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Silver's Odyssey: Wilderness Survival From The 1622 Atocha Shipwreck
This a historical fiction novel telling the story of a 1622 Spanish shipwrecked soldier. After being thrown off the Atocha galleon in a hurricane off the Florida Keys,he must survive a 4-yr trek through wilderness Florida enroute back to Spain.
Physical and emotional challenges of the highest order confront him on a COLD MOUNTAIN-south adventure through a world few Europeans had seen. The will to live and his instinctive outdoor traits prod him into action.
Physical and emotional challenges of the highest order confront him on a COLD MOUNTAIN-south adventure through a world few Europeans had seen. The will to live and his instinctive outdoor traits prod him into action.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
37 people are currently reading
398 people want to read
About the author
Henry C. Duggan III
4 books1 followerAlbany,Ga,native
Albany High School
UGA grad 1963
Married 47 years to Pat
3 adult children, 5 grandchildren
retired banker
Likes:
canoeing
mountain trout fishing
music, guitar
architectural history
geneaology
general hisory
geography
philosophy
Bible study
writing
exercise
vegetarian diet
living 2 hours from Gulf of Mexico
Albany High School
UGA grad 1963
Married 47 years to Pat
3 adult children, 5 grandchildren
retired banker
Likes:
canoeing
mountain trout fishing
music, guitar
architectural history
geneaology
general hisory
geography
philosophy
Bible study
writing
exercise
vegetarian diet
living 2 hours from Gulf of Mexico
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 6, 2018
This book really blew me away.
Let's start with the author's commitment to accuracy:
"The idea for the novel took hold about 11 years before I began to write it, which took five years, including the research. I wanted it to be historical fiction, so Mel Fisher’s discovery of the 1622 shipwrecked Atocha galleon provided that basis."
Then there are the details:
Most impressed with the list of real people and fictional characters listed at the beginning of the book.
Then the language:
Descriptive and concise.
Example: "Hartford broached a tinderbox subject and then stoked the fire." Very simple sentence but it impressed me. I got such a picture!!
Then the protagonist: Luis Armador lives 4 years of overcoming the odds and deprivation and wilderness. Plus he thought such loving thoughts about the betrothed he had left behind in Seville.
Plus the location: 1622 Florida (i live in Florida now and always love a good Florida historical novel).
Henry C Duggin III has written one book and this is it and I wish he would write another.
I got this book for 99 cents back in 2015. It was worth 10 times the price. Henry, wherever you are, thank you.
Let's start with the author's commitment to accuracy:
"The idea for the novel took hold about 11 years before I began to write it, which took five years, including the research. I wanted it to be historical fiction, so Mel Fisher’s discovery of the 1622 shipwrecked Atocha galleon provided that basis."
Then there are the details:
Most impressed with the list of real people and fictional characters listed at the beginning of the book.
Then the language:
Descriptive and concise.
Example: "Hartford broached a tinderbox subject and then stoked the fire." Very simple sentence but it impressed me. I got such a picture!!
Then the protagonist: Luis Armador lives 4 years of overcoming the odds and deprivation and wilderness. Plus he thought such loving thoughts about the betrothed he had left behind in Seville.
Plus the location: 1622 Florida (i live in Florida now and always love a good Florida historical novel).
Henry C Duggin III has written one book and this is it and I wish he would write another.
I got this book for 99 cents back in 2015. It was worth 10 times the price. Henry, wherever you are, thank you.
January 19, 2022
Somewhat interesting but a little long winded in parts. The writing is not as dynamic as I prefer with a lot of description.
