Sails of Fortune [Paperback]

Christine Echeverria Bender (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2005

Distributed by the University of Nebraska Press for Caxton Press

This novel details the harrowing voyage of Ferdinand Magellan's fleet as he attempted to find the rumored water route through the New World to the west.  What he and his crew of Basque, Portuguese and Spanish men found was death, hardship and glory.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Sails of Fortune will delight old salty dogs and readers without sea legs: Bender has clearly done her research."—Andrea Bell, Historical Novels Review

(Andrea Bell Historical Novels Review )

From the Author

Seldom in the ages of historical exploits have men been so tested in strength, endurance, or determination than during this 1519 voyage of circumnavigation.  That any survived so grueling a journey is a testament to the mighty wills of these sailors.  As I researched their story I was repeatedly amazed by what they endured, sometimes staring nearly unimaginable dangers in the face and daring them to take them under, all the while fighting for the lives of every man aboard their ships.

Be prepared to be impressed by such courage while enjoying this wild ride around the world.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Caxton Press (June 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0870044494
• ISBN-13: 978-0870044496
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,065,400 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Christine Echeverria Bender hunts down the secrets of history and divulges them with the skills of a master story teller. Her first two novels, CHALLENGE THE WIND and SAILS OF FORTUNE, tell vivid stories of the Christopher Columbus and Ferdinand Magellan voyages. Her latest novel, THE WHALER'S FORGE, entices readers into the world of 14-century whalers as they set foot on North American shores for the first time.

She has been honored to receive funding from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Idaho Commission on the Arts. Last year, she was featured in Women's Adventure Magazine for her daring pursuits in the area of historical literary research. These research adventures have included steering at the helm of a tall ship, crossing the Snake River on horseback, exploring uninhabited islands, and joining a team of archaeologists from the Smithsonian Institution on a dig in the remote reaches of Canada. Such first-hand experiences bring distinctive vibrancy and authenticity to Christine's writing.

Currently, Christine is crafting a novel about the 1542 explorer of the West Coast, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, and she looks forward to sailing with the crew of the San Salvador, a replica of his galleon now being constructed by the Maritime Museum of San Diego.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Living History, October 30, 2005

By 

Isaac King (Kuna, Idaho, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sails of Fortune (Paperback)

Thought there was nothing new to learn about Magellan's voyage? So did I until I read this book. Ms. Bender provides a completely new perspective and writes in such a vivid and descriptive way that you feel the deck roll beneath your feet as you read. She is equally adept at getting inside the heads of officers, captain and crew. I truly felt for the first time the horrors as well as the exhilirations this crew must have experienced. A vibrant account from first page to last.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sails of Fortune, October 9, 2005

By 

Ana Andueza (Portland OR) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sails of Fortune (Paperback)

I truly enjoyed this book. Ms. Bender does an excellent job of making the time of Magellan's voyage come alive. You can feel the hardships that accompanied the sailors as you make your passage through the book. The novel is also filled with important historical fact that makes learning history very enjoyable.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An incredible history lesson!, July 26, 2005

By 

A. Tracy - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sails of Fortune (Paperback)

Hold on as you open the pages of "Sails of Fortune," and embark on the first voyage around the world. The year was 1519 as Magellan and his shipmates set sail for unknown waters. Ms. Bender has used her keen mastery of the language and extensive historical research to create a wonderfully written and highly interesting novel. She puts you aboard ship and cements this epic voyage in your mind forever. A must read!