The Smugglers – Review by Leo

     If you all like the glimmering setting of a hazy pirate ship accompanied with a crew that turns out to be the members of the most terrifying smuggling gang of the 1800’s, then this is the book for you. Some of the parts are quite exciting and enjoyable to read while other parts just make you gaze at the words of the page, not helping you to understand a single word. Altogether? This book is a recommendation; but if there was a choice between LOTR and this when there was nothing else to choose from, you’ll know by then.

Plot – 
      I will not include any spoilers, but the whole book can be briefly summarized regarding just four detailed sentences. John Spencer and his dad want to buy a ship called the Dragon for honest trading purposes, but a grim and mysterious shadow encircles the hull. They plan to trade tea from England to France, but a very sly and evil captain sort of take over the events. They lead the Spencer’s to a lot of trouble along the sea and once they reach France’s shores, the gang of smugglers take over the products and sell them illegally. Finally, the day is saved by the Revenue, or the police of that time who happened to arrive just in time. Good plot and good story.

Vocabulary –
     The good feature of this book is the combination of words and vocabulary. It does not take a genius to understand what is going on; but it does not enter the brain of the idiot either. Many words I did not understand, pirate talk and nonsense…=P But it sounds pretty cool at times, especially when the evil captain is showing off his threatening tones.

     I’d pretty much say it is rather wise to keep a dictionary at your side during the short chapters.

Fun Factor and Visualization –
      The whole book cannot be visualized, that’s all I have to say. But at the end, it really racks up your imagination and allows you to wander back to those old-fashioned days. The lanterns glowing gloomily upon the night lawn of the Baskerville! Ahhh yes! Very balmy and intrigueing…and at that time it is fun to read. I’m not saying that all the other parts of the novel are belittling; but all I’m trying to say is that the last three chapters will keep you on the edge of your seat…or bed…or whatever and wherever you read!

Overall Rating –

3 stars is a well-thought-of reward for this novel…nothing more I can say.