Rating: 
Summary: Not much of a change from Redwall!
Review: The Redwall books have been getting quite similar lately, so I thought this book by Brian Jacques, written outside the Redwall series, would make a change. But I was wrong. Its getting boring how all of Jacques' books follow the same plot.There is always some cryptic puzzle to solve, the plots are predictable, and the characters aren't memorable. This one actually starts off better then most with the scenes onboard The Flying Dutchman, but quickly becomes boring. Brian Jaques has already written too many similar books- I wish he would write something completly different, like one of his earliest books, Seven Strange and Ghostly Tales. For now, all I can say is skip this one, and if you're looking for a real plot and some surprises and good writing, read Robin Jarvis' books. They haven't had the recognition they deserve for being twice as good as anything Brian Jacques could write.
Rating: 
Summary: Loved it!
Review: This book is about a boy named Ned and a dog he met on aboard the Flying Dutchman, a ship captained by the ambitious Phillip Vanderdecken and his crew of evil men. While on the journey the ship has to go around Cape Horn. At first attempt he and his crew are forced to turn back because of the overly harsh conditions. Determined to make it across the Cape Horn is a on the captains mind. Yet, he was also angry at some of his crew because he has heard the idea that some aboard his ship is going to try and take over. So that would make two things on his mind. The real reason why Vanderdecken is making this daring journey is because he had made a deal with a Chinese gem dealer that if he comes back with all the emeraldslocated in Valparaiso then he will give Vanderecken three of these precious stones. Vanderdecken deals with the problem by hanging the man of the idea by himself! Next Vanderdecken tries to go across the Cape Horn again. Unfortunately this time no one survived except Ned and his dog, which he named Denmark. They are saved by an angel that bless' them with not only the ability to live forever, but also the ability to read each others minds! On top of that, Ned finally gets to have a voice another gift from the angel. For the rest of his is lives, he helps the people who need help.
I think that this book is really good. I couldn't put it down. I especially liked how Neb and Denmark could talk to each other. I have a dog and we're best pals, but to be able to tell him something and have a response would be so cool. The angel said this blessing and a it went like this: "You are saved by the innocence of your heart and granted your lives anew, the gift of heavens mercy bestowed faith in you! I am sent to bless you both which you both need: boundless youth, understanding, and speech to succeed."
Another reason I liked the book was because there are teachings that are important when it comes to bullying. There is a boy in the story that Ned and Denmark help that has this bully. The boys name is Alex, and he has some bully problems. Lucky Neb is there to help him to control his problems. Instead of beating the bully back there are other ways. Neb says things like, "Courage shows itself in different ways-chin up pal, and you'll see..."
My favorite part in the story was when Ned and Denmark help the people. It makes me think that if someone decides to be your friend and helps you through your problems is sort of like an angel too. There aren't many people in the world like that, but it makes me think that it would be nice if people were as nice as the characters in the book. Ned and Denmark really help the people in the story and they are grateful. When they help people, it gives the person a good feeling that there is someone who cares. I can see the feelings through the words, which makes it a really good book.
Rating: 
Summary: The Castaways of the Flying
Review: This book is about a boy named Ned and a dog he met on aboard the Flying Dutchman, a ship captained by the ambitious Phillip Vanderdecken and his crew of evil men. While on the journey the ship has to go around Cape Horn. At first attempt he and his crew are forced to turn back because of the overly harsh conditions. Determined to make it across the Cape Horn is a on the captains mind. Yet, he was also angry at some of his crew because he has heard the idea that some aboard his ship is going to try and take over. So that would make two things on his mind. The real reason why Vanderdecken is making this daring journey is because he had made a deal with a Chinese gem dealer that if he comes back with all the emeraldslocated in Valparaiso then he will give Vanderecken three of these precious stones. Vanderdecken deals with the problem by hanging the man of the idea by himself! Next Vanderdecken tries to go across the Cape Horn again. Unfortunately this time no one survived except Ned and his dog, which he named Denmark. They are saved by an angel that bless' them with not only the ability to live forever, but also the ability to read each others minds! On top of that, Ned finally gets to have a voice another gift from the angel. For the rest of his is lives, he helps the people who need help.
I think that this book is really good. I couldn't put it down. I especially liked how Neb and Denmark could talk to each other. I have a dog and we're best pals, but to be able to tell him something and have a response would be so cool. The angel said this blessing and a it went like this: "You are saved by the innocence of your heart and granted your lives anew, the gift of heavens mercy bestowed faith in you! I am sent to bless you both which you both need: boundless youth, understanding, and speech to succeed."
Another reason I liked the book was because there are teachings that are important when it comes to bullying. There is a boy in the story that Ned and Denmark help that has this bully. The boys name is Alex, and he has some bully problems. Lucky Neb is there to help him to control his problems. Instead of beating the bully back there are other ways. Neb says things like, "Courage shows itself in different ways-chin up pal, and you'll see..."
My favorite part in the story was when Ned and Denmark help the people. It makes me think that if someone decides to be your friend and helps you through your problems is sort of like an angel too. There aren't many people in the world like that, but it makes me think that it would be nice if people were as nice as the characters in the book. Ned and Denmark really help the people in the story and they are grateful. When they help people, it gives the person a good feeling that there is someone who cares. I can see the feelings through the words, which makes it a really good book.
Rating:
Summary: Pleasant Surprise
Review: This book is anything but what I expected, and better! I had never read the Redwall series, or anything else by Brian Jaques for that matter, and yet when I saw this book I decided to give it a try. I love stories of shipwrecks and survival on the ocean, but this book is so much more!
Jaques divides the book into three parts: the shipwreck, the fisherman, and Chapelvale. The first part introduces a nameless young mute who finds the companionship of a black Labrador on the legendary Flying Dutchman. The raucous crew gives the sandy-haired boy the name "Neb" and the dog is named "Den" (short for Denmark). As the bond between these two speechless comrades grows, the Flying Dutchman becomes unsteadier on the waves. Just as the legend goes, the shipmates of the Dutchman are destined to roam the seas forever because of the blasphemy of their captain. However, an angel who recognizes their pure hearts and good intentions saves the boy and dog. They are both given speech and eternal youth. Learning that their fate is to seek out and help those in need around the world, Neb and Den set out on their adventure.
Late in the 18th century, Neb and Den's travels bring them to Chapelvale, a small, rural town where many things are hidden. Many strange occurrences have been haunting Chapelvale lately. Befriending several outcasts of the town the boy and his dog set out to solve the mysteries that plague the town's people.
This book has many twists and turns and will leave you guessing until the end. What appears to be a simple book about a shipwreck turns out to be a seat-gripping mystery. I can only say that this book deserves as much credit as Redwall, if not more.
Rating:
Summary: An absolutely Top-Ho Book!!!!!!!!!!!!
Review: This book is one of the best books I have ever read, and I mean realllllllly, realllllllly good. I was so excited by the end of the first page, I had to go get some water and stop reading for a minute, just so I could go onto the second page! I was expecting a wonderful book, but this exceeds standards... In the beggining, they are on the ship The Flying Dutchman, but then they go onto greater adventures. This book involves no religious beliefs, and does not have easy puzzles. This is NOT a embarrising-flop of a book, and I will definately read more books by Brian Jacques. This is one of the best books ever written, and Mr. Jacques did not screw this one up. This book is understandable, probably from age six and up. Once again this one of the best book ever written, and I hope Brian Jacques recieves many awards for it. Read this well.
Rating:
Summary: Castaways of the Flying Dutchmin Didnt Get Thrown Overboard!
Review: This book is phenominal, Jacues has outdone himself. He puts all the emotions he is feeling into this book. Ben(Neb) is an outstanding character in the sensethat you can really relate to him and his dog Ned(Den) is a quite a funny little character. I recommend this book to anyone who likes adventure and comedy in a book!
Rating: 
Summary: Enjoyable for kids, but lacking for adults.
Review: This book looked extremely intriguing, and even though I'd found Redwall perplexing (much to my disappointment), I decided to give this author another try. The book was enjoyable, but lacking in a single coherent plot, making me wonder if separate original plots had been joined together. The book is divided into three sections, the first two of which are at least related, telling the protagonist's story up to and after his miraculous rescue. The third section, however, seems like an entirely different story--the protag and his dog have even changed their names (although for no clear reason). This section is a basic "solve the mystery and save the town" kind of story, which tends to play better in a TV movie than in a book. The reasons why the items were hidden to begin with were not clearly explained (although, as an adult well-read in British history, I was able to piece together the few clues given about it). This is unfortunate, since this would have taught young readers a bit more about an interesting period in history. I do think that children and even young adults would really like this story--I would have. But as an adult I was left with too many loose ends, including the question (never really raised by the author) of whether Neb's immortal fate is any less a curse than the one he escaped on the ship.
Rating:
Summary: Read it over and over
Review: this book made me feel like I was right there on the Flying Dutchman.I can't wait for the next Brian Jacques book.
Rating:
Summary: Don't Be a Castaway!
Review: This book was absolutely marvelous! I loved the story and characters, especially Ned the dog! This is a really good book for people who likes animals and mystery and a bit of fantasy. Overall, I could find nothing bad to say about this book!
Rating:
Summary: Wow!!!!!!
Review: This book was awesome! When I first got it, I was excited because it was a new Brian Jacques book, but I really didn't expect it to be as good as Redwall, but it was!! I really enjoyed the beginning, which included parts from the myth, The Flying Dutchman. This is a must read! The next time you go to the bookstore, make sure you get a copy of this book! I loved it!!!!!!!
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