Castaways of the Flying Dutchman

Rating:
Summary: Good!
Review: This book was really great. I loved it! It was interesting and unique, and unlike Jacques' other books it was about humans. Like those books, this book also contained a fantasy element. After escaping the vengeful anger of an angel, Neb, aka Ben, is given the power to speak, whereas he had been mute. He communicates with his dog, and together they are a team. They escaped the wrate of the angel only because they were noble at heart, and because of their qualities they were given the task of traveling around the world forever to help people in need. Their task leads them to a small English village, and together they take on many forces such as the powers of corporations and business and the power of "gangs." Oh yes, and like all Redwall books, there is a riddle. The riddle must be solved for the team of "good guys" to outwit the team of "bad guys." And in the end, they do, of course. They solve the riddle, win the game, and all live happily ever after. A few things I didn't like about this book. I loved the fact that this plot was lighthearted, but the Grange Gang? Please. Just a bunch of kids that they have to face so that they can make it in the end. The Grange Gang was a group of kids who were led by the infamous Smithers boy, and together they terrorized the town of Chapelvale. They terrified all the other kids, and in short, they were just big bullies. Bullies, that is, until Ben came to town. Well, I better stop now before I give anything else away!

Rating:
Summary: It's good to see Brian Jacques branching out --
Review: While many of his fans will be disappointed that this is not another in his Redwall series, I was happy to see Brian Jacques try something new. While certainly not his best book to date, it is an enjoyable read. I would have liked to see a stronger plot connection between the books three separate sections, but this is a minor complaint. Jacques does a wonderful job of characterization, and we feel as if we know each and every character personally. The settings are also wonderfully rendered in readable prose. The story is an enoyable read and left me wanting to know more of the adventures of a very special boy and his dog.

Rating:
Summary: Castaways of the Flying Dutchman
Review: I found this book a big disappointment. I hated all of the characters, including Neb, as they were all very irritating and flat characters that weren't humorous, interesting, or new. Big big disappointment, especially since Brian Jacques did such a great job on his redwall series. So, forget about reading this book.

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.