What do you think?
Rate this book
The Traitor of Treasure Island
Buried for nearly three hundred years and now brought triumphantly to light by Dr Livesey, this is, at last, the true story of what happened on the fateful Treasure Island…
The truth about Captain Flint and his fabled death.
The truth about Long John Silver and his coveted wife.
And the truth about Jim Hawkins, that double-dealing turncoat of the first order: the traitor of Treasure Island.
The truth about Captain Flint and his fabled death.
The truth about Long John Silver and his coveted wife.
And the truth about Jim Hawkins, that double-dealing turncoat of the first order: the traitor of Treasure Island.
352 pages, Paperback
First published June 12, 2019
214 people are currently reading
1958 people want to read
About the author
John Drake
21 books162 followersJust in case anyone's interested ... my latest Fletcher (Flying Machine) is up and running and selling well. Happy days.
I have just finished the third of my Londinium books (that's Roman London AD 100) and it should be out later this year: 'Gods in Londium'. My usual mixture of bloodstained savagery, plus authentic period detail.
Moving further on ...
'The Fletcher Companion' (all you need to know about Fletcher and his world), will also be available some time this year.
Beyond that, the next Fletcher for March 2023 (if the Lord spares me) will be 'Fletcher and the Constitution'. That's the US Constitution, and it's in deadly peril.
Mind how you go.
John Drake
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
January 5, 2020
This book revives the spirit of 'Treasure Island'. If you ever read the original you definitely should have a look into this novel. It kind of re-tells the known history with many background information not known so far. Besides Captain Flint is alive (so we finally meet the most notorious pirate)! You'll learn who's the real traitor of Treasure Island (makes you think about your reading experience back then with the original and sounds very plausible). The characters are excellently described (Dr Livesey is the main narrator) and you feel like reading a commented and expanded edition of the original. Wonderful pastiche. With this book the author managed to bring back the old love for my favourite book in childhood. Fascinating to hear about the further destinies of the main characters (e.g. Long John Silver, Dr Livesey or Ben Gunn). What a glorious return to Treasure Island. Must read. 'So here's to ourselves, and hold your luff, plenty of prizes and plenty of duff!'
July 3, 2019
Pirates, buried treasure, secret maps, sailing ships, smugglers, and adventure on the high seas make for an exciting tale that rivals the original. Discover what really happened.
Jim Hawkins is unmasked by his false facts in the true story of "Treasure Island".
‘The boy Jim Hawkins of Treasure Island, has grown to become the notorious Sir James “Slippery Jim” Hawkins, perpetual member of parliament for Trelawney West, who — following his recent trial — is to be transported to Australia for crimes too depraved to be named.’
Find out about this turn of events in the recently found papers of Doctor David Livesey, the ship’s doctor of the Treasure Island expedition.
I must keep silent regarding the monstrous calumny of lies and distortion that has been published by Jim Hawkins, concerning Squire Trelawney’s expedition to the treasure island. Likewise I must be silent regarding the personal character of that selfish, lying, traitorous little monster that, beyond all understanding, is the beloved son of Mrs Charlotte.
He appeared innocent despite having — in full degree and to excess — the carnal appetites of a full-grown man, and spent his Sundays not in church, but in beastly fornication with the whores of Polmouth. Even on weekdays he could not stroll down George Street, the main thoroughfare of Polmouth, without receiving knowing winks from every strumpet that passed him by, since they all knew him as a client.
An unattainable love
The real reason that I went so often to the Admiral Benbow was to seize any chance to meet, to gaze upon and to have conversation with the woman of my dreams, even though she could never be mine; because my Charlotte was married to Mr Andrew Hawkins, supposed father of their darling boy Jim. Alas my tragedy! Alas my addiction to the unreachable! But I could not keep myself from at least seeing the lady while making best attempts to keep decent cover over my feelings.
Billy Bones - sailor or pirate?
‘I done bad things, Doctor,’ he said, ‘things even Jesus won’t forgive.’
‘Come now, Mr Bones,’ I said, ‘there is salvation for those who repent.’
‘Not for me, Doctor. ‘I burned ships, and I killed men in their beds, and all because I sailed along o’ Flint.’
. . .
Billy Bones was speaking of a girl he’d once loved.
‘Sweethearts we was,’ he said, ‘after I saved her and her pa from pirates, aboard the West Indiaman Isabelle Bligh, homebound for England. Her name was Olivia Rose: Livvy Rose, I called her, and I promised her I’d be a good boy.’ He sighed and looked down at his boots. ‘But I weren’t no good boy, ’cos I sailed along o’ Flint.’
So powerful was the name of Flint that it brought me back to my surroundings.
‘Do you mean Flint the pirate?’ I asked.
‘The very same,’ he said.
. . .
‘Then were you too… a pirate?’
‘Was I a pirate, says you?’ He put his head on one side. ‘Are you asking as a man or as a magistrate?’
‘As a man.’
‘Then yes. I was a pirate. I was Flint’s first mate, and one of the worst aboard, and my only hope is that even the Devil won’t take me when the time comes, ’cos Saint Peter won’t let me come aboard. Not him! Not no-how! Not Billy Bones.’
The mysteriously evil Captain Flint opposing Long John Silver.
‘And how do you know that Billy Bones has the papers?’
‘I was listening when they all thought I was dead, and I have made enquiries since.’
‘So you do know about Billy Bones — and Silver don’t?’
‘Yes,’ said the gentleman, ‘ I know, and he does not, and I am therefore a better man than he.’
‘But you were so close in all things,’ said Seagrove.
‘Yes,’ agreed the gentleman, ‘it was always the two of us.’
‘Long John Silver as quartermaster,’ said Seagrove, ‘and yourself as captain… Captain Flint.’
Jim Hawkins tries blackmail.
‘And so, Doctor, we come to yourself. We come to yourself and my mother,’ and he gave a leering, sniggering wink, ‘my mother, my own dear mother, upon whom you gaze with such hot desire as would melt pewter pots into puddles. And we come to the fact that I won’t go telling all the neighbours, provided you pay me…’
I never did find out how much he wanted, or how often he wanted to be paid, because I fell upon him in that instant and took him by the collar, and dragged him into the stables, and slammed the doors to keep the noise inside. Then I found a horse-whip and gave him the finest thrashing of his life.
The feud.
‘Then, as I have told others,’ he said, ‘you may leave Mr Silver to me.’ In which bold words — and with unique rarity — Flint spoke with a confidence that he did not have. Instead, he had the unshakable conviction that he would never have peace in this world unless he found Silver and killed him once and for all.
After which, he would take hold of Silver’s wife.
Selena of the wondrous beauty.
‘So it is Flint,’ said Selena, ‘we only thought it was him before, and now we know!’
In the back room of the Spyglass Tavern, the men sitting round the table looked at her and nodded agreement. They nodded because she was Silver’s wife and respected for it, but also because she fascinated them as a woman of exotic beauty, born a black slave but now a free woman in a gown fit for a duchess. She was young, neat and shapely, with large eyes and much grace of movement, but more than that she had the wondrous, indefinable quality that makes men worship one woman while another — equal in face and figure — is regarded merely as pretty.
Selena and Silver made a striking pair: she so dark and small, and he so fair and large, for he was far taller than most men, with fair hair, a broad face, fastidiously clean and with big, strong hands. When standing, Silver leaned on a crutch to take the place of his left leg, which had been cut off at the hip.
The treasure map hints at the untold riches of Captain Flint.
‘Look!’ he said. ‘It’s detailed directions!’ He read out snatches at random: ‘From Anvil Rock twenty-four paces north-north-west … cross uneven ground much fallen into swamp … six paces from the biggest tree,’ his voice grew shrill with excitement as he read the final words, ‘…here dig six feet deep to find the treasure… Squire! Doctor!’ Jim cried, his pretty, greedy eyes shining in his pretty, greedy head. ‘These are detailed directions leading to buried treasure!’
What follows are tales of honour and deceit, bravery and treachery, musket shot and knives, and waiting at the end - golden treasure.
An unexpected bonus - take delight with two love stories - Mrs Charlotte Hawkins & Doctor Liversey and Selena & Long John Silver.
A glorious end for all except Jim Hawkins
Enjoy!
The good people of Endeavour Media | Independent publisher of timeless stories sent me this book in return for my unbiased review.
Expected publication: August 19th 2019 by Endeavour Quill
Jim Hawkins is unmasked by his false facts in the true story of "Treasure Island".
‘The boy Jim Hawkins of Treasure Island, has grown to become the notorious Sir James “Slippery Jim” Hawkins, perpetual member of parliament for Trelawney West, who — following his recent trial — is to be transported to Australia for crimes too depraved to be named.’
Find out about this turn of events in the recently found papers of Doctor David Livesey, the ship’s doctor of the Treasure Island expedition.
I must keep silent regarding the monstrous calumny of lies and distortion that has been published by Jim Hawkins, concerning Squire Trelawney’s expedition to the treasure island. Likewise I must be silent regarding the personal character of that selfish, lying, traitorous little monster that, beyond all understanding, is the beloved son of Mrs Charlotte.
He appeared innocent despite having — in full degree and to excess — the carnal appetites of a full-grown man, and spent his Sundays not in church, but in beastly fornication with the whores of Polmouth. Even on weekdays he could not stroll down George Street, the main thoroughfare of Polmouth, without receiving knowing winks from every strumpet that passed him by, since they all knew him as a client.
An unattainable love
The real reason that I went so often to the Admiral Benbow was to seize any chance to meet, to gaze upon and to have conversation with the woman of my dreams, even though she could never be mine; because my Charlotte was married to Mr Andrew Hawkins, supposed father of their darling boy Jim. Alas my tragedy! Alas my addiction to the unreachable! But I could not keep myself from at least seeing the lady while making best attempts to keep decent cover over my feelings.
Billy Bones - sailor or pirate?
‘I done bad things, Doctor,’ he said, ‘things even Jesus won’t forgive.’
‘Come now, Mr Bones,’ I said, ‘there is salvation for those who repent.’
‘Not for me, Doctor. ‘I burned ships, and I killed men in their beds, and all because I sailed along o’ Flint.’
. . .
Billy Bones was speaking of a girl he’d once loved.
‘Sweethearts we was,’ he said, ‘after I saved her and her pa from pirates, aboard the West Indiaman Isabelle Bligh, homebound for England. Her name was Olivia Rose: Livvy Rose, I called her, and I promised her I’d be a good boy.’ He sighed and looked down at his boots. ‘But I weren’t no good boy, ’cos I sailed along o’ Flint.’
So powerful was the name of Flint that it brought me back to my surroundings.
‘Do you mean Flint the pirate?’ I asked.
‘The very same,’ he said.
. . .
‘Then were you too… a pirate?’
‘Was I a pirate, says you?’ He put his head on one side. ‘Are you asking as a man or as a magistrate?’
‘As a man.’
‘Then yes. I was a pirate. I was Flint’s first mate, and one of the worst aboard, and my only hope is that even the Devil won’t take me when the time comes, ’cos Saint Peter won’t let me come aboard. Not him! Not no-how! Not Billy Bones.’
The mysteriously evil Captain Flint opposing Long John Silver.
