(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)

Set in Demerara, on the Caribbean coast of South America, Alexander Drabb is a 12-year-old reluctant hero who prefers to go by the name of Sandy. Believing that he has been sent to the strange land of mud to help run the Mosquito Mansion sugar plantation, he is shocked to find that he is not wanted there. Seeking comfort in the friendship of a young slave girl Quaneva, Sandy soon finds himself caught in the centre of a slave rebellion. It’s not long before his Uncle George (also known as Spoonbill because of his nose) sends Sandy off on a bush expedition with the local military to capture runaway slaves.
On his return as a reluctant hero and during the celebration of the expedition’s success, Sandy and Quaneva unintentionally end up escaping together during the confused outbreak of the slave rebellion. They are swept upriver in a canoe and embark on daring adventures, hunting and partying with the Indians. However, upon returning to the plantation, the youngsters discover that Quaneva’s father has been killed. As Quaneva puts herself on trial out of guilt, Sandy quickly realises who masterminded the rebellion and is forced to face his divided loyalties and decide who he should betray...

*3.5 stars*

This was quite an interesting story. I was taken in by Sandy's story from the start - believing he was being sent to help run a sugar plantation with his uncle, only to learn that his parents were getting divorced and didn't want him there. Sadly, he wasn't wanted at the plantation either. He becomes friends with Quaneva, a young slave girl and becomes involved in a rebellion by the slaves. Sent away by his uncle to help capture runaway slaves, Sandy returns to a hero's reception and almost immediately escapes with Quaneva for some action and adventure. Upon returning, tragedy has struck and loyalties of young Sandy are brought to the fore...

I did enjoy this story. Sandy and Quaneva were fantastic MC's - in particular, Quaneva. Her part in this book is what dragged this from a probable 2.5 stars to 3.5 stars. She was that interesting. The action and adventure that happens when the slaves break free is solid and had me turning the pages. There is enough in the characters and the plot to make this worth a read.

My only downsides (although significant) were this: the pacing was a bit all over the place. There were times where I expected the suspense/action to build, instead it lulled and vice versa. The other thing was the way the author used poor dialogue to give the notion that a foreigner was speaking. That was a little lazy and could have been done far better.

Overall, a good plot with two amazing main characters. Worth a read based on that alone.


Paul
ARH