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The Chronicles of the Black Tulip #1
The Vanishing Island
Does the Vanishing Island really exist? And if so, what treasure—or terrible secret—was hidden by its disappearance?
It’s 1599, the Age of Discovery in Europe. But for Bren Owen, growing up in the small town of Map on the coast of Britannia has meant anything but adventure. Enticed by the tales sailors have brought through Map’s port, and inspired by the arcane maps his father creates as a cartographer for the cruel and charismatic map mogul named Rand McNally, Bren is convinced that fame and fortune await him elsewhere. That is, until his repeated attempts to run away land him a punishment worse than death—cleaning up the town vomitorium.
It is there that Bren meets a dying sailor, who gives him a strange gift that hides a hidden message. Cracking the code could lead Bren to a fabled lost treasure that could change his life forever, and that of his widowed father. But to get there he will have to tie his fate to a mysterious Dutch admiral obsessed with a Chinese legend about an island that long ago disappeared from any map.
Before long, Bren is in greater danger than he ever imagined, and will need the help of an unusual friend named Mouse to survive. Barry Wolverton’s thrilling adventure spans oceans and cultures, brings together the folklore of East and West, and proves that fortune is always a double-edged sword.
It’s 1599, the Age of Discovery in Europe. But for Bren Owen, growing up in the small town of Map on the coast of Britannia has meant anything but adventure. Enticed by the tales sailors have brought through Map’s port, and inspired by the arcane maps his father creates as a cartographer for the cruel and charismatic map mogul named Rand McNally, Bren is convinced that fame and fortune await him elsewhere. That is, until his repeated attempts to run away land him a punishment worse than death—cleaning up the town vomitorium.
It is there that Bren meets a dying sailor, who gives him a strange gift that hides a hidden message. Cracking the code could lead Bren to a fabled lost treasure that could change his life forever, and that of his widowed father. But to get there he will have to tie his fate to a mysterious Dutch admiral obsessed with a Chinese legend about an island that long ago disappeared from any map.
Before long, Bren is in greater danger than he ever imagined, and will need the help of an unusual friend named Mouse to survive. Barry Wolverton’s thrilling adventure spans oceans and cultures, brings together the folklore of East and West, and proves that fortune is always a double-edged sword.
347 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2015
15 people are currently reading
1057 people want to read
About the author
Barry Wolverton
10 books63 followersBarry Wolverton has been writing for children for 20 years, helping to create educational books, documentaries, and online content for Discovery Networks, National Geographic, the Library of Congress, Scholastic, and Time-Life Books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
September 1, 2015
I think pirates are interesting, but, for whatever reason, the more swashbuckling narratives never seem to grab me. The Vanishing Island is probably the best of the lot that I've had an opportunity to read over the years, but even then, it's been more of a slog than an enjoyment, and part of it may be due to curriculum changes we've seen recently.
Part of the charm of this one is some of the historical nods. A kid desperate to get on a ship ends up apprenticing under Rand McNally, he eventually enlists on a ship searching for Marco Polo's treasure. There's mysterious forces at play as well, so it becomes a sort of classic pirate tale in many regards. Where this book begins to fall flat is the attempts (over and over and over) to include nonfictional pieces within the narrative. The facts strewn about in the story absolutely break the narrative, and drag down the entire story as a result.
It's not unreadable by any means. If you or your kid reader like pirate tales, this is actually a pretty decent one. Certainly better than The Map to Everywhere, as a more recent comparison. It's just frustrating where the book feels like it has a bunch of information crammed into it so the story can be more palatable to a Common Core era. There's no need for it, and it could have been a much better story if it was a lot tighter on a whole.
Part of the charm of this one is some of the historical nods. A kid desperate to get on a ship ends up apprenticing under Rand McNally, he eventually enlists on a ship searching for Marco Polo's treasure. There's mysterious forces at play as well, so it becomes a sort of classic pirate tale in many regards. Where this book begins to fall flat is the attempts (over and over and over) to include nonfictional pieces within the narrative. The facts strewn about in the story absolutely break the narrative, and drag down the entire story as a result.
It's not unreadable by any means. If you or your kid reader like pirate tales, this is actually a pretty decent one. Certainly better than The Map to Everywhere, as a more recent comparison. It's just frustrating where the book feels like it has a bunch of information crammed into it so the story can be more palatable to a Common Core era. There's no need for it, and it could have been a much better story if it was a lot tighter on a whole.
July 8, 2021
Not exactly what I was expecting but it was interesting
July 30, 2015
Bren Owen is bored of his small town, Map. He wants excitement, adventure, and to sail the seas. When a dying sailor gives Bren a strange coin of sorts, Bren’s journey launches into danger, mystery, and more excitement than he ever bargained for.
What I Loved:
The premise of THE VANISHING ISLAND is incredible. I love the mystery behind the Black Tulip, the magic, and the great legends. The mystery of Marco Polo’s journey is especially intriguing, and readers will easily ooh and ahh over the clues as the story builds.
The world building is strong and believable, crafting a setting that seems somewhat familiar and calm but is somehow still ripe with magical possibilities. Map is the kind of teaser town one can easily imagine a young person like Bren feeling trapped in; few opportunities exist for him, yet he is surrounded by explorers making pit stops and telling fantastical stories like those he reads about in his adventure novels.
What Left Me Wanting More:
While I understand Bren’s general motivations, I still had a hard time connecting with him. His character feels surface level, and though he does develop throughout the story, he still seems flat and a bit predictable. The plot is a little slow going at times, which may contribute to not getting a fuller force of Bren’s internal growth as there are fewer areas for his actions to give notice. Secondary character Mouse captured my interest much more easily, and Mouse’s own mystery is sure to keep readers turning the pages. The ending does give hints that a deeper course may await Bren the next book.
Final Verdict:
Though I found it difficult to connect with Bren, the enchanting premise and awesome world building make this a delightful read, perfect for eager young explorers.
Originally posted at YABC: http://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsfic...
What I Loved:
The premise of THE VANISHING ISLAND is incredible. I love the mystery behind the Black Tulip, the magic, and the great legends. The mystery of Marco Polo’s journey is especially intriguing, and readers will easily ooh and ahh over the clues as the story builds.
The world building is strong and believable, crafting a setting that seems somewhat familiar and calm but is somehow still ripe with magical possibilities. Map is the kind of teaser town one can easily imagine a young person like Bren feeling trapped in; few opportunities exist for him, yet he is surrounded by explorers making pit stops and telling fantastical stories like those he reads about in his adventure novels.
What Left Me Wanting More:
While I understand Bren’s general motivations, I still had a hard time connecting with him. His character feels surface level, and though he does develop throughout the story, he still seems flat and a bit predictable. The plot is a little slow going at times, which may contribute to not getting a fuller force of Bren’s internal growth as there are fewer areas for his actions to give notice. Secondary character Mouse captured my interest much more easily, and Mouse’s own mystery is sure to keep readers turning the pages. The ending does give hints that a deeper course may await Bren the next book.
Final Verdict:
Though I found it difficult to connect with Bren, the enchanting premise and awesome world building make this a delightful read, perfect for eager young explorers.
Originally posted at YABC: http://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsfic...
August 4, 2015
What I Thought- This was an amazing book! It had adventure, comedy, excitement, mystery – pretty much anything you could want in a book! Bren is a character you would like to meet in real life. He has dreams, and he’s clever in how he gets them achieved. Mouse is a cool character too. I really like how Mr. Wolverton doesn’t hide that sea isn’t always exciting – at times Bren is just sitting around at sea. There is death throughout the story, but it is not graphic/gory. There are some illustrations that will be put in the final version of the book, but not in the ARC that I read (they weren’t in yet), and they play a role in the story, so that was sad for me. Guess I’ll have to get the completed version! This is a solid start to a new series. :)
*NOTE* I got a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
*NOTE* I got a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
July 20, 2015
What an adventure! My students are also going to love all the little gross details.