‘And how do you know that Billy Bones has the papers?’
‘I was listening when they all thought I was dead, and I have made enquiries since.’
‘So you do know about Billy Bones — and Silver don’t?’
‘Yes,’ said the gentleman, ‘ I know, and he does not, and I am therefore a better man than he.’
‘But you were so close in all things,’ said Seagrove.
‘Yes,’ agreed the gentleman, ‘it was always the two of us.’
‘Long John Silver as quartermaster,’ said Seagrove, ‘and yourself as captain… Captain Flint.’
Jim Hawkins tries blackmail.
‘And so, Doctor, we come to yourself. We come to yourself and my mother,’ and he gave a leering, sniggering wink, ‘my mother, my own dear mother, upon whom you gaze with such hot desire as would melt pewter pots into puddles. And we come to the fact that I won’t go telling all the neighbours, provided you pay me…’
I never did find out how much he wanted, or how often he wanted to be paid, because I fell upon him in that instant and took him by the collar, and dragged him into the stables, and slammed the doors to keep the noise inside. Then I found a horse-whip and gave him the finest thrashing of his life.
The feud.
‘Then, as I have told others,’ he said, ‘you may leave Mr Silver to me.’ In which bold words — and with unique rarity — Flint spoke with a confidence that he did not have. Instead, he had the unshakable conviction that he would never have peace in this world unless he found Silver and killed him once and for all.
After which, he would take hold of Silver’s wife.
Selena of the wondrous beauty.
‘So it is Flint,’ said Selena, ‘we only thought it was him before, and now we know!’
In the back room of the Spyglass Tavern, the men sitting round the table looked at her and nodded agreement. They nodded because she was Silver’s wife and respected for it, but also because she fascinated them as a woman of exotic beauty, born a black slave but now a free woman in a gown fit for a duchess. She was young, neat and shapely, with large eyes and much grace of movement, but more than that she had the wondrous, indefinable quality that makes men worship one woman while another — equal in face and figure — is regarded merely as pretty.
Selena and Silver made a striking pair: she so dark and small, and he so fair and large, for he was far taller than most men, with fair hair, a broad face, fastidiously clean and with big, strong hands. When standing, Silver leaned on a crutch to take the place of his left leg, which had been cut off at the hip.
The treasure map hints at the untold riches of Captain Flint.
‘Look!’ he said. ‘It’s detailed directions!’ He read out snatches at random: ‘From Anvil Rock twenty-four paces north-north-west … cross uneven ground much fallen into swamp … six paces from the biggest tree,’ his voice grew shrill with excitement as he read the final words, ‘…here dig six feet deep to find the treasure… Squire! Doctor!’ Jim cried, his pretty, greedy eyes shining in his pretty, greedy head. ‘These are detailed directions leading to buried treasure!’
What follows are tales of honour and deceit, bravery and treachery, musket shot and knives, and waiting at the end - golden treasure.
An unexpected bonus - take delight with two love stories - Mrs Charlotte Hawkins & Doctor Liversey and Selena & Long John Silver.
A glorious end for all except Jim Hawkins
Enjoy!
The good people of Endeavour Media | Independent publisher of timeless stories sent me this book in return for my unbiased review.
Expected publication: August 19th 2019 by Endeavour Quill
August 8, 2019
Although John Drake’s reimagining of Robert Louis Stevenson’s much-loved classic can be enjoyed by those who’ve never read Treasure Island, readers who have will be best placed to recognise the author’s changes and flights of imagination. The latter include romantic attachments, illegitimate parentage and the resurrection of a notable figure.
Having said that, many of the best known characters from the original book remain such as Jim Hawkins, Long John Silver, Squire Trelawny, Dr. Livesey, Blind Pew and Ben Gunn. In some cases, however, they think and act rather differently than in Treasure Island. The author also introduces a ‘heroine in peril’ and a side story of cunning and ruthless revenge.
In his Q&A on YouTube, John Drake explains he never really liked the character Jim Hawkins in Treasure Island and decided to make him ‘seriously bad’ in his reimagining of Stevenson’s original. Jim Hawkins certainly goes from ‘hero to zero’ being depicted as a coward, liar, womaniser and traitor. The author even gets his final revenge by setting Jim on the path to a future career in a now rather discredited profession. In the author’s hands, Dr. Livesey becomes the hero of the piece and the narrator (via his journal) of much of the action.
The author’s in-depth historical knowledge and extensive research is evident in the details of navigation, weaponry and procedures aboard a sailing ship of the time, and also in the action scenes. As such The Traitor of Treasure Island will appeal to fans of naval adventure fiction by the likes of Alexander Kent, Patrick O’Brien or C.S. Forester as well as to those familiar with Stevenson’s original.
The Traitor of Treasure Island is a swashbuckling, action-packed story complete with maps of buried treasure, mutinous crew and adventure on the high seas. In the words of Squire Trelawny: “For the thrill of it! For setting out into the wide seas and the world of wonders”.
Having said that, many of the best known characters from the original book remain such as Jim Hawkins, Long John Silver, Squire Trelawny, Dr. Livesey, Blind Pew and Ben Gunn. In some cases, however, they think and act rather differently than in Treasure Island. The author also introduces a ‘heroine in peril’ and a side story of cunning and ruthless revenge.
In his Q&A on YouTube, John Drake explains he never really liked the character Jim Hawkins in Treasure Island and decided to make him ‘seriously bad’ in his reimagining of Stevenson’s original. Jim Hawkins certainly goes from ‘hero to zero’ being depicted as a coward, liar, womaniser and traitor. The author even gets his final revenge by setting Jim on the path to a future career in a now rather discredited profession. In the author’s hands, Dr. Livesey becomes the hero of the piece and the narrator (via his journal) of much of the action.
The author’s in-depth historical knowledge and extensive research is evident in the details of navigation, weaponry and procedures aboard a sailing ship of the time, and also in the action scenes. As such The Traitor of Treasure Island will appeal to fans of naval adventure fiction by the likes of Alexander Kent, Patrick O’Brien or C.S. Forester as well as to those familiar with Stevenson’s original.
The Traitor of Treasure Island is a swashbuckling, action-packed story complete with maps of buried treasure, mutinous crew and adventure on the high seas. In the words of Squire Trelawny: “For the thrill of it! For setting out into the wide seas and the world of wonders”.
September 11, 2021
It’s been a long time I read a “what if” book (and those were based on actual events. Author John Drake treats Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Treasure Island” as if it was an event in the past, personalizing his tale through the character of Dr. Livesey.
I was not far into the story when I decided to reread Stevenson’s classic, as I had not read it since grade school (and that was decades ago). It was a great help for me, as it became easy to see where Mr. Drake had finagled the story a bit as opposed to the times he drastically changed the events. “Treasure Island,” with Jim Hawkins as the young protagonist, was written to provide swashbuckling excitement for younger readers. This version is darker and grittier in sections.
I purchased the book because I was interested in the premise, and the author did not let me down. Readers are provided a story that could reasonably have been the truth. The writing reflects the time period fairly well, and I appreciated the epilogue which gives us a peek into the future lives of many of the characters who survived the island adventure.
In short, I read this book quickly. Even though I already knew the story, it was the twists and quirks and small changes that fascinated me. Fans of the original book will not be disappointed, due to the effort Mr. Drake put into the book to achieve a realistic feel. Five stars.
I was not far into the story when I decided to reread Stevenson’s classic, as I had not read it since grade school (and that was decades ago). It was a great help for me, as it became easy to see where Mr. Drake had finagled the story a bit as opposed to the times he drastically changed the events. “Treasure Island,” with Jim Hawkins as the young protagonist, was written to provide swashbuckling excitement for younger readers. This version is darker and grittier in sections.
I purchased the book because I was interested in the premise, and the author did not let me down. Readers are provided a story that could reasonably have been the truth. The writing reflects the time period fairly well, and I appreciated the epilogue which gives us a peek into the future lives of many of the characters who survived the island adventure.
In short, I read this book quickly. Even though I already knew the story, it was the twists and quirks and small changes that fascinated me. Fans of the original book will not be disappointed, due to the effort Mr. Drake put into the book to achieve a realistic feel. Five stars.
June 1, 2020
Plus one star for being a fast and easy read, minus all the other stars for a creepily obsessive narrator, a damsel in distress plotline unwilling to actually commit to its darkness, and tiny 15 year old Jim Hawkins apparently having slept with every sex worker in his hometown.
March 30, 2024
This is a brilliant retelling of my favourite book as a boy Treasure Island, John Drake is a author who I first read about twelve years ago then I first came across his John Silver trilogy(very very highly recommended) this book is quite a bit darker than the original but olso contains John Drakes humour, any one who has read his Fletcher series will know what I mean("I am just about to start a reread of these, yes they are that good) . So any one who enjoyed Treasure Island as a boy Really should not miss the fantastic retelling. VERY highly recommended, olso pick up anything else by John Drake, you will not be disappointed.
April 25, 2023
A clever and quite entertaining retelling of Treasure Island, in which it turns out Jim Hawkins' version of the story is rather less than accurate and he rather less than heroic... An enjoyable read, especial if you're familiar with the original.
March 3, 2025
I've enjoyed all 4 books in Drake's, Flint and Silver series. Discovered his work in a charity shop and haven't been able to put it down since.
August 13, 2019
The writing is good, but I'm.just not interested in the story line. I think this is just a case of the book is not right for me. 1 star because I did not finish.
April 22, 2020
A Different Tack
A college buddy quipped that as we got old, one thing we could look forward to was to read Treasure Island one more time without remembering how it comes out.
Well, author Drake has given us the opportunity to do that and without any need to wait for our memories to fade. He did that by creating a new version of the Stevenson classic which differs in so many respects that it’s quite possible to imagine a different ending and thereby rediscover the experience of reading it for the first time.
In the original, clearly aimed at adolescent boys, Jim Hawkins is the main character. While he does a few things that are not too bright that suggest he may be ambivalent about the villain Long John Silver, his integrity is never in doubt.
In the Drake version Hawkins is an unprincipled cad who just wants to be on the winning side. So he’s as one dimensional as the original but no longer suitable for teenage boys to identify with. Dr. Livesey is telling the story and he has a military background that I don’t recall from the original. Only Capt. Smollet is essentially the same. And there are two additional characters, Capt. Flint (whose death happens before the Stevenson version opens) and Silver’s wife who is mentioned in the original but readers don’t get to see her. There’s even a second ship in the new version.
So it’s based on the classic and considerably different. The author’s skills at creating a tight narrative make it a fun read but it’s definitely not suitable for teenage boys like the original. Sometimes adults, too, prefer a less complex book. Its background is filled out with (probably fictitious) documentation including dates and locations that use Polmouth (a probably fictitious town in Cornwall familiar from the Fletcher stories) as a key place.
I do not find it as absorbing as the Fletcher series and suspect that other readers might like it in inverse proportion to how much they liked the Stevenson original. I wouldn’t go out of my way to read this one.
A college buddy quipped that as we got old, one thing we could look forward to was to read Treasure Island one more time without remembering how it comes out.
Well, author Drake has given us the opportunity to do that and without any need to wait for our memories to fade. He did that by creating a new version of the Stevenson classic which differs in so many respects that it’s quite possible to imagine a different ending and thereby rediscover the experience of reading it for the first time.
In the original, clearly aimed at adolescent boys, Jim Hawkins is the main character. While he does a few things that are not too bright that suggest he may be ambivalent about the villain Long John Silver, his integrity is never in doubt.
In the Drake version Hawkins is an unprincipled cad who just wants to be on the winning side. So he’s as one dimensional as the original but no longer suitable for teenage boys to identify with. Dr. Livesey is telling the story and he has a military background that I don’t recall from the original. Only Capt. Smollet is essentially the same. And there are two additional characters, Capt. Flint (whose death happens before the Stevenson version opens) and Silver’s wife who is mentioned in the original but readers don’t get to see her. There’s even a second ship in the new version.
So it’s based on the classic and considerably different. The author’s skills at creating a tight narrative make it a fun read but it’s definitely not suitable for teenage boys like the original. Sometimes adults, too, prefer a less complex book. Its background is filled out with (probably fictitious) documentation including dates and locations that use Polmouth (a probably fictitious town in Cornwall familiar from the Fletcher stories) as a key place.
I do not find it as absorbing as the Fletcher series and suspect that other readers might like it in inverse proportion to how much they liked the Stevenson original. I wouldn’t go out of my way to read this one.
January 11, 2022
To see more reviews check out MI Book Reviews.
I got an ARC of this book.
Welcome to the first ever blog tour post for this site. Don’t know what a blog tour is? No problem, but I don’t really know either. What I can figure out is people who are much more qualified than me review the book and each day there is a new blog covering the book. Be sure to check them out!
So on to the review!
This book was not my cup of tea. The book was very much a classic adventure tale. It had fights, it had a potentially haunted island, it had a lot of riches on the line. None of that is bad, I just wasn’t the best audience for this book.
I wanted more character development. Why was every man in the book obsessed with Mrs. Silver? Was it solely her beauty? There was really no explanation for that given outside of her looks. Her looks weren’t even really described outside that she was black, which came up a few times because of the time period. Somehow it wasn’t an issue at the end which was also really weird considering history.
Why was Jim Hawkins what he was? There was no explanation for his behavior or his motivations. He just felt like a convenient plot point. If he had more of a character outside of being a traitor, the book probably would have held my interest a bit better. There would have been reason and meaning behind the actions happening. There would have been more than just reactions to things.
The pirates had motivations and had more character development than anyone else in the book. There were a few other characters like the doctor that had some character, but 99% of the character development was spent on two characters. That being said, I still had a hell of a time telling the two pirates apart at the beginning. There was very little difference between them until they were both on ships. Silver was married and running an inn. He is the good guy. The reformed pirate, reformed for love. Flint is the evil guy. He rules by fear and was scary. Flint is also a convincing liar and is in love with Mrs. Silver. Or was it just jealousy of Silver? I wouldn’t know, because the novel focused solely on action and reaction. There was no character development. Feelings and motivations were either absent or they were said point blank.
Then why did I rate this three stars? I really enjoyed the action plot. It was a true blue pirate story down to the leg amputations and the parrot. This is the sort of pirate story that would have thrilled me as a kid. It just didn’t work for me today, but I can see why people would like it. This is the adventure story that allows anyone to be a pirate and have that grand adventure that ends in riches. The epilogue chapters were my favorite section. That is where so much character development happened, but it felt like an add on to the actual adventure so I may be in the minority there.
If you are looking for swashbuckling fun, this might just be the book for you. If you are looking for more character development and character driven stories, I don’t recommend this one. This is very much a hardcore adventure book. This is sort of what I imagine when someone tells me that a book is for boys or men only. This is high intensity adventure that despite adventure not being my thing was able to hold my attention and pull me along through the story. Imagine what it will do if you actually like adventure!
I got an ARC of this book.
Welcome to the first ever blog tour post for this site. Don’t know what a blog tour is? No problem, but I don’t really know either. What I can figure out is people who are much more qualified than me review the book and each day there is a new blog covering the book. Be sure to check them out!
So on to the review!
This book was not my cup of tea. The book was very much a classic adventure tale. It had fights, it had a potentially haunted island, it had a lot of riches on the line. None of that is bad, I just wasn’t the best audience for this book.
I wanted more character development. Why was every man in the book obsessed with Mrs. Silver? Was it solely her beauty? There was really no explanation for that given outside of her looks. Her looks weren’t even really described outside that she was black, which came up a few times because of the time period. Somehow it wasn’t an issue at the end which was also really weird considering history.
Why was Jim Hawkins what he was? There was no explanation for his behavior or his motivations. He just felt like a convenient plot point. If he had more of a character outside of being a traitor, the book probably would have held my interest a bit better. There would have been reason and meaning behind the actions happening. There would have been more than just reactions to things.
The pirates had motivations and had more character development than anyone else in the book. There were a few other characters like the doctor that had some character, but 99% of the character development was spent on two characters. That being said, I still had a hell of a time telling the two pirates apart at the beginning. There was very little difference between them until they were both on ships. Silver was married and running an inn. He is the good guy. The reformed pirate, reformed for love. Flint is the evil guy. He rules by fear and was scary. Flint is also a convincing liar and is in love with Mrs. Silver. Or was it just jealousy of Silver? I wouldn’t know, because the novel focused solely on action and reaction. There was no character development. Feelings and motivations were either absent or they were said point blank.
Then why did I rate this three stars? I really enjoyed the action plot. It was a true blue pirate story down to the leg amputations and the parrot. This is the sort of pirate story that would have thrilled me as a kid. It just didn’t work for me today, but I can see why people would like it. This is the adventure story that allows anyone to be a pirate and have that grand adventure that ends in riches. The epilogue chapters were my favorite section. That is where so much character development happened, but it felt like an add on to the actual adventure so I may be in the minority there.
If you are looking for swashbuckling fun, this might just be the book for you. If you are looking for more character development and character driven stories, I don’t recommend this one. This is very much a hardcore adventure book. This is sort of what I imagine when someone tells me that a book is for boys or men only. This is high intensity adventure that despite adventure not being my thing was able to hold my attention and pull me along through the story. Imagine what it will do if you actually like adventure!
August 10, 2019
If you are looking for an adventure story involving pirates and treasure, The Traitor of Treasure Island by John Drake, is that and more. A grand retelling of Stevenson’s Treasure Island that includes a fair portion of the original cast of characters. I found it to be a swash buckling good read!
At the opening of the story the reader is told of a seaman’s chest, that was purchased by the author. It contained the journals of Dr. Livesey, the ship’s physician aboard Hispaniola, the ship from the Treasure Island expedition. The journals reveal the “true” story of what happened. Therefore, it is no surprise that much of the story is told from the POV of Dr. Livesey.
Dr. Livesey gets involved with the expedition by being at the wrong place at the right time. He has been frequenting the Admiral Benbow inn because he is smitten by the wife of the owner. One evening a blind man comes to the inn to find Billy Bones, a regular patron of the inn, and bring him a dire warning. If seems that the infamous Captain Flint is not dead, as what was previously thought, and is coming for Billy and the treasure map he is hiding.
Dr. Livesey takes charge and sends for Squire Trelawney who arrives at the inn, with a group of armed men, just as a fire fight with Flint’s men is ending. Though Flint manages to slip away unharmed, the cat is now out of the bag about the treasure and the Squire sets about purchasing a ship and finding a crew to man her in order to recover the treasure. The Doctor tries to discourage the expedition. However, the Squire insists on it saying he is doing “for the thrill of it”. So ensues the adventure!
This is truly an action and adventure novel. It is totally plot driven, and for those that read my reviews regularly know that I prefer books that are character driven. Not surprising, the plot moves very quickly and the character development is somewhat lacking. I am actually a little surprised how much I enjoyed this book even without the character development I crave. Just goes to show a well written story can overcome other short comings.
As I mentioned above, the character development is lacking. The only character that got the attention deserved was Dr. Livesey. I understood him and his motives well. I saw his devotion to Charlotte and his distaste for her son Jim. I can’t say that for the rest of the characters. It is important to me to understand why a character does something in a story. I hate to be left scratching my head wondering why the heck did he/she do that?
While this was not my favorite style of writing, the story is really good. Don’t let my comments on character development deter you from reading this one. If you love action and adventure stories this is a must read for you. In addition, the quality of the story and the obvious research that went into getting the historical and nautical history correct will also appeal to readers of historical novels.
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. For more of my reviews, and author interviews, see my blog at www.thespineview.com.
At the opening of the story the reader is told of a seaman’s chest, that was purchased by the author. It contained the journals of Dr. Livesey, the ship’s physician aboard Hispaniola, the ship from the Treasure Island expedition. The journals reveal the “true” story of what happened. Therefore, it is no surprise that much of the story is told from the POV of Dr. Livesey.
Dr. Livesey gets involved with the expedition by being at the wrong place at the right time. He has been frequenting the Admiral Benbow inn because he is smitten by the wife of the owner. One evening a blind man comes to the inn to find Billy Bones, a regular patron of the inn, and bring him a dire warning. If seems that the infamous Captain Flint is not dead, as what was previously thought, and is coming for Billy and the treasure map he is hiding.
Dr. Livesey takes charge and sends for Squire Trelawney who arrives at the inn, with a group of armed men, just as a fire fight with Flint’s men is ending. Though Flint manages to slip away unharmed, the cat is now out of the bag about the treasure and the Squire sets about purchasing a ship and finding a crew to man her in order to recover the treasure. The Doctor tries to discourage the expedition. However, the Squire insists on it saying he is doing “for the thrill of it”. So ensues the adventure!
This is truly an action and adventure novel. It is totally plot driven, and for those that read my reviews regularly know that I prefer books that are character driven. Not surprising, the plot moves very quickly and the character development is somewhat lacking. I am actually a little surprised how much I enjoyed this book even without the character development I crave. Just goes to show a well written story can overcome other short comings.
As I mentioned above, the character development is lacking. The only character that got the attention deserved was Dr. Livesey. I understood him and his motives well. I saw his devotion to Charlotte and his distaste for her son Jim. I can’t say that for the rest of the characters. It is important to me to understand why a character does something in a story. I hate to be left scratching my head wondering why the heck did he/she do that?
While this was not my favorite style of writing, the story is really good. Don’t let my comments on character development deter you from reading this one. If you love action and adventure stories this is a must read for you. In addition, the quality of the story and the obvious research that went into getting the historical and nautical history correct will also appeal to readers of historical novels.
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. For more of my reviews, and author interviews, see my blog at www.thespineview.com.
June 12, 2024
The idea of classics rebottled and offered as altogether new books is apparently so successful that its origin is lost in antiquity. Virgil’s Aeneid starts where Homer’s Iliad left off. The great classical dramatists also picked out the dramatic moments before and after the sack of Troy on which to base their plays, and the fashion continues, many with biblical stories refashioned with an eye to sales.
In the middle of the last century, Jean Rhys’s ‘Wide Sargasso Sea’ created a sensation as it explored the antecedents of the mad wife in ‘Jane Eyre.’ Quite outstanding authors have contributed to the idea of taking up a classic novel and reshaping it for a fresh generation, although not all are equally successful. PD James’s last novel, ‘Pemberley,’ was a sad ending to a notable career. The Austen Project has no less illustrious names: Val Mcdermid, Alexander McCall Smith and Joanna Trollope. Mcdermid barely pulls it off, but to compete with Jane Austen calls for a hardihood few writers possess. That goes for a raft of other major writers who seem to scream for imitators: Conan Doyle being the classic example. RL Stevenson is the new black, and ‘Treasure Island’ is the novel of choice for imitators.
‘The Traitor Of Treasure Island: The Truth’ therefore came as a pleasant surprise. While using the main story in all its details, John Drake extrapolates figures and events that don't exist in the original – a love interest, flashbacks into a living past, men who are only names in the original, and presents them in a kind of mirror image - the ‘in a glass, darkly’ touch - that adds a macabre menace to an already bloodthirsty tale of piracy, greed and murder.
A strangely stimulating version of a beloved classic, which suggests that RLS’s tale might not have been quite the bland milk pudding Jim serves us in his original narrative.
In the middle of the last century, Jean Rhys’s ‘Wide Sargasso Sea’ created a sensation as it explored the antecedents of the mad wife in ‘Jane Eyre.’ Quite outstanding authors have contributed to the idea of taking up a classic novel and reshaping it for a fresh generation, although not all are equally successful. PD James’s last novel, ‘Pemberley,’ was a sad ending to a notable career. The Austen Project has no less illustrious names: Val Mcdermid, Alexander McCall Smith and Joanna Trollope. Mcdermid barely pulls it off, but to compete with Jane Austen calls for a hardihood few writers possess. That goes for a raft of other major writers who seem to scream for imitators: Conan Doyle being the classic example. RL Stevenson is the new black, and ‘Treasure Island’ is the novel of choice for imitators.
‘The Traitor Of Treasure Island: The Truth’ therefore came as a pleasant surprise. While using the main story in all its details, John Drake extrapolates figures and events that don't exist in the original – a love interest, flashbacks into a living past, men who are only names in the original, and presents them in a kind of mirror image - the ‘in a glass, darkly’ touch - that adds a macabre menace to an already bloodthirsty tale of piracy, greed and murder.
A strangely stimulating version of a beloved classic, which suggests that RLS’s tale might not have been quite the bland milk pudding Jim serves us in his original narrative.
September 14, 2019
What if treasure island was told from an adult perspective? What if the young Jim in the original fibbled with the retelling of some of the events that took place? His role? You'll get this book.
Written in the same style as the original Treasure Island, it is easy to read the two books next to each other and feel as if they are the same story written from different perspectives. Me saying this is not doing the book justice though, as some elements are so drastically changed, that the story seems fresh and new.
The Traitor of treasure Island gives the feeling the author looked into pirate history, and included some common and not so common practices and details into the characters and plot. Hints at gory details, without ever becoming gory. Just giving the reader a glimpse that the pirate, nay, the ives of man of fortune wasn't all that fortuitous.
A great read for those who enjoyed Treasure Island in their younger years, as well as a fun read for any adult who wants to read a novel about the hunt for treasure.
Written in the same style as the original Treasure Island, it is easy to read the two books next to each other and feel as if they are the same story written from different perspectives. Me saying this is not doing the book justice though, as some elements are so drastically changed, that the story seems fresh and new.
The Traitor of treasure Island gives the feeling the author looked into pirate history, and included some common and not so common practices and details into the characters and plot. Hints at gory details, without ever becoming gory. Just giving the reader a glimpse that the pirate, nay, the ives of man of fortune wasn't all that fortuitous.
A great read for those who enjoyed Treasure Island in their younger years, as well as a fun read for any adult who wants to read a novel about the hunt for treasure.
January 9, 2024
This author, John Drake, has created a story that is a reworking of the classical fiction tale of Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson. It is essentially the same characters that appeared in the original Treasure Island, but some were given different characteristics and motivations, such as greed. The primary story remains the same, a search for a pirate's buried treasure on a small uninhabited island off the northern coast of South America. Many of the same situations and scenes come to life once again in author Drake's version of the story; but, outcomes of these scenes sometimes have a new twist. Plus, a benign and limited character from the original story takes on a much more active role in Drake's book. There is much more death and violence in the new version. But, after reading this new version, I wonder why the author felt the public was seeking a new and possibly a better version of this classic adventure story.
March 19, 2025
It's been decades since I first read Treasure Island, and I'll admit I don't remember much about it. As such, it was hard for me to notice differences between the two stories, although reviews here on GR filled in many of those gaps.
This retelling is told by Dr. Livesey, and it is a rollicking good tale. Pirates galore, theft, deception, adventure, betrayal and so very much more kept me listening long into the night. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am tempted to go back and read the original story before I forget what happened in this one.
This retelling is told by Dr. Livesey, and it is a rollicking good tale. Pirates galore, theft, deception, adventure, betrayal and so very much more kept me listening long into the night. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am tempted to go back and read the original story before I forget what happened in this one.
November 15, 2022
I'm a fan of Stevenson's Treasure Island, so I thought I'd give this adaptation a try.
It was fun to see what the adults of the narrative thought of Jim Hawkins and how he switched sides and ended up helping the "enemy." The characters were all flushed out and realistic, given more background than the original text. And we got to see more into the minds of Long John Silver and Joe Flint.
Beware buried treasure, me hearties!
I listened to the audiobook via Chirp. The narrator did a great job with altering his voice for the different characters and was easy to listen to and follow the story.
It was fun to see what the adults of the narrative thought of Jim Hawkins and how he switched sides and ended up helping the "enemy." The characters were all flushed out and realistic, given more background than the original text. And we got to see more into the minds of Long John Silver and Joe Flint.
Beware buried treasure, me hearties!
I listened to the audiobook via Chirp. The narrator did a great job with altering his voice for the different characters and was easy to listen to and follow the story.
August 16, 2019
I am already a fan of John Drake's writing so I started optimistic and delighted to sasy I really, seriously liked it, and liked all the characters especially Dr Livesey and the rotten little Jim! Loved the bit where Selena shoved him down a hatch. Served him right. I never read Treasure Island, only saw the film with Charlton Heston, so I suppose I should go back and read the original. But this one's good enough for me by a long way. Real good adventure. Pirates, ships, desert island, the lot! And gorgeous ladies!
July 28, 2024
Great ending to phenomenal saga. This four volume set of books from John Drake is perhaps the most extensive and well written endeavor to telll the story of Treasure Island.
This volume is the ending... the culmination of all that came before it. We FINALLY see the fate of that sadisitic monster Flint. We witness battles with sorrowful outcomes. WE are thee as the famed treasure is at last secured. But what moved me the most was the ultimate fate of that quintessential pirate, Long John Silver. I won't give it away, other than too say "Perfect"!
This volume is the ending... the culmination of all that came before it. We FINALLY see the fate of that sadisitic monster Flint. We witness battles with sorrowful outcomes. WE are thee as the famed treasure is at last secured. But what moved me the most was the ultimate fate of that quintessential pirate, Long John Silver. I won't give it away, other than too say "Perfect"!
October 8, 2020
Drake's a master of the maritime story, and few modern authors can so deftly emulate the older, more polite writing style of Stevenson. This is a classic, enjoyable yarn with just a bit of a twist. It's a familiar story to be sure, but no less enjoyable for that. Recommended for me hearties. Landlubbers stay away!
June 24, 2023
whose the traitor of treasure island? Read and find out!
A real page turner; a new twist on treasure island that holds your interest. Quest for Flint’s buried treasure by not just Long John Silver but also the notorious Captain John Flint himself, long thought dead. The truth about Jim Hawkins, a scoundrel and coward who can’t be trusted.
A real page turner; a new twist on treasure island that holds your interest. Quest for Flint’s buried treasure by not just Long John Silver but also the notorious Captain John Flint himself, long thought dead. The truth about Jim Hawkins, a scoundrel and coward who can’t be trusted.
February 6, 2024
Have never read the original Treasure Island but this version, as told by Dr Livesey presumably has put a different slant on the story, giving more detailing of the main character’s background. I thoroughly enjoyed this version as it is planets away from my normal reading material. Definitely worth reading.
March 11, 2024
Treasure Island...version 2.0
This book provides a refreshing perspective on the original work. I found it particularly enjoyable how the plotline paralleled one of my favorite childhood reads while still maintaining its own distinct identity. I highly recommend this book and eagerly anticipate reading more works by this author.
This book provides a refreshing perspective on the original work. I found it particularly enjoyable how the plotline paralleled one of my favorite childhood reads while still maintaining its own distinct identity. I highly recommend this book and eagerly anticipate reading more works by this author.
April 12, 2024
A Tale Worthy of the Time for Telling
A parrot lives a long life. Cap'n Flint soared high above many adventures, on sea and land. Likely see a good bit of revolution, being now aloft in Boston skies. Very enjoyable and also worth the time for reading that which is being told.
A parrot lives a long life. Cap'n Flint soared high above many adventures, on sea and land. Likely see a good bit of revolution, being now aloft in Boston skies. Very enjoyable and also worth the time for reading that which is being told.
September 20, 2024
Great retelling of a Classic
Yet another fine read by John Drake. His remake of Treasure Island is superb, although I admit to a bit of sadness re how Jim Hawkins is reimagined. But Capt Silver is a fine remake from the squinty eyed figure cast in the classic Treasure Island movie by the great actor Robert Newton.
Highly recommended!!
Yet another fine read by John Drake. His remake of Treasure Island is superb, although I admit to a bit of sadness re how Jim Hawkins is reimagined. But Capt Silver is a fine remake from the squinty eyed figure cast in the classic Treasure Island movie by the great actor Robert Newton.
Highly recommended!!
August 19, 2019
I had to give this book 5* as I thought the original warranted 4* and I enjoyed this one more. If you liked Treasure Island then you MUST read this.
Thanks to Pigeonhole and John Drake for the chance to read this.
Thanks to Pigeonhole and John Drake for the chance to read this.
November 20, 2019
i didn't know if a classic such as treasure island could be reworked but this is a great book
it turns the tide on some of the books favourites
its well written, we all know the story so i wont bore you with that
but try its its great
it turns the tide on some of the books favourites
its well written, we all know the story so i wont bore you with that
but try its its great
March 25, 2020
Excellent Yarn
I really enjoy a well written, sea faring novel! Many well fleshed characters added to this detailed story make it a must read for those of us who dream of adventures at sea!
I really enjoy a well written, sea faring novel! Many well fleshed characters added to this detailed story make it a must read for those of us who dream of adventures at sea!
July 22, 2020
A nest of vipers
A good story by this author hence the 5 stars. Trust can sometimes be abused especially when treasure is involved you will have to read the book to find out who survives to make there claim.
A good story by this author hence the 5 stars. Trust can sometimes be abused especially when treasure is involved you will have to read the book to find out who survives to make there claim.
September 8, 2021
I hated it. I read one chapter. I didn't like the tone or the way the author changed the characters' personalities that Robert Louis Stevenson created. I understand that the change was the point, but it wasn't for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews