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Adam Fletcher Adventure #1
The Smuggler's Gambit
Port Beaufort, North Carolina — May 1765.
When 17-year-old Adam Fletcher is forced into an apprenticeship, he unwittingly becomes a pawn in a smuggling war.
Soon, he’s forced to make a tough decision. Will he agree to become a spy performing a civic duty to the Crown? Or will he risk everything—possibly even putting his own family in danger—to protect his new master?
Secrets will be revealed, loyalties will be questioned, betrayals will be uncovered, and a young man’s character will be put to the test in ... The Smuggler’s Gambit.
When 17-year-old Adam Fletcher is forced into an apprenticeship, he unwittingly becomes a pawn in a smuggling war.
Soon, he’s forced to make a tough decision. Will he agree to become a spy performing a civic duty to the Crown? Or will he risk everything—possibly even putting his own family in danger—to protect his new master?
Secrets will be revealed, loyalties will be questioned, betrayals will be uncovered, and a young man’s character will be put to the test in ... The Smuggler’s Gambit.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 17, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
August 9, 2015
I won a copy of this book through the First Reads program here at Goodreads.
I like historical fiction, so I was interested in this book when I saw it as a giveaway. I thought the time period was intriguing, as not many stories are set in this period (at least not that I am familiar with). Smuggler's Gambit is a quick, easy read with plenty of interesting, well-developed characters. I would not have thought a book about an apprentice at a shipping company in pre-Revolutionary War America would be a likely protagonist in a novel, but it works well. The one issue I have is labeling this as the first in a series. At one point, young Adam Fletcher ends up in a predicament, but as the series carries his name, you know he will see his way through, thereby lessening the tension. You are pretty sure he would be fine as he is the main character, but as the first in a series, you KNOW he HAS to overcome adversity in the end in order to move on to the second book. I'm looking forward to the next in the series, as there is a lot that can be done with this character in this setting.
I like historical fiction, so I was interested in this book when I saw it as a giveaway. I thought the time period was intriguing, as not many stories are set in this period (at least not that I am familiar with). Smuggler's Gambit is a quick, easy read with plenty of interesting, well-developed characters. I would not have thought a book about an apprentice at a shipping company in pre-Revolutionary War America would be a likely protagonist in a novel, but it works well. The one issue I have is labeling this as the first in a series. At one point, young Adam Fletcher ends up in a predicament, but as the series carries his name, you know he will see his way through, thereby lessening the tension. You are pretty sure he would be fine as he is the main character, but as the first in a series, you KNOW he HAS to overcome adversity in the end in order to move on to the second book. I'm looking forward to the next in the series, as there is a lot that can be done with this character in this setting.
June 23, 2017
I wanted to like this book. Good historical fiction is a favorite genre of mine, and I'm also always in the market for historically based books to read to my elementary aged kids.
This adventure of a 17 year old boy beginning his apprenticeship with a shipping company in pre-revolutionary America had promise. Indeed, it started out quite excitingly: in what turned out to be a flash-forward, our hero has been kidnapped and then stranded in an unknown location for reasons we can only imagine. Unfortunately, it went downhill from there. The characters turned out to be two dimensional and stereotyped, the plot predictable, and the writing rarely showed what it could simply tell. There is the occasional historical tidbit, but the detail was pretty limited. I can't say I learned much: in fact, I cannot at this moment event tell you which state it is set in!
It wasn't entirely without merit. The hero has some good character traits, some of his older mentors are fairly admirable, and there is a strong hint of a Christian worldview at the back of things. Nevertheless, I cannot see reading the rest of the series - especially if I had to pay for it.
It may interest my son at the age of 10 or 12, but not me.
This adventure of a 17 year old boy beginning his apprenticeship with a shipping company in pre-revolutionary America had promise. Indeed, it started out quite excitingly: in what turned out to be a flash-forward, our hero has been kidnapped and then stranded in an unknown location for reasons we can only imagine. Unfortunately, it went downhill from there. The characters turned out to be two dimensional and stereotyped, the plot predictable, and the writing rarely showed what it could simply tell. There is the occasional historical tidbit, but the detail was pretty limited. I can't say I learned much: in fact, I cannot at this moment event tell you which state it is set in!
