they are apart Jacky gets a bind and comes up with an outrageous scheme that of course works and no matter where in the world she is she runs into people she knows. I must admit to wanting some kind of conclusion I’d hate to see this great series run into the ground and think it may be time for LA Meyer to wrap up the Jacky Faber Adventure. Plus this series won’t end really because this will become a go to series when I want to escape into Jacky’s world and I think I will listen to these audiobooks many times over.
These problems aside it is still an enjoyable series especially on audio narrated by the wonderful Katherine Kellgren who is and always will be the voice of Jacky Faber for me.
Oh but Mr. Meyer you got me with the ending now I want the next book immediately repeat yourself all you want sir just bring me more Jacky Now!!!
Oh just read this great series and decide for yourself I will be over here waiting for the next installment.
4 Stars
Once again our Jacky & Jamie have parted ways and Jackie is once again thought to be dead and this sends Jamie over the edge, the edge of sanity that is, can Jacky find him in time to help him out of madness? Once again Jacky finds her way out of some close scrapes and once again Higgins and her good brothers from the dolphin find her in the middle of nowhere and rescue her.
I love this series but as you can see in my first paragraph there is a lot of “once agains” in this book and as much as I love Jacky and her story, it is starting to get a bit repetitive…Jacky & Jamie are together now they are apart Jacky gets a bind and comes up with an outrageous scheme that of course works and no matter where in the world she is she runs into people she knows. I must admit to wanting some kind of conclusion I’d hate to see this great series run into the ground and think it may be time for LA Meyer to wrap up the Jacky Faber Adventure. Plus this series won’t end really because this will become a go to series when I want to escape into Jacky’s world and I think I will listen to these audiobooks many times over.
These problems aside it is still an enjoyable series especially on audio narrated by the wonderful Katherine Kellgren who is and always will be the voice of Jacky Faber for me.
Oh but Mr. Meyer you got me with the ending now I want the next book immediately repeat yourself all you want sir just bring me more Jacky Now!!!
Oh just read this great series and decide for yourself I will be over here waiting for the next installment.
4 Stars
October 17, 2011
it's hard to rate this, do you rate is as a stand alone or as part of the series? Anyway, it's a fun read, very enjoyable and i will read the next one that comes out. Though, i am echoing the sentiments of others, that maybe it's time for Miss Faber and Mr Fletcher to finally be wed, you know, in the spare few moments they have. I mean, Jaimy understands and supports Jackies need for adventure, which i think is the one charcter developement we've needed in the series, considering this book, that may have changed and that is a conflict i'd like to see in a final (and next) book that ends with a nice wedding (and all that) but alas as Jackie is off to Portugal I may have to show patience.
February 22, 2016
Another good, solid Jacky adventure, this time brim-full of the ever-lovely Lord Richard Allen.
Not my favourite in the series, but not my least favourite either.
I do wonder just where Jacky is going, though, and when things are finally going to go to far.
Not my favourite in the series, but not my least favourite either.
I do wonder just where Jacky is going, though, and when things are finally going to go to far.
Want to read
January 12, 2011It might be time to finish up Jacky's run on adventure.
August 9, 2021
Although at times this series seems to drag on, I always find reading every installment enjoyable because of the main character. Jacky Faber is definitely the best part of this series and is one of the best main characters i’ve ever read about.
This installment in particular didn’t thrill me as much as some of the others. I was expecting the plot to revolve around Jacky’s adventures in Asia and was a little disappointed when all the characters returned to England after the first third of the book. Also, i definitely noticed that the book was a little outdated when dealing with people of other cultures. I get it’s historical fiction, but sometimes it goes a bit far in my opinion.
overall, still enjoyed the read and always love reading about Jacky and the adventures she gets herself into!
3.5 stars
This installment in particular didn’t thrill me as much as some of the others. I was expecting the plot to revolve around Jacky’s adventures in Asia and was a little disappointed when all the characters returned to England after the first third of the book. Also, i definitely noticed that the book was a little outdated when dealing with people of other cultures. I get it’s historical fiction, but sometimes it goes a bit far in my opinion.
overall, still enjoyed the read and always love reading about Jacky and the adventures she gets herself into!
3.5 stars
April 12, 2020
I just finished listening to this one on audio and it's a fun, raucous adventure just like the rest of the series. Jacky is always a fun heroine, especially when given voice by the incomparable Katherine Kellgren. Jacky's adventures in this installment are many, as always accompanied by danger, humor, romance, and cheek. I enjoyed this book as I've enjoyed all of them, even if they get more "salty" as they go.
June 26, 2023
Another fun installment in the Bloody Jack series! It almost felt like this one and the book before were one big story, and I was satisfied with the ending. This series continues to keep me on my toes, and there was a pleasantly surprising twist that I’m excited to read on about. On to the next!
