The Riddle of the Sea

I read this book really quickly, it is really well written with an enchanting plot and well developed charcaters that I think children will really engage with. The illustrations were beautiful and will really help children bring their imagination even more into play. A really good book.

Lyrical and sweet, I admit it is hard for me, a not small child, to review this novel.

But, I'd like to think I'm in tune with my inner child, so here I go:

The characters.
Oh how I am a sucker for a pirate. Even an old grumpy one. Every lil' kid deserves to see their grandparent go on an adventure! And while he may not be the hardened, seen too much, wise guy from big old fantasy novels, I appreciated the grump.
Ravian is also a solid main, because when you're that age, you don't know what you're doing, but you could tell her cared!

The plot.
OMG YES. Scary, but not bloody. Engaging and OH those pictures!! PRETTYPRETTYPRETTY. And I will always be a sucker for a sea battle...

Overall.
I know I'm not the audience for this book, but I'm sure those who are will ADORE this. As it stands, it was fun, light hearted and I regret nothing.

We loved this book. Pirates, adventure on the high seas, rescues........
The main characters are relatable, brave and caring (even the grumpy pirate). There is tension and excitement but only mildly scary. The children thought it was the best pirate book we had read for ages.

I had mixed feelings about this book, but by the end I really enjoyed it.
I found the telling of the story to be a tad simplistic at the start, but it improved a lot by the end, becoming a much more enjoyable read. It was a good premise and a satisfying conclusion.
Perhaps not a book I'd read again,.but I think it would be a good book for kids wanting to go from easier stories to more complex ones, with more complicated plots, as it's a good middle ground and has an exciting story.

I did enjoy this book. The story was a lovely story, it did have a slow start with the first couple of chapters but once the story picked up, the pace also picked up.
I loved the characters and did feel for Ravian.
It is a good short story and lovely to read with my sons who really enjoyed everything with the book.

I would definitely read this again.