Modern Classic Review: The Black Stallion

The Black Stallion (The Black Stallion, #1)
by Walter Farley

5 out of 5 stars on GoodReads

Alec is heading home aboard a steamship, when the ship sinks in a storm and there are only two survivors: Alec and a spirited black stallion. The two are washed ashore on a small island, where they forage for food, and Alec tames the wild stallion.

I was completely riveted while reading this book! I couldn’t put it down, and read it in one day. The writing has such good pacing, and the action moves swiftly along, pulling the reader into the next chapter and the next.

I adored Alec’s character. He’s smart and tough and resilient.

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Books with Sword Play

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Book Review: Kitty Hawk #4

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Kitty Hawk and the Tragedy of the RMS Titanic by Iain Reading

Kitty Hawk and the Tragedy of the RMS Titanic (Kitty Hawk Flying Detective Agency, #4)
by Iain Reading (Goodreads Author)

4 out of 5 stars on GoodReads

Kitty is traveling through Ireland, when she is asked to help with a family treasure hunt that has baffled experts for generations. Kitty and Andrew team up to unravel clues left by Bruce Ismay, a famous survivor of the Titanic disaster. Their search leads them to the home of his grandson, Thomas Ismay, and the mystery of a painting of the tragic Titanic shipwreck. But Thomas Ismay wants the treasure for himself, and will stop at nothing to prevent Kitty and Andrew from following the clues. He stalks them at every turn, causing trouble, and threatening to derail the entire treasure hunt. Continue reading →

Classics Review: Peter Simple

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Peter Simple (Heart of Oak Sea Classics Series)
by Frederick Marryat

4 out of 5 stars on GoodReads

Young Peter Simple is given a place aboard ship as a midshipman, and he tells us his adventures on the high seas. He distinguishes himself in battle, earning the respect and admiration of his fellow officers. He is shipwrecked, imprisoned, and somehow manages to fall in love in the middle of it all. Peter meets a variety of interesting characters all over the world, who play a part in his epic story.

The plot is full of action and intrigue, betrayal and sneaking plots, raging storms and bloody battles, and of course a little romance. I love the setting of the British frigates cruising through the West Indies looking for trouble with the French.

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Book Review: Kitty Hawk and the Hunt for Hemingway’s Ghost

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Kitty Hawk and the Hunt for Hemingway's Ghost by Iain Reading

Kitty Hawk and the Hunt for Hemingway’s Ghost (Kitty Hawk Flying Detective Agency, #2)
by Iain Reading (Goodreads Author)

4 out of 5 stars on GoodReads

Kitty Hawk is vacationing in the Florida Keys where she encounters a mystery in the treacherous waters of the Gulf. Her adventures lead her to sunken shipwrecks, peculiar echoes of Hemingway’s typewriter, and strange lights on the ocean floor. The history of the Keys unfolds as Kitty’s curiosity propels her into danger and the uncovering of ancient secrets.

I loved every minute of this book! The plot takes many twists and turns that kept me wanting to read more. There is so much action and spying, and Kitty flies all over the Keys investigating every clue on the trail of each suspicious circumstance. One of the best things about the plot is the puzzling aspect of the mystery. I love plots that have some sort of puzzle to solve, with cryptic maps or symbols to decipher. Continue reading →

Book Review: Kitty Hawk and the Curse of the Yukon Gold

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Kitty Hawk and the Curse of the Yukon Gold by Iain Reading

Kitty Hawk and the Curse of the Yukon Gold (Kitty Hawk Flying Detective Agency, #1)
by Iain Reading (Goodreads Author)

4 out of 5 stars

Kitty is a 19-year-old pilot on a summer mission to observe humpback whales in Juneau, Alaska, when she stumbles across the path of some gold thieves and is forced on a trek through the Alaskan wild as their captive.

Move over, Nancy Drew! I have a new favorite teen detective! This book ended up being so much more amazing than I ever expected, with an adventurous plot full of twists and turns, compelling and complex characters, and clever dialogue. Continue reading →

Book Review: Swallows and Amazons

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Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I adore this series! They are all so fun and wholesome! Rereading it over and over, this lovely book never loses its charm. From the first page, I’m immediately swept away into the adventures on the lake, following the Swallows as they set up their camp and declare war on the Amazons. I love every delightful character, and I love how with just a few well-chosen words, they each come to life and you feel what they feel as they navigate the wild waters of summer.
Forever a classic!

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Duology Review: The Prisoner of Zenda / Rupert of Hentzau

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The Prisoner of Zenda / Rupert of Hentzau by Anthony Hope

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When Rudolf goes on vacation to Ruritania, he discovers that he is the King’s doppelganger. When the King is kidnapped by his evil half-brother, Duke Michael, Rudolf is persuaded to masquerade on the throne until the real King can be rescued. While Rudolf’s quick wit and steady nerves will help him to act as King, he is unprepared for the vagaries of the heart when he meets Princess Flavia.

I enjoyed both the books in this duology so much! The adventure, the espionage, the dashing heroes, the battles for honor and love, and of course, the beautiful Princess Flavia who inspires others to daring deeds of courage and loyalty. Continue reading →