The Smugglers (The High Seas Trilogy) (Paperback)

by Iain Lawrence (Author) "We raced across Kent in a coach-and-four, from London toward the sea..." (more)
Key Phrases: smuggling run, black guard, Captain Crowe, Turner Crowe, Dashing Tommy Dusker (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
In the wake of Lawrence's The Wreckers comes this companion novel, a second riveting high-sea adventure featuring swashbuckling characters, salty dialogue and a taut succession of cliffhangers. The author successfully conjures an aura of mystery and tension around The Dragon, a schooner once used to smuggle goods (and men) between England and France. Now John Spencer and his merchant father want to use the boat for honest trade, but as soon as they purchase The Dragon, they seem to be touched by its curse: someone murders the captain they've hired before the ship sets sail; his replacement, blustery Captain Crowe, turns out to be a scoundrel who hires a crew of criminals. During the first leg of the voyage, John receives a cryptic warning to "beware the one who seems least likely" to harm him. But which man could it be? Wrought in the tradition of a 19th-century serial, this novel moves along at a clip via brief episodic chapters and complicated twists. Naive to the ways of experienced con men, John has his work cut out for him, but his bravery and high morals earn him the rank of hero. Ages 10-14.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

From School Library Journal
Grade 5-9Another adventure from the author of The Wreckers (Delacorte, 1998), featuring the same sturdy hero, John Spencer. As the 19th century begins in England, the 16-year-old is an able assistant in his fathers business. He still loves the sea, and is thrilled to be selected as the firms representative on a voyage bringing goods to London aboard the Dragon. This seemingly mundane venture turns sinister almost immediately. A stranger warns the Spencers about the beautiful schooners past as a smugglers vessel and her reputation as a death ship. Suddenly violence and close calls beset merchant and son, and John finds himself at sea, isolated from communication with his father, and accompanied by a less-than-trustworthy captain and crew. Soon they sail into dangerous waters, literally and figuratively, and John needs all of his strength and wits to overcome deadly threats from powerful enemies, find answers to old mysteries, and bring the Dragon home safely. As in its companion novel, the books nonstop action, fast-paced plot, and picturesque characters make for a real page-turner.Starr E. Smith, Marymount University Library, Arlington, VA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Yearling (October 10, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0440415969
• ISBN-13: 978-0440415961
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 5.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #492,150 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Andrew Yu P.3, March 25, 2002

By	Andrew Yu P.3 (C.A.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Smugglers (Paperback)

The Smugglers
Book review

This book is about a boy named John. John had a father who bought a ship called the dragon. This dragon caused a lot of trouble to John and his father. Also, his captain was a very evil man that used to smuggle other people and products like brandy. He also tried to kill John on the way to London. Luckily, Dasher helped save Johns life several times.
I chose this book because my friend had told me that it was fun. The cover was also very interesting. The designs and the boat looked very detailed in the huge storm. The smugglers sounded like a very fun and exciting book. Once I read the first few chapters, it felt as if I had to read the rest of the book. I liked this book because it had many exciting parts and lots of action.
My favorite part of the book is when John gets shot from dasher. He got shot twice and was very scared. He talked about getting flashbacks right before you die. The reason why I liked this part is because it was very funny. A few pages after this event, it explains that the gun he used had no real bullets and just made a hole on his clothes.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Smugglers, March 7, 2005

A Kid's Review

This book is about a little adventurous boy named John Spencer. Johns father has bought a new ship called the Dragon. Rumor has it that the Dragon is cursed and should bring misfortune to the owner. A evil ship should be towed by an evil man, a smuggler in fact, smuggling from every port this side of London. Now this ship in the hands of John and his father, what fortune should become of them?

If you like adventure books this is the book for you. There is'nt a moment when there isn't a dilema for little John Spencer. A must read for lovers of any adventure books, or any boat books.

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Smuggling a way to the top!, November 14, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Smugglers (Paperback)

A wonderful companion to The Wreckers, The Smugglers followsJohn Spencer, a young teenager and finds a world of mystery and ofcourse smuggling on his new ship, The Dragon. A must read for all fans of Treasure Island, The Wreckers or any other books about Historical Boat runs.