October 15, 2016
In 1599, for those who lived in downtrodden Map, a tiny city in Britannica, the only thriving business was Rand McNally's map making factory. 12-year-old Bren, the son of a mapmaker, understands the toil and tough life his father endures working in the map factory. (Even though he's an excellent map maker.) Clever Bren envisions a more fulfilling, exciting life for himself aboard one of the many ships that frequently anchor in their town. He tries twice to hide as a stowaway on a ship, but gets caught both times. Finally he meets Admiral Bowman while breaking up a fight caused by bullies who are beating up a tiny boy, Bren bravely saves him. This gets the admiral's attention, as he mysteriously appears during their brawl. Admiral Bowman is impressed by Bren's quick maneuvers to save the child, and eventually invites him to join his ship, owned by the Dutch Bicycle & Tulip Company. This ship provides Bren with all the adventures on the high seas he could ever imagine. Yet, mysterious and dangerous occurrences begin to happen, and Bren knows there is magic surrounding the voyage. This suspenseful tale is full of the history of mapmaking and the technology of sailing during the Age of Discovery. The pacing is nonstop adventure, with lots of unsavory characters, and a few honorable shipmates. Bren forms a friendship with the boy he rescued in map, and the two become friends. This adventurous tale is full of mystery, and fantasy as well. This adventure proves to be delightful romp on the high seas, readers will enjoy. There is even a hint that a sequel will follow, which will be in demand.
June 30, 2019
I read this aloud to my 9 and 7 year old. It starts pretty slow but it lays the foundation for a wonderful middle and ending. And it also leaves a solid opener for the next book.
As a parent I really appreciated how the book utilizes history to anchor the story. It is very well researched but not in such a way as to discourage the kid’s interest. It made it very enjoyable for me (the adult) to read aloud and kept me engaged too.
The swashbuckling nature and the male and female protagonists also make it feel like a good summer book. (A book for a river or beach or coast trip)
Anyway, the kids enjoyed it so much that they made me drive them to the library the following day to checkout book II.
As a parent I really appreciated how the book utilizes history to anchor the story. It is very well researched but not in such a way as to discourage the kid’s interest. It made it very enjoyable for me (the adult) to read aloud and kept me engaged too.
The swashbuckling nature and the male and female protagonists also make it feel like a good summer book. (A book for a river or beach or coast trip)
Anyway, the kids enjoyed it so much that they made me drive them to the library the following day to checkout book II.
December 13, 2017
What an adventure. . . and there’s more to come! A swashbuckling mystery set in 1599. Bren’s father works for Rand McNally in the port city of Map in Britannia. Bren himself has always wanted to see the world. He gets his wish through a series of mysterious events and a piazza or magical brooch that falls into his hands. Instead of punishing the stowaway, the Admiral of the Albatross uses Bren’s knowledge of mapmaking to help him find a mysterious island with a secret. But is the Admiral friend or foe? Bren discovers the truth, but not before he almost loses his life in the process!
June 17, 2018
I can't say much about this book. I did finish it, completely read it which I am proud of because i wanted so badly to put it down and walk away from it. 50 pages (50-109) is all about Bren working in the vomitorium as punishment and let me tell you there was way too many details about vomit. And it seemed that vomit would not go away throughout the rest of the story. So much it overwhelmed anything else that happened after Bren managed to get onto a ship and start his adventures.
May 19, 2017
The story is set in 1599, a time when areas on the map are still unexplored.
Twelve year old Bren Owen is the son of a cartographer, and dreams of stowing away
on a ship.
A fun sea going adventure that also has elements of magic.
Twelve year old Bren Owen is the son of a cartographer, and dreams of stowing away
on a ship.
A fun sea going adventure that also has elements of magic.
May 30, 2017
Reminded me a good deal of the classic story"Treasure Island." It has many of the same elements: a young boy eager for adventure, the gritty reality of life at sea, the terrible deeds committed when greedy appetites are whetted. Engaging and entertaining.
July 26, 2018
It's just really boring.
The characters have no agency and the story really meanders. I will say, it's very polished.
The characters have no agency and the story really meanders. I will say, it's very polished.
September 11, 2019
Acho que pra um pré adolescente eh bacana.
April 13, 2020
This book got me surprised, I didn't expect to like so much!