March 6, 2014
Henry C Duggan, III, conjures an arduous 17th century survival battle in this novel of Lieutenant (Alferez) Luis Armador, survivor of the Spanish Atocha galleon shipwrecked off colonial Florida. The Atocha is over-laden with people and silver for the king intended to help in the European religious wars. Alferez Armador is washed overboard during a hurricane and is found ashore and enslaved by the fierce Calusa Indians. His escape begins a four-year odyssey in which he is befriended and aided by friendly natives, an assortment of wilderness friars, is falsely imprisoned and conscripted by the then Florida governor, confronts wild animals, untamed rivers, and disease wrought by his own people upon the native inhabitants. When you think all his private battles have been won and his odyssey over and return to Spain imminent, he faces yet another, and possible the worst, chapter of his life off the Barbary coast. He uses this catastrophic loss to his advantage in his last and final escape to return to his family and that of his former betrothed. Silver's Odyssey won't disappoint--it's a story of triumph over all odds. This failure to give up; an all abiding sense of the indomitable human spirit and the will to live leads to a pleasing ending in a story that never lets you down with slow passages. Got this eBook free, but it's edge of the seat, can't put the book down material--definitely recommended!
February 26, 2014
This is a historical novel that I felt was quite accurate in its description of the cities and people of 1622 to 1625 in the New World.
I attempted to follow the Path that Luis travels but even when pulling up detailed maps of 17th Century Florida I was unable to follow his trek.
The ordeals that Louis goes through wore me down over time and I almost stopped reading this book at least 3 times due to the trials and travails that Louis must go through. I did finish this book and the ending went pretty much as I thought it would with one twist.
I feel 3 stars is a fair rating for this book.
I attempted to follow the Path that Luis travels but even when pulling up detailed maps of 17th Century Florida I was unable to follow his trek.
The ordeals that Louis goes through wore me down over time and I almost stopped reading this book at least 3 times due to the trials and travails that Louis must go through. I did finish this book and the ending went pretty much as I thought it would with one twist.
I feel 3 stars is a fair rating for this book.
December 22, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this story!!
This was one of the best fiction books I've read in a while. The account of Alférez Luis Armador's survival of a shipwreck off the coast of Florida in 1622 is refreshingly unique. Although a work of fiction, the setting has been well researched and has a high level of historical accuracy. While there are elements of Luis' four year journey to return to Seville that are a bit unbelievable, overall the author does an excellent job of recounting the various obstacles overcome and hardships Luis endured to make his way back to his beloved Spain. If you enjoy historical fiction, this is one book I'd recommend putting on your "to read" list.
This was one of the best fiction books I've read in a while. The account of Alférez Luis Armador's survival of a shipwreck off the coast of Florida in 1622 is refreshingly unique. Although a work of fiction, the setting has been well researched and has a high level of historical accuracy. While there are elements of Luis' four year journey to return to Seville that are a bit unbelievable, overall the author does an excellent job of recounting the various obstacles overcome and hardships Luis endured to make his way back to his beloved Spain. If you enjoy historical fiction, this is one book I'd recommend putting on your "to read" list.
November 24, 2013
Highly entertaining and fascinating!
Reading this book was like taking a field trip through the colonial days in Florida and experiencing what it would be like to live in the world of that period.
As my reading progressed, found myself becoming more and more interested in the world politics and economy in those days, along with the day to day lives of civilization in Europe and the New World.
A salute and tip of the hat goes out to Mr. Dugan for all his years of research and labor to make this work available to readers of today and tomorrow.
Reading this book was like taking a field trip through the colonial days in Florida and experiencing what it would be like to live in the world of that period.
As my reading progressed, found myself becoming more and more interested in the world politics and economy in those days, along with the day to day lives of civilization in Europe and the New World.
A salute and tip of the hat goes out to Mr. Dugan for all his years of research and labor to make this work available to readers of today and tomorrow.
March 3, 2014
This story is based on information found after Mel Fisher discovered the silver ship Atocha sunk in Florida waters.
In 1622 Luis Armador sailed from Spain to the new world to pick up silver to return to Spain. While still in Florida waters a hurricane sunk the ship Atocha. Luis had previously been washed overboard and washed up on the sands of Florida. He was at first a slave before escaping and being helped by more peaceful Indios.
This was a very interesting story of what life would have been 350 years ago in the wilds of Florida.
In 1622 Luis Armador sailed from Spain to the new world to pick up silver to return to Spain. While still in Florida waters a hurricane sunk the ship Atocha. Luis had previously been washed overboard and washed up on the sands of Florida. He was at first a slave before escaping and being helped by more peaceful Indios.
This was a very interesting story of what life would have been 350 years ago in the wilds of Florida.
January 15, 2014
This isn't a thriller, or action / adventure novel, so if that's what you're looking for you'll be disappointed; but if you're a history buff, I think you'll find this book enjoyable. It reads somewhat like an official report that an explorer would have sent back to his sponsor, describing his exploits.
Very well written and researched, this is a fascinating account of a shipwreck survivor, and his 4 year journey home.
Very well written and researched, this is a fascinating account of a shipwreck survivor, and his 4 year journey home.
March 26, 2014
This Historical Fiction is based on information found after Mel Fisher discovered the silver ship, Atocha, sunk in Florida waters. The ordeals that Luis went through made me cringe at times, and I found myself not being able to put this read down for several hours.
June 4, 2018
Needs editing
There is really no excuse for not spell (and grammar) checking the english portions. Also, the author should consider using a better spanish translator
There is really no excuse for not spell (and grammar) checking the english portions. Also, the author should consider using a better spanish translator
June 11, 2023
It was a good idea for a story, and executed fairly well. The writing was awkward at times, especially in battle scenes, but his description of Colonial Florida are very good. The protagonist is a likable hero, fighting to make it back to his true love over four years. Some supporting characters are better than others, the best being the Friars and Pedro, with others being very one dimensional. A good read if you are interested in the time period.
May 13, 2022
Plot driven with shallow character and relationship development. I did however find the language used in the telling of the story added a lot of authenticity both to the culture and the time period. Nice flavor.
July 13, 2020
Excellent book. Hope you enjoy it as , much a I did justify
Truly great read! Historyandromance all in one. Stay safe
If you have heard of the Atocha then Otis
a must read
Truly great read! Historyandromance all in one. Stay safe
If you have heard of the Atocha then Otis
a must read
December 31, 2014
Silver's Odyssey
Author: Henry C. Duggan, III
Rating: 4 stars
This ebook has been a very good read and would have gotten a higher rating except for a few items discussed below. The author obviously did the necessary research to write a gripping story drawn from historical facts. I recommend it to you to read.
One of the things that kept the novel from getting a higher rating is the lack of a map. This story takes place largely in Florida (La Florida to the Spanish) but back in the 1600s. Many of the rivers, islands, and other landmarks now have different names than existed back then.
As I read the story I would Google a place name and try to locate it in Florida. This was not easy and sometimes fruitless. It took some work but I was able to develop a general idea where the hero was located at particular times in the story. A map would have been very helpful and would have added to the overall pleasure of the story.
At the back of the ebook is an epilog that I wish I had read before reading the novel. Here the author included facts and a glossary that if the reader reads first he or she will easily be able to map out Luis's journey. I still think a map would have helped, but this epilog does provide valuable information!
One more fact about this issue is that in the opening Contents it did list a map dated 1597 but I never found it either in the listed position or elsewhere. Whether this was a problem with my version or mistakenly left out I don't know. But if it is in your version, use it.
Another factor I considered was that there was evidence of a lack of proofing. The errors I found may have been publisher or printing errors, but some seemed to be the author's. For example, dialog was sometimes confusing as to who was doing the talking. The author is encouraged to make sure the reader knows who is talking in future books.
When it comes to "thinking" I believe that authors should put all thinking in italics, for example, This is a good book, I thought. Without the italics sometimes the thoughts didn't register as a person's thoughts and forced me to reread the passage to understand what was happening.
Punctuation, especially the quotes "", was a recurring problem. These may have been the publisher, but again impacted the smoothness of reading. Watch those quotes.
