Branson Garcia and the Sea of Sceros

by Abby Dewsnup

Branson Garcia is a good kid. He’s proud of his straight A’s and popular best friends who love to surf almost as much as he does.

Gina Penny knows all about bullies. Born with a tendency to talk too much and a quick temper, she carries the sallow title of town pest everywhere she goes.

They live on the same street.
They couldn’t be further apart.

When Branson’s friends dare Gina to sneak inside the local lighthouse, she disappears. Branson follows and meets the lighthouse keeper, a reclusive fisherman who possesses the ability to charter souls between worlds. Worse, the lighthouse keeper keeps talking about pirates, plundering, and North Stars and is intent on sending Branson and Gina away.

Now, trapped inside the seafaring world of Sceros, Branson and Gina ally with the crew of the Heretic —a pirate ship captained by the elusive Edward Antaeus. Navigating colorful jungles, sirens of magic and mystery, and sea monsters under the control of greedy captains, Branson and Gina must learn to trust the sea and each other if they are to return home.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Found Family

272 pages, Hardcover

Published February 26, 2023

About the author

Abby is the author of the World Shaker series and the Sea of Sceros trilogy. She earned her degree in Creative Writing and English Literature from Utah Valley University and now spends her time writing, longing for fall weather, and crying over historical dramas.

Abby is represented by Francesca Ali at William Morris Endeavor.

Reviews

[Abby Dewsnup]

☺️🫶

[Mallory Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! The last line (no spoilers here!) gave me full body chills. I don’t often read a lot of this genre, but Abby has crafted an amazing story for readers of all levels to enjoy.

The world-building, the character development, the details, etc. were all so well planned and so well thought out. Abby is clearly the next Brandon Sanderson. 😉 I’ll definitely be recommending this book to my friends and family.

[Ashley Ottesen · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

I read this a couple years ago as an arc and failed to leave a proper review here 🫣 my apologies.

I adored this book. Reminiscent of Percy Jackson but with pirates! It was a fun adventure. Well done Abby!!

[Alyssa Pettersson · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW 🏴‍☠️🌊⚓️🦑🗡

I just wanna start by saying thank so much to Abby for sending me an ARC of your new book! I love a good adventure/fantasy book so I was super excited to read this one.

While reading this, you could tell how carefully this book was thought out and planned. There is so much intricate world building and character development. The writing is beautiful! I loved all of the characters, my favorite being Clara. Branson reminds me so much of young Percy Jackson & I absolutely love that. This books takes you on an amazing journey and was filled with tender, funny, and serious moments. I loved all of the sea creatures and other elements of sceros. I don’t want to spoil anything but the last page shocked me! I can’t wait to read book two because I need answers.

If you’re looking for a fun pirate adventure, read this book. You will not regret it! I don’t normally read a ton of this genre but I did enjoy it and think everyone will find something they love from it ⚓️😊

[Megan Ramsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Sea of Sceros" is an engaging and immersive adventure that takes readers on a thrilling journey across the high seas. This is the perfect read for young adults and teenagers—especially if you’re a fan of pirates and fantasy.

From the very first page, Abby’s writing style draws you in and captures your attention with vivid descriptions and exciting action scenes. The story is well-paced and keeps you on the edge of your seat, as Branson and his crew face one challenge after another on their quest.

The world-building in "Sea of Sceros" is also impressive, with a vivid and detailed universe filled with sea monsters, treacherous pirates, and mysterious islands. It's easy to imagine yourself on board the ship alongside the crew.

This is a fantastic debut novel that promises to be the start of an exciting new series.

[Bronte · Rating 3 out of 5]

This fun, fast-paced adventure story tells the story of Branson Garcia and Gina Penny, two kids who get mysteriously transported to another world and have to join a pirate crew’s quest for revenge. It’s full of magic, monsters, and plenty of sword fights. This is definitely a middle-grade book and doesn’t delve too deeply into any of its themes, but I enjoyed my time reading and found the characters loveable, if a little underdeveloped. The end of the novel wrapped up a little too quickly and neatly for my liking — the final confrontation lasted for less than a chapter — but I’m optimistic that the next two books in the trilogy will more fully flesh out Branson, Edward, and maybe even Gina’s arcs. If you (or your kids) enjoy an adventure story like Percy Jackson or How to Train Your Dragon, I’d recommend giving this book a shot!

[Gab Nug · Rating 4 out of 5]

I admit fiction isn’t my typical read, and this is especially true for fiction directed towards a youthful audience. I originally bought this for my middle-school-aged brother, but decided I’d give it a quick read myself.
This novel was a fun change of pace from my typically academic line-up. It took me a bit—just over halfway—to really get locked in and engaged with the story and characters. It was overall an enjoyable and satisfying read and I look forward to continue reading through the series.

[Kaylee Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seriously such a fun read! I love finding books that remind me of why I loved to read in the first place. It’s one of those books that your parents would have caught you reading under the bed sheets with a flashlight in 5th grade! Can’t wait to add it to my classrooms so my students can fall in love with books too!

[Shaazia Ahmed · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the kind of book young me would have devoured and adult me also truly enjoyed. Pirates, found family, and a rich world with wonderful world building drew me in from the beginning. I figured out the plot twist pretty early on but it was such a joy to spot all the foreshadowing throughout the book. And the ending has me very excited for what’s to come!

[Kathryn Best · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think I would have enjoyed this more of I knew it was for 8th graders before I picked it up. It was fun enough and I enjoyed the fantasy creatures Brandon runs into on his journey. But overall the writing felt immature and simple, I was able to predict just about all of the twists - some of which could be blamed on the fact that this wasn’t written for a mature audience.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating/review withheld until after Whitney Awards judging.

[Hildeloke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pirates!!! I pre-read this book as a consideration for a family read or for my son to adventure alone through. I’m so glad I did, the writing reminded me a bit of Sanderson, for a young audience there is good foreshadowing and themes. The characters could be developed more but honestly, the story was so fun this was truly just an afterthought in my adult fiction loving brain as I pondered the story (and it’s the first book, excited for the development in the subsequent books).

It’s a great read for young boys which is hard to find. Epic sweeping pirate high sea adventures, found family, full of monsters and sword fights. Truly a delight!

[Stefanie Câmara Manoel]

I absolutely love Branson Garcia. He is a very sweet character and I grew to love him immediately! The book itself is very well-written and I cannot wait to see what comes next! If you love pirates, Percy Jackson, and/or good books do yourself a favor and read this one.