September 12, 2020
Bren wants to find out if the vanishing island exists so he asks his father to make a map to help him find it.
April 13, 2021
super good book although some parts didn't fit in entirely well
December 19, 2022
what a wonderfully bloody story
August 31, 2019
I do not like this book at all, it doesn't really go anywhere with the story, or have a good description and/or explanation of anything. I was always confused on all the different characters, and places. I couldn't keep people in line with who they were. I was CONSTANTLY scared when I was reading this book. I don't like it and I do not recommend this book at all! It was super intense!
August 30, 2015
I received this book from the publisher on Edelweiss; I am not being paid for my review.
The Vanishing Island tells the story of twelve-year-old Bren, who desperately yearns for adventures on the high seas, far away from his town of Map. After a series of unsuccessful runaway attempts, Bren stumbles upon the Order of the Black Tulip, which enables him to go on the sort of adventure he's been hoping for, in search of the island from Marco Polo's final voyage. His talent at recreating maps and objects after seeing them only once makes him an integral part of the mission, as well as his ability to solve riddles and puzzles. What Bren finds one he's at sea, however, makes him question whether or not the adventurous life is the life he wants to lead.
The main plot of this book is solid. The mystery surrounding both the voyage and the Black Order of the Tulip is done well, and leaves the reader wanting to find out what will happen by the end of the book. I also liked that the book is set in a sort of real world/fantastical world hybrid, and that there are a lot of parallels between the actual 1599 in this more fantastical setting. I do think a lot could be said about the dangers of colonialism in this type of series, and it would be interesting to see how it's handled in a book aimed for younger readers.
It's not an entirely unique story, though. A lot of the characters and plot points fall into trope territory. Bren is the usual boy who wants to be a sailor and go on fantastical adventures, only to find out that perhaps it's more dangerous than it seems. He has absent parents and a kindly (though sarcastic) old man that advises him. There's the admiral, who is a character that you can't quite figure out: is he good? Is he bad? Is he both? There's the quiet Mouse, who befriends Bren on the ship and takes on a 'side kick' status. I lot of it was just predictable. And the points that I liked in the plot felt rushed once you get to the end of the book. I felt there could have been a bit more time exploring this possible world and more time developing the answers to the questions that Bren seems to solve awfully quickly.
I think this is a solid enough story for young readers, and while it may be predictable, it is still a fun read. What I hope to see in the next installments of the series is a bit more character development and more time spent exploring the world and its possibilities.
The Vanishing Island tells the story of twelve-year-old Bren, who desperately yearns for adventures on the high seas, far away from his town of Map. After a series of unsuccessful runaway attempts, Bren stumbles upon the Order of the Black Tulip, which enables him to go on the sort of adventure he's been hoping for, in search of the island from Marco Polo's final voyage. His talent at recreating maps and objects after seeing them only once makes him an integral part of the mission, as well as his ability to solve riddles and puzzles. What Bren finds one he's at sea, however, makes him question whether or not the adventurous life is the life he wants to lead.
The main plot of this book is solid. The mystery surrounding both the voyage and the Black Order of the Tulip is done well, and leaves the reader wanting to find out what will happen by the end of the book. I also liked that the book is set in a sort of real world/fantastical world hybrid, and that there are a lot of parallels between the actual 1599 in this more fantastical setting. I do think a lot could be said about the dangers of colonialism in this type of series, and it would be interesting to see how it's handled in a book aimed for younger readers.
It's not an entirely unique story, though. A lot of the characters and plot points fall into trope territory. Bren is the usual boy who wants to be a sailor and go on fantastical adventures, only to find out that perhaps it's more dangerous than it seems. He has absent parents and a kindly (though sarcastic) old man that advises him. There's the admiral, who is a character that you can't quite figure out: is he good? Is he bad? Is he both? There's the quiet Mouse, who befriends Bren on the ship and takes on a 'side kick' status. I lot of it was just predictable. And the points that I liked in the plot felt rushed once you get to the end of the book. I felt there could have been a bit more time exploring this possible world and more time developing the answers to the questions that Bren seems to solve awfully quickly.
I think this is a solid enough story for young readers, and while it may be predictable, it is still a fun read. What I hope to see in the next installments of the series is a bit more character development and more time spent exploring the world and its possibilities.
July 25, 2016
I got an ARC of this book through Goodreads Giveaway. It's been a while since I read a middle grade novel, but I tried to read it as my younger self, who loved books like the Bloody Jack series and True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle. I have to say, I was really impressed. I really enjoyed Wolverton's witty, choppy writing style that balanced sophistication and ease of understanding (considering his audience). I would have been really excited by this series when I was 10-12 years old and I believe it appeals to both boys and (maybe more adventurous) girls.
The book had a really strong start with a great character: the much used but somehow not overdone trope of an intelligent boy with a photographic memory and an understandable yearn to rebel and travel. This boy, Bren, was whiny enough for a young reader to feel empathetic, but not so much that he was annoying (this has been a big issue for me in other middle grade novels I've read more recently, like Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children). There's some gross scenes, like Bren's job in the vomitorium, that should appeal to boys of that age.
Unfortunately, the book lost a bit of steam. I'm not entirely sure why. There might not have been enough action. I think the climax was incredibly short and left too late. This could have arisen from this book being split from the second in the series. The fleeting action that it did have was kind of hard to follow because it lacked a lot of detail. I don't know if this is done purposefully to not bog kids down with small details or what, but it left the scenes a bit hazy.
All in all, I really enjoyed reading this book, even as an adult. I would recommend it to any boy or girl, precocious 10 year olds to 12/13, probably best for fast readers because the slower ones might lose interest.
The book had a really strong start with a great character: the much used but somehow not overdone trope of an intelligent boy with a photographic memory and an understandable yearn to rebel and travel. This boy, Bren, was whiny enough for a young reader to feel empathetic, but not so much that he was annoying (this has been a big issue for me in other middle grade novels I've read more recently, like Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children). There's some gross scenes, like Bren's job in the vomitorium, that should appeal to boys of that age.
Unfortunately, the book lost a bit of steam. I'm not entirely sure why. There might not have been enough action. I think the climax was incredibly short and left too late. This could have arisen from this book being split from the second in the series. The fleeting action that it did have was kind of hard to follow because it lacked a lot of detail. I don't know if this is done purposefully to not bog kids down with small details or what, but it left the scenes a bit hazy.
All in all, I really enjoyed reading this book, even as an adult. I would recommend it to any boy or girl, precocious 10 year olds to 12/13, probably best for fast readers because the slower ones might lose interest.
June 25, 2015
In The Vanishing Island, twelve-year-old Bren Owen feels trapped by a future he does not want. He has no desire to become the mapmaker’s apprentice his father wants him to be. So what if he can memorize the location of items with a glance or recreate complicated drawings without a second examination? It’s the Age of Discovery, and Bren is determined to be a part of it. Bren craves adventure so much that he has attempted to stow away on three different ships. He faces a list of stiff punishments while standing before the judge when the powerful Rand McNally steps in to claim the boy.
Now Bren must work off his debt to McNally while working a job that would make anyone’s stomach squirm. He’s assigned to McNally’s vomitorium where he has the dirtiest of jobs. One of the vomitorium’s guests gives Bren a coin-like medallion right before dying. When a local doctor is then murdered after beginning an autopsy, it becomes clear that Bren isn’t the only one interested in the medallion. Bren chooses to join a Dutch admiral with an interest in the medallion, a choice that will take him to the sea like he has always dreamed. A choice that will teach him to be careful what he dreams of as life on the sea is quite different than the pages of the novels he once devoured.
With the first installment of The Chronicles of the Black Tulip, Barry Wolverton transports his readers on a perilous journey where the dangerous and grotesque are never more than a blink away. I expect Bren Owen’s story to sweep my fifth and sixth grade students away on a gripping adventure just like Oliver Finch’s story did when I was their age.
Walden Pond Press provided me with a galley of this book. The Vanishing Island will be published in September 2015.
Now Bren must work off his debt to McNally while working a job that would make anyone’s stomach squirm. He’s assigned to McNally’s vomitorium where he has the dirtiest of jobs. One of the vomitorium’s guests gives Bren a coin-like medallion right before dying. When a local doctor is then murdered after beginning an autopsy, it becomes clear that Bren isn’t the only one interested in the medallion. Bren chooses to join a Dutch admiral with an interest in the medallion, a choice that will take him to the sea like he has always dreamed. A choice that will teach him to be careful what he dreams of as life on the sea is quite different than the pages of the novels he once devoured.
With the first installment of The Chronicles of the Black Tulip, Barry Wolverton transports his readers on a perilous journey where the dangerous and grotesque are never more than a blink away. I expect Bren Owen’s story to sweep my fifth and sixth grade students away on a gripping adventure just like Oliver Finch’s story did when I was their age.
Walden Pond Press provided me with a galley of this book. The Vanishing Island will be published in September 2015.
September 2, 2015
I am tickled that I was sent this book for review. It is aimed at the 8-12 year old reader, but this "much older" gal really got a kick out of the story and I believe other adults and their kids will too. It is extremely hard to come up with a book that multiple generations can read and enjoy, but this author has done it quite well.
My favorite genre is historical fiction. I love getting lost in a story that has elements of the actual past interwoven with a fictional tale. I'm fascinated by authors who can blend these two elements and come up with a fun and interesting story that keeps the reader hooked until the very last page. This was one of those books that I couldn't put down as I wanted to know what was going to happen next. I spent half of a very enjoyable day reading it from cover to cover.
The characters in this story are well written and engaging. Bren can't seem to keep himself out of trouble due to his wanderlust and thirst for "anything away from Map". When his chance for adventure finally does come, Bren jumps in with both feet and doesn't look back - too much.
I highly recommend this book to readers, young and old, who enjoy a good adventurous romp. There is mystery, suspense and fast-paced action to be had as well as some good puzzle-solving dilemmas. I am really looking forward to the next volume in this lovely new series.
Originally posted on my blog http://onebookshy.blogspot.com. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review.
My favorite genre is historical fiction. I love getting lost in a story that has elements of the actual past interwoven with a fictional tale. I'm fascinated by authors who can blend these two elements and come up with a fun and interesting story that keeps the reader hooked until the very last page. This was one of those books that I couldn't put down as I wanted to know what was going to happen next. I spent half of a very enjoyable day reading it from cover to cover.
The characters in this story are well written and engaging. Bren can't seem to keep himself out of trouble due to his wanderlust and thirst for "anything away from Map". When his chance for adventure finally does come, Bren jumps in with both feet and doesn't look back - too much.
I highly recommend this book to readers, young and old, who enjoy a good adventurous romp. There is mystery, suspense and fast-paced action to be had as well as some good puzzle-solving dilemmas. I am really looking forward to the next volume in this lovely new series.
Originally posted on my blog http://onebookshy.blogspot.com. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review.
November 1, 2015
The Vanishing Island
By
Barry Wolverton
What it's all about...
An adventurous boy...Bren...son of a mapmaker in the late 1500's...wants and craves and needs adventure! Bren is lively enough to get himself into all kinds of unique situations. His punishment for one of them is holding buckets under men as they throw up! On one such occasion a man dies but not before he leaves Bren with a strange message and a strange bronze coin. Where does this message and this strange coin take Bren? That's what makes this book a totally addictive adventure! And add to all of this the Admiral, the ship voyage, and Mouse!
Why I wanted to read it...
I love books like this..books that have humor and mystery and danger that are geared to a middle grade reader. I loved Bren! He was snarky and feisty and fun! MG readers will laugh at his thoughts and actions...as well as fear the situations he puts himself in...especially on the ship...and off of the ship!
What made me truly enjoy this book...
Bren...the time period and the way this book was written. My copy was without the art work and maps so when that is included...this book will be awesome.
Why you should read it, too...
Readers who love an adventurous tale with a very lovable annoying clever main character...should love the first book in this series.
By
Barry Wolverton
What it's all about...
An adventurous boy...Bren...son of a mapmaker in the late 1500's...wants and craves and needs adventure! Bren is lively enough to get himself into all kinds of unique situations. His punishment for one of them is holding buckets under men as they throw up! On one such occasion a man dies but not before he leaves Bren with a strange message and a strange bronze coin. Where does this message and this strange coin take Bren? That's what makes this book a totally addictive adventure! And add to all of this the Admiral, the ship voyage, and Mouse!
Why I wanted to read it...
I love books like this..books that have humor and mystery and danger that are geared to a middle grade reader. I loved Bren! He was snarky and feisty and fun! MG readers will laugh at his thoughts and actions...as well as fear the situations he puts himself in...especially on the ship...and off of the ship!
What made me truly enjoy this book...
Bren...the time period and the way this book was written. My copy was without the art work and maps so when that is included...this book will be awesome.
Why you should read it, too...
Readers who love an adventurous tale with a very lovable annoying clever main character...should love the first book in this series.
August 13, 2015
Stories of lost treasure, placement of Davey Jones' locker, endless blue seas and the life of a pirate is mysterious and glamorous--yet scary, unknown and daunting. Barry Wolverton has created a new series of Pirate lore, The Vanishing Island: The Chronicles of the Black Tulip. I do participate yearly in "Talk Like A Pirate Day," but I am not one to pick up and read a pirate book; however, I have two young boys who are constantly needing age appropriate books which will challenge their reading. So, alas me hearties, I dove into a Pirate Book.
Through the life of Bren, a young apprentice to Rand McNally, famous Map maker ,we see a young boy who aspires to be more than the small town will let him be. Bren was left a coin and a tale of a vanishing island from his Mother before she died. Bren is convinced the tale is true and he must get on a boat and sail into the blue yonder to discover this island and its treasure. He attempts multiple times to sneak on a ship to only become the town's only juvenile delinquent in charge of the vomitorium. (You must read the book to discover what exactly a vomitorium is!)
Thanks to Edelweiss for their ARC copy! My full review can be read at Booksandwhatnot.com
Through the life of Bren, a young apprentice to Rand McNally, famous Map maker ,we see a young boy who aspires to be more than the small town will let him be. Bren was left a coin and a tale of a vanishing island from his Mother before she died. Bren is convinced the tale is true and he must get on a boat and sail into the blue yonder to discover this island and its treasure. He attempts multiple times to sneak on a ship to only become the town's only juvenile delinquent in charge of the vomitorium. (You must read the book to discover what exactly a vomitorium is!)
Thanks to Edelweiss for their ARC copy! My full review can be read at Booksandwhatnot.com
June 24, 2015
I brought the ARC to school and handed it off to one of my most voracious readers, knowing she would devour it and give me some great student feedback. Well, I handed the book off to a third grader before having read it myself. Forehead slap. Her initial comment as she handed it back: "It was more gory than I thought it would be. I mean, I expect that from A Tale Dark and Grimm, but this one just caught me off guard! It was so gross in the vomitorium!".... I was intrigued. And luckily, she was not truly bothered by the story, but after reading it myself I would hesitate adding it to a third grade classroom library.
Is the story gross and gory, yeah it is. But it also has rich layers of loss and longing. Of being the one that feels isolated and put down. Of having the need to leave behind a former self and set out to find who you are meant to be. Lots of action, mystery, murder, and of course, a wide open door at the end for book two!
Is the story gross and gory, yeah it is. But it also has rich layers of loss and longing. Of being the one that feels isolated and put down. Of having the need to leave behind a former self and set out to find who you are meant to be. Lots of action, mystery, murder, and of course, a wide open door at the end for book two!
August 4, 2015
This book should be perfect for me - it's got ships and sailors and maps and a hidden island. But something about it never clicked, meaning I liked it a lot but never loved it.
Bren was a pretty okay character - fairly standard for MG fantasy although I was impressed with him not being an orphan (that trend is way old and this was a nice change.) Still, I would have loved to have read this entire book from Mouse's POV. Mouse was much more interesting and complex than Bren and I want to know more about her.
The story was great, though. It had everything I love as mentioned above, it wasn't stringent on the ship paraphernalia despite being a kid's book, and whenever the plot seemed to dip it would pick up the pace without warning. There were several WHAT THE HECK moments for me, which were a nice surprise - it's always fun to be shocked.
All in all, a fun, fast-paced fantasy that holds many secrets. You can't go wrong with this one.
Bren was a pretty okay character - fairly standard for MG fantasy although I was impressed with him not being an orphan (that trend is way old and this was a nice change.) Still, I would have loved to have read this entire book from Mouse's POV. Mouse was much more interesting and complex than Bren and I want to know more about her.
The story was great, though. It had everything I love as mentioned above, it wasn't stringent on the ship paraphernalia despite being a kid's book, and whenever the plot seemed to dip it would pick up the pace without warning. There were several WHAT THE HECK moments for me, which were a nice surprise - it's always fun to be shocked.
All in all, a fun, fast-paced fantasy that holds many secrets. You can't go wrong with this one.
September 10, 2015
There were parts of this I liked. It took a long time to get going, though, and almost nothing happened in the first third of the book. Once the ship was at sea, I definitely enjoyed it more, but I do wish this book would have had a little more story. There wasn't a whole lot going on, and it was tough to distinguish the adult characters from one another because they had very little depth.
I gotta be honest, I am not sure I will continue with this series or not. I liked the writing enough, but I just wasn't all that engaged. True that I am not the target audience for this book, but I LOVE middle grade as an age category and this one just didn't do it for me. I'll wait until the blurb and cover are out before I decide.
I gotta be honest, I am not sure I will continue with this series or not. I liked the writing enough, but I just wasn't all that engaged. True that I am not the target audience for this book, but I LOVE middle grade as an age category and this one just didn't do it for me. I'll wait until the blurb and cover are out before I decide.
January 9, 2022
Some people have the knack for telling a great story, and Barry Wolverton is one of them. The Vanishing Island reminded me of Pirates of the Caribbean in a lot of ways. I loved it. Fair warning though, it has some pretty scary parts and some violence, so make sure your child can handle it before you give it to them.
This is the first book in a series, so the ending is left open for the next installment, but don’t let that turn you off. Strong characters and a great adventure made this book a riveting tale.
Bren has always wanted adventure, and he soon gets his wish when the charismatic admiral agrees to take him on board his ship. But what starts as an exciting trip soon turns deadly. Bren learns that things are rarely what they seem and people are seldom who they appear to be.
This is the first book in a series, so the ending is left open for the next installment, but don’t let that turn you off. Strong characters and a great adventure made this book a riveting tale.
Bren has always wanted adventure, and he soon gets his wish when the charismatic admiral agrees to take him on board his ship. But what starts as an exciting trip soon turns deadly. Bren learns that things are rarely what they seem and people are seldom who they appear to be.
July 13, 2015
Full review at: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=6563
Whoa! Quite a book! Part swashbuckling adventure, part historical fiction, part folklore, part fantasy, part ghost story, Barry Wolverton has given us quite an intense adventure. I couldn't predict anything that happened in the book. There were twists and turns throughout, and I never knew who to trust (though I am happy to say my favorite sailor was trustworthy). There were some really gruesome parts (blood and guts and vomit) and there were some really beautiful fairy tales. Overall, quite an adventure!
Fans of Charlotte Doyle, Emerald Atlas, The Graveyard Book, or The Dungeoneers are going to truly enjoy this one. (Though I warn: by gruesome, I mean gruesome!)
Whoa! Quite a book! Part swashbuckling adventure, part historical fiction, part folklore, part fantasy, part ghost story, Barry Wolverton has given us quite an intense adventure. I couldn't predict anything that happened in the book. There were twists and turns throughout, and I never knew who to trust (though I am happy to say my favorite sailor was trustworthy). There were some really gruesome parts (blood and guts and vomit) and there were some really beautiful fairy tales. Overall, quite an adventure!
Fans of Charlotte Doyle, Emerald Atlas, The Graveyard Book, or The Dungeoneers are going to truly enjoy this one. (Though I warn: by gruesome, I mean gruesome!)
February 10, 2017
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