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The Seven Sleepers #7
Voyage of the Dolphin
How lucky can they get? It's relaxation time, and the Seven Sleepers are vacationing on an ocean-going ship. How much trouble can they get into on vacation? Almost before they can sort out what's happening, Josh, Sarah, and their friends find themselves entangled with a handsome sea captain who can't find a crew, a maddening rich girl who wants to be queen, a band of friendly and unfriendly giants, and the biggest hurricane of the century. But where is their powerful friend God? Does He know where they are? Does He even care? Sail along with Josh and the crew as they handle danger and fear, and see if you can figure out why God doesn't just rush to their rescue.
160 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 1996
5 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
Gilbert Morris
538 books562 followersalso published under the name Gilbert L. Morris
Gilbert Morris was one of today's best-known Christian novelists. He lived in Gulf Shores, Alabama, with his wife, Johnnie. He is the father to Lynn Morris and Alan Morris
Series:
* Adventures of Kerrigan Kids
* American Century
* Appomattox Saga
* Barney Buck
* Bonnets and Bugles
* Cheney Duvall, M.D. (with Lynn Morris)
* Cheney and Shiloh: The Inheritance (with Lynn Morris)
* Chronicles of the Golden Frontier
* The Creole (with Lynn Morris)
* Danielle Ross Mystery
* Daystar Voyages
* Dixie Morris Animal Adventures
* Far Fields (with Robert Funderburk)
* House of Winslow
* Jacques and Cleo: Cat Detectives
* Katy Steele Adventures (with Alan Morris)
* Lady Trent Mystery
* Liberty Bell
* Lions of Judah
* Lone Star Legacy
* Omega (with Lynn Morris and Alan Morris)
* The Price of Liberty (with Robert Funderburk)
* Reno Western Saga
* Seven Sleepers
* Seven Sleepers: The Lost Chronicles
* Singing River
* Spirit of Appalachia (with Aaron McCarver)
* Too Smart Jones
*
Gilbert Morris was one of today's best-known Christian novelists. He lived in Gulf Shores, Alabama, with his wife, Johnnie. He is the father to Lynn Morris and Alan Morris
Series:
* Adventures of Kerrigan Kids
* American Century
* Appomattox Saga
* Barney Buck
* Bonnets and Bugles
* Cheney Duvall, M.D. (with Lynn Morris)
* Cheney and Shiloh: The Inheritance (with Lynn Morris)
* Chronicles of the Golden Frontier
* The Creole (with Lynn Morris)
* Danielle Ross Mystery
* Daystar Voyages
* Dixie Morris Animal Adventures
* Far Fields (with Robert Funderburk)
* House of Winslow
* Jacques and Cleo: Cat Detectives
* Katy Steele Adventures (with Alan Morris)
* Lady Trent Mystery
* Liberty Bell
* Lions of Judah
* Lone Star Legacy
* Omega (with Lynn Morris and Alan Morris)
* The Price of Liberty (with Robert Funderburk)
* Reno Western Saga
* Seven Sleepers
* Seven Sleepers: The Lost Chronicles
* Singing River
* Spirit of Appalachia (with Aaron McCarver)
* Too Smart Jones
*
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 7, 2024
If you combined The Taming of the Shrew, Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue, and a lackluster episode of Lost, you’d probably still get a better story than Voyage of the Dolphin, but at least you’d be in the same ballpark. In book seven of The Seven Sleepers, Gilbert Morris abandons his overarching plot, character development, and allegorical messages to give us an unrelated vacation-style adventure that adds nothing to the series as a whole.
The Seven Sleepers get a reprieve from their constant harrowing quests in service of their spiritual leader Goél, joining the crew of Captain Ryland Daybright aboard his ship the Dolphin to transport a spoiled young woman named Dawn Catalina to her arranged marriage on a nearby island. However, the sea journey is cut short by a fierce hurricane that leaves the passengers of the Dolphin stranded on an island inhabited by giants, and the adventurers are soon captured and kept as pets by Olina, a young giantess whose father wants to sell them as curiosities. As Dawn learns humility and kindness, the Sleepers must learn to trust their instincts and the power of Goél to save them.
On the surface, the concept of Voyage of the Dolphin isn’t too bad: teenagers go on a wild ocean adventure and end up stranded and captured by giants, relying on their wits to escape. Olina’s character and home are unfortunately unexplored, as the land of the giants makes for a pretty interesting contrast to the world the Sleepers are used to. A few of the Sleepers get some nice moments — Wash Jones takes center stage at first as a natural-born sailor, Abbey Roberts showcases her character development from Empress of the Underworld, — and Morris includes a little nod to “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” with his albatross moment.
Still, I get the feeling that Morris had no idea what he wanted to do with this book — there is no mention of the Dark Lord Necros or his constant plans to catch the Sleepers. At this point in the series, we should be having some serious tension building for the final battle, as well as some deeper characterization for the Sleepers and definitely some theology behind Goél. The dialogue is pretty basic, and the worldbuilding is so sloppy and inconsistent that it’s almost laughable (Nuworld inhabitants have never heard of chocolate or television, but they have a functional postal service, still sing “Here Comes the Bride” at weddings, and… speak Middle English in some cases?). The Sleepers also have no clear protagonist in this novel, and Dave Cooper is notoriously absent as he has been ever since The Caves That Time Forgot. Voyage of the Dolphin also features (1) no appearances from Goél, (2) no Christ-centric allegory whatsoever, and (3) no lesson learned by any of the Sleepers. They seem to come to the conclusion that Goél expects them to get out of some situations on their own, and the primary lesson to the whole story is “don’t be a spoiled brat.”
And honestly? After seven books of the series, Morris’ little “jokes” are starting to really tick me off, because they only serve to reinforce some negative stereotypes and encourage kids to view the world that way. Abbey is still weirdly sexualized (Morris makes a point to always highlight her as a flirt, even by adult men), and Sarah continues as the personification of “not like other girls” even as Josh constantly discusses the stereotypical differences in men and women’s behavior. There’s an overall commentary on women and their beauty, often through insensitive jokes about weight and appearance. For the second (and not the last) time in the series, Morris uses a redheaded woman as a spoiled, bitter-tongued character who needs to be taught a lesson. Add in the usual “men don’t cry” ideology, a very racist depiction of an island tribe, and a genuinely shocking watermelon stereotype featuring Wash, and I was pretty ticked off at Morris by the time I finished the story.
Voyage of the Dolphin also features even new and improved inconsistencies with previous books in The Seven Sleepers series, including but not limited to:
• Wash is now the same age as Jake Garfield and Abbey (fourteen) after being one year younger than them for all the previous books.
• Dave is sixteen once again after being fifteen in books one through four, sixteen in book five, and fifteen again in book six.
• Sarah has brown eyes again after having blue eyes but only in Empress of the Underworld.
• Reb Jackson is now terrified of water after showing no fear of it in The Gates of Neptune, and Josh and Sarah have switched their previous fears of heights and snakes respectively.
• Jake apparently is the talented cook of the Sleepers’ group, after never having shown a proclivity for it while Sarah did all the cooking.
• Not an inconsistency with previous books, but Dawn is described multiple times as a redhead, but she is painted with black hair on the cover of the book. The cover of Voyage of the Dolphin also has very little to do with anything that happens in the story.
The highlight of Voyage of the Dolphin is the illustrations, which are a consistent asset to The Seven Sleepers series and which I don’t think I’ve mentioned before now. Unfortunately, the handful of illustrations are the best thing about Voyage of the Dolphin, which, alongside, The Caves That Time Forgot, is probably one of the weakest books of the whole series. Morris just can’t seem to find his footing, and it’s taking a toll on the series.
The Seven Sleepers get a reprieve from their constant harrowing quests in service of their spiritual leader Goél, joining the crew of Captain Ryland Daybright aboard his ship the Dolphin to transport a spoiled young woman named Dawn Catalina to her arranged marriage on a nearby island. However, the sea journey is cut short by a fierce hurricane that leaves the passengers of the Dolphin stranded on an island inhabited by giants, and the adventurers are soon captured and kept as pets by Olina, a young giantess whose father wants to sell them as curiosities. As Dawn learns humility and kindness, the Sleepers must learn to trust their instincts and the power of Goél to save them.
On the surface, the concept of Voyage of the Dolphin isn’t too bad: teenagers go on a wild ocean adventure and end up stranded and captured by giants, relying on their wits to escape. Olina’s character and home are unfortunately unexplored, as the land of the giants makes for a pretty interesting contrast to the world the Sleepers are used to. A few of the Sleepers get some nice moments — Wash Jones takes center stage at first as a natural-born sailor, Abbey Roberts showcases her character development from Empress of the Underworld, — and Morris includes a little nod to “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” with his albatross moment.
Still, I get the feeling that Morris had no idea what he wanted to do with this book — there is no mention of the Dark Lord Necros or his constant plans to catch the Sleepers. At this point in the series, we should be having some serious tension building for the final battle, as well as some deeper characterization for the Sleepers and definitely some theology behind Goél. The dialogue is pretty basic, and the worldbuilding is so sloppy and inconsistent that it’s almost laughable (Nuworld inhabitants have never heard of chocolate or television, but they have a functional postal service, still sing “Here Comes the Bride” at weddings, and… speak Middle English in some cases?). The Sleepers also have no clear protagonist in this novel, and Dave Cooper is notoriously absent as he has been ever since The Caves That Time Forgot. Voyage of the Dolphin also features (1) no appearances from Goél, (2) no Christ-centric allegory whatsoever, and (3) no lesson learned by any of the Sleepers. They seem to come to the conclusion that Goél expects them to get out of some situations on their own, and the primary lesson to the whole story is “don’t be a spoiled brat.”
And honestly? After seven books of the series, Morris’ little “jokes” are starting to really tick me off, because they only serve to reinforce some negative stereotypes and encourage kids to view the world that way. Abbey is still weirdly sexualized (Morris makes a point to always highlight her as a flirt, even by adult men), and Sarah continues as the personification of “not like other girls” even as Josh constantly discusses the stereotypical differences in men and women’s behavior. There’s an overall commentary on women and their beauty, often through insensitive jokes about weight and appearance. For the second (and not the last) time in the series, Morris uses a redheaded woman as a spoiled, bitter-tongued character who needs to be taught a lesson. Add in the usual “men don’t cry” ideology, a very racist depiction of an island tribe, and a genuinely shocking watermelon stereotype featuring Wash, and I was pretty ticked off at Morris by the time I finished the story.
Voyage of the Dolphin also features even new and improved inconsistencies with previous books in The Seven Sleepers series, including but not limited to:
• Wash is now the same age as Jake Garfield and Abbey (fourteen) after being one year younger than them for all the previous books.
• Dave is sixteen once again after being fifteen in books one through four, sixteen in book five, and fifteen again in book six.
• Sarah has brown eyes again after having blue eyes but only in Empress of the Underworld.
• Reb Jackson is now terrified of water after showing no fear of it in The Gates of Neptune, and Josh and Sarah have switched their previous fears of heights and snakes respectively.
• Jake apparently is the talented cook of the Sleepers’ group, after never having shown a proclivity for it while Sarah did all the cooking.
• Not an inconsistency with previous books, but Dawn is described multiple times as a redhead, but she is painted with black hair on the cover of the book. The cover of Voyage of the Dolphin also has very little to do with anything that happens in the story.
The highlight of Voyage of the Dolphin is the illustrations, which are a consistent asset to The Seven Sleepers series and which I don’t think I’ve mentioned before now. Unfortunately, the handful of illustrations are the best thing about Voyage of the Dolphin, which, alongside, The Caves That Time Forgot, is probably one of the weakest books of the whole series. Morris just can’t seem to find his footing, and it’s taking a toll on the series.
December 20, 2024
If I asked Josh, "What is your favorite pastime?", I am pretty sure he would say hugging and holding the hands of girls. Just an observation. If I asked Sarah, it would be acting annoyed with Josh and then saying his full name... So then he hugs you.
But, just when I thought the romance couldn't get any worse they kiss! Oh my goodness! I thought this was a kids book?!? Eww!
Anyways, after I tried to survive that romantic moment I finished the book. So, here's the pros and cons.
Pros: We got less cheesiness and a climax and resolution that lasted for a good amount of time. I couldn't tell exactly who this book's hero was, but I think it was wise on the part of Morris (finally) to take a book off to develop the character traits of the Sleepers. But, Reb was from Texas in this book... I like to call him Reb Harris. He never knows where he is from.. One thing is sure, it was probably a middle-class family.
Apparently now the Sleepers are all Gordon Ramseys... They can cook up a storm out of nothing. Of course there is always Wash wishing for a quarter pounder, but let me be honest, that is not what I would miss if I woke up in a post-apocalyptic world.. And Reb always wants hominy grits...
Cons: We love everbody and everybody loves us.. Once again there is a beautiful girl and a dashing man. I mean how much more temptation can the Sleepers take?
And the kiss.. Oh the pain!! The Kiss!! I can't stress enough how unnecessary the kiss was. I will not speak of it again..
The ki-.. I mean they came up with a plan to save the two non-Sleeper friends and we don't even get the plan (old news) and then they never even tell us what happens!
Besides that, somewhow the Giants in different lands speak the same language as everyone else.. I don't know.
Conclusion: I realized I spend too much time writing these reviews on books that honestly don't deserve them... This book wasn't bad but it was slooooooow. Very slow. There was very, very little action. Anyways, I hope no. 8 is better. I need a good one.
But, just when I thought the romance couldn't get any worse they kiss! Oh my goodness! I thought this was a kids book?!? Eww!
Anyways, after I tried to survive that romantic moment I finished the book. So, here's the pros and cons.
Pros: We got less cheesiness and a climax and resolution that lasted for a good amount of time. I couldn't tell exactly who this book's hero was, but I think it was wise on the part of Morris (finally) to take a book off to develop the character traits of the Sleepers. But, Reb was from Texas in this book... I like to call him Reb Harris. He never knows where he is from.. One thing is sure, it was probably a middle-class family.
Apparently now the Sleepers are all Gordon Ramseys... They can cook up a storm out of nothing. Of course there is always Wash wishing for a quarter pounder, but let me be honest, that is not what I would miss if I woke up in a post-apocalyptic world.. And Reb always wants hominy grits...
Cons: We love everbody and everybody loves us.. Once again there is a beautiful girl and a dashing man. I mean how much more temptation can the Sleepers take?
And the kiss.. Oh the pain!! The Kiss!! I can't stress enough how unnecessary the kiss was. I will not speak of it again..
The ki-.. I mean they came up with a plan to save the two non-Sleeper friends and we don't even get the plan (old news) and then they never even tell us what happens!
Besides that, somewhow the Giants in different lands speak the same language as everyone else.. I don't know.
Conclusion: I realized I spend too much time writing these reviews on books that honestly don't deserve them... This book wasn't bad but it was slooooooow. Very slow. There was very, very little action. Anyways, I hope no. 8 is better. I need a good one.
February 17, 2025
Linear storyline, predicatable from the beginning yadyadayada... Finished my second book this year.
December 26, 2024
Not the best of the series due to a weird pacing in certain parts, and some weird fundie vibes, but overall still a really fun adventure that pays homage to stories like Voyage of the Dawn Treader (maybe that's why the girls name is Dawn), and Gulliver's Travels.
Taking the perspective of two non "Seven Sleepers" was a really fresh idea too.
I had forgotten how much I love this series.
Taking the perspective of two non "Seven Sleepers" was a really fresh idea too.
I had forgotten how much I love this series.
August 23, 2017
This is number seven in a nice little series about seven teenagers. Their adventures take them to an island of giants from which they must escape. They had landed here when their ship was destroyed by a storm that pushed it onto the rocks. The young people were a crew for Captain Daybright who has been commissioned to carry a young woman to become the bride of a king. She is beautiful but haughty and selfish. The trip helps her discover who she can really be and become a new bride, not of a king, but of someone much kinder and gentler. The teenage crew are captured by a giant who begins to sell these little people to make money. Emprisoned in a box or a small cage, they need to escape to continue their voyage. What happens from there is up to the next reader to discover.
March 10, 2022
I think pushing the learning off onto a person who isn't a Sleeper made this one a bit weaker.
July 6, 2008
This series is great if you're a parent and you want to train your children to love long fantasy series.
As an adult, it's kind of stupid. Still, it entertained me as a child.
As an adult, it's kind of stupid. Still, it entertained me as a child.
August 6, 2008
Wanted to get a taste of his YA stff. There are a lot of better books out there, but this was OK.
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April 27, 2010F MOR ss bk.7
February 22, 2011
This series is interesting...its made for kids like 12 and under or something so its kinda cliche and the covers are SUPER lame..but the author has skills when it comes to writing.;)
July 9, 2012
Another favorite, because it was on the ocean, & because I've always wanted to go sailing. Plus, I liked the dynamic added by the sea captain & the rich girl.
August 14, 2021
That was weird. Goel never shows up. It is as if Morris wanted to do a pirate themed monster-of-the-week book and shoehorned it into the series. But it was decent and romantic.
July 8, 2025
Brady: 4 stars
Bishop: 4.5 stars
Bishop: 4.5 stars
September 12, 2008
The whole vacationing prospect really was not the most enjoyable idea in this series.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews