This book is meant for older middle school. I would say 5th or 6th grade and above and it is mostly because of the language terminology used. There is some older English in it so it may be harder for certain readers. Overall, this book is a great adventure story. ( )

This book was the most memorable of the trilogy. The action is fast-paced and unnerving, the protagonist is wonderfully resourceful. There's a shipwreck and a murder just to get the adventure going. But it is almost like a Greek tragedy in its scope. One man is haunted by the knowledge that he deliberately, albeit unknowingly, killed beloved family members. Another has been crippled due to his share in a crime. A third is tied up and left helpless, unable to prevent his toes being eaten by rats.

It is, essentially, an exploration of evil done through the motivation of gain, but also the stimulus of great poverty.

Miscatalogued by some public libraries as a childrens book; where YA category is available, should be YA. ( )

Full Review

I read The Smugglers before The Wickers. Other than having the same main character, both these books can stand well on their own.

The writing goes deep in to a dark tone about ghost and shipwrecks. This tone hangs there throughout the book. Anything else that description is quick and shallow. There tons of action making the story fast past and give a since that the characters are in peril.

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Written in 1998, it has the feel of a classic young teen adventure tale. Set in 1799 on the English coast, a 14 year old has a violent adventure after a shipwreck. Inspired by Treasure Island. ( )

High interest adventure. Historical language a little rough as well. ( )