But the above problems did not keep me from enjoying the story. I found myself anticipating the eventual reunion of Luis and Isabela. I found the ebook hard to put down. I quickly identified with the hero and wondered how he would get out of each situation he found himself experiencing.
Occasionally the author would allow me to see what was happening in Isabela's life. Just enough to add my expectations to Luis's. As mentioned earlier I recommend you get this ebook as it is well-written, easy reading, and excellent historical fiction.
In spite of the problems I believe this book is a definite four stars and if you overlook the issues mentioned then a 4.5.
Author: Henry C. Duggan, III
Rating: 4 stars
This ebook has been a very good read and would have gotten a higher rating except for a few items discussed below. The author obviously did the necessary research to write a gripping story drawn from historical facts. I recommend it to you to read.
One of the things that kept the novel from getting a higher rating is the lack of a map. This story takes place largely in Florida (La Florida to the Spanish) but back in the 1600s. Many of the rivers, islands, and other landmarks now have different names than existed back then.
As I read the story I would Google a place name and try to locate it in Florida. This was not easy and sometimes fruitless. It took some work but I was able to develop a general idea where the hero was located at particular times in the story. A map would have been very helpful and would have added to the overall pleasure of the story.
At the back of the ebook is an epilog that I wish I had read before reading the novel. Here the author included facts and a glossary that if the reader reads first he or she will easily be able to map out Luis's journey. I still think a map would have helped, but this epilog does provide valuable information!
One more fact about this issue is that in the opening Contents it did list a map dated 1597 but I never found it either in the listed position or elsewhere. Whether this was a problem with my version or mistakenly left out I don't know. But if it is in your version, use it.
Another factor I considered was that there was evidence of a lack of proofing. The errors I found may have been publisher or printing errors, but some seemed to be the author's. For example, dialog was sometimes confusing as to who was doing the talking. The author is encouraged to make sure the reader knows who is talking in future books.
When it comes to "thinking" I believe that authors should put all thinking in italics, for example, This is a good book, I thought. Without the italics sometimes the thoughts didn't register as a person's thoughts and forced me to reread the passage to understand what was happening.
Punctuation, especially the quotes "", was a recurring problem. These may have been the publisher, but again impacted the smoothness of reading. Watch those quotes.
But the above problems did not keep me from enjoying the story. I found myself anticipating the eventual reunion of Luis and Isabela. I found the ebook hard to put down. I quickly identified with the hero and wondered how he would get out of each situation he found himself experiencing.
Occasionally the author would allow me to see what was happening in Isabela's life. Just enough to add my expectations to Luis's. As mentioned earlier I recommend you get this ebook as it is well-written, easy reading, and excellent historical fiction.
In spite of the problems I believe this book is a definite four stars and if you overlook the issues mentioned then a 4.5.
November 28, 2015
There's a lot to like about this book. As a European immigrant living in Florida, who's also a history nut, and in particular, fascinated by the history of colonization and of tribal peoples, this is absolutely written for someone like me. The story is wonderful: it's a gutsy adventure through Spanish and Native American Florida, and it's packed with historical and anthropological detail. Duggan has done his research on Spanish Florida, and all the different native tribes, and he clearly knows the locations well. But it left me dissatisfied and disappointed. Partly, it's in serious need of a proofreader and formatter who can fix some of the typos, awkward line breaks and similar problems that make the book feel amateurish. But more importantly, it felt superficial and rushed, and lacked the depth it needed, both in terms of character development and storytelling.
It's not often I say this, but this book really needed to be longer. It's about 300 pages, and could easily have been 500 or 600. Or maybe several volumes. There's so much plot that exciting events are skipped through in a page or so when they could easily have taken a full chapter. For example, one of Luis's shipmates is imprisoned en route to Florida. They decide to break him out and continue the voyage. So they hatch a plan, and on the next page they're back at sea. It's only a minor incident, but that could have been a exciting episode in itself. It could have been a pivotal part of Luis's character, perhaps learning that sometimes you have to defy the law for a greater purpose, or perhaps an excuse for us to get introduced to another minor character so we care more about them later. The same continues throughout the book: everything is told so fast that it comes out as a breathless "and then this happened, and then this happened, and then this happened," and I just wanted to say, whoa, slow down, tell me more about that.
I'm glad I read it: I don't think I've ever found a book that's so well researched and set in this particular place and time. But I'd love to see an expanded edition of it. Or maybe a TV mini-series. That would be superb.
It's not often I say this, but this book really needed to be longer. It's about 300 pages, and could easily have been 500 or 600. Or maybe several volumes. There's so much plot that exciting events are skipped through in a page or so when they could easily have taken a full chapter. For example, one of Luis's shipmates is imprisoned en route to Florida. They decide to break him out and continue the voyage. So they hatch a plan, and on the next page they're back at sea. It's only a minor incident, but that could have been a exciting episode in itself. It could have been a pivotal part of Luis's character, perhaps learning that sometimes you have to defy the law for a greater purpose, or perhaps an excuse for us to get introduced to another minor character so we care more about them later. The same continues throughout the book: everything is told so fast that it comes out as a breathless "and then this happened, and then this happened, and then this happened," and I just wanted to say, whoa, slow down, tell me more about that.
I'm glad I read it: I don't think I've ever found a book that's so well researched and set in this particular place and time. But I'd love to see an expanded edition of it. Or maybe a TV mini-series. That would be superb.
February 7, 2017
An imposing story of survival against tremendous odds. A fictional novel loosely based on a real event. If you enjoy an excellent action adventure this is a book you should not miss out on.
I have rated this book 4.5 stars
I obtained this book from Amazon in Kindle format.
Thank you Frank for your Review
I have rated this book 4.5 stars
I obtained this book from Amazon in Kindle format.
Thank you Frank for your Review
Read
September 17, 2014This was an enjoyable tale of adventure with good historical reality· Enjoyed the adventure and suspense of the story but do feel like it's similar to other books I e read. It's still a good story and enjoyable. I sold recommend this book to anyone who enjoys adventure and stories based on American and European history of the time. It also has a little romance in the background but our American history. There is some romance but that is not the story. This is a book you can read. Put down and pick up again and enjoy it.
I enjoyed this book. it was a fairly light plot, a little predictable. it reminded me of Monte Cristo without the fortune and revenge. I found it to be a perfect book to pick up and put down as I rode the bus or while alone at a restaurant.
I enjoyed this book. it was a fairly light plot, a little predictable. it reminded me of Monte Cristo without the fortune and revenge. I found it to be a perfect book to pick up and put down as I rode the bus or while alone at a restaurant.
March 12, 2015
My friend Sara will like this historical fiction story! Luis leaves his betrothed and family in Spain to sail on the ship Atocha in 1622. Unfortunately the ship sinks and Luis is the only survivor. The story tracks his 4-year journey as a slave, his life among the Indios, an alligator attack, and hours upon hours of rowing a boat all to return to his family and love. Well done. (No he does not row a boat home to Spain!)
August 8, 2015
Adventure and Peril in 1620
Luis is an officer in the Spanish military who's assigned aboard a ship that's part of Spain's fleet that brings American precious metal back to Spain. This historical fiction is based on facts, and the protagonist and reader learns much. Very Enjoyable!
Luis is an officer in the Spanish military who's assigned aboard a ship that's part of Spain's fleet that brings American precious metal back to Spain. This historical fiction is based on facts, and the protagonist and reader learns much. Very Enjoyable!
March 15, 2014
Having just moved to Florida, I enjoyed this well researched tale of old Florida. I was fascinated with the discovery of the Atocha, it was nice to read Duggan's historical fiction novel.
January 18, 2015
Not great but not bad. Kept me interested.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews