Treasure Lost

by R.G. Cordiner

What do you treasure and how far would you go to find it?

Peter and Farren are two brothers who think adventure is sneaking into a pub or going rabbit hunting. Little do they know! Soon the youths are on a whirlwind trip of betrayal, daggers, self-discovery and a giant reticulated python!

Somehow they have to find a way to stop fighting with each other, avoid a sadistic Navy Admiral and a mysterious cloaked pirate captain, whilst remembering to tap the biscuits on the side of the ship – maggots are never good for breakfast!

“If you came for treasure it lies within,
if you did not, what you treasure lies beyond your grasp.”

TREASURE LOST is suitable for anyone 8 years and older.

Genres: Young Adult, Mystery, Fantasy, Adventure, Fiction

222 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 28, 2010

About the author

R.G. Cordiner is a primary teacher and author residing in Australia. Reading the works of Roald Dahl and Tolkien's Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit were early inspirations for his writing. Treasure Lost was his first book. He has subsequently released Candy Wars: The Tooth Fairies vs The Candy King, Bug Island, Alien Hunters: Discovery, Candy Wars II: Sweet Revenge and Treasure Lost II: Treasure Found. He is currently writing Return of the Elementals. He is married with two step-children, one psychotic cat and a dog. For more information go to cordiner.wordpress.com

Reviews

[Al · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although the obvious audience for Treasure Lost is probably 8-12 year old boys, this rollicking journey has something for everyone. What boy isn’t up for a little swashbuckling adventure? When I read this I was looking for something entertaining and a lighter read than a typical adult novel, which it was. Yet the story was still engaging for an adult. As with the authors previous book, [[ASIN:B003URRQUC Candy Wars: The Tooth Fairies vs The Candy King]], there are valuable lessons and morals hidden in the story – things that even adults can stand to be reminded about.

Another talent the author has is the ability to communicate action with sound rather than description. This technique has to be seen (or read) to be understood. Young readers have a great time reading these sounds aloud while they unknowingly practice their teacher’s admonitions to “sound it out”. Just when you’re convinced that “Treasure Lost” couldn’t possibly come to a satisfying ending a few loose threads come together for the perfect conclusion.

[Anne-marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my review that I posted on Amazon on July 7, 2010:

I JUST finished this book, and I had to come immediately and post my review while everything was fresh in my imagination....

If you are a child (10+) or even an adult who dreamt of pirate adventures as a child -- THIS IS YOUR BOOK!!!!

Oh! What an adventure! You go from a sleepy town, to a Merchant ship, to a Navy vessel, to a *shudder*... pirate ship... and the adventure never quits!!! Two young brothers sneak aboard a merchant ship to save their beloved Nana -- and swashbuckelry (I'm not sure if that's a word, but it fits) and adventure ensues!!!

The author has done an AMAZING job of describing life on board these ships... His descriptions of sights, smells, sounds are beyond reproach. He has a fantastic command of the english language and his descriptions are so good... so "spot on"... that you can literally see it, hear it, smell it, in your mind.

I cannot think of a single child who would not LOVE this story -- boy OR girl. I only wish I had this story to read when I was young.... Oh! The adventures my imagination would take me on after I read it!!!!

As for the ending... I don't want to give ANYTHING away -- let's just say it "shivered me timbers.... Arrrrrhhhh!"

I don't know if it's just me, but I feel a sequel coming on.... Please!!!!

Great for ALL kids young AND old!!!

[Derek Jordan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This first off, was much more gritty then I thought it would be after reading reviews mentioned this book is meant for young boys. I found some of the detailed (and not so detailed) violent scenes to be something that would fit rather nicely into a 'mature' book, and as well thought them to actually be what may a little terrifying for a younger audience.

I liked the scenes that were written.. Mostly.. There were times where there were more mundane detail and gaping character growth that was really lacking.

One moment they just ship wrecked and the next paragraph or so they are 'saved' by a ship. I honestly think the characters spent more time there, I just did not pick up on it as well as I would have if more prose had been devoted to their time there.

I think I would only recommend this to someone who just wanted a very light read and was not too worried and characters growth.. Or missing the story links.

I thought of reading this to my kids, but decided not to due to the violence (it is downplayed, but it was enough.. And to the main characters at times where I was uncomfortable with my kids 'experiencing ' it through prose.)

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have any sense of adventure at all, whatever your age, you must read Treasure Lost. It rollicked along at a jolly pace without pausing for breath. 2 brothers never met such a fate or line up of characters such as this.

[Aditya / · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did enjoy the book and the writing had refreshingly good diction (though no James Michener). However, I felt that the main characters were poor role models, which lowers my rating of this book even though I think the author did a good job in writing and story.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Repetitive in some areas and a bit heavy with some really odd sound effects. Outside of that, entertaining enough.