Goldseekers

by Jane Johnson

Blessed with a rare and strange power, Jude is able to sense the presence of gold, no matter where it is hidden. But this talent is also fraught with danger, especially when Jude leaves his childhood home after his parents' sudden deaths and is captured by a sinister, one-eyed sea captain. Plunged into terrifying magical adventures on the magnificent and mysterious Cornish coast, Jude finds himself battling Barbary pirates, slave-stealers, and an evil telepathic cat, and befriending a family of gold-hungry djinns—a group damned for eternity unless he agrees to save them. Bendecido con una rara y extraña habilidad, Jude es capaz de sentir la presencia del oro, sin importar dónde esté escondido. Pero este talento también es peligroso, especialmente cuando Jude abandona su hogar tras las muertes inesperadas de sus padres y es capturado por un siniestro capitán tuerto. Sumergido en aventuras mágicas y aterradoras en la costa magnífica y misteriosa de Cornualles, Jude se encuentra batallando piratas de Berbería, ladrones de esclavos y un malvado gato telepático, y se hace amigo de una familia de genios enamorados del oro—un grupo eternamente condenado, a menos que él esté dispuesto a ayudarlos.  

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

230 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1962

Reviews

[Alex Mariscal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nose porque me dio por leerme esto de pequeño y me encanto, aunque claro no es un libro de culto sino más bien para que cualquier chaval se enamore del maravilloso mundo de la lectura

[Samantha (A Dream of Books) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is described as 'Moonfleet meets Treasure Island meets The Arabian Nights'. When I read that it certainly piqued by interest and got me bumping this up my TBR list as soon as it arrived. The description is apt because it contains some elements of all three but is also an original and fresh take on the historical fantasy genre.

'Goldseekers' is a really exciting adventure story, combining magic and fantasy with elements of reality. When Jude Lanyon is orphaned at the age of twelve, he has no idea what his future has in-store for him and no way to predict the intrigue, mayhem and adventure that awaits him. He becomes embroiled in one calamity after another but he's brave and courageous and quick-witted. He also has a special gift - to sense and find gold, which sets him apart from the rest and it's this special talent which may just save him in his time of need.

I loved the character of Jude and I adored his little kitten Byasen, who he's able to communicate with through thoughts alone. Imagine being able to communicate with your pet! I expect a lot of people would like to have that particular talent! Jude is an appealing and likeable hero that leads the reader on a rollickingly good ride with surprises around every corner. There are pirates, sea captains, djinns and talking cats - what more could you want!

Although this would probably appeal to slightly younger readers, it's still an immensely enjoyable and fun story for adults and children alike. It's not published until 3rd March but I'd recommend grabbing a copy when you see it.