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High Seas Adventures #2
The Smugglers
"Steer clear of that ship," warns the mysterious gentleman who shares a coach with John and his father. "Death she'll bring you," says the man. "It's the way of a ship that was christened with blood."
This is an ominous introduction to the schooner John is about to be entrusted with for a voyage to London. But he's too charmed by the pretty Dragon to heed the advice. The ship looks clever and quick, and John can hardly wait to sail her. She was a smugglers' vessel once, but now she's his Dragon, and she'll proudly carry wool for honest trade.
But soon John will be forced to consider the gentleman's warning. And to wonder what he really knows about his bonny crew.
This is an ominous introduction to the schooner John is about to be entrusted with for a voyage to London. But he's too charmed by the pretty Dragon to heed the advice. The ship looks clever and quick, and John can hardly wait to sail her. She was a smugglers' vessel once, but now she's his Dragon, and she'll proudly carry wool for honest trade.
But soon John will be forced to consider the gentleman's warning. And to wonder what he really knows about his bonny crew.
208 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
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235 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 23, 2015
Not as Good as Book 1
The Wreckers (Book 1)
I didn't expect to like the book. I did. How's that for a review in one sentence? ;-)
But seriously, Iain does a great job of keeping you guessing about what's REALLY going on with the wreckers. You sympathize with John's lack of trust and hesitate with him in making decisions. Some things I expected, but others were a surprise. The writing is easy to read, being appropriate for its intended audience, and while this isn't a story or series to get super wrapped up in, it's still an engaging, nice story.
Yes, there are nautical terms, but this doesn't detract from the story. Either you love nautical books and will be able to follow with no issue, or you can accept that they are talking about different parts of the ship - either you'll care and look them up, or you won't and you'll keep reading. Regardless, the story moves along fine without getting caught up in the terms, especially since this story largely takes place on land.
4 stars
The Smugglers (Book 2)
Even though this is book 2 in the High Seas Trilogy, it can absolutely stand alone. Actually, every book in the series stands alone. There may be a thing or two that ties over from a previous work, but nothing that affects the ease of reading the story or would cause confusion.
I didn't find this story as engaging as The Wreckers. Again, parts were obvious, but even what wasn't guess-able just wasn't as well executed. Still enjoyable and appropriate for the target audience.
3.5 stars
The Buccaneers (Book 3)
This is definitely my least favorite in the trilogy. The first book definitely feels like it could be a true story, the second book feels more like fiction, but this one seems almost fanciful. Too many coincidences or things just working out for my tastes. It's not a bad book, but its forgettable. If this was the first book in the trilogy, I probably wouldn't have read the sequels as it's just alright. As is, it's a weak way to end the series. Given the quality of the first book, and even the second to some extent, this book was disappointing.
3 stars.
The Wreckers (Book 1)
I didn't expect to like the book. I did. How's that for a review in one sentence? ;-)
But seriously, Iain does a great job of keeping you guessing about what's REALLY going on with the wreckers. You sympathize with John's lack of trust and hesitate with him in making decisions. Some things I expected, but others were a surprise. The writing is easy to read, being appropriate for its intended audience, and while this isn't a story or series to get super wrapped up in, it's still an engaging, nice story.
Yes, there are nautical terms, but this doesn't detract from the story. Either you love nautical books and will be able to follow with no issue, or you can accept that they are talking about different parts of the ship - either you'll care and look them up, or you won't and you'll keep reading. Regardless, the story moves along fine without getting caught up in the terms, especially since this story largely takes place on land.
4 stars
The Smugglers (Book 2)
Even though this is book 2 in the High Seas Trilogy, it can absolutely stand alone. Actually, every book in the series stands alone. There may be a thing or two that ties over from a previous work, but nothing that affects the ease of reading the story or would cause confusion.
I didn't find this story as engaging as The Wreckers. Again, parts were obvious, but even what wasn't guess-able just wasn't as well executed. Still enjoyable and appropriate for the target audience.
3.5 stars
The Buccaneers (Book 3)
This is definitely my least favorite in the trilogy. The first book definitely feels like it could be a true story, the second book feels more like fiction, but this one seems almost fanciful. Too many coincidences or things just working out for my tastes. It's not a bad book, but its forgettable. If this was the first book in the trilogy, I probably wouldn't have read the sequels as it's just alright. As is, it's a weak way to end the series. Given the quality of the first book, and even the second to some extent, this book was disappointing.
3 stars.
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April 1, 2013Erika Lawrence
Lawrence, Iain. (1999). The Smugglers. New York, NY: Random House Inc.
Adventure
Print
Selection Process: Something About the Author. Detroit: Gale Research
Review
The Smuggler’s is the second novel within a series of books about sixteen-year old John Spencer’s adventure within the ship the Dragon. This story takes place in late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. John and his father are warned about the Dragon’s dangerous past by a man named Larson but they do not heed his warning. John’s father purchases the Dragon and because of this investment they cannot fail. John is entrusted by his father to care for the ships first journey to London but they need a captain. They meet Crowe a hot-tempered yet experienced captain to sail the Dragon. Little do they know that he shares a past with the ship. The plan arranged by John’s father begins to fall apart when the Dragon sets sail with Captain Crowe directing the ships journey. John is responsible to keep his word to his father to keep the Dragon seaworthy as well as carry out the plans of his father to deliver the cargo of wool to London. John plans to see the journey to its completion no matter how far off course they venture. This journey challenges John through the threat of danger and death which are not uncommon to find aboard the Dragon. This book is recommended for all those that enjoy an exciting high sea adventure.
Lawrence, Iain. (1999). The Smugglers. New York, NY: Random House Inc.
Adventure
Selection Process: Something About the Author. Detroit: Gale Research
Review
The Smuggler’s is the second novel within a series of books about sixteen-year old John Spencer’s adventure within the ship the Dragon. This story takes place in late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. John and his father are warned about the Dragon’s dangerous past by a man named Larson but they do not heed his warning. John’s father purchases the Dragon and because of this investment they cannot fail. John is entrusted by his father to care for the ships first journey to London but they need a captain. They meet Crowe a hot-tempered yet experienced captain to sail the Dragon. Little do they know that he shares a past with the ship. The plan arranged by John’s father begins to fall apart when the Dragon sets sail with Captain Crowe directing the ships journey. John is responsible to keep his word to his father to keep the Dragon seaworthy as well as carry out the plans of his father to deliver the cargo of wool to London. John plans to see the journey to its completion no matter how far off course they venture. This journey challenges John through the threat of danger and death which are not uncommon to find aboard the Dragon. This book is recommended for all those that enjoy an exciting high sea adventure.
March 18, 2022
Hmm, I don't want to spend too much time on this review. This book was not written for me. I kind of enjoyed it, and then again no as it was too young for me.
Just like the first book this book has an interesting juxtaposition of a lower reading level and youthful narrator mixed with more mature graphic content. I guess the book would be best suited for older kids who have a less advanced reading level. It's interesting though because the narrator does not come across as an older teenager, so while the graphics of the action scenes are more mature, the voice and plot are not.
Just like the first book this book has an interesting juxtaposition of a lower reading level and youthful narrator mixed with more mature graphic content. I guess the book would be best suited for older kids who have a less advanced reading level. It's interesting though because the narrator does not come across as an older teenager, so while the graphics of the action scenes are more mature, the voice and plot are not.
December 15, 2025
I felt this was not as good as the first in the trilogy. There were many excellent scenes, well described, but the book suffered from poor overall pacing. At multiple points I thought the book was about to wrap up, and then it continued on. The reveals that I think were supposed to be dramatic were not because they had been telegraphed well in advance. Some developments were just predictable, and it did not feel rewarding when these played out.
Good narration. I'll listen to the third book at some later point.
Good narration. I'll listen to the third book at some later point.
February 27, 2025
The first half is very much about world building and setting the scene. A lot is going on, and yet nothing much is happening. We’re introduced to a lot of characters and themes that pop up later on, which made some of the reveals fun. There’s a lot of technicality throughout as there’s quite a bit of nautical terminology, which I had to glaze over. It’s a fun, quick little adventure, but a bit wordy with consolidated bits of action at the end.
December 15, 2017
Second book in this trilogy and a worthy follow to The Wreckers. I read it from beginning to end in one day. Couldn't put it down!
November 13, 2018
I didn't enjoy it as much as the first in the series, but still a good adventure for anyone who enjoyed Treasure Island.
December 28, 2020
Not my typical book
May 27, 2023
I purchased this book for my 4th grade class a long time ago and decided to read it myself. I actually thoroughly enjoyed it. I've always been a fan of anything that had to do with pirates.
September 14, 2025
Not as good as Book 1, but still enjoyable.
October 29, 2025
This author writes such an exciting book for young adults that this not-so-young adult loves reading them!
November 23, 2025
A fun and thrilling companion to the first! A little more depth and twists to it, but on the whole the same kind of good ol’ adventurous, murderous tale, with extra peril and gore!
January 9, 2014
I was perusing the used section at the book store when I came across this one. I was hit with a memory burst and was like "OMG! I read The WreckersThe Wreckers when I was a kid and loved it!" So, obviously, I had to buy this book.
It reminded me a bit of Treasure Island for a moment, but it was a good pirate-like story of it's own. It's packed full of ship sailing shenanigans, adventure, evildoers, and more. It's a great, fast-paced story for younger readers who crave excitement.
One thing I would have liked to see was information on why the smugglers were smuggling. Making money off of it was clear, but why and how do they make money from smuggling items from France to England. Are the items illegal goods not found in the country? Is it cheaper to purchase it illegally rather than legally? We learn a lot about ship smuggling in the story, but the reader is never given the why, just the how. That point bugs me and I can see it bugging others. It's a big piece of the history left out.
Other than that, this was an entertaining read full of adventure on the seas.
It reminded me a bit of Treasure Island for a moment, but it was a good pirate-like story of it's own. It's packed full of ship sailing shenanigans, adventure, evildoers, and more. It's a great, fast-paced story for younger readers who crave excitement.
One thing I would have liked to see was information on why the smugglers were smuggling. Making money off of it was clear, but why and how do they make money from smuggling items from France to England. Are the items illegal goods not found in the country? Is it cheaper to purchase it illegally rather than legally? We learn a lot about ship smuggling in the story, but the reader is never given the why, just the how. That point bugs me and I can see it bugging others. It's a big piece of the history left out.
Other than that, this was an entertaining read full of adventure on the seas.
January 20, 2023
.More reviews like this one on my blog Snapdragon Alcove
The Smugglers is full on action pack. It’s a strange tale with a ship call the Dragon and a crew each with a dark past. When John Spencer father a merchant has to stay in London and entrust an old Scottish sea captain, Captain Crowe to sail the Dragon up to London. John find himself mix up in to a Smuggling run.
I didn't care much for John; he does take responsibility that the cargo gets deliver to London and see that his father fortune doesn’t go to waste. Captain Crowe and Dasher seem to have the spotlight more.
I like how it keep you guessing which characters is good or bad until the point they revile their true face.
This is a great story that can stand on its own as an island in a sea of series.
Points:
Character: 4/5
Writing: 5/5 - There nothing supernatural yet, there a strange and creepiness that surrounds the story. Giving an unsettling atmosphere.
Plot: 5/5
Total: 14/20 = 4 *stars*
The Smugglers is full on action pack. It’s a strange tale with a ship call the Dragon and a crew each with a dark past. When John Spencer father a merchant has to stay in London and entrust an old Scottish sea captain, Captain Crowe to sail the Dragon up to London. John find himself mix up in to a Smuggling run.
I didn't care much for John; he does take responsibility that the cargo gets deliver to London and see that his father fortune doesn’t go to waste. Captain Crowe and Dasher seem to have the spotlight more.
I like how it keep you guessing which characters is good or bad until the point they revile their true face.
This is a great story that can stand on its own as an island in a sea of series.
Points:
Character: 4/5
Writing: 5/5 - There nothing supernatural yet, there a strange and creepiness that surrounds the story. Giving an unsettling atmosphere.
Plot: 5/5
Total: 14/20 = 4 *stars*
September 7, 2016
The second book in the High Seas Trilogy. John Spencer and his merchant father buy a ship called The Dragon. It was once used to smuggle goods between England and France. They want to use the boat for honest trade, but as soon as they purchase The Dragon, they seem to be touched by its curse: someone murders the captain they've hired; his replacement, Captain Crowe, turns out to be a scoundrel who hires a crew of criminals. During the first leg of the voyage, John receives a cryptic warning to "beware the one who seems least likely" to harm him. But which man could it be? A great follow-up tale.
July 22, 2014
John Spencer is a sixteen year old boy who is constantly looking for adventure. After a bit of highway robbery, in which his father is the victim, they buy a ship named the Dragon. Upon purchasing the ship, John is placed in charge of the ship as it voyages to do trade. An amazing adventure awaits!
This book honestly scared me a bit the first time I read it. I can vividly remember the wickedness of the Captain, and the creepiness as well. The description throughout the book is great, and one actually gets the feeling they are on the ship at times.
This book honestly scared me a bit the first time I read it. I can vividly remember the wickedness of the Captain, and the creepiness as well. The description throughout the book is great, and one actually gets the feeling they are on the ship at times.
March 26, 2016
Relato que es la segunda parte de las experiencias de John Spencer (Aventuras de Alta Mar), un chico que su padre le encomienda una goleta llamada "El Dragón", fue tripulado por un capitán muy traicionero que tenia muy buena experiencia en alta mar pero su lealtad daba mucho que desear.
Si creían que el genero del las aventuras entre piratas y la ley del siglo XIX estaba agotado pienso que con esta serie de tres entregas se reivindico este genero por ser tan entretenida su puesta en escena que es muy directa sin mucho adorno literario.
Si creían que el genero del las aventuras entre piratas y la ley del siglo XIX estaba agotado pienso que con esta serie de tres entregas se reivindico este genero por ser tan entretenida su puesta en escena que es muy directa sin mucho adorno literario.
January 6, 2016
To be honest my rating is probably a little unfair. I read the first book, The Wreckers, when I was in 7th grade and loved it. When I saw The Wreckers and The Smugglers in a used book store I had to purchase and reread for old times sake. 12 year old me probably would have given this book a 4 or 5, 26 year old me was just kind of bored. I packaged them both up and gave them to my 11 year old brother for Christmas, I'm sure he'll love them.
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October 21, 2009Unabridged Books on Disc, of Lawrence Library, (yes we saved the library for another year, anyway) Recorded Books LLC. ISBN#: 0-7887-4734-7. on disk 1 of 5 and brought in from car to play on computer cdrom
July 29, 2012
Melodramatic and full of unbelievable coincidence, but all action and well written. Also full of nautical and historical terms to explain.
A perfect 7-8 grade read aloud. I could use this guys books to teach descriptive writing.
A perfect 7-8 grade read aloud. I could use this guys books to teach descriptive writing.
July 7, 2008
Cute.
May 15, 2011
Fun and Creepy!
July 16, 2012
I read this aloud to my son. This was our first encounter with Iain Lawrence. This book has an exciting story and is extremely well written, so we will definitely be tackling Lawrence's other books.
February 15, 2015
This had some interesting moments, dialogues, and history, but was too violent for me. Also, the characters never came together for me, so that I could understand them, and I didn't like any of them.
June 10, 2013
Another great story by Lawrence, packed with adventure, colorful characters and historical setting. Who doesn't love a pirate story!
December 27, 2014
It made me want to read the previous book, The Wreckers, and the follow up book The Buccaneers. I found the characterizations to be interesting and enjoyed reading this young adult novel.
February 23, 2016
Loved it!
July 18, 2016
Read this one to sail aboard the cursed Dragon for a seafaring tale of action and adventure. Loved the book. Just wished I had got my hands on this one during my pre-teen years.
October 23, 2008
A guy gets cut in half in this one.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews