The House of Windjammer [Library Binding]

V. A. Richardson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 19, 2008

"They were lost. All aboard the Sirius knew it now. 'Damn and blast this fog!' cursed Lucien Windjammer under his breath.'Silence!' he roared out loud. 'For the love of God, not a man shall speak!' An uneasy quiet fell over the crew as he struck a note from the bell. Too late. Ahead of them the fog parted briefly. As the fog rolled back, the blunt face of a cliff jumped skywards. 'Reef! Dead ahead. Rocks!' And in that moment all aboard the 'Sirius' knew that awesome monument would be their gravestone." The fortunes of the trading House of Windjammer are inextricably tied to their ships. And when the ship Sirius goes down, the House is dragged down with it. Adam Windjammer, at the age of 16 is forced to become a man as his family is torn apart round his ears. Trying to protect his mother and his sisters from the predatory business clutches of the banker Van Helsen, and also from his inept and greedy uncle Augustus, Adam feels besieged on all sides. Who can help him now his father has gone? Adam feels only too hard the weighty burden of the Windjammer ring. And Adam can't help being suspicious too of Gerrit, the long-serving family accountant, creeping out at all hours of the night .Adam gets a huge shock when he finally understands the shady and risky business that Gerrit has become involved in. An incredibly colourful and atmospheric novel that paints an evocative picture of living in the bustling, often dangerous sailing port of Amsterdam, where so many livelihoods are tied to the arrival (or not) of the latest ship. Fast-paced and incredibly action-packed, and touching on the tulip mania that envoloped Amsterdam, it will have both boy and girl readers on the edges of their seats as Adam faces the latest twist that Fate deals him

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

*Starred Review* Gr. 5-8. A shipwreck in the New World begins the story, but the action shifts quickly to Amsterdam, where the destruction begins a chain of events that threatens the venerable house of Windjammer. The story is seen through the eyes of Adam, the trading and shipping family's heir apparent. In a matter of days, the family has toppled from the pinnacle of Amsterdam society and is at the mercy of Hugo van Helson, a coldhearted banker, who uses his rebellious daughter and an evil preacher to bring about the Windjammers' ruin. Richardson's interesting stew of personalities and events rises above the stereotypical. As Adam tries to divine who and what conspire to change his life, readers will eagerly turn pages to find out right along with him. Amsterdam of the mid-seventeenth century makes an evocative background for the high-stakes happenings, and the introduction of the Tulip Wars well into the narrative adds an unexpected and absorbing element. The adventures of Adam Windjammer begin in this volume; the end portends action-filled adventures yet to come. Ilene Cooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

VA Richardson is already published under his pen name, Ben Bo, with his Xtreme Sports series: Xtreme - the Edge; Xtreme - Skullcrack and Xtreme - Burnout. 'The House of Windjammer' is a completely new departure and is meticulously researched in terms of historical detail. VA Richardson lives in London with his wife and young daughter. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Library Binding: 350 pages
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1439575614
• ISBN-13: 978-1439575611
• Shipping Information: View shipping rates and policies
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book I read in a long time!, January 9, 2004

A Kid's Review

This review is from: The House of Windjammer (Hardcover)

This book is absolutely fantastic! Its the story of a young boy whose father dies and he then has the responsibiliy to run the family business. He then becomes involved in lots of adventures and meets many interesting characters. It takes place in Amsterdam in the 1600's, a place and time that I didn't know anything about, but the author makes you feel like you're right there. I am sure there will be a sequel to this book and I can't wait!

I recommend this book highly

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars very surprising, November 22, 2003

By 

A. Tran (TX, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The House of Windjammer (Hardcover)

full of twists, suspense, and quite some action, this book will keep you guessing til the end. though the ending was a bit of a dissapointment, i can smell a sequel that u'll most likely be eager to read. and even if u didnt like how it all turned out, u have to appreciate the hidden meaning that set it apart from most predictable books

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A young heir's determination to save his family fortune, September 15, 2003

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The House of Windjammer (Hardcover)

In 1636 Europe faces a world fascination with tulips while the Windhammer family faces ruin and the loss of its entire trading fleet. It's up to young Adam, heir to the house, to save his family's fortune from the evil banker Van Halsen and a corrupt uncle. Obsession and business challenges make a dangerous pair in this compelling story of a young heir's determination to save his family fortune.