Jacques proves that the mighty legacy of his award winning Redwall series is not all he is capable of.
The first
book of his alternative to mice and moles is a mixture of light-hearted
fun and a sobering moral of obligation.
Using his own extensive experience in sailing, the master storyteller weaves nautical knowledge and unrivalled imagination into a powerful combination of thrill and fantasy.
Ben and his canine partner Ned are ageless companions, guided by an angel to offer aid wherever it may be needed most dearly.
Castaways of the Flying Dutchman is the first account of their adventures, first detailing their wretched ordeal aboard the accursed ship The Flying Dutchman , and how it came to be that they would eternally walk the Earth.
The main focus of the book, however, is on the small town of Chapelvale, and of how Ben and Ned must compete with time and race through riddles and puzzles in order to save the quiet village from being destroyed and replaced by factories and polluting tools of industry.
Jacques moves away from his usual large scale battle scenarios and instead gives more attention to intellectual and personal struggle. He pours all his cunning and wily twists and turns into a story that forces you to take part and will have you pitting your wits against those of his characters, testing your clue solving capabilities against theirs.
The book explores a variety of philosophical issues and harbours a deep message of loneliness and companionship side by side, conveying an appreciation for the sacrifices that good people must make for the benefit of others.
Castaways is a fun read suitable for all ages and worth a look even if you aren’t an avid Redwall fan.
No Jacques collection is complete without this refreshing change of setting, and it will leave readers longing for another plethora of tales from their favourite author.
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