It wasn't entirely without merit. The hero has some good character traits, some of his older mentors are fairly admirable, and there is a strong hint of a Christian worldview at the back of things. Nevertheless, I cannot see reading the rest of the series - especially if I had to pay for it.
It may interest my son at the age of 10 or 12, but not me.
April 4, 2015
I'll start off by saying I generally only read science-fiction so this book was a change for me.
I read this during lunches at work and honestly, I really enjoyed The Smuggler's Gambit. It gave me a feeling of reading a Mark Twain book where the character draws you in.
I started off reading the print book but purchased and switched to the kindle version. This helped because sometimes there were terms from that time period I had never heard and needed to use the built-in dictionary. What I'm trying to say here is I learned numerous facts about the time period I was unaware of thanks to this book.
In summary, The Smuggler's Gambit is a good read, and a very interesting story.
I look forward to future books written by Sara Whitford.
I read this during lunches at work and honestly, I really enjoyed The Smuggler's Gambit. It gave me a feeling of reading a Mark Twain book where the character draws you in.
I started off reading the print book but purchased and switched to the kindle version. This helped because sometimes there were terms from that time period I had never heard and needed to use the built-in dictionary. What I'm trying to say here is I learned numerous facts about the time period I was unaware of thanks to this book.
In summary, The Smuggler's Gambit is a good read, and a very interesting story.
I look forward to future books written by Sara Whitford.
Read
January 26, 2018Not one for me I am afraid. The hero is a seventeen yr old boy and yet the story seems to be unsure who is the target audience. In places the writing is childish and immature, and in others we read about prostitutes. There are huge chunks of boring dialogue in the opening chapter which would put any budding reader and Adam comes across as very childish.
I can't see any 17 yr old boys enjoying this and the subject matter at the start is not really appropriate for 10-12 yr olds. The account of his first day as an apprentice was pretty unlikely as well. Historical fiction needs to be rooted in the truth for me.
Not rating at this moment.
I can't see any 17 yr old boys enjoying this and the subject matter at the start is not really appropriate for 10-12 yr olds. The account of his first day as an apprentice was pretty unlikely as well. Historical fiction needs to be rooted in the truth for me.
Not rating at this moment.
May 11, 2015
I very rarely read historical fiction, and even more rarely read YA works, but this book can't be contained in either of those labels. It truly has something for everyone. I learned much about the colonial period of my home state, and enjoyed the way the story unfolded. There's just enough mystery here to keep the reader engaged, but not so much as to be far-fetched. I'm looking forward to the sequel!
February 5, 2017
The smugglers gambit by Sarah Whitford
This book was sent to me for free by "BookBub" it is a book for YA's but it is well written for anyone. Excelent story line the colonies before The revolution Smuggling to get around the high and disliked taxes of the crown and the exploits of young Adam fletcher apprentice to a local shipping merchant. Gave this 4 stars
This book was sent to me for free by "BookBub" it is a book for YA's but it is well written for anyone. Excelent story line the colonies before The revolution Smuggling to get around the high and disliked taxes of the crown and the exploits of young Adam fletcher apprentice to a local shipping merchant. Gave this 4 stars
August 12, 2019
If this is not intended as YA fiction, it should be. It reads like YA. And I thoroughly enjoyed the adventure. Perhaps in light of the recent escalation of violence in the USA, this book appealed to my need for a clean, sanitized story without drugs and gangs and guns and warfare. Set in the British colonies in 1765, it’s a story of innocence-meets-deceit, of plain, simple, uncomplicated good vs. bad. Great summer read! Now I’m off to look for book #2 in the series.
February 14, 2017
Well written and interesting book. I just had to get the next one in the series also.
February 3, 2017
This first installment of the Adam Fletcher Series was very good in my opinion. Most of the characters were well developed, the plot was great, and the author left a really good hook at the end for book II. I enjoyed the fact that this book tried to be historically accurate, even when dealing with sensitive issues such as slavery. I was particularly impressed by the author's use of Writs of Assistance in her story. These legal documents were used in the colonies, in many times against smugglers in order to search private property without a warrant. After the Revolutionary War, writs of assistance were specifically outlawed by the Constitution.
Swearing: A few d--- and h---. It wasn't necessary, nor did it advance the plot in any way. Otherwise a great book.
Swearing: A few d--- and h---. It wasn't necessary, nor did it advance the plot in any way. Otherwise a great book.
March 10, 2016
This was an easy enjoyable read. Set in the colonies, it gives a different perspective of life during that time. The story is centered around young Adam who becomes apprentice to a shipping company. The characters and interactions are believable to a point.
I would classify this as more a young adult story as it is not overly complex or detailed. The action picks up and is fast paced in moving the story along. There are some interesting references to taxation and pirating that help make the history of the time come alive.
I would classify this as more a young adult story as it is not overly complex or detailed. The action picks up and is fast paced in moving the story along. There are some interesting references to taxation and pirating that help make the history of the time come alive.
January 27, 2017
Perhaps written for much younger readers but if so, I'm afraid it still lacked. The patterns of speech were either stilted (I guess a lack of contractions is supposed to convey history) or else weirdly modern. Adam is supposed to be 17 and it seems odd a boy that age--raised in a tavern, no less--would be so unworldly and childlike. The story itself wasn't bad but the execution just wasn't terribly inspired. Just kind of an odd one to find tucked into my daily ebook freebies. This should maybe be aimed at elementary school age and labeled as such.
April 29, 2015
A great read with a compelling story! The characters are well-developed and multi-dimensional. The author clearly did extensive research and is passionate about the subject. More importantly she effortlessly draws the reader into mid-Eighteenth Century Port Beaufort. You can almost taste the salt in the air! I can recommend this book for young adults, and for not-so-young adults who just want an easy, enjoyable read.
Read
November 14, 2016Good book!
Well written, great character development, and it moved at a good pace to keep my interest. I'm looking forward to reading more of this series.
Well written, great character development, and it moved at a good pace to keep my interest. I'm looking forward to reading more of this series.
November 27, 2022
I think I have a little sweet spot for Adam Fletcher!
The Smugglers Gambit is a historical fiction that contains all the good bits of smugglers, taverns, sons defending their mothers honour and old estates. It was a medium paced, fun read.
Adam Fletcher has grown up in a tavern. He is more than happy here until in a moment of hot headedness, he finds himself before the judge to, instead of convicting him for his misdemeanour, he makes Adam decide on an apprenticeship. Adam settles on wanting to be a shipping merchant for the popular Richard Rasquelle however the judge pops him in with another shipping merchant, one where Adam learns not only the skills of the trade but of loyalty, of listening and of doing the right thing.
This really was a nice, wholesome little book and I can't wait to read more of Adams adventures. A word of warning, triggers include slavery, colonisation, kidnapping, assault, prostitution references, gender stereotypes and smuggling.
The Smugglers Gambit is a historical fiction that contains all the good bits of smugglers, taverns, sons defending their mothers honour and old estates. It was a medium paced, fun read.
Adam Fletcher has grown up in a tavern. He is more than happy here until in a moment of hot headedness, he finds himself before the judge to, instead of convicting him for his misdemeanour, he makes Adam decide on an apprenticeship. Adam settles on wanting to be a shipping merchant for the popular Richard Rasquelle however the judge pops him in with another shipping merchant, one where Adam learns not only the skills of the trade but of loyalty, of listening and of doing the right thing.
This really was a nice, wholesome little book and I can't wait to read more of Adams adventures. A word of warning, triggers include slavery, colonisation, kidnapping, assault, prostitution references, gender stereotypes and smuggling.
June 7, 2018
Great Story
This book is full of action and suspense. How could one youngster get into so much trouble? I was enthralled by this story and it kept me from putting it down until I finished it. I can’t wait to get the next book in the series.
This book is full of action and suspense. How could one youngster get into so much trouble? I was enthralled by this story and it kept me from putting it down until I finished it. I can’t wait to get the next book in the series.
January 27, 2017
Historical novel
A great story set on the eastern coast of north Carolina. Adam learns about shipping as he aids in the solution of criminal affairs. I wait for me to get the next installment, as he travels to Cuba.
A great story set on the eastern coast of north Carolina. Adam learns about shipping as he aids in the solution of criminal affairs. I wait for me to get the next installment, as he travels to Cuba.
April 3, 2021
The book was....... definitely a first or nearly first written novel and could have used some heavy revising. On the up side, it was easy to read and the main character was interesting and likeable, if not terribly well written. Adam is 17 but most of the time he acts more like a 13 year old.
So what's wrong with the book?
1. The setting: I was a couple chapters in before I realized this wasn't in England. Granted the first chapter did say Port Beaufort North Carolina, but I missed that and consequently it was several chapters later before the author mentioned anything about the location. I've read a lot of historical fiction, and Ms Whitford did a very bad job of immersing her readers in Pre-revolutionary America. There were almost no descriptions of the buildings, streets, city or clothes of the people that would have set the scene.
She clearly has no idea what apprenticeship meant in the preindustrial world, as Adam is forced into it as a punishment. So much wailing and gnashing of teeth is spent on this that you'd think he was being sold into slavery. His mother even goes so far as to beg that he goes to jail for a few days instead! Yes! God FORBID, the kid learn a trade!
2. The characters: Most of the characters are barely fleshed out, even Adam, the hero, is closer to a cardboard cut out than a real breathing individual. His mother, Mary, on the other hand, is horribly written. I understand she was young when Adam was born but the way she's written, she comes off as being somewhat mentally challenged and barely more mature than her 17 year old son, which would be okay if that were the author's intent but it clearly wasn't.
3. The author plays "the pronoun game" where you refer to a person or persons by pronouns. Mary makes much about how "they" tried to take Adam from her when he was born and another character says "they" took him from his mother as a child, but no one ever explains who "they" are and what authority "they" have.
4, Much is made of Mary's pregnancy and it's continually mentioned that she's thought of as a prostitute even though she's never gotten pregnant since Adam, there's no evidence presented to call her a whore and she has a solid job, home, father figure in her life and she visits widows to provide companionship.
5. Suddenly at the halfway point, the book switches POVs so we can see what's going on in town, while Adam is missing.
6. The ending is rushed. The whole disaster, court trial and kidnapping are wrapped up in some 20 pages.
I have read much, much worse but with a bit more revision, attention to detail and characterization, this could have been a fantastic book.
So what's wrong with the book?
1. The setting: I was a couple chapters in before I realized this wasn't in England. Granted the first chapter did say Port Beaufort North Carolina, but I missed that and consequently it was several chapters later before the author mentioned anything about the location. I've read a lot of historical fiction, and Ms Whitford did a very bad job of immersing her readers in Pre-revolutionary America. There were almost no descriptions of the buildings, streets, city or clothes of the people that would have set the scene.
She clearly has no idea what apprenticeship meant in the preindustrial world, as Adam is forced into it as a punishment. So much wailing and gnashing of teeth is spent on this that you'd think he was being sold into slavery. His mother even goes so far as to beg that he goes to jail for a few days instead! Yes! God FORBID, the kid learn a trade!
2. The characters: Most of the characters are barely fleshed out, even Adam, the hero, is closer to a cardboard cut out than a real breathing individual. His mother, Mary, on the other hand, is horribly written. I understand she was young when Adam was born but the way she's written, she comes off as being somewhat mentally challenged and barely more mature than her 17 year old son, which would be okay if that were the author's intent but it clearly wasn't.
3. The author plays "the pronoun game" where you refer to a person or persons by pronouns. Mary makes much about how "they" tried to take Adam from her when he was born and another character says "they" took him from his mother as a child, but no one ever explains who "they" are and what authority "they" have.
4, Much is made of Mary's pregnancy and it's continually mentioned that she's thought of as a prostitute even though she's never gotten pregnant since Adam, there's no evidence presented to call her a whore and she has a solid job, home, father figure in her life and she visits widows to provide companionship.
5. Suddenly at the halfway point, the book switches POVs so we can see what's going on in town, while Adam is missing.
6. The ending is rushed. The whole disaster, court trial and kidnapping are wrapped up in some 20 pages.
I have read much, much worse but with a bit more revision, attention to detail and characterization, this could have been a fantastic book.
December 6, 2015
The Smuggler's Gambit by Sara Whitford is about seventeen-year-old Adam Fletcher and his journey from tavern server to shopping apprentice. On his path, Adam discovers his small town is filled with more intrigue and illegal activity than he could ever imagine. With the help of his new master, Emmanuel Rogers and his new friends to navigate the treacherous line between good citizen of the Crown during pre-Revolution America and smuggler. When Rogers' direct competition approaches Adam to act as his spy, Adam is torn between loyalty to his employer and the desire to help the wealthy man that he admires.
Sara Whitford uses The Smuggler's Gambit as a fictional device to teach preteens and teens about life in colonial times in Port Beaufort, North Carolina. Her historical depiction is combined with modern day dialogue to help youthful readers learn while enjoying the story. From political unrest to survival techniques and cask construction, The Smuggler's Gambit is filled with opportunities to challenge inquisitive minds. Her characters are adolescent safe while still being interesting. Her characters have diverse outlooks on life and promote trust among friends and family. While the unrest between the British and the Americans is touched upon, Whitford wisely avoids taking the focus off the story of Adam to demonize the British.
While I would have enjoyed more suspense during the early chapters of The Smuggler's Gambit, Sara Whitford makes wise use of the later chapters to pack in tons of plot movement. Whitford has a real talent for creating dynamic characters that are easy to commiserate with. Of all the characters, I enjoyed Emmanuel Rogers the most. An old man with a long history ranging from pirate to trusted businessman, he has high ethics and a self confidence that allows him to teach by example the kind of values a young man needs to learn to evolve from impetuous teen to successful businessman. I also admired how a single woman in colonial times had to fight to maintain control of her own child against the disapproval of the town leaders. I recommend The Smuggler's Gambit to teens and preteens who enjoy historical fiction or who have an interest in ships and seaport commerce. If The Smuggler's Gambit is a sample of what new writer Sara Whitford has to offer the young adult reader, I look forward to seeing much more from her.
***Originally written for Readers' Favorite***
Sara Whitford uses The Smuggler's Gambit as a fictional device to teach preteens and teens about life in colonial times in Port Beaufort, North Carolina. Her historical depiction is combined with modern day dialogue to help youthful readers learn while enjoying the story. From political unrest to survival techniques and cask construction, The Smuggler's Gambit is filled with opportunities to challenge inquisitive minds. Her characters are adolescent safe while still being interesting. Her characters have diverse outlooks on life and promote trust among friends and family. While the unrest between the British and the Americans is touched upon, Whitford wisely avoids taking the focus off the story of Adam to demonize the British.
While I would have enjoyed more suspense during the early chapters of The Smuggler's Gambit, Sara Whitford makes wise use of the later chapters to pack in tons of plot movement. Whitford has a real talent for creating dynamic characters that are easy to commiserate with. Of all the characters, I enjoyed Emmanuel Rogers the most. An old man with a long history ranging from pirate to trusted businessman, he has high ethics and a self confidence that allows him to teach by example the kind of values a young man needs to learn to evolve from impetuous teen to successful businessman. I also admired how a single woman in colonial times had to fight to maintain control of her own child against the disapproval of the town leaders. I recommend The Smuggler's Gambit to teens and preteens who enjoy historical fiction or who have an interest in ships and seaport commerce. If The Smuggler's Gambit is a sample of what new writer Sara Whitford has to offer the young adult reader, I look forward to seeing much more from her.
***Originally written for Readers' Favorite***
May 27, 2015
* I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway*
Port Beaufort, North Carolina- May 1765
I really enjoyed this book, especially after the postcard I was given showing me Beaufort, North Carolina! This book was a great historical fiction to read and I am thankful for Sara in letting me read it.
The characters in this book were fresh, unique and exciting. I wasn't sure what to expect from any of them which didn't lead the book to be boring. I also loved the mystery and adventure present.
At the start, we are introduced to Adam Fletcher, a 17 year old, protective, temperamental, act before thinking, teenage boy who lands himself in a bit of trouble after smashing the nose of a prestigious individual. To save him from severe punishment and a criminal record, the local judge send him on an apprenticeship with Mr Rogers which Adam isn't too happy about. However, Adam soon begins to realise that there is more to Mr Rogers than what meets the eye and that their competition, Mr Rasquelle (I hope I spelt it right), has intentions far from chivalrous. It's then a race against time for Adam to save his master and exploit Mr Rasquelle for who and what he really is, without getting caught. (I'll spare the rest of the details- go read the book!)
Sara not only creates a great realistic fiction novel, but she also touches on some true historical moments/ information such as the Molasses Act, slavery, Negroes unable to speak out against their white masters, the Sugar Act and the Vice- Admiralty Court (just to name a few). I feel like I have learnt and have gained a greater understanding of these things within the 18th century which was actually really great. Add this in the mix with 'swash- buckling' (sorry, just had to), a couple of pirate stories here and there and a bit of mystery- all in all, a potion for a great book.
Thanks once again to Sara Whitford. I cannot wait for Book 2 of Adam's adventures, "Captured in the Caribbean"
Port Beaufort, North Carolina- May 1765
I really enjoyed this book, especially after the postcard I was given showing me Beaufort, North Carolina! This book was a great historical fiction to read and I am thankful for Sara in letting me read it.
The characters in this book were fresh, unique and exciting. I wasn't sure what to expect from any of them which didn't lead the book to be boring. I also loved the mystery and adventure present.
At the start, we are introduced to Adam Fletcher, a 17 year old, protective, temperamental, act before thinking, teenage boy who lands himself in a bit of trouble after smashing the nose of a prestigious individual. To save him from severe punishment and a criminal record, the local judge send him on an apprenticeship with Mr Rogers which Adam isn't too happy about. However, Adam soon begins to realise that there is more to Mr Rogers than what meets the eye and that their competition, Mr Rasquelle (I hope I spelt it right), has intentions far from chivalrous. It's then a race against time for Adam to save his master and exploit Mr Rasquelle for who and what he really is, without getting caught. (I'll spare the rest of the details- go read the book!)
Sara not only creates a great realistic fiction novel, but she also touches on some true historical moments/ information such as the Molasses Act, slavery, Negroes unable to speak out against their white masters, the Sugar Act and the Vice- Admiralty Court (just to name a few). I feel like I have learnt and have gained a greater understanding of these things within the 18th century which was actually really great. Add this in the mix with 'swash- buckling' (sorry, just had to), a couple of pirate stories here and there and a bit of mystery- all in all, a potion for a great book.
Thanks once again to Sara Whitford. I cannot wait for Book 2 of Adam's adventures, "Captured in the Caribbean"
May 24, 2015
The colonies. My favorite era. I picked this book up solely on that fact alone but I am glad I did.
This is the first in a planned series by a first time author and I was a little worried heading into the story. The initial set up is good, with many wonderful characters and a wealth of knowledge on the era. The author really has done her homework with this novel and it clearly shows. She udnerstands the places, names, business aspects and all the little details that make you become more immersed in the story.
I will admit that I struggled in a few spots in the first third of the book, I thought some of the main character's actions felt a little off. Could they be marked up to a young man's eagerness and foolhardy thinking? Possibily, but it did not bother me enough to stop reading. After that the tale really takes off. Things happen quickly and make sense for the story. The author does a fine job tying up loose ends and bringing the hectic moments of the tale to a meaningful and well-written close.
If you are looking for a young adventure story, or a story in colonial America, this would be the book to read!
This is the first in a planned series by a first time author and I was a little worried heading into the story. The initial set up is good, with many wonderful characters and a wealth of knowledge on the era. The author really has done her homework with this novel and it clearly shows. She udnerstands the places, names, business aspects and all the little details that make you become more immersed in the story.
I will admit that I struggled in a few spots in the first third of the book, I thought some of the main character's actions felt a little off. Could they be marked up to a young man's eagerness and foolhardy thinking? Possibily, but it did not bother me enough to stop reading. After that the tale really takes off. Things happen quickly and make sense for the story. The author does a fine job tying up loose ends and bringing the hectic moments of the tale to a meaningful and well-written close.
If you are looking for a young adventure story, or a story in colonial America, this would be the book to read!
December 8, 2015
I love reading books based in the 18th century, and this book was one of the few that actually took me there. Each character had its quirks which made them realistic, and the situations they were put in kept me turning the pages. Although there were a couple predictable scenes, it didn't at all deter me from the story. In fact, what really fascinated me were the little stories regarding Blackbeard. :) I've always been a sucker for pirates, and I love how this book so slyly eluded to them. Overall, if you want a clean, interesting and overall entertaining read, I highly recommend this book. Can't wait to start reading the sequel! :D
August 16, 2015
I really enjoyed The Smuggler's Gambit. I enjoy to read historical fiction when it is well done. This one was definitely well done. The author didn't spend needless time explaining history to us. The book moved along and kept moving, so it was able to keep my interest throughout the entire book. I also appreciated that it was a good, clean read. It wasn't filled with needless swearing or offensive material. The author let the story be the story, without a lot of distractions.
Overall this was a very enjoyable read.
Overall this was a very enjoyable read.
November 2, 2016
A very good coming-of-age adventure story in which young Adam Fletcher finds himself apprenticed to one master and becoming entangled in the machinations of an evil competitor. It was well written, nicely paced, and peopled with likable characters. It was a little predictable and the language was a little too modern for the time period, but I thoroughly enjoyed it all the same. I would easily recommend it not only for YA but anybody who likes good, clean stories that are full of adventure and that have a positive outlook on life that shine through the words.
January 21, 2017
I got this simply because the title and the original cover appealed to me. Turned out to be a really good historical fiction set in Colonial North Carolina. The pirate connection was a bonus. The hero has moments where he's really annoying, but he's seventeen, so I guess that's expected. :)
I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or grand adventure set in pre-Revolutionary America.
I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or grand adventure set in pre-Revolutionary America.
Read
September 6, 2015A fun historical inspired novel
I liked this book for its historical background and kept me interested the entire time. Adam Fletcher was fun to route for. I am looking forward to reading about Adam in his next adventure. I liked Sara Whitford's writing style which kept me engaged during the entire book.
I liked this book for its historical background and kept me interested the entire time. Adam Fletcher was fun to route for. I am looking forward to reading about Adam in his next adventure. I liked Sara Whitford's writing style which kept me engaged during the entire book.
February 19, 2016
I really loved this book and would like to read more. I got very involved with the storyline and the characters were lifelike and well described. The additional information in the story line about slavery and taxes made it an even better book and they did not ruin the novel. I would like to read more by Sara Whitford in the future.
June 15, 2015
this is a really fun and interesting book, I love all the action and the dventures and I really, really enjoyed this book so much despite myself winning this book right here and worth reading again and again!
March 29, 2016
I really enjoyed this book! The time period is fascinating to me and the author brought it alive with fascinating characters and a good story line. I highly recommend this book to those that enjoy a great adventure tale and historical fiction at its finest
February 4, 2017
This is an entertaining historical novel. I'm not sure if it is specifically targeted to young adults, but it is certainly suitable as it is without explicit sex, violence or profanity. I enjoyed it.
July 6, 2016
Good, clean adventure
Typical teenage boy takes actions that puts him in hairy situations. Becomes town hero.
Easy reading. Hard to put book down.
Typical teenage boy takes actions that puts him in hairy situations. Becomes town hero.
Easy reading. Hard to put book down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews