Books,  Reviews

Book Review: Rapture of the Deep: Being an Account of the Further Adventures of Jacky Faber, Soldier, Sailor, Mermaid, Spy


Reviewed by: Lori Twichell
Genre: Historical, YA, Adventure
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: May 24, 2010

Jacky is getting married! Finally she’s in the same place as Jaimy and she’s got the time and people who are able to help her set it up and PHEW! She’s going to be Mrs. James Emerson Fletcher. WOO HOO! Except….

As Jacky is preparing to come down the aisle, she’s snatched up a by a group of men and dragged out of her wedding! Yeah. I know. Guess who it is? The British government! Seriously, no matter what continent she’s on the girl just cannot get a break.

So this time around things are bad. Jacky Faber bad. If you’ve read any of the previous books, you’ll understand how very truly bad that is. The government tells Jacky that they have another job for her and once again, she must follow their orders or Jaimy and everyone she loves will be hanged or imprisoned or whatever else they can hold over her head.

This time around, it’s a doozy of a plan. It seems that there’s a Spanish ship that went down near Cuba and when it sank, it was laden with gold. A great deal of Spanish gold. Many have searched for it, but none have been successful. England, however, seems to think that Jacky Faber will change that. Especially with the help of a device invented by a master genius; Jacky’s old schoolteacher from the HMS Dolphin.  It’s a large metal contraption designed to give Jacky air way under water. Our Jacky Faber is going to be a mermaid!

With more adventures, wild crazy schemes and just the right amount of danger, the Rapture of the Deep continues the grand tradition of the Bloody Jack series. As with the previous books, Jacky’s danger level rises considerably and though targeted to 8th grade and up, there are some heavy situations in here that aren’t necessarily appropriate for younger teens. Pretty much the same warning I’ve given throughout the other books applies. Jacky’s adventures aren’t simple, light or easy. She ends up in danger and often, in highly violent or even sexual situations.

Even better is the audio version of the book – with Jacky’s adventures acted out in spectacular detail. With songs, beautiful voices and exceptional acting, this is the best audio book series that I have ever had the opportunity to experience. I never cease to be impressed with the magnitude of the production. When I have considered audiobooks in the past, most of the time it’s simple reading. There may be some voices, but you can always tell that it’s the same actor. That is not the case with this series. As I was listening, I was completely caught up in the audio version of Jacky’s tales. I found myself listening all the time! I didn’t want to stop.

Next stop: The Wake of the Lorelei Lee!

Rated R: This one goes back to more violence and more adult situations. The publisher has it listed for 8th grade and up, but I’d highly recommend that parents read either before or with younger readers. My recommendations on this book are 16/17 years old and up.

Review copy provided by the publisher and Listen and Live Audio. Thank you!