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Prisoners of the Sea
Amidst the tumult of life at sea, myriad adventures of piracy, capture, and escape stand in contrast to the heroic, steady determination of Huguenot heritage. The final chapter adds to the intensity as it meets us head-on with a bolt from the blue, making an unexpected, legendary disclosure!
416 pages, Hardcover
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112 people want to read
About the author
Florence Morse Kingsley
109 books27 followersFlorence Morse Kingsley (July 14, 1859 – November 7, 1937) was an American authoress of popular and religious fiction.
Florence Morse Kingsley was born in Poe, Medina County, Ohio, to artists Eleanor Ecob and Jonathan Bradley Morse. Florence grew up in Brecksville Township, Ohio where her parents were educators in the local school district.
Florence Morse was a student at Wellesley College from 1876 to 1879. However, she had to leave before graduating because of a severe eye problem. She married Reverend Charles Rawson Kingsley, son of Frances Elizabeth Rawson and Charles Clark Kingsley on July 12, 1882 in Utica, New York. Dr. Charles and Mrs Florence Kingsley had five children: Charles Rawson Kingsley, Jr., Donald Morse Kingsley, Grace Ecob Kingsley, James Morse Kingsley, and John Bradley Kingsley.
Florence Morse Kingsley was a contemporary of fellow writer Lew Wallace, the author of Ben-Hur.
When Kingsley was thirty-five, a publisher held a writing competition to obtain the best manuscript that would inspire a child’s faith for Christ. It was in this contest that Florence Kingsley submitted her manuscript for Titus: A Comrade of the Cross. In six weeks, 200,000 copies had been printed to meet demand. She later published two other works of Christian fiction: the sequel to her original entitled Stephen: A Soldier of the Cross, and the epic tale The Cross Triumphant.
Kingsley was featured in, and a contributing writer to, the Ladies' Home Journal.
(from Wikipedia)
Florence Morse Kingsley was born in Poe, Medina County, Ohio, to artists Eleanor Ecob and Jonathan Bradley Morse. Florence grew up in Brecksville Township, Ohio where her parents were educators in the local school district.
Florence Morse was a student at Wellesley College from 1876 to 1879. However, she had to leave before graduating because of a severe eye problem. She married Reverend Charles Rawson Kingsley, son of Frances Elizabeth Rawson and Charles Clark Kingsley on July 12, 1882 in Utica, New York. Dr. Charles and Mrs Florence Kingsley had five children: Charles Rawson Kingsley, Jr., Donald Morse Kingsley, Grace Ecob Kingsley, James Morse Kingsley, and John Bradley Kingsley.
Florence Morse Kingsley was a contemporary of fellow writer Lew Wallace, the author of Ben-Hur.
When Kingsley was thirty-five, a publisher held a writing competition to obtain the best manuscript that would inspire a child’s faith for Christ. It was in this contest that Florence Kingsley submitted her manuscript for Titus: A Comrade of the Cross. In six weeks, 200,000 copies had been printed to meet demand. She later published two other works of Christian fiction: the sequel to her original entitled Stephen: A Soldier of the Cross, and the epic tale The Cross Triumphant.
Kingsley was featured in, and a contributing writer to, the Ladies' Home Journal.
(from Wikipedia)
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 7, 2021
My mom originally read this book aloud to us kids, and then I reread it again recently, and loved it both times. It is one of those books that is amazing and new and fresh every time you read it, and as you go you suddenly start to remember what is going to happen and you can feel goosebumps standing up on your neck because something was just foreshadowed or you realized something you didn't before. Because it is one of those books that covers all my favorite genres in one (action/adventure, mystery, [some] romance, and historical fiction) I have to place it as one of my favorites of all time. It also is long, giving time for lots of plot threads and character development. I liked all the characters, even the bad guys were well done, the plot was thicker than mashed potatoes, the characters Christian faith actually effected them (I loved Winter's interaction with the pastor), and overall awesome. I think my favorite characters had to be Winters and the pirate guy whose name I forget. Also the real life history that goes on with the man in the iron mask is pretty fascinating! This book is most definitely a good read for anyone who likes more classical literature.
As I recall there were some intense scenes, so I would recommend it for 12+
As I recall there were some intense scenes, so I would recommend it for 12+
November 24, 2013
Prisoners of the Sea was an action packed, high-seas adventure that had me turning pages in growing anticipation!
One very unique aspect that I loved about this story is that you don't find out the solution to the mystery until (literally) the last pages! I would never have guessed! It was so interesting and I really liked how things turned out.
Being a lover of nautical things myself, I really enjoyed the major sections of this book that took place on board the different ships, and one of my favorite characters was Winters- the gruff old sailor. (I REALLY liked his follow-up at the end. :))
I was happily surprised by this book- most novels that are a bit older and are nearly 400 pages seem to start dragging by the end (at least in my opinion); but Prisoners of the Sea didn't have a boring sentence between the front and back covers!
I would (and will) highly recommend this book to everyone!
One very unique aspect that I loved about this story is that you don't find out the solution to the mystery until (literally) the last pages! I would never have guessed! It was so interesting and I really liked how things turned out.
Being a lover of nautical things myself, I really enjoyed the major sections of this book that took place on board the different ships, and one of my favorite characters was Winters- the gruff old sailor. (I REALLY liked his follow-up at the end. :))
I was happily surprised by this book- most novels that are a bit older and are nearly 400 pages seem to start dragging by the end (at least in my opinion); but Prisoners of the Sea didn't have a boring sentence between the front and back covers!
I would (and will) highly recommend this book to everyone!
November 20, 2011
LOVED this book!! The setting is different than I expected because it is manly focused on a random isolated island near the Azores. My first thought was that it would be more centered on a ship sailing the seas, but I still really liked the setting. The ending was a little surprising though. It was really interesting when the history of that era kept coming into play. The book kept my attention the whole time...I could hardly put it down! I recommend it wholeheartedly.
March 2, 2019
Okay, like—this book!!!!! It was amazing! Full of mystery, deep and exciting characters, adventure and with a great message to boot? Who could ask for a better read? I do believe it is one of my TOP favorites from Lamplighter Publishing. I will definitely read it again!
Florence M. Kingsley has created a fantastic work of literature here, people! She also wrote ‘Titus: A Comrade of the Cross’ and many others as well. If you like historical fiction you should definitely check her out!
Florence M. Kingsley has created a fantastic work of literature here, people! She also wrote ‘Titus: A Comrade of the Cross’ and many others as well. If you like historical fiction you should definitely check her out!
March 12, 2012
If you have any doubts about how much I love this book I will just say this. The main characters name is Henri Baillot. I commandeered his last name for my pen-name.
I read this book about three or four years ago and have read it about five or so times since. I love the story, full of unexpected events and adventure, and I love Baillot. The ending was wonderful, nothing I was expecting.
The story is about five ship wrecked people who end up on a mysterious island that was recently inhabited though everyone now has mysteriously vanished. While on the island, Baillot is kidnapped and taken to England. he is determined to get back to his friends and runs into pirates along the way while being chased by the English who thinks he is someone terribly important. But who?
I highly recommend this wonderful book.
I read this book about three or four years ago and have read it about five or so times since. I love the story, full of unexpected events and adventure, and I love Baillot. The ending was wonderful, nothing I was expecting.
The story is about five ship wrecked people who end up on a mysterious island that was recently inhabited though everyone now has mysteriously vanished. While on the island, Baillot is kidnapped and taken to England. he is determined to get back to his friends and runs into pirates along the way while being chased by the English who thinks he is someone terribly important. But who?
I highly recommend this wonderful book.
March 11, 2010
An excellent excellent story!! It starts off a bit slow, but after while I couldn't put it down!! A thrilling, often frightening, tale of five shipwrecked people who find a mysterious island chateau curiously well kept, but apparently abandoned. A tale full of intrigue, pirates, madmen, convicts, shipwrecks, political scandal, and a very convincing explanation of that curious being "The Man in the Iron Mask".
September 29, 2017
This was such a wonderful book. I loved getting a little peek into the lives of the Huguenots, it really has peaked my interest to study them more. God’s sovereignty in this book is the true hero as well as the power of godly character. There was a few loose ends that weren’t tied up and I was left with some questions, but over all it was a very engaging book.
April 5, 2010
I absolutely love this book!!!! I love piraty/sea adventure books so this book was perfect. Though I wasn't so sure about how the lovers met at the end, it's still a sweet romance book (which occurs at the time of King Louis XIV). I'll definitely be reading this again!
August 28, 2012
This is definitely one of my favorite books!!! I loved everything, from the perilous adventures to the romance. And, best of all, this book is so historical! If you are looking for an exciting, edge-of-your-seat, inspiring read, this book is for you.
January 5, 2014
One of the advantages of our approach toward homeschooling is that we created a culture of reading aloud as a family. Having not done this in a while, and having missed it, we read this one together after a long hiatus. What fun!
I pulled this book off the shelf to read because it was one I had bought for homeschooling that we had never gotten to. I remember buying it from a Lamplighter booth at a homeschooling convention years ago. Our oldest daughter was still homeschooling at the time; she was friends with a kid named Josh who was an admirable fellow, and son to those manning the booth. In an effort to be conversational and supportive, I asked him what his favorite book was among their offerings and he recommended this one– so I bought it. But after all these years, we had never read it aloud.... until now.
Well, Josh knew how to pick them. We really enjoyed this tale of high adventure about God-loving Huguenots. First they were shipwrecked on the high seas, then there was a kidnapping, then a foiled elopement and an escape, followed by pirates what were bested by integrity instead of violence, then they were captive, then marooned, then...at long last after countless convolutions...a happy ending. There are plenty of mysteries that kept the pages turning, full of colorful characters, some corrupted souls along with those of exemplary moral fiber, not to mention lovely, faithful, fearless maidens. It is beautifully written, and the vocabulary is rich enough that there are footnotes explaining terms, where necessary. Some of the imagery was by turns quaint or inspired.
This thoroughly satisfying read is good for a large range of ages. It is fast paced and very engaging, but in a not scary way, since God is always there to help. This makes for the perfect read aloud next to a cozy blazing fire on chilly winter evenings with listeners whose hands are busy knitting or puttering over jigsaw puzzles. We gave it four stars.
I pulled this book off the shelf to read because it was one I had bought for homeschooling that we had never gotten to. I remember buying it from a Lamplighter booth at a homeschooling convention years ago. Our oldest daughter was still homeschooling at the time; she was friends with a kid named Josh who was an admirable fellow, and son to those manning the booth. In an effort to be conversational and supportive, I asked him what his favorite book was among their offerings and he recommended this one– so I bought it. But after all these years, we had never read it aloud.... until now.
Well, Josh knew how to pick them. We really enjoyed this tale of high adventure about God-loving Huguenots. First they were shipwrecked on the high seas, then there was a kidnapping, then a foiled elopement and an escape, followed by pirates what were bested by integrity instead of violence, then they were captive, then marooned, then...at long last after countless convolutions...a happy ending. There are plenty of mysteries that kept the pages turning, full of colorful characters, some corrupted souls along with those of exemplary moral fiber, not to mention lovely, faithful, fearless maidens. It is beautifully written, and the vocabulary is rich enough that there are footnotes explaining terms, where necessary. Some of the imagery was by turns quaint or inspired.
This thoroughly satisfying read is good for a large range of ages. It is fast paced and very engaging, but in a not scary way, since God is always there to help. This makes for the perfect read aloud next to a cozy blazing fire on chilly winter evenings with listeners whose hands are busy knitting or puttering over jigsaw puzzles. We gave it four stars.
November 5, 2013
I loved this book. The characters and fleeing-Huguenots setting fascinated me, the plot had several twists and turns and an aura of enchantment and mystery so pervaded the entire book that several scenes downright gave me chills. However, the pacing did drag at times, the denouement was rushed and several loose ends were left dangling. "Dead men in the basement" is now a metaphor for "unexplained plot elements" with a friend of mine, because of this book.
October 26, 2013
I don't recommend it. The story seemed to repeat over and over again. The book would have been so much better if it were half of the length. It seemed like the author kept putting the characters in a series of misfortunes, not to move the story along, but to point out time after time that God is all powerful.
July 9, 2013
Once again Florence Morse Kingsley hasn't let me down; I was greatly surprised through-out the whole book. I especially loved how the author interwove history into this amazing story!
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January 4, 2017I couldn't put this one down. I actually finished it the same day I started it, but I had to go back a reread a couple of thing to understand everything.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews