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I truly have a deep affection for the majority of Susan Cooper's literary works. This is perhaps the very reason why I find myself so disheartened by this particular one.

To be honest, I had a genuine liking for one half of this book, while the other half left me with a rather lackluster impression. Sam's narrative arc was extremely engaging and entertaining. However, when it comes to Molly as a character, she simply failed to capture my interest.

The exploration of Lord Nelson and the HMS Victory, especially from the perspective of a very young impressed sailor, was truly magnificent. It not only made me have a greater appreciation for British history but also kindled in me a desire to visit Trafalgar Square, the Victory, and some of the other locations that were mentioned in the book, despite the fact that I am an American.

Conversely, I just couldn't bring myself to like Molly and her story, and I even wished that I could have simply skipped over that part. Additionally, the way in which the two storylines converged felt somewhat underwhelming to me. It had the potential to be executed in a far more extraordinary manner, as it seemed to be hinting at, but unfortunately, it never quite managed to reach that level.

If Ms. Cooper had delved a little deeper into the aspect of the haunting rather than solely focusing on how desperate Molly was, I believe I would have derived a great deal more enjoyment from her storyline. Although I'm glad that I read this book and crossed it off my list, it is undeniably a middle-grade book that lacks the depth of storyline that could have elevated it to greatness.

Susan Cooper presents the intertwined tales of Molly, a young girl who has recently arrived in America with her mother and stepfather. Set in the present, Molly's story unfolds against the backdrop of her new life.

On the other hand, there is Sam, a young boy who was press-ganged into working on the HMS Victory during the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. His experiences during this historical event add a rich layer of authenticity to the narrative.

Susan Cooper skillfully weaves historical facts into a fictional story, creating a captivating and engaging read. As the book progresses, it is fascinating to watch how she ties the two lives together. Both Molly and Sam grow and develop, finding their own places in the world.

Overall, Susan Cooper does an excellent job of writing for the young adult fiction (YAF) genre. Her ability to blend history and fiction in a seamless manner makes this book a must-read for anyone interested in both.

I really enjoyed learning a little about Lord Nelson and the Battle of Trafalgar. Before reading this book, I knew absolutely nothing about them.

It is a junior fiction book, but that didn't stop me from finding it highly enjoyable and interesting.

The story painted a vivid picture of the events and the characters involved. Lord Nelson's leadership and courage were truly inspiring.

The description of the battle itself was intense and exciting, making me feel as if I was right there on the ships.

Even though it was a fictionalized account, it still gave me a good understanding of the historical context.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in history or just enjoys a good adventure story.

I have a deep affection for the Dark is Rising sequence, and I completely adored King of Shadows. At first, I wasn't overly certain that I would relish Victory. I had the impression that the writing might lean towards a powerful war narrative, and to be honest, I didn't find the book's blurb particularly captivating.

However, I'm extremely glad that I had the opportunity to read Victory. The narrative does have its flaws, and it isn't one of Susan Cooper's finest works. Nevertheless, it does possess some merits.

Fans of King of Shadows are in for a pleasant "blink and you'll miss it" surprise that is tucked away within Victory's narrative. It's interesting to see how Cooper weaves in this unexpected element that will surely delight those who are familiar with her other works.

Overall, while Victory may not be a perfect book, it still offers an engaging read and a touch of magic that is characteristic of Susan Cooper's writing.

VICTORY is an engaging book that delves into the lives of a family with a passion for ships, or at least one of the sons does. The two main characters, Sam Robbins and Molly, bring the story to life. Sam, coming from a not-so-wealthy family, decides to join his uncle for work. His father wholeheartedly supports this idea as it means more income for the family.

On the other side of the story (which is like having two books in one), Molly receives a book about the Victory ship, where Sam is employed. The narrative continuously switches between the two characters, adding depth and complexity to the plot.

This book can be related to many individuals whose parents prioritize money over family. Just as Sam's dad is fixated on financial gain, numerous other parents share the same mindset. Additionally, I can connect with this book on a personal level as, like Molly, I am a curious girl.

I awarded this book 3 stars as it took me a considerable amount of time to grasp the setting for the two parts. However, I would recommend it to those who have an interest in the Victory ship or enjoy reading about the lives of people. It offers a unique perspective and an interesting storyline that is sure to captivate readers.

gr5-8 186 pgs.

1803-1805 HMS Victory / 2006 CT & England. The story presents a captivating alternation between two 11-year-olds. Molly is grappling with the challenges of her mother's remarriage and the family's relocation from London to the United States. Meanwhile, Sam Robbins, an English country boy, has been impressed into the Royal Navy and is serving aboard the HMS Victory. Molly discovers a book about Admiral Nelson and an inscription within it made by a descendant of someone who served with him. Sam, on the other hand, is present at the fateful Battle of Trafalgar and witnesses Admiral Nelson's tragic death.

Life aboard the HMS Victory is arduous, filled with hardships and difficulties. However, the alternating story lines between Molly and Sam help to lighten the overall tone of the book. It provides a balance between the personal struggles of Molly and the exciting yet perilous experiences of Sam on the HMS Victory. This dual narrative approach engages the reader and offers a unique perspective on different aspects of life during that era.

I had completely forgotten what an epic storyteller/author this woman truly is.

And I'm extremely glad that this book arrived in a pile from a friend.

Cooper has an amazing ability to weave adventurous stories with such clear and vivid detail.

For example, she writes about the Royal Navy's press gangs, and she vividly evokes how absolutely frightening and brutal this practice was.

Besides that, she also describes the strong and terrifying emotions of two children.

These children show great courage and resilience in the face of difficult circumstances.

Her writing makes the readers feel as if they are right there with the characters, experiencing every moment of the story.

It's truly a remarkable piece of work that keeps the readers engaged from beginning to end.

I can't wait to see what else this talented author has in store for us.

Susan Cooper is an outstanding author who writes historical time-travel novels that are truly second to none. Her works have a magical charm that keeps readers completely engrossed from the very beginning to the end. I recently had the pleasure of reading one of her novels, and I can attest to the fact that it was an absolute page-turner.

From the moment I started reading, I was transported into a different era, filled with fascinating characters and thrilling adventures. The story was so well-written and engaging that I simply couldn't leave my chair until I'd finished it. Every page held a new surprise and kept me on the edge of my seat.

Susan Cooper's ability to bring history to life through her words is truly remarkable. She has a gift for creating vivid and detailed worlds that feel so real that you can almost touch them. Her novels are not only entertaining but also educational, as they offer a unique perspective on different historical periods.

In conclusion, I would highly recommend Susan Cooper's historical time-travel novels to anyone who loves a good story. They are brilliant works of fiction that will leave you breathless and longing for more.

I understand that this is a children's book.

However, I found the plot to be somewhat contrived.

The book always seemed to fall just short of hitting the mark.

It might stimulate a younger reader's interest in history, but any one of Jackie French's books such as "Hitler's Daughter", "Daughter of the Regiment", or "Soldier on the Hill" would do a better job in this regard.

Or, for that matter, Terry Deary's "Horrible Histories" series.

These other works offer more engaging and perhaps more accurate portrayals of historical events and figures, which can capture the imagination of young readers and provide them with a more in-depth understanding of history.

The book in question, while having some redeeming qualities, simply doesn't measure up to the standards set by these other excellent works in the genre of historical children's literature.

Sort of a fantasy, but not what I expected.

Contrary to my anticipation, this book does not revolve around time travel. However, for a historical fiction novel with just a touch of fantasy, the story was truly excellent.

The writing style enabled me to comprehend the intensity of the loss Molly experienced upon being displaced to a new country. I also valued how Molly was able to forge a new connection with both her ancestors and her present family.

The historical setting of the fictional Sam was captivating and reasonably engaging.

Nonetheless, I faced challenges in determining the appropriate audience for this book. The author incorporates minute details that assist an adult reader in identifying with the supporting adult characters in the story. I am uncertain whether this might be a deterrent for a younger reader.

There is a small amount of language (considering it's about sailors, after all) and a sufficient level of violence, which might lead some parents to deem it inappropriate for the 9 - 12 age group that I presume it is targeted at.

Overall, it's a book that has its strengths in storytelling and character development, but its suitability for a particular age group remains a bit of a question mark.

A young girl embarks on a journey of discovery and learns an abundance of knowledge about Adm. Nelson and his magnificent flagship, the HMS Victory.

What truly captivated me was the ingenious way in which each section of time, both the present and that of Nelson's era, were seamlessly intertwined.

Ordinarily, I'm not one to be overly enthusiastic about the concept of time travel in general. However, in this particular case, it felt more like vivid flashes of the Battle of Trafalgar rather than a traditional time travel narrative.

The girl's exploration provides a unique perspective, allowing readers to envision the grandeur and significance of Nelson and his ship.

It's as if we are transported back in time, experiencing the events and emotions that unfolded during that momentous battle.

This story not only educates but also engages the reader, making it a truly remarkable and enjoyable read.