The Ancient Ocean Blues by Jack Mitchell

Anyone who thinks ancient history is dry will think again after dipping into these ocean blues. Here, political corruption, intrigue, high-seas adventure, romance, and comedy are all presented in abundance by the likable Marcus Oppius Sabinus, a teenager with a very contemporary attitude. Marcus is unwittingly involved by his cousin in “promoting” the ambitious young Julius Caesar in an upcoming Roman election. When Marcus proves to be even better at bribery than his cousin had hoped, he is assigned a difficult and dangerous mission. He must spy on, and undermine, those who would support Cicero’s control of Rome, so that Julius Caesar can continue his power grab. The mission carries its rewards and risks. If Marcus succeeds, he will be on the inner circles of Rome’s elite. If he fails, he faces exile — or worse. Given very little choice but to accept his assignment, Marcus travels to Greece, but not before he is sidelined by shipwreck, enslavement, and pirate attack. Oh, yes, and the beginnings of love.

Marcus's uncle is Julius Caesar's best bud when it comes to campaigning, and when his uncle wants Marcus to spy on the famed "hero" Spurinna, Marcus is up to his eyeballs in trouble. Uncle Gaius insists that a trip to Athens will be a adventure of a lifetime, but Marcus soon finds himself shipwrecked along with some very unique characters. Those of you who aren't fans history or ancient Rome, are in for a for a BIG surprise!

I LOVED this book! The characters were fun and the plot was something out of a, well, a Greek novel (in the words of Pualla). It was a really short book--filled to max with twists, action, and comedy--so it's a perfect book for hesitant readers and those who have a hard time enjoying history. 

Overall, I had a great time reading The Ancient Ocean Blues and I hope you do to! Wishing upon a star that Mitchell writes more of these action packed books. Also, don't forget to check the pervious adventure of Spurinna in The Roman Conspiracy! Recommend for ages 12 and up.

|Pages: 200|Year Published: 2008|Publisher: Tundra|
|Genre: Historical fiction, Ancient Rome|
|Age Group: YA, ages 12+|Content: None|
|Enjoyed It: 5/5|Content Rating: 5/5|Cover: 5/5|
|Overall|

Escape by Sea by L.S. Lawrence

-from bookjacket

Sara lives a privileged but sheltered life as a senator's daughter in Carthage her home on the North African coast. But in horrific afternoon, everything changes. With his last breath, a soldier tells Sara that her only brother is dead and that the Romans will attack Carthage within the hour. Fleeing for their lives, Sara and her father hastily gather a cargo to trade across the sea; but no sooner have they left the African coast than they face a tempest, pirates, vengeful merchantes, and the Roman navy itself. 

Then a devastating turn of events leaves Sara alone, wondering whom she can trust. Returning to Africa is no longer an option, yet Sara has no destination in sight. With danger constantly at her back, she must rely on her own wit to survive in a man's world and lead her ship to freedom. 

This coming-of-age adventure that starts in ancient Carthage provides fascinating details about what life was like then on the Mediterranean and raises questions about tolerance, morality, and diversity. 

There aren't very many books for teens/kids about ancient Rome, Greece, Gaul [Germany] so when I saw this book I was actually quite excited. Escape by Sea was a fairly good peek into the past, but there was hardly any plotline and then when it was getting really good..... it just ended. Most of the book took place at sea and most of the characters thoughts and actions were about either defending the ship or trying to figure out the where they were going. The book was written in third person and Sara's character seemed lacked personal emotions, so I couldn't really connect with her or the characters. One thing that annoyed me the most was that inside of saying "Sara's father_____" it said his full title and name; thus I mixed up the characters a lot. Towards the end of book it got pretty good and I started to get the feel of the ancient seas and even imaged what the Roman soldiers looked like. (Plus it helped that I watched B.C. Battles on the History Channel.) RANDOM THOUGHTS HERE: I love the History Channel. I watched the ancient roman Battle for Marathon (hence the modern word to run a marathon) and the Battle of Troy. I also watched these neat western re-caps. 

Now back to the review: Not bad for a first novel. I'll give it a B- for first attempt at a historical fiction. HF is tuff to write, maybe Lawrence's next book will be better. (And if he does I will most likely read it) If you like stuff about sea voyages and adventures this is probably a nice light read for you! 

(PS. The cover is so neat!)

Pages: 188   Year Published: 2009    Genre: Historical fiction, ancient

Age Group: YA, girls ages 12+           Recommend? Yes

Classroom Use? Most defiantly

                         Rating: 

                     Enjoyed It: