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Lord of the Deep
Fishing. This is it, the big time. Mikey's 13, a deckhand working on a charter boat in Hawaii. Working for the best skipper anywhere, his stepdad, Bill. Before Bill came along, it was just Mikey and his mom. Now they're a real family, and Mikey has a little brother. He can't believe how lucky he is. And now he's learning from the best, even though he's only 13. Because Bill believes in him. And Mikey won't let him down. He loves fishing and being out on the boat. But some seas, some fish, and some charter clients are a lot tougher to handle than Mikey ever imagined. Take Ernie and Cal-they chartered Bill's boat for three days and they're out for the adventure of their lives. Now it's up to Mikey and Bill to deliver it.
182 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 14, 2001
11 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
About the author
Graham Salisbury
32 books99 followersGraham Salisbury comes from a 100-year line of newspapermen, all associated with Hawaii's morning paper, the Honolulu Advertiser. Although a career as a newsman could have been possible, Salisbury chose to imagine rather than report. "I enjoy writing about characters who might have been. To me, exploring fictional themes, situations, and lives is a quietly exhilarating experience. There are times when completely unexpected happenings take place as my fingertips walk the keyboard, things that make me laugh or get all choked up or even amaze me."
Salisbury's drive to write about the emotional journey that kids must take to become adults in a challenging and complicated world is evident throughout his work. Says the author: "I've thought a lot about what my job is, or should be as an author of books for young readers. I don't write to teach, preach, lecture, or criticize, but to explore. And if my stories show characters choosing certain life options, and the possible consequences of having chosen those options, then I will have done something worthwhile."
His books -- Eyes of the Emperor, Blue Skin of the Sea, Under the Blood-Red Sun, Shark Bait, Jungle Dogs, Lord of the Deep, Island Boyz and his short stories, too -- have been celebrated widely with praise and distinguished awards. Graham Salisbury, winner of the PEN/Norma Klein Award, grew up on the islands of Oahu and Hawaii. Later, he graduated from California State University, Northridge, and received an MFA degree from Vermont College of Norwich University. In fact, he was a member of the founding faculty of Vermont College's highly successful MFA program in Writing for Children, now the Union Institute & University.
Other important things to know about this author: He worked as the skipper of a glass-bottom boat, as a deckhand on a deep-sea charter fishing boat, and as an Montessori elementary school teacher. His
rock-and-roll band, The Millennium, had a number one hit in the Philippines, which he composed. He once surfed with a shark, got stung by a Portuguese man-of-war (several times!), and swam for his life from a moray eel. Believe it or not, he didn't wear shoes until the sixth grade and never saw snow until he was nineteen. Graham Salisbury now lives with his family in Portland, Oregon.
Salisbury's drive to write about the emotional journey that kids must take to become adults in a challenging and complicated world is evident throughout his work. Says the author: "I've thought a lot about what my job is, or should be as an author of books for young readers. I don't write to teach, preach, lecture, or criticize, but to explore. And if my stories show characters choosing certain life options, and the possible consequences of having chosen those options, then I will have done something worthwhile."
His books -- Eyes of the Emperor, Blue Skin of the Sea, Under the Blood-Red Sun, Shark Bait, Jungle Dogs, Lord of the Deep, Island Boyz and his short stories, too -- have been celebrated widely with praise and distinguished awards. Graham Salisbury, winner of the PEN/Norma Klein Award, grew up on the islands of Oahu and Hawaii. Later, he graduated from California State University, Northridge, and received an MFA degree from Vermont College of Norwich University. In fact, he was a member of the founding faculty of Vermont College's highly successful MFA program in Writing for Children, now the Union Institute & University.
Other important things to know about this author: He worked as the skipper of a glass-bottom boat, as a deckhand on a deep-sea charter fishing boat, and as an Montessori elementary school teacher. His
rock-and-roll band, The Millennium, had a number one hit in the Philippines, which he composed. He once surfed with a shark, got stung by a Portuguese man-of-war (several times!), and swam for his life from a moray eel. Believe it or not, he didn't wear shoes until the sixth grade and never saw snow until he was nineteen. Graham Salisbury now lives with his family in Portland, Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 27, 2022
Fairly well-written, but a bit too much profanity—especially for a kids’ book—and a weird ending.
July 29, 2011
Three and a half stars. The book is one for middle school boys, especially--and will serve reluctant readers well. The story is about a boy who idolizes his stepfather--his real father has never been part of his life. During the story, a small ethical dilemma makes the boy question his idol. However, the event is not remarkable and is quite true-to-life, which lends authenticity to the story. A good, short read. Good for grades 4-7--especially reluctant boys.
November 7, 2025
Sometimes doing the right thing isn’t easy, especially when it means standing up to someone you care about. This is greatly shown by Mikey the boy who learns what honesty and courage truly mean while working on his stepfather’s fishing boat in Hawaii from the realistic fiction novel, “Lord of the Deep" by Graham Salisbury. This book gives us a strong feel of adventure and at the same time it gives us powerful messages about trust and growing. I would say author Salisbruy did an excellent job showing how one tough choice can change a person’s life.
Our main character is the boy Mikey. Mikey loves going out on the ocean with his stepfather, who is one of the best charter boat captains in Hawaii. Tourists come to catch big fish, and Mikey helps out as the deckhand. At first, it seems like the perfect job with sun, sea, and fish, but things get complicated when Mikey learns that Bill and his partner sometimes cheat to make the customers happy. When Mikey is forced to decide whether to tell the truth or stay quiet, he begins to understand what kind of person he wants to become. At this moment we see there’s a tough moral choice the boy is facing that reflects the type of person he is.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its setting. Author Salisbury describes the Hawaiian ocean so vividly that you can almost feel the sea spray and see the deep blue ocean. I personally have thalassophobia, just based on how the author describes the ocean makes me feel asphyxiated. That impresses me because I can imagine based on what the author describes. This also helps to create a strong sense of place.
The characters are also well written. Mikey feels real, he’s brave but still learning, and his confusion about loyalty and honesty make him relatable. Bill, the stepfather, is not a simple villain, he’s a good man who makes bad choices. This adds depth to the story. I feel like the theme of honesty stands out the most. The book shows how easy it is to lose trust and how hard it is to do the right thing when it costs you something. This directly demonstrates the flaws in human nature. Author Salisbury’s writing style is simple but emotional, which makes it great for middle and high schoolers. One weakness is that the pacing can be slow at times, especially during long fishing scenes.
Lord of the Deep is a thoughtful and meaningful story about growing up, making choices, and understanding respect. It’s relevant today because young teenagers still face the same pressures to go along even when they know something isn’t right. This book would appeal to readers who enjoy stories about family, responsibilities, and adventures. I would give this 4/5.
Our main character is the boy Mikey. Mikey loves going out on the ocean with his stepfather, who is one of the best charter boat captains in Hawaii. Tourists come to catch big fish, and Mikey helps out as the deckhand. At first, it seems like the perfect job with sun, sea, and fish, but things get complicated when Mikey learns that Bill and his partner sometimes cheat to make the customers happy. When Mikey is forced to decide whether to tell the truth or stay quiet, he begins to understand what kind of person he wants to become. At this moment we see there’s a tough moral choice the boy is facing that reflects the type of person he is.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its setting. Author Salisbury describes the Hawaiian ocean so vividly that you can almost feel the sea spray and see the deep blue ocean. I personally have thalassophobia, just based on how the author describes the ocean makes me feel asphyxiated. That impresses me because I can imagine based on what the author describes. This also helps to create a strong sense of place.
The characters are also well written. Mikey feels real, he’s brave but still learning, and his confusion about loyalty and honesty make him relatable. Bill, the stepfather, is not a simple villain, he’s a good man who makes bad choices. This adds depth to the story. I feel like the theme of honesty stands out the most. The book shows how easy it is to lose trust and how hard it is to do the right thing when it costs you something. This directly demonstrates the flaws in human nature. Author Salisbury’s writing style is simple but emotional, which makes it great for middle and high schoolers. One weakness is that the pacing can be slow at times, especially during long fishing scenes.
Lord of the Deep is a thoughtful and meaningful story about growing up, making choices, and understanding respect. It’s relevant today because young teenagers still face the same pressures to go along even when they know something isn’t right. This book would appeal to readers who enjoy stories about family, responsibilities, and adventures. I would give this 4/5.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2021
I’m like Mikey, going to work with my dad early. I haven’t read many books like this one, it’s (in my opinion) like young love. (Me 14) I myself have somewhat experienced this.(except the boat part and the kiss on the cheek part)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2024
lol why did i read this book
it did truly encapsulate deep sea fishing tho ;~)
it did truly encapsulate deep sea fishing tho ;~)
September 24, 2024
Not one of his strongest, but still an enoyable Graham Salisbury Hawaiian story.
January 7, 2025
I love all of Graham Salisbury’s books. Quick book about family, growing up, personal morals and fishing. All things I love. I usually hate fishing but this book made it seem pretty cool.
October 20, 2017
Lord of the Deep was a good read. It tells the story of a 13 year old boy named Mikey. Mikey is working for his stepdad, Bill, on his charter boat based in Hawaii. Mikey looks up to Bill as the ideal skipper, and someone who he wants to be.
The book begins during the second day of a session with Bill's clients, Cal and Ernie. They catch some decently sized fish, but on the third day of the charter, a record fish is caught. Although the fish breaks the weight record, the catch breaks important technicalities. Cal and Ernie try to bribe Bill into letting them claim the prize, and Mikey watches as his idol breaks the rules against his values, left with his spirit crushed.
I loved the way Salisbury combined the right mixture of peaceful moments and suspense at just the right levels throughout the book. This aspect made it hard to put the book down, as I was always ready for the next problem to be solved by Mikey. Reading this book made me think about how I would have reacted to similar situations, and how I would deal with them mentally.
The book begins during the second day of a session with Bill's clients, Cal and Ernie. They catch some decently sized fish, but on the third day of the charter, a record fish is caught. Although the fish breaks the weight record, the catch breaks important technicalities. Cal and Ernie try to bribe Bill into letting them claim the prize, and Mikey watches as his idol breaks the rules against his values, left with his spirit crushed.
I loved the way Salisbury combined the right mixture of peaceful moments and suspense at just the right levels throughout the book. This aspect made it hard to put the book down, as I was always ready for the next problem to be solved by Mikey. Reading this book made me think about how I would have reacted to similar situations, and how I would deal with them mentally.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2012
Lord of the Deep is thrilling family entertainment, especially on audio during a cross-country road trip. Thirteen year old Mikey is given the chance to work with his step-Dad on his charter fishing boat, and is determined to prove he is as hard a worker as a man. He has the opportunity to show his prowess to pretty, sixteen-year-old Allison, who is on a three-day charter with her boisterous father and his beer-drinking buddy. Mikey finesses multiple lines and makes split-second decisions for the safety of the boat and crew during a crisis caused by a temperamental eight-hundred pound marlin trying to commit hari kari. However, he learns on the job that his step-dad’s most difficult job on a charter is the gracious handling of obnoxious, and sometimes downright heinous, customers. Not all sharks are in the ocean.
In quieter moments, though, he overcomes his shyness enough to keep Allison company, also part of his job, and he learns that he may not be the loser he thought he was. She is more impressed by the love he has for his tiny handicapped brother than of his expert fishing and boating skills. He realizes that his loving family is somewhat unique among society, and though confrontations and differences of opinion threaten their bond, their unit will hold. The chopped-off ending comes as a surprise, creating a greater opportunity for families to discuss what should happen next and why an author would choose this device than if everything had resolved tidily.
In quieter moments, though, he overcomes his shyness enough to keep Allison company, also part of his job, and he learns that he may not be the loser he thought he was. She is more impressed by the love he has for his tiny handicapped brother than of his expert fishing and boating skills. He realizes that his loving family is somewhat unique among society, and though confrontations and differences of opinion threaten their bond, their unit will hold. The chopped-off ending comes as a surprise, creating a greater opportunity for families to discuss what should happen next and why an author would choose this device than if everything had resolved tidily.
August 14, 2013
:)
I loved this book...
The writing was good, of course, but it was the MESSAGE, one that most of us never truly understand until we've undergone some traumatic or difficult trial in our lives: when there's a tough decision to be made, what do you choose? Most, though who aren't as wise as they think themselves to be, would just say the moral decision. DUR. But really, I was reading something the other day...You'll never actually know your choice until you cross that bridge, and sometimes, when you look back, your decisions horrify you.
You become changed, marked after that...And you can never go back to that child-like innocence. Like I said, some people won't understand this, the naive, the ignorant, those who turn their head blindly to the side as the wicked world goes on, deceiving them...
But some understand. Some are haunted with this knowledge.
When it comes time to cross the bridge...what will you choose? And will you live to regret your choice for the rest of your life?
I loved this book...
The writing was good, of course, but it was the MESSAGE, one that most of us never truly understand until we've undergone some traumatic or difficult trial in our lives: when there's a tough decision to be made, what do you choose? Most, though who aren't as wise as they think themselves to be, would just say the moral decision. DUR. But really, I was reading something the other day...You'll never actually know your choice until you cross that bridge, and sometimes, when you look back, your decisions horrify you.
You become changed, marked after that...And you can never go back to that child-like innocence. Like I said, some people won't understand this, the naive, the ignorant, those who turn their head blindly to the side as the wicked world goes on, deceiving them...
But some understand. Some are haunted with this knowledge.
When it comes time to cross the bridge...what will you choose? And will you live to regret your choice for the rest of your life?
September 3, 2009
13-year-old Mikey idolizes his stepfather, Bill. He wants to be just like him, owning and operating his own deep sea fishing boat. However Bill smashes the idealistic picture Mikey has of him when he is challenged by customers Cal and Ernie, whose selfish arrogance force Bill to go against his own ethics and the law. The ending is realistic, but not idealistic, and may cause kids to challenge their own ideas of integrity. The issue, however, is real, and the dilemma is one students should talk about. The boy does stand up for his own ideals, even though his stepfather does not.
May 22, 2012
Mikey 13 is a deck hand on his step dad's fishing boat in Hawaii. This book focuses on a 3 day period when 3 brothers (adult) rent the services for 3 days in search of the blue marlin. Mikey struggles to do the things right to make his stepdad Bill proud, but struggles when a record size fish is caught & the men ask Bill to "look the other way" to properly give themselves the official record catch. ok
October 17, 2013
Excellent short novel. Highly recommend it. A touching 'father and son' story with a twist. I thought it was going to be more like Old Man and the Sea than it was. A full-on homage to Hemingway would have been fine, but I enjoyed the surprises in this book. I deeply appreciate the complexity at the heart of the novel. I'm amazed at how easy it was to fall in love with the characters in such a short time.
September 14, 2007
I really liked this book alot. Its hard to by a kid who wakes up at 4:30 a.m. to go fishing in the morning every saturday. MIkey likes to fish and his step-dad does also. Once mikey finds out a lie he despises his step-dad Bill.
November 12, 2007
i found the lord of the deep to be a very intresting book to read. because its about fishing and like outdoors. also it kept me reading in class on fridays and not going to sleep.but it was also very intresting and just a good book
March 6, 2009
This story is about a thirteen year old boy named Mikey. His stepdad Bill is a charter boat captain and Mikey wants to be exactly like him. What Mikey is soon to realize though is that his stepdad Bill is not perfect.
August 9, 2011
Thirteen year-old Mikey idolizes his stepdad, Bill, and works on a fishing charter boat with him learning the ropes of fishing and manhood. But then a couple of customers and a girl hire the boat and Mikey learns that the world isn’t always black and white.
December 10, 2012
A YA book set in Hawaii about a boy helping his stepdad on his charter-fishing boat. Interesting in an "Old Man & the Sea" way, but with way more action. ;-) On a deeper level, it's about knowing the right thing to do, and about honor. Very short.
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October 27, 2008Classroom application-novel
read aloud, guided reading, literature circles
5 copies available
read aloud, guided reading, literature circles
5 copies available
Currently reading
June 10, 2011great
July 24, 2015
One of our favourite authors. Another good book, boy main character.
October 27, 2018
2018 PopSugar Reading Challenge - A book set at sea
April 30, 2017
First line: The island slept.
I loved how the story wrapped and weaved the relationship between man and boy, ocean and humanity, fish and death, love and friendship. I didn't want the story to end, and wish it hadn't ended when it did because I kept feeling like an incident in the water earlier in the story was foreshadowing a horrific final scene, though it wasn't a horror story at all (except for the fish). I caught one line that seemed out of place (a change in POV) on p. 170...probably because I was reading with a keen eye on how Graham crafts description and dialog into authentic voices for all the characters. It was a super quick read, and it captured a lifestyle and situation that I know nothing about but that I feel a part of now, as a result of engaging in Mikey's world.
I loved how the story wrapped and weaved the relationship between man and boy, ocean and humanity, fish and death, love and friendship. I didn't want the story to end, and wish it hadn't ended when it did because I kept feeling like an incident in the water earlier in the story was foreshadowing a horrific final scene, though it wasn't a horror story at all (except for the fish). I caught one line that seemed out of place (a change in POV) on p. 170...probably because I was reading with a keen eye on how Graham crafts description and dialog into authentic voices for all the characters. It was a super quick read, and it captured a lifestyle and situation that I know nothing about but that I feel a part of now, as a result of engaging in Mikey's world.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews