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Bloody Jack #10
Viva Jacquelina! Being an Account of the Further Adventures of Jacky Faber, Over the Hills and Far Away
The vivacious Jacky Faber returns in the tenth tale in L. A. Meyer’s Bloody Jack Adventures, a rip-roaring young-adult series applauded for its alluring combination of adventure, romance, history, and humor. Once again under the thumb of British Intelligence, Jacky is sent to Spain to spy for the Crown during the early days of the nineteenth-century Peninsular War. She finds herself in the company of guerilla freedom fighters, poses for the famous artist Goya, runs with the bulls, is kidnapped by the Spanish Inquisition, and travels with a caravan of gypsies...all while hoping to one day reunite with her beloved Jaimy Fletcher.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
74 people are currently reading
2590 people want to read
About the author
L.A. Meyer
18 books1,106 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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January 7, 2013
At this point, I have read ten of these Bloody Jack adventures. It seems as though I ought to be in a position to make some comment other than 4/5 stars. And I do. Kind of.
It boils down to this: I don't have anything more profound to say about this series other than "I liked it." I'm not even sure how much I would define this series as "good," because the main things I usually look for in a good book: plot structure, characters with goals, character development, et cetera, are present in smaller, and less conventional ways.
Basically, this series is a bunch of adventures that Jacky Faber has. Some of these adventures are more connected than others. Some of them, if I was feeling uncharitable, I might even describe as "pointless." And yet, I enjoy reading about every single one of them, because I really like the protagonist. This is the first and only series I have ever read where being in first person was actually a good thing. Not a neutral thing, but a GOOD thing. This protagonist, cheerful, fun-loving, and surprisingly practical, is the first I've encountered that narrated this well, maybe because she's one of the few protagonists I've really wanted to BE, or at least be friends with.
Now, this raises an important question: Does this make Jacky Faber a Mary Sue? After much thought, my conclusion is maybe a little, but in a good way, like Odysseus from The Odyssey, or Westley from The Princess Bride (although, cards on the table, I've always wanted to punch Westley in the face). Sure, they may be obnoxiously good at things, and they may have a bazillion love interests (well, Westly only had one, but she was The Most Beautiful Woman In The World, so really, who could compete?), and the only flaws they have might actually be strengths if looked at in a different light (usually some variation of hubris), but they're just so gosh darn fun to watch.
In fact, reading these stories sort of makes me feel like how, I imagine, people felt when they originally heard The Odyssey as a long, rambling, sometimes pointless story told by word-of-mouth around the campfire. It didn't matter how "good" the story was; thoughts of what defined "good art" or "storytelling as an art" were not even beginning to cross anyone's mind, because all they were doing was listening to a series of adventures told by an interesting narrator, because that was FUN.
This series is fun. It makes me want to go swimming and sail a boat and wrestle my friends and talk like a pirate and bounce on sofas and eat carmel apples. Every time I try to think about it in a more analytical way, I find myself getting distracted by how cool the protagonist is, and how awesome it would be, theoretically though maybe not actually, to go out and have oodles of adventures.
I don't know if that makes this series good, or if it makes the series somehow some kind of "fun porn," with no redeeming value other than making the reader feel, uh, fun. I'd lean toward the former, because I'm pretty sure firstly, that there is some redeeming value in the Bloody Jack adventures, and secondly because I'm not even sure I'd argue for the existence of "fun porn."
Either way, if more books were as fun as this series, I'm pretty sure I would just stop having friends altogether and just read all the time.
It boils down to this: I don't have anything more profound to say about this series other than "I liked it." I'm not even sure how much I would define this series as "good," because the main things I usually look for in a good book: plot structure, characters with goals, character development, et cetera, are present in smaller, and less conventional ways.
Basically, this series is a bunch of adventures that Jacky Faber has. Some of these adventures are more connected than others. Some of them, if I was feeling uncharitable, I might even describe as "pointless." And yet, I enjoy reading about every single one of them, because I really like the protagonist. This is the first and only series I have ever read where being in first person was actually a good thing. Not a neutral thing, but a GOOD thing. This protagonist, cheerful, fun-loving, and surprisingly practical, is the first I've encountered that narrated this well, maybe because she's one of the few protagonists I've really wanted to BE, or at least be friends with.
Now, this raises an important question: Does this make Jacky Faber a Mary Sue? After much thought, my conclusion is maybe a little, but in a good way, like Odysseus from The Odyssey, or Westley from The Princess Bride (although, cards on the table, I've always wanted to punch Westley in the face). Sure, they may be obnoxiously good at things, and they may have a bazillion love interests (well, Westly only had one, but she was The Most Beautiful Woman In The World, so really, who could compete?), and the only flaws they have might actually be strengths if looked at in a different light (usually some variation of hubris), but they're just so gosh darn fun to watch.
In fact, reading these stories sort of makes me feel like how, I imagine, people felt when they originally heard The Odyssey as a long, rambling, sometimes pointless story told by word-of-mouth around the campfire. It didn't matter how "good" the story was; thoughts of what defined "good art" or "storytelling as an art" were not even beginning to cross anyone's mind, because all they were doing was listening to a series of adventures told by an interesting narrator, because that was FUN.
This series is fun. It makes me want to go swimming and sail a boat and wrestle my friends and talk like a pirate and bounce on sofas and eat carmel apples. Every time I try to think about it in a more analytical way, I find myself getting distracted by how cool the protagonist is, and how awesome it would be, theoretically though maybe not actually, to go out and have oodles of adventures.
I don't know if that makes this series good, or if it makes the series somehow some kind of "fun porn," with no redeeming value other than making the reader feel, uh, fun. I'd lean toward the former, because I'm pretty sure firstly, that there is some redeeming value in the Bloody Jack adventures, and secondly because I'm not even sure I'd argue for the existence of "fun porn."
Either way, if more books were as fun as this series, I'm pretty sure I would just stop having friends altogether and just read all the time.
January 25, 2019
My god, I love Jacky Faber.
Honestly, if I were a teen, she'd most likely be one of my role models (I don't mean I'd be a thief and a scamp, I just admire her fun-loving ways!)
I like to sit and read the Jacky books cover-to-cover whenever possible. They're just so action-packed and complicated and there are so many little nods to historical and literary figures, that if you read them over the course of a week or two, you're probably going to end up being confused. I love them.
The last few books weren't as wonderful as the first few, but they are still leagues above most books. I was starting to feel like maybe Jacky was starting to get a bit tired or something. But Viva Jacquelina - WOW! It was brilliant! It definitely had everything that the last two maybe didn't have. (I did really miss Higgins, though!) Maybe I just like it when she's not responsible for younger characters. I was quite sad when I got to the end of the book.
Unlike a lot of readers, I hope the series continues. Most books can't live past three or four sequels - and yet, every Jacky book has been absolutely fantastic. They're SO much better than most of the crap out there (yeah, Twilight, I'm talking to you!) And even though I'm almost 32, I mainly read Young Adult fiction. It's so hard to find really good YA fiction, but I loathe most adult fiction because of all the gratuitous sex or pretentious writing style.
My worst fear is that the end of the series will see Jacky knocked up. I do not want that for her. Women are more than baby-making machines, and I'd like to see more authors pen characters like Jacky, who can be both feminine AND strong, and not live her entire life for a man. (Yeah, Twilight, I'm talking to you AGAIN!) Sure, she's "trying" to get back to Jaimy, but he's not the be-all and end-all. She doesn't pine over him, and I love that.
I can't wait for further adventures!
Honestly, if I were a teen, she'd most likely be one of my role models (I don't mean I'd be a thief and a scamp, I just admire her fun-loving ways!)
I like to sit and read the Jacky books cover-to-cover whenever possible. They're just so action-packed and complicated and there are so many little nods to historical and literary figures, that if you read them over the course of a week or two, you're probably going to end up being confused. I love them.
The last few books weren't as wonderful as the first few, but they are still leagues above most books. I was starting to feel like maybe Jacky was starting to get a bit tired or something. But Viva Jacquelina - WOW! It was brilliant! It definitely had everything that the last two maybe didn't have. (I did really miss Higgins, though!) Maybe I just like it when she's not responsible for younger characters. I was quite sad when I got to the end of the book.
Unlike a lot of readers, I hope the series continues. Most books can't live past three or four sequels - and yet, every Jacky book has been absolutely fantastic. They're SO much better than most of the crap out there (yeah, Twilight, I'm talking to you!) And even though I'm almost 32, I mainly read Young Adult fiction. It's so hard to find really good YA fiction, but I loathe most adult fiction because of all the gratuitous sex or pretentious writing style.
My worst fear is that the end of the series will see Jacky knocked up. I do not want that for her. Women are more than baby-making machines, and I'd like to see more authors pen characters like Jacky, who can be both feminine AND strong, and not live her entire life for a man. (Yeah, Twilight, I'm talking to you AGAIN!) Sure, she's "trying" to get back to Jaimy, but he's not the be-all and end-all. She doesn't pine over him, and I love that.
I can't wait for further adventures!
June 10, 2014
Yes.
Of course she did.
Of course she was.
Of course.
Yeah, I get it - this series is designed to give a broad overview of world history for a specific time period, to make it interesting, maybe enough so that Jacky's adventures will act as a springboard for further scholarly research amongst students. That's great!
Also, I understand that these books are designed to mimic, in story and tone, not in volume, the serialized stories in newspapers and the sensational dimestore novels that were over-the-top and ridiculous but fun.
My knowledge doesn't make any of this easier to swallow.
Granted, I'm an old lady and have different expectations of stories. But, come on, this series should have ended a few books back. 12 volumes? Really? What the hell else can she possibly do/have done to her/be/[insert verb here]?
The reader continues to carry on bravely, though I imagine even she's getting tired of voicing all these different people. She's aces with accents but Spain and Roma tripped her up and that's probably because no one should be expected to represent every nationality of the globe from the 1800's. Good lord!
She deserves tons of stars but this isn't about her. It's about the story and this story made me roll my eyes so hard I got a migraine. Well, almost.
One bit stood out: I was highly amused by the bullfrog and the peepers, especially as read by Katy Kellgren. And that was about it.
Yes, I'm going to finish this series. Yes, it will try my patience. But there are only two books left and there's no reason for me to not soldier on. Maybe, just maybe, a shark will eat Bloody Jack and I can have a satisfying rest of my life afterward.
Of course she did.
Of course she was.
Of course.
Yeah, I get it - this series is designed to give a broad overview of world history for a specific time period, to make it interesting, maybe enough so that Jacky's adventures will act as a springboard for further scholarly research amongst students. That's great!
Also, I understand that these books are designed to mimic, in story and tone, not in volume, the serialized stories in newspapers and the sensational dimestore novels that were over-the-top and ridiculous but fun.
My knowledge doesn't make any of this easier to swallow.
Granted, I'm an old lady and have different expectations of stories. But, come on, this series should have ended a few books back. 12 volumes? Really? What the hell else can she possibly do/have done to her/be/[insert verb here]?
The reader continues to carry on bravely, though I imagine even she's getting tired of voicing all these different people. She's aces with accents but Spain and Roma tripped her up and that's probably because no one should be expected to represent every nationality of the globe from the 1800's. Good lord!
She deserves tons of stars but this isn't about her. It's about the story and this story made me roll my eyes so hard I got a migraine. Well, almost.
One bit stood out: I was highly amused by the bullfrog and the peepers, especially as read by Katy Kellgren. And that was about it.
Yes, I'm going to finish this series. Yes, it will try my patience. But there are only two books left and there's no reason for me to not soldier on. Maybe, just maybe, a shark will eat Bloody Jack and I can have a satisfying rest of my life afterward.
December 5, 2013
I'm beginning to wonder if L. A. Meyer doesn't write his Jacky Faber books to take advantage of the enormous talents of reader Katherine Kellgren. Who wouldn't? Over these 10 books, she has become Jacky--she's an incredibly talented reader and her narration directs the pace and underlines the urgency in the adventures. Her a capella singing that sets these apart, and there are more songs and bits of songs here than in any other of the series I've read. If you want to read this series, by all means listen. It's as gratifying as listening to Harry Potter (with the understanding that the series are different, but Kellgren plays as important a role as does Dale).
This episode finds Jacky mostly playing a female role in Spain and Portugal as a spy for the English in the Peninsular Wars. So we meet Gen. Arthur Wellesley, as well as artist Francisco Goya. A surprising number of historical details are woven seamlessly into this story of high adventure with outlaws and gypsies and soldiers and sailors and even members of the Inquisition. An open ending sets us up for the next installment. While the tone is mostly lighthearted, the scenes when she is questioned by the Inquisition become fairly gruesome. A lovely, humorous adventure tale with familiar series characters and a bit of history.
This episode finds Jacky mostly playing a female role in Spain and Portugal as a spy for the English in the Peninsular Wars. So we meet Gen. Arthur Wellesley, as well as artist Francisco Goya. A surprising number of historical details are woven seamlessly into this story of high adventure with outlaws and gypsies and soldiers and sailors and even members of the Inquisition. An open ending sets us up for the next installment. While the tone is mostly lighthearted, the scenes when she is questioned by the Inquisition become fairly gruesome. A lovely, humorous adventure tale with familiar series characters and a bit of history.
July 21, 2022
I think one of my favorite things about this series is the fabulous audio book narrator (Katherine Kellgren). She does an amazing job with all the different accents and character voices. It really makes listening to the stories so much fun! Jacky is her usual wild self and continues to have many crazy adventures placed in historical settings. My biggest complaint is that as the series has gone on, the content has gotten a bit more "adult" and Jacky is a little too flirtatious for my taste. But she is still a hoot!
March 20, 2023
2023 reread: Yep, another filler book. My previous reviews sum up my feelings: there was a mess of new characters in this book, but we never see them again so it felt kind of pointless. There was a death at one point that seemed to be trying to parallel a poignant death in My Bonny Light Horseman, but since we didn't really know this character at all it just felt meaningless. Once again, I found myself playing Jamey's chapters at 1.4x speed to get through them quicker, because I find him increasingly insufferable. Apparently being humbled through Buddhist learnings just makes him more pompous. Anyway, I'm just finishing this series for the sake of Katherine Kellgren's narration. Note to my future self: you're not required to read EVERY book in this series when you want to do a reread. You can just read your favorite ones, of which this is not.
2018 reread: Ah, yes. This book. Poor LA Meyer was really running out of ideas by book 10. As I said in my earlier reviews, this particular one feels a bit recycled. You don't really feel connected to the characters that Jacky meets because she makes friends with three entirely different groups of people (Spanish soldiers, an artist's household, and a caravan of Roma) which are never to be seen again after she leaves them. That's quite a lot of characters for such a short book. She picks up a few extra skills for her repertoire from each, but otherwise these episodes in her life feel pretty superfluous. Also, possibly the most annoying chapter in the entire series: Jacky high on purple mushrooms, hallucinating about bullfrogs and tadpoles going PEEP PEEP. Yikes. Oh, and Jamie Fletcher's chapters are pretty lackluster as well; I began fast forwarding through those parts. Ah well, Katherine Kellgren narrating the audio is as great as ever, especially given the material that she has to work with.
2016 Reading Challenge: A book with an exclamation in the title.
2nd re-listen to this audiobook. Alas, as much as I love Jacky Faber and her adventures, the series does start to wane a bit toward the end. This one feels like a lot of earlier bits have been recycled: Jacky is sent off on a mission in order to get out of a hanging, Jacky gets marooned in some isolated place, Jacky worms her way into a position through her many charms and cunning ways, Jacky is immediately hated by a snobby girl and adored by the pretty boys, Jacky gets into more trouble....I mean, I love it, but it does start to get predictable after a while. It felt a lot like it was trying to be a Spanish equivalent of "My Bonny Light Horseman" but didn't quite get there. Ah well.
This isn't one of my favorite books in the series. Like the last one, it felt like it was just a hold over between bigger, more important adventures. It's like the end of the series is in sight, so the last few books are just carrying us along to the finale. Jacky makes friends with two different cultures of people (Spanish and Gypsy), so we learn all kinds of new names of wise teachers, new sisters, and many new admirers....only to never see them again because (again) this wasn't really a pivotal book. Really the only character development is that Jamey is off in China learning Buddhist ways of thinking and fighting (of course).
Still, it is a Jacky Faber adventure, which makes it overall more fun than quite a lot of other books out there, and the audiobook narrator cannot be beat, carrying the story along when the plot slips a bit.
2018 reread: Ah, yes. This book. Poor LA Meyer was really running out of ideas by book 10. As I said in my earlier reviews, this particular one feels a bit recycled. You don't really feel connected to the characters that Jacky meets because she makes friends with three entirely different groups of people (Spanish soldiers, an artist's household, and a caravan of Roma) which are never to be seen again after she leaves them. That's quite a lot of characters for such a short book. She picks up a few extra skills for her repertoire from each, but otherwise these episodes in her life feel pretty superfluous. Also, possibly the most annoying chapter in the entire series: Jacky high on purple mushrooms, hallucinating about bullfrogs and tadpoles going PEEP PEEP. Yikes. Oh, and Jamie Fletcher's chapters are pretty lackluster as well; I began fast forwarding through those parts. Ah well, Katherine Kellgren narrating the audio is as great as ever, especially given the material that she has to work with.
2016 Reading Challenge: A book with an exclamation in the title.
2nd re-listen to this audiobook. Alas, as much as I love Jacky Faber and her adventures, the series does start to wane a bit toward the end. This one feels like a lot of earlier bits have been recycled: Jacky is sent off on a mission in order to get out of a hanging, Jacky gets marooned in some isolated place, Jacky worms her way into a position through her many charms and cunning ways, Jacky is immediately hated by a snobby girl and adored by the pretty boys, Jacky gets into more trouble....I mean, I love it, but it does start to get predictable after a while. It felt a lot like it was trying to be a Spanish equivalent of "My Bonny Light Horseman" but didn't quite get there. Ah well.
This isn't one of my favorite books in the series. Like the last one, it felt like it was just a hold over between bigger, more important adventures. It's like the end of the series is in sight, so the last few books are just carrying us along to the finale. Jacky makes friends with two different cultures of people (Spanish and Gypsy), so we learn all kinds of new names of wise teachers, new sisters, and many new admirers....only to never see them again because (again) this wasn't really a pivotal book. Really the only character development is that Jamey is off in China learning Buddhist ways of thinking and fighting (of course).
Still, it is a Jacky Faber adventure, which makes it overall more fun than quite a lot of other books out there, and the audiobook narrator cannot be beat, carrying the story along when the plot slips a bit.
September 4, 2012
It's hard to believe that BLOODY JACK was published ten years ago. When I picked it out from the library shelf because of the awesome pirate cover I had no idea what I was in for over the next decade. Mary "Jacky" Faber went from being a street urchin to traveling all around the world in various occupations.
VIVA JACQUELINA! finds Jacky sent to Portugal, then Spain, to once again spy for British Intelligence. She ends up modelling for Goya, tangling with the Spanish Inquisition, and traveling with a group of Roma. Meanwhile, her true love Jaimy Fletcher is again far away. He's in Burma, recovering from the events of THE MARK OF THE GOLDEN DRAGON.
Surprisingly, VIVA JACQUELINA! is welcoming to newcomers of the series. Jacky spends most of the book alone, so the large cast isn't a hindrance. That being said, I highly recommend beginning at BLOODY JACK and ready every book. There's no reason to miss out on any part of Jacky's adventures.
Those familiar with the series know the formula. Jacky gets herself into trouble, but manages to get out of it through cleverness, hard work, and a bit of luck. She flirts but stays loyal to Jaimy. Along the way, she charms or scandalizes everyone she meets as she cuts her swath through history. But the formula works because Jacky charms the reader as well.
All of the Bloody Jack Adventures are rollicking, fast-paced reads. VIVA JACQUELINA! is one of the slimmer entries, even at 368 pages. And it felt slighter than some of the others, possibly because Jacky is isolated from most of the characters who have been around for all ten novels. But it's good to have a breath of fresh air after the craziness that was THE MARK OF THE GOLDEN DRAGON.
VIVA JACQUELINA! will appeal to historical fiction fans, action fans, comedy fans, feminists, just about everybody I can think of. There's a reason Jacky has been around for ten years. Let's all give a big hand to L. A. Meyer for writing one of the greatest YA series around. Here's to ten more years with Bloody Jack!
VIVA JACQUELINA! finds Jacky sent to Portugal, then Spain, to once again spy for British Intelligence. She ends up modelling for Goya, tangling with the Spanish Inquisition, and traveling with a group of Roma. Meanwhile, her true love Jaimy Fletcher is again far away. He's in Burma, recovering from the events of THE MARK OF THE GOLDEN DRAGON.
Surprisingly, VIVA JACQUELINA! is welcoming to newcomers of the series. Jacky spends most of the book alone, so the large cast isn't a hindrance. That being said, I highly recommend beginning at BLOODY JACK and ready every book. There's no reason to miss out on any part of Jacky's adventures.
Those familiar with the series know the formula. Jacky gets herself into trouble, but manages to get out of it through cleverness, hard work, and a bit of luck. She flirts but stays loyal to Jaimy. Along the way, she charms or scandalizes everyone she meets as she cuts her swath through history. But the formula works because Jacky charms the reader as well.
All of the Bloody Jack Adventures are rollicking, fast-paced reads. VIVA JACQUELINA! is one of the slimmer entries, even at 368 pages. And it felt slighter than some of the others, possibly because Jacky is isolated from most of the characters who have been around for all ten novels. But it's good to have a breath of fresh air after the craziness that was THE MARK OF THE GOLDEN DRAGON.
VIVA JACQUELINA! will appeal to historical fiction fans, action fans, comedy fans, feminists, just about everybody I can think of. There's a reason Jacky has been around for ten years. Let's all give a big hand to L. A. Meyer for writing one of the greatest YA series around. Here's to ten more years with Bloody Jack!
January 19, 2023
Viva Jacquelina! Being an Account of the Further Adventures of Jacky Faber, Over the Hills and Far Away (Bloody Jack, #10) by L.A. Meyer. Another good story about Jacky Faber I guess I have covered about ten years of the most adventure-full life anyone could ever have or ever wish for. By now book ten Jacky's adventures tend to fall into a pattern of being trapped or tricked or forced into some dangerous or very disadvantaged situation there is a number of adoring or puppy love young men and always a villain sometimes some mean-spiteful young lady who is jealous of our heroine, their is always some well-known personage from this time period who cross-paths and usually helps her in some way. Always Jacky is upbeat, independent, resourceful, cheerful, and always getting into some degree of trouble and danger with many near escapes with not too much bloodshed. I love these stories very straight forward fun YA about 8th grade level reading but done very well very intelligently with lots of obvious research and rich in historical details. I haven't read a bad book yet in this series sadly there are but a couple books left for me too read it's been a nice long and fun ride, but slowly the Jacky Faber saga is coming too an end, I for one will be sad when it's finally over been one of my favorite all time book series rides I haven't found a YA series as good as this one. Four stars
October 14, 2012
It's hard to believe that Viva Jacquelina! is the 10th Jacky Faber book. At times this series feels like it's dragging on and on but on the other hand I'm like "WAIT I've read TEN Jacky Faber books? Are you sure it's that many?"
I think many of us who love Jacky have intense yet confusing feelings about her. We love her adventurous spirit and flirty ways. Yet we feel like sometimes she takes the flirting too far and will never settle down with good reliable Jaimy, that maybe she loves the sea more than she'll ever love anyone.
Viva Jacquelina! felt like a solid book in the series. I can't say that it necessary moves the Jaimy/Jacky storyline forward, but it also doesn't go off on strange tangents. Instead the book follows a logical progression (well as logical as it gets where Jacky is concerned). Jacky is once again in the service of British intelligence. She goes off to war in Portugal, fighting the French and riding off with guerillas to gather more intelligence. When the guerillas are ambused, Jacky is seperated from her friends. In true Jacky fashion, she goes off on her own and finds new and exciting friends. By luck, she stumbles upon the house of master painter Goya, becoming a servant and model for his painting students. If that sounds like a strange chain of events then you haven't met Jacky Faber (Let me remind you when was randomly stolen away by a female pirate....).
In warzones Jacky is almost introspective, thinking about her own cowardice and fully aware of the harsh realities of war. This version of Jacky has actually grown on me. She's more grown-up, more aware of the consequences of her actions. She may not be as fun and flirty, but there are times for silliness and times for contemplation.
Of coures Jacky still flirts, but her flirtation (except for with Lord Richard Allen in the beginning) feels tamer than normal. She's actually aware of the effect her womanly ways have, especially on a younger boy named Cesar, and seems to hold back just enough to remain mostly loyal to Jaimy. There may be kisses but if anyone tries to get too close, Jacky pushes them away.
Some of the more recent Jacky adventures have felt random and disconnected for the series as a whole. They've felt like adventures that are meant to prolong the story. So I fully went into this book nervous, expecting disappointment. But by following real history, returning Jacky to her roots as a British soldier, this book managed to feel more like a planned novel and less like a divergence.
I was surprised by how much I liked this book. This book is very readable and very fun, without being stupid. There are some great moments, such as Jacky discovering hallucinogenic mushrooms, her posting for a very famous pinting (Maja denuda by Goya) and of coures I loved the interactions with Lord Richard Allen at the beginning of the book.
At the end of the book, Jacky and Jaimy are finally sailing in the same direction. Of course that could mean nothing. There have been plenty of books that ended with a grain of hope, then something happens before they ever land on the same continent. But I feel like that won't happen this time. Maybe I'm just overly hopeful, but the timing feels right for Jaimy/Jacky to meet again. After seeing so much war and death, how could they not run back to each other?
I'm giving this book a better rating than more recent Jacky books. However, if the next book just goes off on another tangent, all the potential for getting this story back on track will be lost and it won't deserve 4 stars. It's hard to know if my positive feelings are just hope, or if this series is actually heading in the right direction again. All I can say for sure is that I really enjoyed this book.
I received an Advance reading copy of this book (from a friend, not the publisher but putting the disclaimer in just in case
For book reviews and more check out my blog. Galavanting Girl Books.
I think many of us who love Jacky have intense yet confusing feelings about her. We love her adventurous spirit and flirty ways. Yet we feel like sometimes she takes the flirting too far and will never settle down with good reliable Jaimy, that maybe she loves the sea more than she'll ever love anyone.
Viva Jacquelina! felt like a solid book in the series. I can't say that it necessary moves the Jaimy/Jacky storyline forward, but it also doesn't go off on strange tangents. Instead the book follows a logical progression (well as logical as it gets where Jacky is concerned). Jacky is once again in the service of British intelligence. She goes off to war in Portugal, fighting the French and riding off with guerillas to gather more intelligence. When the guerillas are ambused, Jacky is seperated from her friends. In true Jacky fashion, she goes off on her own and finds new and exciting friends. By luck, she stumbles upon the house of master painter Goya, becoming a servant and model for his painting students. If that sounds like a strange chain of events then you haven't met Jacky Faber (Let me remind you when was randomly stolen away by a female pirate....).
In warzones Jacky is almost introspective, thinking about her own cowardice and fully aware of the harsh realities of war. This version of Jacky has actually grown on me. She's more grown-up, more aware of the consequences of her actions. She may not be as fun and flirty, but there are times for silliness and times for contemplation.
Of coures Jacky still flirts, but her flirtation (except for with Lord Richard Allen in the beginning) feels tamer than normal. She's actually aware of the effect her womanly ways have, especially on a younger boy named Cesar, and seems to hold back just enough to remain mostly loyal to Jaimy. There may be kisses but if anyone tries to get too close, Jacky pushes them away.
Some of the more recent Jacky adventures have felt random and disconnected for the series as a whole. They've felt like adventures that are meant to prolong the story. So I fully went into this book nervous, expecting disappointment. But by following real history, returning Jacky to her roots as a British soldier, this book managed to feel more like a planned novel and less like a divergence.
I was surprised by how much I liked this book. This book is very readable and very fun, without being stupid. There are some great moments, such as Jacky discovering hallucinogenic mushrooms, her posting for a very famous pinting (Maja denuda by Goya) and of coures I loved the interactions with Lord Richard Allen at the beginning of the book.
At the end of the book, Jacky and Jaimy are finally sailing in the same direction. Of course that could mean nothing. There have been plenty of books that ended with a grain of hope, then something happens before they ever land on the same continent. But I feel like that won't happen this time. Maybe I'm just overly hopeful, but the timing feels right for Jaimy/Jacky to meet again. After seeing so much war and death, how could they not run back to each other?
I'm giving this book a better rating than more recent Jacky books. However, if the next book just goes off on another tangent, all the potential for getting this story back on track will be lost and it won't deserve 4 stars. It's hard to know if my positive feelings are just hope, or if this series is actually heading in the right direction again. All I can say for sure is that I really enjoyed this book.
I received an Advance reading copy of this book (from a friend, not the publisher but putting the disclaimer in just in case
For book reviews and more check out my blog. Galavanting Girl Books.
October 28, 2012
4.5 Stars
Check this review out on YA Novelties
Wow! I am at number ten in the Bloody Jack series, but it doesn't seem like it at all. I can hardly believe that this book is number ten in the series, because it always stays new and fresh, even though it is the same formula as the other books. Jacky first gets herself into a ton of trouble, but gets out of it with her brains and luck, flirting with many handsome men but always staying true to Jaimy, all the while going through many different historical events with her easy charm and wit. It always works though because Jacky also charms you, making you laugh out loud quite a lot.
I love Jacky Faber. She is the perfect combination of heroines, easy going, clever, brave, quick fingered, charismatic, funny, and has a mastery of feminine wiles and a penchant for trouble. You can't help but love her and all of the adventures she has. I also love how she always flirts with other men (that's what makes it interesting after all), but still stays true to Jaimy, her one love. It is crazy how ten books have gone by and she's still not married to Jaimy. It is understandable though, after all she's only seventeen, which I can't believe. I don't know how Jacky is only seventeen, she should be like at least twenty by now, and it's weird when you think about it because when she was in her early teens she was having quite mature escapades for her age.
Most of the other main characters that are always in every book, like Higgins and Jaimy, didn't play such a big role in this book. I felt like this book was almost a back to the basics with Jacky, letting her roam free without being tied down. Saying that, I also sort of miss Higgin's steady presence.One figure who did come back however, is the rascal Richard Allen whom I also love. You just can't take him seriously with all of his advances toward Jacky, and he's definitely a great part of the book. Jacky and him have known each other for quite a while and know how to play off of each other in their constant parrying and rebuttal of witty remarks.
Viva Jacquelina! is a fun filled fast paced adventure that will have you on the edge of your seat. It has everything, the romance, the action, and even some historical fiction. It is a book that everyone, especially people who like strong heroines. I highly recommend this book, but before reading this you should also read the other books in the series, though you don't have to. I am anticipating the next in the series, and hope that there are many more to come.
M @YA Novelties
Check this review out on YA Novelties
Wow! I am at number ten in the Bloody Jack series, but it doesn't seem like it at all. I can hardly believe that this book is number ten in the series, because it always stays new and fresh, even though it is the same formula as the other books. Jacky first gets herself into a ton of trouble, but gets out of it with her brains and luck, flirting with many handsome men but always staying true to Jaimy, all the while going through many different historical events with her easy charm and wit. It always works though because Jacky also charms you, making you laugh out loud quite a lot.
I love Jacky Faber. She is the perfect combination of heroines, easy going, clever, brave, quick fingered, charismatic, funny, and has a mastery of feminine wiles and a penchant for trouble. You can't help but love her and all of the adventures she has. I also love how she always flirts with other men (that's what makes it interesting after all), but still stays true to Jaimy, her one love. It is crazy how ten books have gone by and she's still not married to Jaimy. It is understandable though, after all she's only seventeen, which I can't believe. I don't know how Jacky is only seventeen, she should be like at least twenty by now, and it's weird when you think about it because when she was in her early teens she was having quite mature escapades for her age.
Most of the other main characters that are always in every book, like Higgins and Jaimy, didn't play such a big role in this book. I felt like this book was almost a back to the basics with Jacky, letting her roam free without being tied down. Saying that, I also sort of miss Higgin's steady presence.One figure who did come back however, is the rascal Richard Allen whom I also love. You just can't take him seriously with all of his advances toward Jacky, and he's definitely a great part of the book. Jacky and him have known each other for quite a while and know how to play off of each other in their constant parrying and rebuttal of witty remarks.
Viva Jacquelina! is a fun filled fast paced adventure that will have you on the edge of your seat. It has everything, the romance, the action, and even some historical fiction. It is a book that everyone, especially people who like strong heroines. I highly recommend this book, but before reading this you should also read the other books in the series, though you don't have to. I am anticipating the next in the series, and hope that there are many more to come.
M @YA Novelties
March 10, 2015
Oh Jacky, the wearer of many hats. I guess that's her greatest strength and her greatest weakness: her ability to adapt to the crazy situations she wiggles her way into enables her to survive, but it also turns her into a pretty big Mary Sue character and makes her unreliable to both country and individuals. But agh, we still love her in spite of it all.
She starts out the book headed to Portugal to work with British Intelligence and the British forces in that area while they fight Napoleon. Just like everything she's told to do, that ends up not working out so well, and she bounced around to Spain to a guerilla band to a gypsy camp, and she finally ends up on a ship to New England. Jaimy is also on a ship to New England after being healed and learning Bōjutsu in Rangoon by Chopstick Charlie and Co. This all seems like it'll end up happily, which is how I know something horrible is bound to happen soon.
Ultimately, this book seems filled with little useless things, almost as if it was all constructed just for Jacky to have something to do while Jaimy recovers. She pretty much learns nothing for British Intelligence, she escapes the Inquisition in the space of like half a chapter, and there is a really weird storyline with hallucinogenic mushrooms and her...faking?? exaggerating? I don't really know??...her love for Cesar while fooling around with Amadeo, which serves zero purpose besides adding more boys to her little black book. Her endless twiddling around with boys-who-aren't-Jaimy-and-who-she-doesn't-even-really-like is my major annoyance. Maybe the point of it all was to add another famous feather in her hat -- the bull-riding La Rubia.
Of course, all books with Jacky at the center are going to be endlessly amusing, and that's why this gets three stars in spite of it all.
She starts out the book headed to Portugal to work with British Intelligence and the British forces in that area while they fight Napoleon. Just like everything she's told to do, that ends up not working out so well, and she bounced around to Spain to a guerilla band to a gypsy camp, and she finally ends up on a ship to New England. Jaimy is also on a ship to New England after being healed and learning Bōjutsu in Rangoon by Chopstick Charlie and Co. This all seems like it'll end up happily, which is how I know something horrible is bound to happen soon.
Ultimately, this book seems filled with little useless things, almost as if it was all constructed just for Jacky to have something to do while Jaimy recovers. She pretty much learns nothing for British Intelligence, she escapes the Inquisition in the space of like half a chapter, and there is a really weird storyline with hallucinogenic mushrooms and her...faking?? exaggerating? I don't really know??...her love for Cesar while fooling around with Amadeo, which serves zero purpose besides adding more boys to her little black book. Her endless twiddling around with boys-who-aren't-Jaimy-and-who-she-doesn't-even-really-like is my major annoyance. Maybe the point of it all was to add another famous feather in her hat -- the bull-riding La Rubia.
Of course, all books with Jacky at the center are going to be endlessly amusing, and that's why this gets three stars in spite of it all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2012
This might be a little spoilery.
I just about couldn't believe this series has hit 10 books. But then again, I can.
The greatest weakness of the whole thing is the serialization. No book really stands out in that they are all the same plot set in different locations.
But I can't stop reading them. I was getting weary with Mississippi Jack, but the last two have started to head towards an end game and I like what I'm seeing. The turning point in this series was when Davy calls Jacky out on liking her life and not actually wanting to get married. She'd rather flirt and have adventures.
What I like most about this story is for all it's vim and vigor, Jacky is really in a tight spot. She can continue as she is (a virgin), because in that time period it's the only way for her to be as independent as she is, or she can settle down and "belong" to a man and all that society at that time expects from that relationship. Can Jacky still be Jacky if she marries? So the tension of the books is this choice she's someday going to have to sit down and really face. Davy calling Jacky out in Golden Dragon was a start to that.
I also thought the end of this book had a different feel. With everyone converging on America, it could bring things to a head and, I do hope, an end. It's been an enjoyable ride and Viva Jacquelina! is as good as any other book in the series, but I'd like to see it come together and end on a strong note before becoming totally played out.
I just about couldn't believe this series has hit 10 books. But then again, I can.
The greatest weakness of the whole thing is the serialization. No book really stands out in that they are all the same plot set in different locations.
But I can't stop reading them. I was getting weary with Mississippi Jack, but the last two have started to head towards an end game and I like what I'm seeing. The turning point in this series was when Davy calls Jacky out on liking her life and not actually wanting to get married. She'd rather flirt and have adventures.
What I like most about this story is for all it's vim and vigor, Jacky is really in a tight spot. She can continue as she is (a virgin), because in that time period it's the only way for her to be as independent as she is, or she can settle down and "belong" to a man and all that society at that time expects from that relationship. Can Jacky still be Jacky if she marries? So the tension of the books is this choice she's someday going to have to sit down and really face. Davy calling Jacky out in Golden Dragon was a start to that.
I also thought the end of this book had a different feel. With everyone converging on America, it could bring things to a head and, I do hope, an end. It's been an enjoyable ride and Viva Jacquelina! is as good as any other book in the series, but I'd like to see it come together and end on a strong note before becoming totally played out.
Want to read
January 3, 2012oh no, not another one! I'm not sure I will bother to read any more of these until the final book comes out, whenever that is.
June 30, 2012
I <3 Jacky Faber!!!!! I've read every book at least 3 times, and the first one 6 times. I just hope she gets her "Jay-Mee" back.
June 8, 2017
It had been a couple years, since 2015, when I listened to book nine, of the Bloody Jack series. So I was very happy for quality writing, in that Meyer put in those little details as to remind the reader of all that had happened in the previous book(s). I didn't feel like any time was spent away from Jacky.
Though, I can't recall, if the other books all had this format: no real climax. Yes, there were obstacles and they were overcome, but there was no real epic climax. Unless there was one, which I'm thinking of, but then there was a long conclusion. To me, this seemed more like a book to get from book nine to book eleven, so that Meyer could put Jacky where he wanted her, so it didn't matter what really happened along this rode that she wandered.
The story still had its usual Jacky Faber-ness, with her getting in scrapes and getting out of them, almost unscathed.
I really appreciate the Jamie Fletcher chapters, which are interspersed throughout the book. They add to the overall continuation of the story and offer relief from Jacky's story.
Can't wait to listen to the remaining two books, of the series!
Though, I can't recall, if the other books all had this format: no real climax. Yes, there were obstacles and they were overcome, but there was no real epic climax. Unless there was one, which I'm thinking of, but then there was a long conclusion. To me, this seemed more like a book to get from book nine to book eleven, so that Meyer could put Jacky where he wanted her, so it didn't matter what really happened along this rode that she wandered.
The story still had its usual Jacky Faber-ness, with her getting in scrapes and getting out of them, almost unscathed.
I really appreciate the Jamie Fletcher chapters, which are interspersed throughout the book. They add to the overall continuation of the story and offer relief from Jacky's story.
Can't wait to listen to the remaining two books, of the series!
October 9, 2018
Jacky is sent to Spain, wanders around for a while, spends some time in an artists’ colony, wanders around for a while longer. Also, magic mushrooms.
This continues to be one of my least favorite of the books. Jacky is on land and separated from all of her friends. The plot meanders, the bit with the mushrooms feels stupid and contrived, and the secondary characters are tired retreads of earlier types. Kellgren’s narration is good, of course, but the book itself is, unfortunately, mediocre. I’m going to finish off the series, as I have made it this far, but in the future I may be content to read just the first few books.
This continues to be one of my least favorite of the books. Jacky is on land and separated from all of her friends. The plot meanders, the bit with the mushrooms feels stupid and contrived, and the secondary characters are tired retreads of earlier types. Kellgren’s narration is good, of course, but the book itself is, unfortunately, mediocre. I’m going to finish off the series, as I have made it this far, but in the future I may be content to read just the first few books.
July 5, 2018
A most excellent book for a heat wave. Just enough plot to hold the book together. Also:
Love! Betrayal! (but not too much.) Flirting! Rude officers! Pretty officers! Pretty boys! Fighting! (injury, but not too much dying.) The Running of the Bulls! Jealous co-worker! Spanish romantic guitar music! Roma! (not gypsies, thank you very much.)
and No One Expects the Spanish Inquisition.
Love! Betrayal! (but not too much.) Flirting! Rude officers! Pretty officers! Pretty boys! Fighting! (injury, but not too much dying.) The Running of the Bulls! Jealous co-worker! Spanish romantic guitar music! Roma! (not gypsies, thank you very much.)
and No One Expects the Spanish Inquisition.
March 24, 2024
Jacky is being sent to Portugal to become a spy for the British army. She is able to make it to the front lines and she eventually ends up in Madrid with Goya. She is a model and artist. Jacky gets caught up in all the events of Spain of that time including the running of the bulls. I have truly enjoyed this series. I’m excited and sad to only have two books left.
July 12, 2018
Eh. This was kind of a do-nothing book in the series.
May 15, 2013
I wasn't too sure I would like this book as it read a little bit like My Bonny Light Horseman: Being an Account of the Further Adventures of Jacky Faber, in Love and War on the blurb.
I should really know better when it comes to Meyer's writing. In this Jacky shows up at the English war -camp, sticks up for herself as a woman and a soldier -sailor and finds herself in the midst of battle. I was worried about one character dying - but it seems he will end up being just fine. I think this is perhaps the second time since Higgins was introduced that he did not have a presence throughout the novel. No this was Jacky on her own.
Jamie had a distant shadow over the book, as he continues to think in "letters " to Jacky, he has gotten better and learned some skills of his own and now had another tattoo.
It was full of adventure, misadventure and love and loss. She finds herself in a artists house and you can tell how much Meyer cares about this, Jacky is like him (I think) when it comes to art. I have never seen his work but I think it likely is of people based on how many times Jacky does them. There was a firm theme of "I will survive ".
But it was good to read that Jacky and Jamie are both going to Boston. As for what's next? I think it's got something to do with a bell and a fire...
;)
I should really know better when it comes to Meyer's writing. In this Jacky shows up at the English war -camp, sticks up for herself as a woman and a soldier -sailor and finds herself in the midst of battle. I was worried about one character dying - but it seems he will end up being just fine. I think this is perhaps the second time since Higgins was introduced that he did not have a presence throughout the novel. No this was Jacky on her own.
Jamie had a distant shadow over the book, as he continues to think in "letters " to Jacky, he has gotten better and learned some skills of his own and now had another tattoo.
It was full of adventure, misadventure and love and loss. She finds herself in a artists house and you can tell how much Meyer cares about this, Jacky is like him (I think) when it comes to art. I have never seen his work but I think it likely is of people based on how many times Jacky does them. There was a firm theme of "I will survive ".
But it was good to read that Jacky and Jamie are both going to Boston. As for what's next? I think it's got something to do with a bell and a fire...
;)
November 26, 2015
Well, as always L. A. Meyer has not disappointed. This installment of Jacky Faber's exciting adventures is just as enthralling as the last. I could barely put it down. The book itself is so full of life and energy, the writing itself is so clear and yet fanciful and fun. The characters are by far my favorite parts of these booked because each is memorable in their own way. Especially this book, you either fall madly in love with the character or you hate them with a burning passion. Jacky is one of my favorite fictional characters because she is always so relatable and enjoyable. She's always in trouble which makes for a great story. I really enjoyed Jaimie's letters in this one, they really gave a much clearer sense of his character. The one issue I have with this book is that halfway through reading it I started to get the feeling I had already read the book. This was caused by the fact that this book series is starting to be quite repetitive. Jacky goes somewhere, does something awful, charms everyone, does great things, and then gets in even more trouble. All while pining after Jamie, her long lost love! CAN'T JACKY AND JAMIE EVER BE TOGETHER! Overall, I really loved this book! Viva Jacky Faber!
March 4, 2017
This is the tenth book in the adventures of Jacky Faber, alias "La belle file sans merci," "Bloody Jack," Princess," and numerous other monikers. This girl is not to be believed but makes history of the prior alive for adolescents. In this particular story Jacky is fighting with Spanish rebels against Napoleon, modeling nude in Goya's studio, captured by the Spanish Inquisition, (yes, really you never know when to expect the Inquisition!), running with bulls in Pamplona, traveling with the Romas, and in general getting in to mischief, as is her usual modus operand.
I suppose it's like Nancy Drew (without the mystery) or Lemony Snickett (without the alliterations) and once in to the series it's necessary to read the newest one. I do wish she would just settle down with her beloved Jaimy Fletcher and be done but that won't be happening soon, and yes, I will more than likely be reviewing the next installment. Katherine Kellgren narrates these tales well and with with gusto. I could do without the songs, especially the loud, long ones.
Until Number Eleven, probably back in Boston, adios, Jacky!
I suppose it's like Nancy Drew (without the mystery) or Lemony Snickett (without the alliterations) and once in to the series it's necessary to read the newest one. I do wish she would just settle down with her beloved Jaimy Fletcher and be done but that won't be happening soon, and yes, I will more than likely be reviewing the next installment. Katherine Kellgren narrates these tales well and with with gusto. I could do without the songs, especially the loud, long ones.
Until Number Eleven, probably back in Boston, adios, Jacky!
June 7, 2012
Another entertaining episode in the colorful life of Jacky Faber! As always, Mr. Meyer does an excellent job of balancing engaging new characters with the familiar old ones, along with maintaining an impressively accurate depiction of historical events. This one had a lot of classic Jacky humor in it, especially the bit with the mushrooms. Like the last installment, I wish this one had been a bit longer, but it was still quite enjoyable! It definitely wasn't as suspenseful as some of the other books have been, but I kind of liked it that way. I can't believe that after 10 books, I'm still hungry for more. I am glad that this book didn't have an evil cliffhanger as that will make the wait for book 11 more endurable. :D
October 19, 2012
Since I've been reading this series since 6th grade, it is a neccessity every fall to get the new book that comes out. I always hope to be pleased with the new plot twists that the main character, Jacky, faces. I aboslutely LOVED seeing Lord Richard Allen make another appearence in this series. Seeing old characters pop up again always makes me happy. It was good to see Jacky more independant. Higgins wasn't a main character in the book, which made Jacky fend for herself more. I didn't like how the characters that were introduced in this book weren't as well developed as others have been. I felt like I wasn't relating to them and that they were popping in and out of the story so quickly that I didn't even have time to grow passionate about them.
Want to read
July 8, 2012Wow yet another one? I must say as the series goes as a whole, it really is being dragged out a bit but each book is such a good read, it's almost worth it. My favorite in the series are Curse of the Blue Tattoo (so funny!) and Under the Jolly Roger! Though I must say the Wake of the Lorelei Lee was pretty hilarious too! "Well cut off me balls and call me an Englishman!" hahahaha. I am eager to see what this next installment brings. :)
January 15, 2013
Slower than previous books (the bulk of this one takes place in Goya's art studio, not really a hotbed of adventure) but entertaining enough. Really, I'm following through on this series because Katherine Kellgren is still doing an amazing job with the audios, and they're just such fun listening. Even if the books themselves are... um... less than great now.
August 26, 2024
I'm starting to dread the ending of these books. I love Jacky so much, and it saddens me to think of a world where I have read of all her adventures. I've still got two more books to go, but the end is drawing near.
January 2, 2013
As always love this series..
November 8, 2016
Another excellent adventure
Jacky once again finds herself in an awful situation but through courage and wit is able to win the day.
Jacky once again finds herself in an awful situation but through courage and wit is able to win the day.
July 19, 2018
My favorite by far of the Bloody Jack stories, this one happens mostly in Spain during the reign of Pepe Botella (Joseph Bonaparte). It was great to meet Goya and read what Madrid was like then.
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