Cadnum brings his keen eye for historical fiction to the English defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. That battle provides the canvas upon which he paints a smaller story of 17-year-old Sherwin, who is thrust into adventure and romance when he agrees to record the exploits of Captain Fletcher, a fictional privateer and rival of Sir Francis Drake. Fletcher hews close to the archetype of the rogueishly charming sea captain, who wavers between his support for the Crown and his underlying selfishness, despite constant morality harping from young Sherwin. Cadnum deftly sidesteps what can be the most frustrating aspect of naval adventures—the arcana of masts, sails, jibs, booms, and rigs—and instead focuses his attention on the excitement and intrigue of a major event in the history of naval warfare. He infuses a bit of light romance when a young woman joins with the crew, but the passion between her and Sherwin is mostly a token effort. For dedicated readers of seafaring tales, this smooth read could provide a nice stepladder to Patrick O’Brian’s unrivaled Aubrey/Maturin series. Grades 7-10. --Ian Chipman
Review
“Cadnum brings his keen eye for historical fiction to the English defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. That battle provides the canvas upon which he paints a smaller story of 17-year-old Sherwin, who is thrust into adventure and romance when he agrees to record the exploits of Captain Fletcher, a fictional privateer and rival of Sir Francis Drake . . . Cadnum deftly sidesteps what can be the most frustrating aspect of naval adventures—the arcana of masts, sails, jibs, booms, and rigs—and instead focuses his attention on the excitement and intrigue of a major event in the history of naval warfare . . . This smooth read could provide a nice stepladder to Patrick O’Brian’s unrivaled Aubrey/Maturin series.” —
Booklist“Cadnum’s prose is vivid and evocative, brilliantly re-creating life at sea in the Elizabethan era. From the opening scene, when Sherwin’s Patience sinks, to intrigues on land and sea, to engagement with the 100-ship Armada, the tale is expertly paced, the varied threads of the tale elegantly woven. There’s plenty here to appeal to a wide audience.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Cadnum creates an exciting tale of the sea, dripping with historical drama and adventure. The Vixen is manned by a true cast of characters, including a ferocious pirate who is bested by a pig and a young boy who was once owned by a mountebank. Fletcher’s character is especially interesting, as the reader can never tell if the ship is headed for battle until the final chapters . . . History buffs will appreciate the insights into Queen Elizabeth’s reign, and it is a good book to recommend for middle school adventure fans.” —
Voice of Youth Advocates
