This is a sequel to Hartner's previous I, Walter, following the adventures of Walter's second son, James, kidnapped at age eleven by Walter's evil brother Gerald. It's best to think of these books as alternate history, and not worry too much about the details, as the Crofters, father and son, invent first modern international trade, and now, in this book, paper currency and the modern banking system.

That snarky comment made, I have to say that this book, like the first, is solid YA adventure, with lots of action, and with courage, intelligence, and honor prevailing over greed, cowardice, and cruelty. James, Rosalind, and those who help them, and whom they help, are likable people, and James and Rosalind, in particular, don't do foolish things because the plot requires it. They take risks, but with their eyes open and with a solid plan.

Another important note: This is James' story, but Rosalind, Luisa, Ines, and Mary are strong, intelligent characters, too. Rosalind and Mary, in particular, are perhaps a little more successful and independent than is entirely believable in the 17th century, but the target audience for I, James won't mind. Girls and boys both get characters they can identify with, and an exciting and (age appropriately) colorful adventure to enjoy.

Recommended.

I received a free electronic galley of this book from the author. ( )

Born on September 21, 1613, James Luis Juan Crofter was the second son of English merchant seaman turned ruler of the Iberian Empire, Walter Crofter and his wife, Maria, Princess of Castile. For the next eleven years, young James lived a privileged life as a much-favored prince near the port of San Sabastian on the west coast of Spain. Then on his eleventh birthday, in the year 1624, James is unceremoniously ripped from his family.

Kidnapped and sold into slavery by a ruthless man, who just happens to be his father's estranged brother, James is subsequently shipped off to a tobacco plantation in Africa. For the next five years, James toiled away in enforced servitude, and the prince became a veritable pauper - a stranger living in a strange land. He dreamed of the day when he would be free and be able to return to his loving family.

As James quietly plots and plans for the day that he will eventually escape; he prepares himself for life beyond the plantation. James secretly promises himself that he will return someday to ensure freedom for the other slaves - people whom James considers to be honorary members of his much missed and longed for family. The question that continually haunts James' thoughts is: Is it possible that nature is stronger than nurture? And even if it is, will James still be able to find the happiness that he so richly desires?

I really enjoyed reading this book. The plot was as engaging as I, Walter and I found myself hoping that James would be able to find his family very soon, and overcome the many obstacles that were in his way. The characters and plot were well-developed, and I could sympathize with so many of the characters. I also hoped that others would receive appropriate justice or punishment.

I would give I, James by Mike Hartner an A! This is the second book in The Eternity Series, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series, which I think will focus on the life of James' daughter, Mary Crofter. ( )

The narrative is full of both land and sea adventure, quite a page turner. You travel to exotic foreign lands, fight off pirates and undesirable seamen. Slavery is explored without sparing deplorable treatment of slaves, the cruelty of the master as well as slave capturers, the reader will be deeply affected. The 1600’s is a harsh time, Hartner describes the times and challenges very well.

James and Rosalind equally captured my heart. Both their stories are emotional and heartbreaking, abducted and forced into a life of slavery at such a young age. James possesses an incredible strength, values, and all around appealing personality, you find yourself drawn to him immediately and feel for his situation and barbaric treatment. His kindness is immeasurable. James is awe inspiring. Rosalind is a pillar of strength, brave and courageous, she pulls at your heart, you find yourself invested in her the moment you meet her. James and Rosalind’s lives are parallel, no surprise destiny unites this dynamic duo.

A wonderful story for all ages. A tale of survival, forging ahead under the most difficult circumstances, maintaining hope. Harshness balanced by incredible kindness. A wonderful romance with heroics, peppered with multiple fantastic themes. ( )

Set in the early seventeenth century, James Crofter is a Spanish Prince – his father was Walter Crofter, the King of Northern Spain. However, his life is destined for something quite different from that of a Prince. James is taken from his family on his eleventh birthday by his Uncle Gerald who sold him into slavery to a plantation in Kilwa where the master treated his dogs better than the slaves. Years later, he escaped with the help of the blacksmith and his wife.

Rosalind’s life is similar to James in transgressions against her. She is born on the same day and also forced from her family when she was eleven years old. She was supposed to become a slave, but her guard took pity on her. Instead of allowing a cruel master to have her, he arranged for her to be given to a kind man who would protect her and not abuse her. Felipe placed her aboard a ship (dressed as a boy); she cooked for the crew. Years later, the lives of James and Rosalind intersect as James is pursuing his freedom.

I’ve seen some reviews placing the recommended age at Middle Grade. I assume this is because of the age of the protagonist at the time of his capture. I would tend to disagree. While I think the writing is good and plain for younger readers and it provides a vivid picture of that time in history, I felt that the violence shown upon James was more than most middle graders would feel comfortable with. This is written like a standalone even though it is the second in a series; the first was I, Walter. Per Amazon’s editorial review by the author, “Each in the series will be connected, though that connection may not be obvious for several more books.” The pacing of the story is great alternating between chapters for both James and Rosalind. I appreciated that they are both strong characters who never give up. At times, the transition between the two is not as clear, leaving the reader to wonder who is speaking. I rated I, James at 3.5 out of 5. ( )