The quest for the Galleon of Time by Tanya Hunter

Middle grade fans of fantasy, adventure and action on the high seas will be enthralled by this debut novel, The Quest for the Galleon of Time written by author Tanya Hunter. Set in 1738, 11-year-old Tobias Crane is unexpectedly sent to work by his father on the galleon, the Merry Maiden. Devastated by his father’s decision, young Tobias has no choice in the matter and leaves his beloved mother, younger brother Matthew, and best friend Climber behind in Jacob’s Landing.

On board Tobias finds friendship with other cabin boys, friendly and amiable Quinn and Abalone, as well as tough and prickly Albert who hides a secret. Tobias quickly settles into life on the ocean and discovers he has an interest in navigation. He is trained initially by Captain Tremaine, but then gruff and unfriendly Finnian takes over his education. It is while Tobias is at the helm that the ship is attacked by the pirate ship, Hades’ Damnation which is captained by Captain Tremaine’s older evil brother Ryker. Fortunately they are able to stave off the attack and cripple the pirate ship.

This is the beginning of an eventful few months for Tobias where he learns about the legend of the ghost galleon, the Majestic Maria, captained by Captain Tremaine’s deceased brother Lisbon, twin to Ryker. Tobias has been previously warned to get a message to his father, that he is being hunted by Lisbon as he was a part of the crew that abandoned him. Then a huge storm destroys the Merry Maiden and the crew abandon ship. Quinn and Tobias are rescued by the ghost galleon and taken to a seemingly deserted island which turns out to be inhabited by Quinn’s adoptive family. There the two boys find Finnian and Abalone and help save the village from the evil Ryker. And with the help of Lisbon and the ghostly Majestic Maria, will they be able to rescue Captain Tremaine, Albert and the rest of the crew?

But the story does not end there as this is the first exciting book in the series that will keep readers guessing what will happen next. The wonderful descriptions of life onboard the galleon, the danger faced by the main characters and the bravery they show, their enduring friendships and humour will entertain readers of all ages.

Themes: Adventure, Fantasy, Friendship, Danger, Pirates, Galleons.

Kathryn Beilby