March 21, 2024
Jacky is starting to slow down, and her adventures are definitely becoming more tame. This book wasn’t it tbh.
March 13, 2023
As I've read through this series, these books used to be one that I looked forward to most each month. Now, they are starting to feel more of a drag. There are a lot of books in the series and they are just starting to all feel the same and I think I'm getting tired of it. I am far enough into the series to be committed to finishing it, though, I did enjoy the book (especially after getting into it).
March 21, 2019
Grades 6-8
The series is wearing a bit thin, but the historical nuggets put into these mostly great adventures with a strong female character keep me coming back. I'm going to finish the series this time!
In this one, I especially liked the introduction of George Gordon before he became famous (as Lord Byron) and a young Duke of Clarence (future King William IV).
The series is wearing a bit thin, but the historical nuggets put into these mostly great adventures with a strong female character keep me coming back. I'm going to finish the series this time!
In this one, I especially liked the introduction of George Gordon before he became famous (as Lord Byron) and a young Duke of Clarence (future King William IV).
July 10, 2012
I’ve been a fan of the Jacky Faber series ever since I happened to pick up the first novel a couple of years ago at the library. The series is fun and exciting, and I love the spunky feminine protagonist of Jacky Faber; as well as the historical setting and British naval themes that underlie the main action of the stories.
However, I found that The Mark of the Golden Dragon isn’t quite as good as some of the earlier novels in the series. Jacky remains her usual daring and delightful self, but as the series goes on the story lines become less and less believable. (I mean, it’s been nine books already – how many different ways is Meyer going to come up with to keep Jaimy and Jacky apart?). Meyer also has a penchant for Jacky running into characters from the previous novels, many of whom I have to dig into the Internet summaries to remember.
The plot of The Mark of the Golden Dragon follows Jacky as she is thrown overboard during a storm and washes up on the coast of Asia. Needless to say, this again causes her friends in Britain believe that she has been killed (by this point they should realize that they’re always mistaken). Thus Jacky must travel back to England to reunite with her friends and explain to them (especially Jaimy) that, once again, she is not dead.
I was a little disappointed by the lack of sea-faring adventures that were in this novel, as that is one of the highlights for me of the Jacky Faber series. This book also tends to repeat many of the same plot points that are found in the other Jacky Faber books. However, I did enjoy the diplomatic struggle between Britain and Southeast Asia that mirrors some of the historical power wars that were occurring in this time period (even if it was not portrayed quite accurately in the novel).
Despite some of my reservations with the novel (namely to do with the at times lulling plot line and credibility of the plot), the book was an enjoyable read. I would recommend it to anyone who has been enraptured with the Faber series, though with the caveat that it is not one of the better ones in said series. However I will, of course, continue to read the sequels for as long as they keep coming out.
However, I found that The Mark of the Golden Dragon isn’t quite as good as some of the earlier novels in the series. Jacky remains her usual daring and delightful self, but as the series goes on the story lines become less and less believable. (I mean, it’s been nine books already – how many different ways is Meyer going to come up with to keep Jaimy and Jacky apart?). Meyer also has a penchant for Jacky running into characters from the previous novels, many of whom I have to dig into the Internet summaries to remember.
The plot of The Mark of the Golden Dragon follows Jacky as she is thrown overboard during a storm and washes up on the coast of Asia. Needless to say, this again causes her friends in Britain believe that she has been killed (by this point they should realize that they’re always mistaken). Thus Jacky must travel back to England to reunite with her friends and explain to them (especially Jaimy) that, once again, she is not dead.
I was a little disappointed by the lack of sea-faring adventures that were in this novel, as that is one of the highlights for me of the Jacky Faber series. This book also tends to repeat many of the same plot points that are found in the other Jacky Faber books. However, I did enjoy the diplomatic struggle between Britain and Southeast Asia that mirrors some of the historical power wars that were occurring in this time period (even if it was not portrayed quite accurately in the novel).
Despite some of my reservations with the novel (namely to do with the at times lulling plot line and credibility of the plot), the book was an enjoyable read. I would recommend it to anyone who has been enraptured with the Faber series, though with the caveat that it is not one of the better ones in said series. However I will, of course, continue to read the sequels for as long as they keep coming out.
September 12, 2012
I am really ready for this series to wrap up. It's still fun, in a train wreck that you can't look away from type of entertainment, I guess. But it's become very much like Forrest Gump, where she just happens to find herself in the middle of historical events, or surrounded by historical figures. She evens gets to rub shoulders with Lord Byron, the poet, and King George himself! Ah, but poor Jaimey. He is the one who needs saving, now. And it takes the entire book to build up to said saving, only to find, he is out of his mind. So now that they've got his body, we'll have to wait until the next book to see if they can save his sanity. And, of course, Jacky can't be at his side so nurse him back to health, because the intelligence office requires her to work for them in return for a pardon from past crimes for both herself and Jaimey. What a suprise. The two are kept apart. Again.
The next book is not yet published, but will be soon. I hope it is the last in the series. It's been fun, but quite honestly, it's a bit ridiculous to believe that she could reasonably accomplish all that she has in such a short amount of time. If this drags out to another book past the one due out soon, I'm not sure I could keep my interst up long enough for the long wait. There's only so many ways you can have these star-crossed lovers be so nearly together and over with thier troubles, only to have more crop up in their paths. Only so many times you can have Jacky's virtue nearly taken(or given). Only so many times she can expertly pick up yet another skill in a matter of days. At first, as a reader, I could allow for the liberties with reality to make things happen in favor of an interesting story and pacing of the plot. But now it's becoming predictable and slightly ridiculous. The excitement is wearing off, because you know she'll get out of it, she always does.
That being said, I'll still get the next book. Hopefully on audio, because Katherine Kellgren really does an excellent job of reading. She does the voices and the songs, and keeps a nice pace. I just can't have it playing while my children are around, because of the language, fighting, and amourous content.
The next book is not yet published, but will be soon. I hope it is the last in the series. It's been fun, but quite honestly, it's a bit ridiculous to believe that she could reasonably accomplish all that she has in such a short amount of time. If this drags out to another book past the one due out soon, I'm not sure I could keep my interst up long enough for the long wait. There's only so many ways you can have these star-crossed lovers be so nearly together and over with thier troubles, only to have more crop up in their paths. Only so many times you can have Jacky's virtue nearly taken(or given). Only so many times she can expertly pick up yet another skill in a matter of days. At first, as a reader, I could allow for the liberties with reality to make things happen in favor of an interesting story and pacing of the plot. But now it's becoming predictable and slightly ridiculous. The excitement is wearing off, because you know she'll get out of it, she always does.
That being said, I'll still get the next book. Hopefully on audio, because Katherine Kellgren really does an excellent job of reading. She does the voices and the songs, and keeps a nice pace. I just can't have it playing while my children are around, because of the language, fighting, and amourous content.
March 17, 2023
2023 reread: My previous thoughts carry through to this reread. This is one of the least notable books of the series, definitely feels like a bridge book, and the best parts were swooning over Lord Richard Allen (whom I now visualize as Major John Andre from the TV show "Turn: Washington's Spies). Jamey really goes off the deep end in this book, but he still remains. Alas. Still, Katherine Kellgren remains a delight and the reason for reading.
2018 Reread: Yup, I still stand firm that this is only a three star book. Of course, the series as a whole is fun and the audiobook narration is delightful enough to keep me going....but by Book 9 you can tell that the author was running out of things to have happen to Jacky Faber. This one definitely suffers from bridge syndrome. Toward the end you have some hope that Jamey Fletcher will ride off into the sunset with a different girl so that Jacky can then ride off into the sunset with the much more interesting Lord Richard Allen....but alas, it was not to be.
UPDATE: 2016 Reading Challenge--A book set in Asia. After re-listening to this series multiple times, I guess it's time to start rating the individual books more objectively. This one gets only three stars because it's my least favorite in the series. It just feels like a bridge between two other books with more complete plots.
2014: This book left me with mixed feelings. Obviously, thoroughly enjoyable in the usual Bloody Jack fashion....however, it did feel a little bit like it was just an extension of the previous book. Indeed, it seemed significantly shorter as well (I'm listening to them on CD so I don't know the page numbers, but it seemed like there were less CDs).
This also seemed to end at an unsatisfactory time, but I suppose that's the norm as well. I am still waiting for Jacky to dump that drag Jamey Fletcher and take off with the more dashing Lord Richard Allen...We shall see.
2018 Reread: Yup, I still stand firm that this is only a three star book. Of course, the series as a whole is fun and the audiobook narration is delightful enough to keep me going....but by Book 9 you can tell that the author was running out of things to have happen to Jacky Faber. This one definitely suffers from bridge syndrome. Toward the end you have some hope that Jamey Fletcher will ride off into the sunset with a different girl so that Jacky can then ride off into the sunset with the much more interesting Lord Richard Allen....but alas, it was not to be.
UPDATE: 2016 Reading Challenge--A book set in Asia. After re-listening to this series multiple times, I guess it's time to start rating the individual books more objectively. This one gets only three stars because it's my least favorite in the series. It just feels like a bridge between two other books with more complete plots.
2014: This book left me with mixed feelings. Obviously, thoroughly enjoyable in the usual Bloody Jack fashion....however, it did feel a little bit like it was just an extension of the previous book. Indeed, it seemed significantly shorter as well (I'm listening to them on CD so I don't know the page numbers, but it seemed like there were less CDs).
This also seemed to end at an unsatisfactory time, but I suppose that's the norm as well. I am still waiting for Jacky to dump that drag Jamey Fletcher and take off with the more dashing Lord Richard Allen...We shall see.
April 10, 2012
After finally getting out of a life sentence to Australia, Jacky Faber was tossed overboard during a typhoon. Her friends search for her or her remains, but they are devastated when there is no luck in finding the great Jacky and head back towards America. However, Jacky, quite like a cork, has a way of bobbing up to the surface. She is stranded on a beach with her little Indian guide, Ravvi, and she is bound and determined to get home and back to Jaimy her love. As they began their trek they come across tigers, bad men, and the wonders of the city of Rangoon. Jacky continues to make new friends and eventually finds her way back to the home of her birth in a great desire to help Jaimy who is slowly slipping into madness.
This was not one of my favorites of the series. I felt it moved much slower and was not nearly as developed as previous plots. I continue to get annoyed with the star crossed lovers bit. I am also quite torn with Jacky's interest in good looking men. I really like Jaimy and want her to want to be with him and only him. However, she *is* only 16 years old and so I'm glad that she isn't quite settling for him yet either. However, sometimes Miss Jacky can be a little too amorous for her own good. Going into the 10th book it will be interesting to see if L.A. Meyer is finishing his series or if it will all still continue.
This was not one of my favorites of the series. I felt it moved much slower and was not nearly as developed as previous plots. I continue to get annoyed with the star crossed lovers bit. I am also quite torn with Jacky's interest in good looking men. I really like Jaimy and want her to want to be with him and only him. However, she *is* only 16 years old and so I'm glad that she isn't quite settling for him yet either. However, sometimes Miss Jacky can be a little too amorous for her own good. Going into the 10th book it will be interesting to see if L.A. Meyer is finishing his series or if it will all still continue.
October 29, 2011
I really liked this book, though as others have said, I believe the author should have finished up the series with this book. Don't get me wrong, I love the Bloody Jack series, but enough is enough. There's only so long you can drag out the series before it gets old.
In this volume, Jacky is lost in a typhoon and everyone thinks she's dead. But her and Ravi miraculously survive and end up in Rangoon, Burma where she meets up with her ship, the Lorelai Lee, and her friends. From there she heads to England to find Jaimy, who has become a bit unhinged since her "death" at sea. I liked that Lord Richard Allen made a rather lengthy appearance in the book, as he was one of my favorite of her men, and she got to meet King George. I liked that she spent most of the book in a sari/Eastern outfit, pretending to be an Asian girl named Lotus Blossom, as well as the whole Highwayman storyline (even if the author stole it directly from the poem by Alfred Noyes, down to the name of the landlord's black-haired daughter).
In this volume, Jacky is lost in a typhoon and everyone thinks she's dead. But her and Ravi miraculously survive and end up in Rangoon, Burma where she meets up with her ship, the Lorelai Lee, and her friends. From there she heads to England to find Jaimy, who has become a bit unhinged since her "death" at sea. I liked that Lord Richard Allen made a rather lengthy appearance in the book, as he was one of my favorite of her men, and she got to meet King George. I liked that she spent most of the book in a sari/Eastern outfit, pretending to be an Asian girl named Lotus Blossom, as well as the whole Highwayman storyline (even if the author stole it directly from the poem by Alfred Noyes, down to the name of the landlord's black-haired daughter).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2012
I love Jacky Faber. I truly do. She is clever and resourceful and likable and witty and daring and courageous and has a certain ingenuity that I have yet to find in any other person, fact or fiction.
I will read this series until the very end. Which I hope is coming soon. Because I want to finish it up while still loving it and rounding out the series with an even 10 books would be nice way to make that happen. The thing is, even Jacky Faber can be clever, resourceful, courageous, etc. in only so many ways, and can run into the same spectrum of characters in any variety of the earth's corners so many times, before all the stories start running together and the reading of them becomes a chore rather than a delight.
I would rather the series came to a glorious, well-deserved ending while I'm still feeling the "delight" and before I reach the feeling of a "chore," because I can't stop reading it since I have begun. It will be so much better if L. A. Meyer is able to stop while he's ahead than go one book too far.
I will read this series until the very end. Which I hope is coming soon. Because I want to finish it up while still loving it and rounding out the series with an even 10 books would be nice way to make that happen. The thing is, even Jacky Faber can be clever, resourceful, courageous, etc. in only so many ways, and can run into the same spectrum of characters in any variety of the earth's corners so many times, before all the stories start running together and the reading of them becomes a chore rather than a delight.
I would rather the series came to a glorious, well-deserved ending while I'm still feeling the "delight" and before I reach the feeling of a "chore," because I can't stop reading it since I have begun. It will be so much better if L. A. Meyer is able to stop while he's ahead than go one book too far.
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