The Dagger Quick (book review)

The Dagger Quick

By: Brian Eames

List Price: $15.99

Reading level: Ages 9-12

Hardcover: 336 pages

Publisher: Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books (May 10, 2011)

Language: English

Book Description: A stirring tale of rousing old-fashioned adventure, THE DAGGER QUICK is the story of twelve-year-old Christopher, a boy with a clubfoot seemingly doomed to follow in the boring footsteps of his father as a cooper in 17th century England. That is, until he meets his uncle- William Quick, infamous pirate, and the only man ever crazy enough to steal from the infamous Governor of Jamaica. With his mother kidnapped, his father murdered, and Christopher unjustly blamed for the crime, he has no choice but to set off on a dangerous seafaring adventure with bounty hunters on his trail and his only ally an uncle he hardly knows.

My take: Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres to read so I was eager to read this novel. Add in the fact that the author has been a teacher for many years, of the very age group this novel is targeted at, and I figured this would be a good read. I wasn't disappointed! I was very quickly drawn into the plot of The Dagger Quick and the lives of the characters. Mr. Eames has a very real gift for storytelling and I found myself not wanting to put the book down...not to sleep, not to eat, not to take care of my children! After all, Christopher was in danger! Would he discover the "rat" on the ship in time? Would his mother and little brother be safe? Could they outrun the crazy pirate with the spider tattoo?! Richly drawn characters and background make this fast-paced book a must read for anyone - and if you have a reluctant reader, I can almost guarantee this adventure will turn that around. The only part I did NOT like about The Dagger Quick? The cliff-hanger ending. Darn you Mr. Eames!! When will the next one be published - next week I hope...

About the Author: BRIAN EAMES has taught elementary students for fourteen years at the Paideia School, a K-12 independent school in Atlanta. He read early drafts of The Dagger Quick to his classes of ten- to twelve-year-olds. He lives with his wife and children in Atlanta. Visit him at http://www.thedaggerquick.com/
 

This review was sponsored by Amazon Vine™ who provided the book for review. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary book.

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