Powder Monkey: Adventures of a Young Sailor

Thirteen-year-old Sam Witchall has always dreamed of being a sailor, but he never realized how dangerous and gruesome life at sea could be until he is pressed into service aboard HMS Miranda. Beginning his naval career as a "powder monkey"--assisting the gun crews on the warship--Sam learns the ropes of sailing and how to cope with enemies both foreign and onboard the Miranda herself.

With enough battles, storms, and shipwrecks to thrill young fans of the Master and Commander series, this rousing historical adventure introduces a new generation to an exciting era, when a lowly powder monkey could grow up to be a hero.

Customer Reviews:

An Interesting Little Read

By Donald Smith "Ryder" - April 5, 2006

A good bit of entertaining reading for anyone, student or adult, wanting to get an insight on the deplorable conditions of life at sea back in the days of cannons and tall ships. Life during the days when the caste system was alive and well in the so called civilized western world. I would recomend this book as a read to any school age student wishing to see beyond the so called glory of life on the high seas that goes beyond Master And Comander.

Sam, the 13 year old main character, fits snug into whatever condition tossed upon him. He has to do so or he dies. Or at the very least risks flogging. The British Navy really weren't very decent folks back then were they. Sailors were just rabble to be used and disposed of at will. That is the imprression I came away with after reading this book. Even young Sam realizes that escape is useless. No return to home is possible. The author does not sell the reader out in this truth.

The only reason I only gave 4... read more

Only the best of Historical Fiction

By Mat Perrin "Sam I am" - January 4, 2006

Granted, this novel is fairly juvenile, but it was written by a historian and it does catalogue how life was on a frigate during the Napoleonic wars. Call me ignorant, but after seeing "Master and Commander: The Far Side of The World", I was under the impression that the only children serving in the royal navy were midshipmen (lieutenants-in-training, such as Robert Neville in the book) however, I came to find that this was completely inaccurate. One of the most dangerous jobs aboard ship was the powder monkey position, which was most often filled most often were the fastest and smallest on ship, the children. This is the tale of one such child who is forced upon a ship. A short novel, well worth the read. Intriguing.

Mat Perrin, esq.