Reviews

Castaways of the Flying Dutchman by Brian Jacques

tani's review against another edition

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3.0

Phew, another book that I've had for ages, knocked off the old bookshelf and into the donate box. This was cute, very reminiscent of Redwall, with a plot centered on a series of riddles that need to be solved in order to save a town. I'm not really sure where the whole bit about the Flying Dutchman really ties in, other than as a hook, but I imagine later books get into that. Not sure I'll ever read them, but either way, I enjoyed this.

rachelmariereads's review against another edition

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5.0

The Castaways of the Flying Dutchman books have always been my favorite series. I reread the trilogy numerous times when I first discovered them in middle school, and have read through them many times since. 10+ years later and they still hold up!

These books follow Ben and Ned, and boy and his dog, and their adventures throughout history. They were ill-treated and abused on board the Flying Dutchman, and when the ship was cursed to sail the seven seas forever, Ben and Ned were spared. They were given immortality and the ability to communicate with each other, and were sent to wander the earth, helping people wherever they could. ⁣

Ben and Ned are truly special characters. The first book contains two stories, about their time on board the Flying Dutchman, and then over 200 years later when they help a small village in the English countryside. Though these are just two of their tales, but the way Brian Jacques writes, you understand how much they’ve experienced, how their characters have grown in the time that has passed. Their banter is hilarious and charming. To the people that they meet, it’s clear that these two are more than what meets the eye. The way they help is subtle but significant, they plant the seed and wait for others to come to a realization. It’s inspiring, and had a huge impact on me growing up.⁣

If you haven’t read these books, I highly recommend them!

basbleu_dans_labiblioteque's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

This was not nearly as good as Redwall, but it got pretty solid by the end.

tibbarasden's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

5.0

This one got 5 stars for the cozy, feel-good vibes it gave me and Ned. That said, there were some problems, and it really overall was probably more of a 4 star based on expectations. I originally read the second book in this duology, not knowing it was part of a series. I think the second book was definitely more fitting to the theme. In this book, the Flying Dutchman really only plays a small part in the beginning, with Ben then having a few flashbacks throughout the rest of the story. There is a small portion after the ship before we jump ahead, and the main plot line begins. The bulk of the story has Ben and Ned in a small village that they need to help save. In order to do so, they have to follow clues to find what they need. Along the way, they stand up to bullies and make friends with villagers who band together to save their home. I like how there are different age ranges in the group and unique personalities. I am definitely not mad about the story we got, though I was expecting a story fully based on the Flying Dutchman going in. As such, the beginning did feel disconnected from the rest, but having already read the second book, I know that one focuses more on the nautical theme and Ben being haunted by the ship.

sleepyplushie's review against another edition

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4.0

4.5/5

caitatoes's review against another edition

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2.0

i feel like comparing this book to redwall is kind of pointless because theyre very different books, but the writing in general was weaker in this one. i didn't get much farther than once they got off the flying dutchman, cause it just didn't really keep my attention.

lw7710's review against another edition

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  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

gkneveu's review against another edition

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1.0

I was very disappointed with this book. My friend had told me about it and it sounded really cool so I got it. I'd never really been into Redwall (the very popular series by this author), but this book is very different than those, so I decided to give it a try, unfortunately it only served to remind me of all the reasons I had never finished a Redwall book.

The story is about a boy and his dog, two unfortunate beings unwillingly taken onto the Flying Dutchman(pre-curse). They are mistreated but remain strong and loyal to each other, and when the captain angers the gods and dooms the entire ship, the boy and his dog are spared because of their innocence. They get the good end of the deal and are immortal like the rest of the crew, but are allowed to leave the ship. Cool idea, right? Too bad it's about the only good thing about the book. The rest of the story is unoriginal and extremely predictable. The writing is mediocre, and the unnatural and forced dialogue makes me cringe. There was so much you could do with this idea, so many interesting stories could come from this young boy and dog who've been alive for hundreds of years, never aging, never able to stay in one place very long and never allowed to get attached to anyone. But the story is so predictable, so uninspired. The characters were flat and uninteresting, and I got attached to none of them, not even the two main characters. It's too bad that such a cool, original idea was so poorly executed.

hjoyner12's review against another edition

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adventurous medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

dare2smile's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional inspiring reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0