Amazon.co.uk Review
Like the real-life history of its author--a deep-sea diving, mountaineering, snake-loving, cycling Doctor--
The Voyage of the Arctic Tern is stuffed full of incident. It may be long, as heavy as a brick, told in poetry and feature a sweeping historical narrative that crosses the centuries, but Hugh Montgomery's debut work for children is a satisfyingly old-fashioned adventure that thrills, mystifies and captivates the reader in turns.
Told in verse that is perfectly accompanied on each page by the haunting and atmospheric illustrations of Nick Poullis, the story begins in the modern-day naval town of Plymouth. The narrator tells of a ghostly sea captain called Bruno who was destined to wander through time, trapped in existence by immortal life--his punishment for a hideous crime that he had committed in a forgotten age. Bruno had sold out for money the people of his tiny home fishing village. However, Bruno himself had been betrayed by his paymasters and each and every man, woman and child had perished because of him. Bruno's soul would be spared only when he had made amends for his three crimes. He must save a life, rescue one that has been betrayed and help some local folk by giving away a large wealth. Bruno's ship is the Arctic Tern, and to complete the first of his steps to redemption he travels to Spain in the time of Queen Elizabeth I on a mission of peace. There he has the opportunity, with his travelling colleagues, to unravel a plot to poison the Spanish King.
There are other adventures too--involving ghosts, pirates and treasure. The poetry is sometimes inconsistent, but the stories are never dull and they shine through, pure and undiminished. It's difficult to imagine a better rainy afternoon read under a blanket on the sofa. The book is sure to endure and with its sumptuous production will no doubt be a multi-seasonal gift for years to come. (Age 10 and over)--John McLay
Review
"Here's my prediction for the children's film success of 2004 or thereabouts. It will be based on a book called The Voyage of the Arctic Tern, by Hugh Montgomery... A cross between Watership Down and C. S. Lewis." Richard Brooks, The Sunday Times
This rare and beautiful book belongs in every home. Hugh Montgomery has created an epic poem that will hold listeners of any age enthralled as he tells a tale of treasure and treason spanning several centuries and travelling across Scandanavia, Spain and England. The story contains everything the heart could desire - pirates, kings and queens, friendship, loyalty, outstanding courage and true penitence. The Arctic Tern's skipper, Bruno, is condemned to eternal wandering for a brief moment of greed. The ghosts of his past can release him if he completes three tasks which will right his wrongs and lay the suffering he caused to rest. His fate is dependent on three other men, the trust of the Queen of England, the King of Spain and victory over Mad Dog Morgan. Montgomery's skill as a storyteller is so carefully channelled through his verse that the poetry carries you on the crest of the wave ahead of the Arctic Tern; the rhythm is so secure that even the youngest reader will not stumble. Nick Poullis's illustrations frame almost every page and his style adds a timeless, ghostly quality to your own imaginings, yet takes nothing away from the pictures conjured from the words. A classic. Ages 10+ (Kirkus UK)
Ghost ships, treachery, murder, pirates, treasure, and one man's journey through time seeking redemption make this a richly satisfying high seas adventure. When Queen Elizabeth hires Lord Hunter to conduct a secret peace mission to the King of Spain, the man he hires as captain of his ship happens to be Bruno, a man who had betrayed his people many years before. He saved Lord Hunter's life and still must perform two more acts of atonement for his sins. He must prevent a betrayal to balance his own betrayal, and he must find a way to give wealth back to the people. Standing in his way is his nemesis, pirate/merchant Mad Dog Morgan, who is out to poison the King of Spain and, thereby, consolidate his power. The story is told in verse that doesn't exactly flow trippingly off the tongue, but the exciting plot, atmospheric pen-and-ink line drawings on every page, and the handsome design make this a tale to remember. The well-structured narrative, and action that moves seamlessly through the centuries, nicely anchor this story of fate and redemption. Fans of Iain Lawrence's High Seas trilogy and Brian Jacques's Castaways of the Flying Dutchman will love this. (Fiction. 9+) (Kirkus Reviews)
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