A review by tibbarasden
Castaways of the Flying Dutchman by Brian Jacques

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.