I read this book for school purposes.

That's precisely the reason why it took me such a long time to finish it. I could only manage to read up to specific parts at one go.

The plot of this book was truly interesting, and it also had some excellent ideas.

Nevertheless, the one significant flaw that I noticed in this book was regarding the length of the chapters. In particular, in the chapters including Sam, an excessive number of characters were introduced.

Despite this drawback, it was still a decent book, and it had a sweet ending thanks to the character of Molly.

Overall, it was an okay read, with its pros and cons, but it served its purpose for my school assignment.

Yet another book that I had high hopes for, but unfortunately, it didn't quite meet my expectations.

I have to admit that I'm not a big fan of the combination of fantasy and historical fiction. As in the case of "Kat Incorrigible", I found the supernatural and dreamlike connection between Sam and Molly rather strange and unconvincing.

However, there were some redeeming qualities in the book. I did enjoy the parts that focused solely on Sam. His character was well-developed, and I could empathize with his struggles and aspirations.

Moreover, I also learned a significant amount about the Napoleonic Wars. Although my knowledge base on this topic was not extensive to begin with, the book provided some interesting insights and details that added to my understanding.

Overall, while the book had its flaws, it wasn't a complete waste of time. I just wish that the author had focused more on the historical aspects and less on the fantasy elements.

Delightful, truly! This is the feeling that one experiences when encountering something truly special. It could be a beautiful sunset, a delicious meal, or a kind gesture from a stranger. The word "delightful" perfectly captures the essence of this joyous emotion. It is a feeling that makes our hearts sing and our faces light up with a smile.

When we describe something as delightful, we are expressing our genuine appreciation and enjoyment of it. It is a term that implies a sense of wonder and amazement. Whether it is a work of art, a piece of music, or a memorable moment with loved ones, the experience of finding something delightful is truly precious.

Truly, the world is full of delightful things waiting to be discovered. We just need to open our eyes and hearts to them. By doing so, we can add more joy and beauty to our lives and share this delightful experience with others. So, let us all embrace the delightful and make the most of every wonderful moment that comes our way.

I'm a huge fan of Susan Cooper's The Dark is Rising series. They were truly some of my most cherished books during my childhood, and they still hold a special place in my heart. This particular story was a sweet one, and it also had the charm of an interesting historical novel. However, in the end, it didn't offer much more than that. It was indeed a good book, and I would definitely recommend it to a child or a teen. But for me, it just wasn't exactly what I was seeking at this moment.

I was perhaps looking for something with a bit more depth or a different kind of excitement. Nevertheless, I can still appreciate the quality of the writing and the engaging nature of the story. It's just that sometimes our expectations don't quite align with what a book has to offer.

Overall, I'm glad I read it, but it didn't quite hit the mark for me as I had hoped.

This is an excellent historical mystery that truly engages the reader.

As I delved into it, I was amazed to discover how much I could learn about ships in the early 19th century.

The details provided about the construction, the rigging, and the daily life on board were both fascinating and educational.

It was like taking a step back in time and experiencing the maritime world of that era firsthand.

The author's research is evident, and it adds a layer of authenticity to the story.

Whether you're a history buff or simply enjoy a good mystery, this book is sure to satisfy.

It not only entertains but also broadens your knowledge of a bygone era.

I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an engaging and informative read.

An interesting way to explore a young woman's journey of coping with grief, loss, and change is presented. One might have expected the story to be more intricately interwoven, with a more significant payoff. However, it would have been highly captivating for a kid. The narrative likely delves into the young woman's emotions and experiences as she navigates through these difficult aspects of life. It could potentially show her growth and transformation as she learns to deal with the challenges. Despite not meeting all the expectations in terms of complexity and resolution, it still holds a certain charm and appeal, especially for a younger audience. Perhaps the simplicity of the story allows kids to more easily relate to the young woman's situation and understand the concepts of grief, loss, and change.

Interesting as it may be, I have to admit that I never had the sense that the protagonist's problem or feelings were truly resolved. It seemed as if the story just kind of ended without a real sense of finality. Maybe it's because I have a lot of experience with children's literature. After all, I have kids of my own and I was once an elementary school teacher. And I must say, I do appreciate how clean and simple children's books tend to be. They often have a straightforward charm that can be quite appealing. But in this particular case, I couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed that the protagonist's journey didn't have a more conclusive ending.

What an interesting book!

I have never read anything about the wars between France and England before. However, this particular book was done really well and managed to keep my interest throughout.

I have a great love for books that travel back and forth between different time periods. It's like taking a journey through history, experiencing different eras and events.

This book not only provided detailed information about the wars but also brought the characters and their stories to life. It made me feel as if I was right there in the midst of the action, witnessing the battles and the struggles of the people involved.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in history or enjoys reading engaging and well-written stories. It's a truly captivating read that will leave you wanting more.

I read this following on from the Ladybird book of The Story of Nelson, plus the Patrick O’Brian sea stories for adults, which I absolutely adore.

This is storytelling of the very highest order. It is so superb that it truly stands out. This is a book that I will not only buy copies of but also recommend wholeheartedly to all the young readers who come into my life. Just as I do with Michelle Paver’s Wolf Brother series, I will ensure that this book reaches the hands of those who can benefit from its wonderful narrative.

The story is vivid and moving, bringing a specific period and experience to life in a form that is perfect for children. It is deeply evocative, painting a picture in the reader's mind that is both captivating and engaging. I can't believe I've never read Susan Cooper’s work before. However, now that I have discovered it, I know I have a real treat in store. I look forward to exploring more of her books and sharing the magic with others.

Book 9 of 2020 is truly a remarkable piece of work.

The writing is elegant, and it falls into the genre of historical fiction. However, it leans more towards history than fiction.

I was particularly fascinated by the connection between the fictional character Molly and Samuel Robbins, an actual boy who served on Nelson’s HMS Victory during the Battle of Trafalgar.

Nelson’s figure is, without a doubt, one of legend.

This book has had a profound impact on me, inspiring me to explore British maritime history from this time period in greater depth.

I am eager to learn more about the events, the people, and the ships that played such a significant role in shaping Britain’s naval heritage.

It is through books like this that we can gain a better understanding of the past and appreciate the sacrifices and achievements of those who came before us.

I highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in history or a love for well-written fiction.

I truly relished this book.

To be honest, I suppose a significant portion of it is merely depicting what life was like in the British Navy during the 1800s, yet I adored it.

I gleaned an abundance of knowledge, and upon completing it, I experienced this intense passion for history that was almost on par with Katie's.

Don't misunderstand me. It also has an excellent story.

Even if you don't feel that overwhelming surge of passion, it remains well worth reading.

It offers a captivating glimpse into a bygone era, with detailed descriptions that bring the past to life.

The characters are well-developed, and the plot keeps you engaged from start to finish.

Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply looking for an interesting read, this book is sure to satisfy.

Molly is an English girl who embarks on a new life in modern-day America.

Sam, on the other hand, is an 11-year-old country boy who is compelled to serve on HMS Victory at the turn of the 19th century.

The two threads of this story converge when Molly discovers a very special book in a second-hand bookshop on a rainy day.

As the book progresses, the reader is taken back to the Battle of Trafalgar. It is an enjoyable read, filled with abundant and excellent historical details, and a mystery that resolves itself.

I am extremely glad that Susan Cooper is writing books once more. I believe I have read everything she has penned, and each book is both enjoyable and of a high standard. This book is no different, and it is, as always, a great young adult book.

However, in reality, when delving into this period of history, I would rate Powder Monkey by Paul Dowswell a little more highly. That book contains even more historical details, and the story is equally as good. If you wish to read just one book about life aboard a ship during Nelson's era, read "Powder Monkey". But if you desire to read a very good story, this one is also worth it.