We’re so grateful for the reviews we have received via Amazon, Goodreads, and directly from readers of The Day the Pirates Went Mad & Back to the New Adventure. We are pleased to re-share some of them here. We’d love to hear what you think too! 🙂
The New Adventure is not a typical merchant ship. Her blended crew of men, women, and children share in the profits garnered from each voyage. They also do a bit of smuggling and privateering, but never pirating. They form a cohesive unit until Emma stumbles across the sole survivor of a derelict, treasure-laden pirate ship.
Cindy Vallar – Historical Novel Society & Pirates and Privateers
The piratical elements are true to history, and the author includes a glossary and website where teaching resources can be found. “The Day the Pirates Went Mad” is a good introduction to life at sea and is written in a manner that makes the Age of Sail more interesting to today’s young readers.
The Day the Pirates Went Mad
This is a good story based on real historic events and facts. Not only is it an adventure story, it is funny and exciting! The book taught me a lot about real pirates. I liked all the historic information and highly recommend it to all those who like sailing, traveling and looking for treasure!
Nico R
This book provides so much fun and intrigue. It took me back to my childhood days of reading action adventure novels. A great book for any child’s birthday or for the holidays.
J Vandervlugt
This thoroughly researched middle grade adventure novel includes fascinating details of life then, such as the variety of food, navigation techniques, and leisure activities like dancing the hornpipe. I loved the joke about the glazed pot of flour! Full speed ahead, Emma, in your quest for more adventure!
Karen A
This book is full of rollicking fun and lots of discoveries. I enjoyed the story and the history. The characters and plot points are tight and well-woven. The writing itself is full of great imagery—poetry. Fascinating details kept me engaged in the text. Emma is very resilient and persistent. A strong female character. There are many teaching resources for those who want to go further than the reading of the book. The glossary at the end of the book is quite helpful.
L Ayre
I read this to my boys, 11 and 14 at bedtime. Sometimes it wasn’t the best idea before bed, because they broke into sea shanties and got too excited. Trevor definitely did his research in naval history. I learnt a thing or two.
E DSouza
I enjoyed reading “The Day the Pirates Went Mad”! The story itself is intriguing – Emma is a strong and smart girl so you are instantly attached to her. Curiosity made me read one chapter after another to find out more about Emma and the other characters. I also liked the historical facts and how they are woven into the story. It is well written and fun to read. Hoping to see what happens next!
C Cesar
This is a fabulous book. The characters are well developed, the plot maintains suspense and it’s hard to put it down. The end is a bit abrupt but it seems to promise that there will be sequels to Emma Sharpe’s adventures. I hope so!
Wolfgang S
Trevor’s book is a enjoyable story with exciting climax and good characters. The heroine Emma is quite a brave young girl forced by circumstances to do extraordinary things. The setting and time in history are well done and interesting. Worth a read for anyone but ideal for the younger set ages around 10 years old
C Anderson
A rollicking adventure in the tradition of Treasure Island. Full of fun pirate facts, Emma Sharpe’s first adventure is a delight. Let’s hope it is the first of many!
M Wakefield
Back to the New Adventure
Pirates, cannons, ship boarding, sword and pistol battles are elementary in “Back to the New Adventure”. The Age of Sail is front and center in this action-packed historical fiction novel. This story will appeal to young and old alike who enjoy a good sea story that is complete with illustrations, diagrams and a glossary!
N McNeil
Set in 1704, this adventure tale is filled with terrific descriptions and plenty of action as Emma and Jack find themselves confronted by all sorts of people, some friendly, some not. It’s been three years since Emma first sailed. Her confidence, resourcefulness and determination have grown to create a true heroine. There were a couple of twists that I wasn’t expecting which made this fun adventure even more intriguing. Readers of all ages will enjoy this one.
Debra K
Excellent story for young readers. I’m an adult and still found it very entertaining, with a well-paced plot. Lots of valuable information, history, as well excitement which takes Emma and Jack to new ports and towns. It wraps up with some wise words and reflection on revenge.
Applegale
I really enjoyed this sequel to The Day the Pirates Went Mad. Emma Sharpe and her friend and shipmate, Jack Randall, have been marooned on a tiny island, and must use all their smarts and resourcefulness to survive–and find a way off the island. An abandoned sailor, an encounter with pirates, a risky bet, and the two friends find themselves back in civilization, only to learn of the betrayal that got their ship attacked, and themselves stranded. Now, they have a new mission: find their captain, rescue their crew, and save a friend from execution! Well-researched, with engaging characters and tons of adventure, Trevor Atkins’ book is a treat for children and adults alike.
K Wallace
When I read Trevor Atkins’ books, I never cease to be amazed at how thoroughly he researches his subject. From the geographic setting to the animal and plant life, to survival skills, to swordplay and the strategies of maneuvering a ship during a sea battle, the details are mind-boggling. A thoroughly enjoyable story with enough teasers woven in to lead this reader to believe there are more adventures ahead for Emma.
K Butcher
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More Editorial Reviews
The story allows for the presentation of interesting historical facts and context, while being entertaining and accessible, making it a great book for introducing kids to maritime history.
More than that, all readers will leave the story with a reminder that the real treasure in life is not found in stuff – bling, booty, and baubles — but in the people we call family.
Cassidy Lea – The British Columbia Review (The Ormsby Review)
Atkins writes this historical fiction with an easy fluidity that readers young and old can lose themselves in. Life on the New Adventure is far from idyllic. Emma and the crew find themselves facing the doldrums, treacherous seas, pirates, and cursed treasure while sailing from exotic ports of call all over the seven seas.
Tammy Catherine Greene – The Miramichi Reader
Empathetic Emma uses her youthful outlook, level-headedness and critical thinking to help overcome any adversity and soften their hard edges. By building his characters with tidbits of their backgrounds and beginnings, within each chapter, Atkins gives his readers inklings of future plotlines as he skillfully anchors his story with historical facts.
This is a fictional story placed in the early 1700’s. The details about the ways of living, customs, food, clothing and especially ships is impressive. The story is well written so I could ‘see’ it unfold as Emma escaped a Bristol, UK orphanage and finds her place on a ship that trades around the world.
Margriet Ruurs – Global Book Reviews, TIE Blog
The story is gripping – I couldn’t put it down. The author’s thorough research and knowledge of the topic and era truly bring the story to life. Any student interested in history and/or pirates will love this novel.
A truly fantastic and engaging historical fiction read. The author’s attention to detail in terms of language and terminology amongst the sailors and the era the narrative took place in was amazing, and the theme of how wealth and power can influence the mind, whether you believe it to be a curse or not, was really fascinating to see unfold here.
“The Day the Pirates Went Mad” is a must-read historical fiction and middle-age level narrative. Emma is a fantastic school-aged heroine for the age of pirates.
Anthony Avina – Author Anthony Avina’s Blog