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All True Adventures & Rare Education Of
A gloriously moving and entertaining, picaresque debut novel, about a young man’s sentimental education in late 19th-Century Europe; inspired by a real historical ‘Captain’ Paul Boyton – the ‘Fearless Frogman’‘“But who among you might assist me on this adventure?” the Captain shouts.And then the Captain’s eyes fall on me, as was his plan all along, and he points me out, making sure just so’s everyone can see.“What about you, sir?”“Me?”“A strong young man to journey with me across the wild continent, to support me in my life-saving work, and take the name of his village to the farthest corners of civilisation – and paid a wage, of course!”“Of course!” everyone shouts.’ The 1880s are drawing to a close, and 14(-maybe-15)-year-old Daniel Bones fears that the prospects for him and his younger brother Will may be dimming with the century. For the motherless sons of a drunken blacksmith, life on a barren spit of land reaching into the Essex estuary holds little promise. Until one evening, from out of the water, there emerges the astonishing figure of Captain Clarke cigar-smoking daredevil adventurer, charlatan, casanova and inventor of the world-famous life-saving inflatable suit. As the Captain embarks on his ramshackle promotional tour of Europe, Daniel is sucked into his wake, on an adventure that will carry him through the waterways of the continent, encountering Kings and Princesses, wealthy widows, irate husbands, anarchists, arms dealers and shadowy power-brokers. It’s an education beyond Dan’s wildest imaginings, across countries undergoing the convulsions of all kinds of revolution, and one that will open his eyes, and his heart. But as he travels further into the dazzle of notoriety and the darkness that lies behind it, Dan’s promise to return and rescue Will seems ever harder to keep. For in the Captain’s world of smoke and mirrors it is all too easy to lose sight of who he is, or the man he ought to be…
352 pages, Hardcover
Published September 16, 2020
15 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
June 5, 2024
A really enjoyable read for anyone who likes a bit of adventure in a historical novel. Original, witty and charming.
September 21, 2020
Buried two thirds in the quicksand of a 400-page worthy, wordy war novel, I started reading Twitter instead. "Everyone should absolutely buy the below," somebody I didn't know had posted about a book I'd never heard of. "It’s a truly magnificent below, and if you want a boys’ own adventure romp around late-19th century Europe to make you forget your troubles, this is it!" That's EXACTLY what I want, I thought. And, having immediately downloaded The All True Adventures (and Rare Education) of the Daredevil Daniel Bones by Owen Booth to my Kindle, that's exactly what I got. Well, maybe not exactly...
Daniel Bones lives with his alcoholic, abusive father and his wayward younger brother in a shack on a spit of land in an estuary in miserable, pig-shit smeared 19th Century England. Don't worry, it's not Dickens, though our hero is about to escape his unpromising beginnings to be shaped by a series of curious characters and the unstoppable forces of his time, so there's a clear thread of inspiration there - as well as in the episodic chapters, which often end with cliffhangers.
It's much more fun than Nicholas Nickleby though. The chapters are short and the whole thing is in constant motion. Daniel doesn't get held up for 46 pages ruminating on the evils of poverty, though that's not to say he doesn't think about it. For every palace he sees inside or petticoat he sees under, he experiences the dark side of the world he's hurtling through too.
I won't give more about the plot away, because I went into this knowing nothing and relished it all the more for having no idea where Daniel was going next, and if you read it I want you to be just as delighted with every new twist. I'll just say that as a diversion from the miserable, pig-shit smeared 21st Century we're living through you will not do better than this. I absolutely loved it.
Daniel Bones lives with his alcoholic, abusive father and his wayward younger brother in a shack on a spit of land in an estuary in miserable, pig-shit smeared 19th Century England. Don't worry, it's not Dickens, though our hero is about to escape his unpromising beginnings to be shaped by a series of curious characters and the unstoppable forces of his time, so there's a clear thread of inspiration there - as well as in the episodic chapters, which often end with cliffhangers.
It's much more fun than Nicholas Nickleby though. The chapters are short and the whole thing is in constant motion. Daniel doesn't get held up for 46 pages ruminating on the evils of poverty, though that's not to say he doesn't think about it. For every palace he sees inside or petticoat he sees under, he experiences the dark side of the world he's hurtling through too.
I won't give more about the plot away, because I went into this knowing nothing and relished it all the more for having no idea where Daniel was going next, and if you read it I want you to be just as delighted with every new twist. I'll just say that as a diversion from the miserable, pig-shit smeared 21st Century we're living through you will not do better than this. I absolutely loved it.
May 27, 2025
First half was funny, second half turned really bad
Read
August 2, 2025Not for me. Liked the adventure bit at times but not my kind of story-doesn’t feel fair to rate it.
August 10, 2020
Without a doubt the most enjoyable book I’ve read this year. It’s a right rollicking read that zips along with no time for the either the characters or the reader to get bored. The short chapters undoubtedly help in this respect but then I always found myself thinking ‘oh I’ll just read one more and see what happens next.
It’s fair to say that parts of the plot are preposterous but that doesn’t really matter. The book is written with love and a lack of self-importance, with such a range of characters and situations that there really is something for everyone here. It’s a coming of age story, it’s an old-fashioned ripping yarn, it’s a number of different love stories and it’s a social history, all wrapped up in a set of highly original circumstances. It’s the perfect distraction from the state of the world today. Highly recommended.
It’s fair to say that parts of the plot are preposterous but that doesn’t really matter. The book is written with love and a lack of self-importance, with such a range of characters and situations that there really is something for everyone here. It’s a coming of age story, it’s an old-fashioned ripping yarn, it’s a number of different love stories and it’s a social history, all wrapped up in a set of highly original circumstances. It’s the perfect distraction from the state of the world today. Highly recommended.
October 24, 2020
First of all, this is a terrific book. It is, in one sense, a coming-of-age story, but it is so much more.
At the heart of the story is the eponymous Daniel whose life changes utterly when Captain Clarke B appears on the scene. The story is set in the late 1880s, beginning in a poor sea-side community in Essex but taking Daniel together with Clarke on a tour of Europe where he has … adventures.
The character of the Cap, as Daniel grows to call him, is unforgettable. Daniel’s relationship with his younger brother, who he is forced to leave behind, is deeply moving. So is Daniel’s relationship with a young Italian man, Andrea. Many other characters drift in and out of the story — in some cases with sudden violence.
This is story-telling at its best, and reminds me — and I say this with some hesitation — of Mark Twain at his best.
At the heart of the story is the eponymous Daniel whose life changes utterly when Captain Clarke B appears on the scene. The story is set in the late 1880s, beginning in a poor sea-side community in Essex but taking Daniel together with Clarke on a tour of Europe where he has … adventures.
The character of the Cap, as Daniel grows to call him, is unforgettable. Daniel’s relationship with his younger brother, who he is forced to leave behind, is deeply moving. So is Daniel’s relationship with a young Italian man, Andrea. Many other characters drift in and out of the story — in some cases with sudden violence.
This is story-telling at its best, and reminds me — and I say this with some hesitation — of Mark Twain at his best.
November 29, 2022
Why has nobody read this book? I looked up the hastag of the authors name recently and there were no more than five review posts about this book!
The All True Adventures and Rare Education of the Daredevil Daniel Bones , was such an intriguing read.
16 year old Daniel lives in a small fishing village in the UK with his little brother and drunken father. Life isn't easy but one day a strange man appears from the sea and offers Daniel a rather appealing job touring Europe with a very strange waterproof suit.
This book is tagged as being hilarious and a romping fun time. I didn't find it funny at all, in fact I found Daniel's life to be quite sad. The Captain reminded me very much of Gilderoy Lockhart from HP. He was flamboyant, a ladies man and a great storyteller who'd been on the most remarkable of adventures.
This book is full of short chapters and each one has a new tale to tell, or adventure. From daredevil acts, hospital visits, debauchery, a love affair, criminal activity..the list goes on. This book had it all and when I was able to sit and read it I was captivated and found it to be such a great page turner.
I don't think I'll forget Dan's story for quite some time. I didn't like a lot of what he was doing on his adventure but his heart was in the right place when it came to caring for his brother and if you're interested in a fast paced adventure story then I'd recommend giving this one a go.
The All True Adventures and Rare Education of the Daredevil Daniel Bones , was such an intriguing read.
16 year old Daniel lives in a small fishing village in the UK with his little brother and drunken father. Life isn't easy but one day a strange man appears from the sea and offers Daniel a rather appealing job touring Europe with a very strange waterproof suit.
This book is tagged as being hilarious and a romping fun time. I didn't find it funny at all, in fact I found Daniel's life to be quite sad. The Captain reminded me very much of Gilderoy Lockhart from HP. He was flamboyant, a ladies man and a great storyteller who'd been on the most remarkable of adventures.
This book is full of short chapters and each one has a new tale to tell, or adventure. From daredevil acts, hospital visits, debauchery, a love affair, criminal activity..the list goes on. This book had it all and when I was able to sit and read it I was captivated and found it to be such a great page turner.
I don't think I'll forget Dan's story for quite some time. I didn't like a lot of what he was doing on his adventure but his heart was in the right place when it came to caring for his brother and if you're interested in a fast paced adventure story then I'd recommend giving this one a go.
November 5, 2021
i needed time away between finishing the book and writing this review because i was annoyed at how surprised i was to have found myself enjoying this book as much as i did. why was i surprised? i fell in love with the cover at first sight, after all. surely there was some expectation of at least enjoying it?
the best part of DANIEL BONES is his narrative voice. when certain phrases repeat themselves ("all things being equal," "all things considered,"), i can't resist a chuckle. he parrots things he has heard, which lends to the entire thematic concern of the book, which is, who really is the Fearless Frogman, and how much of Daniel is cap, and how much of the cap is Daniel?
story arc-wise, my favourite one is the span of idyll to tragedy when Daniel was with Andrea, when they went to live with the painter. i consider that Daniel's dark night of the soul. and of course. that scene that had me reeling between him and Andrea cinched the deal for me.
it doesn't come as a surprise to me that my favourite characters are: the widow timmermans, susan the vicar's daughter, and andrea. it does shock me a little bit that i love Daniel and want what is best for him. which is rare. i tend to not like narrators because having spent copious amounts of time with them in their head, immersed in their inner monologue, they tend to get on the nerves. but Daniel is level-headed while still being touched with the sharp edge of the occasional hubris.
the best part of DANIEL BONES is his narrative voice. when certain phrases repeat themselves ("all things being equal," "all things considered,"), i can't resist a chuckle. he parrots things he has heard, which lends to the entire thematic concern of the book, which is, who really is the Fearless Frogman, and how much of Daniel is cap, and how much of the cap is Daniel?
story arc-wise, my favourite one is the span of idyll to tragedy when Daniel was with Andrea, when they went to live with the painter. i consider that Daniel's dark night of the soul. and of course. that scene that had me reeling between him and Andrea cinched the deal for me.
it doesn't come as a surprise to me that my favourite characters are: the widow timmermans, susan the vicar's daughter, and andrea. it does shock me a little bit that i love Daniel and want what is best for him. which is rare. i tend to not like narrators because having spent copious amounts of time with them in their head, immersed in their inner monologue, they tend to get on the nerves. but Daniel is level-headed while still being touched with the sharp edge of the occasional hubris.
December 26, 2023
The All True Adventures (and Rare Education) of the Daredevil Daniel Bones is a glorious debut novel by Owen Booth. This novel proves you don't need a fantasy story to have a fantastical tale.
We follow the coming-of-age story of young Daniel, who grew up in a remote swamp village and gets a job as a daredevil's assistant to the fantastic Captain Clarke B. Together, they perform stunts and get into trouble. At least, that is how the book started. It took a couple of unexpected turns that positively surprised me.
The book manages to tell a fun and intriguing story in a fast-paced way that keeps you excited.
There were a couple of times when some of the chapters felt a bit like filler, but luckily, the exciting parts made more than up for the weaker ones.
The book kept me engaged by throwing a lot of unexpected turns and twists at me while keeping true to the adventuring and daredevil spirit.
The fast-paced action and light-hearted writing made this a fun and fantastic read.
We follow the coming-of-age story of young Daniel, who grew up in a remote swamp village and gets a job as a daredevil's assistant to the fantastic Captain Clarke B. Together, they perform stunts and get into trouble. At least, that is how the book started. It took a couple of unexpected turns that positively surprised me.
The book manages to tell a fun and intriguing story in a fast-paced way that keeps you excited.
There were a couple of times when some of the chapters felt a bit like filler, but luckily, the exciting parts made more than up for the weaker ones.
The book kept me engaged by throwing a lot of unexpected turns and twists at me while keeping true to the adventuring and daredevil spirit.
The fast-paced action and light-hearted writing made this a fun and fantastic read.
February 21, 2025
Yes, well, this has been sitting in my tbr for nearly five years. Five years! That brilliant cover, though, kept catching my eye, so here we are.
This was exciting, inventive and funny, and I loved the narrator’s voice. It’s a coming-of-age story wrapped in outlandish adventures, but the characters draw you through the narrative, which travels at breakneck speed. Dan’s intense relationships glue the story together: his fear for his much-loved younger brother, his love story with Andrea and, of course, his complicated bond with the wily Captain B. There are decidedly dark and decidedly bonkers elements, but the writing is beautiful, and Daniel Bones is an engagingly flawed hero. Highly recommended.
This was exciting, inventive and funny, and I loved the narrator’s voice. It’s a coming-of-age story wrapped in outlandish adventures, but the characters draw you through the narrative, which travels at breakneck speed. Dan’s intense relationships glue the story together: his fear for his much-loved younger brother, his love story with Andrea and, of course, his complicated bond with the wily Captain B. There are decidedly dark and decidedly bonkers elements, but the writing is beautiful, and Daniel Bones is an engagingly flawed hero. Highly recommended.
December 14, 2025
The tale of the daredevil's assistant, Daniel Bones is classic Owen Booth. Flights of fancy set against a modest beginning in a small coastal village, a cast of eccentric characters, a great deal of humour, but all with an emotional heft that elevates it above parody or farce. The trials and tribbulations of Daniel Bones and the Fearless Frogman as they crisscross Europe, where every time they appear do be succeeding a misfortune - often of their own making - is waiting in the wings.
It, perhaps, flags a little in the latter middle, where Captain Clarke B is absent, and the final dare devil act somewhat lacks a grand finale - though the ending IS ultimately satisfying.
For me, it reminds me of Edward Carey's Little, as well (of course) as Owen's short stories. Bravo, and bravado!
It, perhaps, flags a little in the latter middle, where Captain Clarke B is absent, and the final dare devil act somewhat lacks a grand finale - though the ending IS ultimately satisfying.
For me, it reminds me of Edward Carey's Little, as well (of course) as Owen's short stories. Bravo, and bravado!
May 31, 2024
Still not quite sure what to make of this book - maybe more of a 3.5 stars. It was alright but don’t think I’d rush to re-read it.
The story itself I’m still not entirely sure what happened, and when I think back I don’t think a great deal did actually happen. Of the things that happened though, it was different/interesting enough to make me want to keep reading to find out what was going to happen.
I did notice the character growth by the end, which was nice to see.
It dashing out the place names and years was unique, which I quite liked for that reason, and the short paragraphs meant I flew through it.
The story itself I’m still not entirely sure what happened, and when I think back I don’t think a great deal did actually happen. Of the things that happened though, it was different/interesting enough to make me want to keep reading to find out what was going to happen.
I did notice the character growth by the end, which was nice to see.
It dashing out the place names and years was unique, which I quite liked for that reason, and the short paragraphs meant I flew through it.
July 19, 2020
The all true adventures (and rare education) of the daredevil Daniel bones, is as the title suggests a dazzling flamboyant adventure story. Vast in scope, breadth and depth as the whole Europe, where it takes place, and full with lively characters that illuminate many facets of the human condition.
It is charming and somehow has the vibe of Treasure Island, the same sense of wonder and adventure.
The writing is wonderfully sharp and witty, and the short focused chapters make it a easy read.
There is so much to like on this book and barely anything to dislike
It is charming and somehow has the vibe of Treasure Island, the same sense of wonder and adventure.
The writing is wonderfully sharp and witty, and the short focused chapters make it a easy read.
There is so much to like on this book and barely anything to dislike
July 3, 2024
Truly an adventurous tale. This is told through the voice of a teenaged boy on an unbelievable journey across the world.
It is extremely unpredictable and interesting. He is an entertaining narrator with lots of optimism. This read has plenty of great characters but we rarely spend time with them. There is a lack of dialogue which can make it difficult to have any insight to any of the characters motivations for their actions throughout.
Overall this is a fun read and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
It is extremely unpredictable and interesting. He is an entertaining narrator with lots of optimism. This read has plenty of great characters but we rarely spend time with them. There is a lack of dialogue which can make it difficult to have any insight to any of the characters motivations for their actions throughout.
Overall this is a fun read and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
September 23, 2025
I liked Book 2 better than Book 1. The beginning nearly made me put it down. I then got readers whiplash when he returned home and the whole book had only been a year long! I really thought Daniel had aged 6 years and was now in his 20s. I found the short chapter style helped me keep momentum but thought there were a lot of red herring sentences used to build drama but were effectly lies. At one point he says he never returned home or to England but that's clearly not true, given it ends where it started.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2024
3 Stars/
69%
A witty, charming montage of adventures, with a bitter sweet (more sweet than bitter it is to be said) ending.
However, the short form nature of the chapters/adventures, and the speed at which one accelerates through events means you never quite get invested in anyone before off the protagonists rocket around to another city again.
An enjoyable book that didn't quite have the immersion of character that I usually enjoy, but thoroughly entertaining nonetheless.
69%
A witty, charming montage of adventures, with a bitter sweet (more sweet than bitter it is to be said) ending.
However, the short form nature of the chapters/adventures, and the speed at which one accelerates through events means you never quite get invested in anyone before off the protagonists rocket around to another city again.
An enjoyable book that didn't quite have the immersion of character that I usually enjoy, but thoroughly entertaining nonetheless.
May 22, 2022
Crazy book - you just never really know where it's gonna go and for all the adventures and crazy character development, always upon a knife edge, it ends up being a really heart warming story of home and getting back to it. Genuinely heart warming.
Haivng said that SPOILER it does get weird in the middle. Like, is there anything he won't shag weird.
Haivng said that SPOILER it does get weird in the middle. Like, is there anything he won't shag weird.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2025
This book would have had more stars had the author used place and river names in full rather than just initials. This became annoying and distracted from the good story line, trying to fit a name to the initial. I felt it was lazy on the part of the author - feeling he did not research Dan’s journey across Europe to make it geographically understandable. Such a shame.
April 27, 2020
I can't say I hugely enjoyed this book. It lacked a little something for me.
Despite there being nonsense,and stunts and danger,I'm afraid I found it all a bit dull .
Some super characters,the Captain especially I thought.
June 28, 2020
This reminded me a lot of The 100 Year Old Man.... It is a slow paced adventure mixed with a coming of age drama. There are some great characters, and the ever changing location is a wonderful insight into the late 1800s. There's a certain charm to the whole thing that made it a pleasure to read.
September 8, 2021
A ripping yarn type adventure story . For me it was engaging and interesting but not gripping. Stopped half way and read another book . Couldn’t really feel any empathy with the characters ….. but will consider another book by this author .
August 16, 2024
Was a slow start with this one but so descriptive and detailed you had to keep reading on .. then halfway through I really fell in love and couldn’t put it down!
A big adventure tale with true surprises.
A big adventure tale with true surprises.
February 9, 2025
I started reading for a irreverent tone and humour, but actually the book touches on some tough concepts and historical events as he travels further. It creates a book that's easy and fun to listen to with some brain food too.
August 2, 2020
Truly an adventurous tale!
Told through the voice of a teenaged boy on an unbelievable journey around the world. Unpredictable and interesting.
Told through the voice of a teenaged boy on an unbelievable journey around the world. Unpredictable and interesting.
August 21, 2020
Enjoyable 19th century romp around Europe, when Daniel Bones escapes poverty and abuse to be assistant to daredevil frogman the Captain. Bits of this I really enjoyed, others I found dragged a bit.
October 13, 2020
This was a classic journey novel with a series of set pieces and grotesques but there felt like a lot of repetition.
October 28, 2020
Loved it - like an late 19th Century Junior Boy's Own romp through Kent and continental Europe.
January 31, 2021
Rip roaring stuff and great fun too.
January 10, 2022
"You'll find that most life consists of repeating yourself again and again and again, and hoping that eventually by some miracle it might make a difference"
September 15, 2022
A very silly little adventure story with a surprise romance that I actually enjoyed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews