Tanya Hunter, The quest for the galleon of time, MidnightSun Publishing, August 2023, 208 pp., RRP $17.99 (pbk), ISBN 97814922858191
This debut novel, The Quest for the Galleon of Time written by Tanya Hunter is a story of swashbuckling adventures for middle grade fans of fantasy, adventure and action on the high seas. Set in 1738, 11-year-old Tobias Crane is forced by his father to work as a ship’s lad on the galleon, the Merry Maiden captained by Captain Tremaine. Tobias leaves his beloved mother, younger brother Matthew, and best friend Climber behind, in Jacob’s Landing. But he has to get back to them, when he discovers that he must warn his father that he is in grave danger. But how will he return? Meanwhile Tobias and his new shipmate friends face adventures on the high seas, like no other.
Tobias is chosen by Captain Tremaine to be trained to be at the helm of the Merry Maiden. He learns to navigate ship by the stars and the sextant with all its mysteries. This is the beginning of a quest to right wrongs. Tobias learns about the legend of the ghost galleon, the Majestic Maria. It’s a galleon that can inexplicably appear in different dimensions in the past, present and future as Tobias faces deadly obstacles. He discovers that the ship is a time travelling galleon. Complications occur, as the family dynamics of the three brothers, all born to be Captains of three amazing galleons become lethal as they battle each other. But what is the secret of the brothers? One is one good. One is evil. One is dead.
The pages are rich with adventures, dangers, near disasters. When a huge storm destroys the Merry Maiden and the crew abandon ship, Tobias, with his friend Quinn, is rescued by the ghost galleon and taken to a seemingly deserted island. It is inhabited by Tobias’ friend Quinn’s adoptive family. There they help save the village from the evil Captain Ryker. With the help of dead Lisbon and the ghostly Majestic Maria, they will rescue Captain Tremaine and the rest of the crew.
The descriptions of life onboard the galleon, friendships, the dangers faced and their fearlessness entertain and inspire young readers to take on challenges. There is also humour. There are so many cliffhangers and hazards will be left breathless and wanting more. But the story does not end there as this is the first exciting book in the series that will keep readers guessing what will happen next.
It is recommended for ages 10 to 14. Highly recommended for all those readers who love adventures on the high seas.
Reviewed by Susanne Gervay
