angelqueen04's review against another edition
4.0
I'd seen this series for a long time in the library that I volunteer at every week before I decided to look into it further. Ultimately, I wasn't too disappointed with it and actually enjoyed most of it.
The story of Mary "Jacky" Faber is an interesting one. Orphaned as a young girl by the plague in late 18th century London, Mary falls in with a gang of orphans, learning the tricks to surviving on the streets. When her group's leader is murdered, however, Mary makes arrangemnts for the rest of the gang before setting off to try her luck at something new. She disguises herself as a boy, calling herself Jacky Faber, and eventually secures a place as a Ship's Boy on the H.M.S. Dolphin, which carries her into a myriad of adventures on the high seas, from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean.
I loved most of this story. I love that L.A. Meyer took the time to explore the more difficult aspects of hiding Mary's gender (such as hiding her different genitalia, for example), and also delved into some of the very real dangers that young boys faced on a naval vessel, both from pirates and from unsavory fellow-crew members.
The narrator was also very good at bringing Mary/Jacky to life. Her accent, the high pitch of her voice, all added some authenticity to the character and the story.
Possibly the only thing I didn't really care for in the story was the romance between Jacky and Jaime. This book would have been perfect if the romance hadn't been slotted into it. It just seemed utterly unnecessary and contrived, very jarring in an otherwise seamless work.
The story of Mary "Jacky" Faber is an interesting one. Orphaned as a young girl by the plague in late 18th century London, Mary falls in with a gang of orphans, learning the tricks to surviving on the streets. When her group's leader is murdered, however, Mary makes arrangemnts for the rest of the gang before setting off to try her luck at something new. She disguises herself as a boy, calling herself Jacky Faber, and eventually secures a place as a Ship's Boy on the H.M.S. Dolphin, which carries her into a myriad of adventures on the high seas, from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean.
I loved most of this story. I love that L.A. Meyer took the time to explore the more difficult aspects of hiding Mary's gender (such as hiding her different genitalia, for example), and also delved into some of the very real dangers that young boys faced on a naval vessel, both from pirates and from unsavory fellow-crew members.
The narrator was also very good at bringing Mary/Jacky to life. Her accent, the high pitch of her voice, all added some authenticity to the character and the story.
Possibly the only thing I didn't really care for in the story was the romance between Jacky and Jaime. This book would have been perfect if the romance hadn't been slotted into it. It just seemed utterly unnecessary and contrived, very jarring in an otherwise seamless work.
asma_aj's review against another edition
4.0
Following a personal tragedy, Mary is forced to live on the streets of London, and depending on the protection of street urchins, like every other orphan. But when her one of the urchins is dead, Mary resolves to start a new life. She enlists on a Navy's ship, and is ready for an adventure away from land. But with this decision are some consequences- for starters, she has adopted the name Jacky Faber. And second, she pretends to be a boy.
I can't describe why I like this book. It's different from others I've read before. There isn't exactly a specific goal other than what Jacky had to do (hide her gender). But reading her flow of thoughts, and following her adventures is addicting as well as humorous. I loved how Meyer made Jacky real. She's so fresh, funny, naive, and smart at times.
Through her, everyone around her becomes real- whether they are minor or major characters. While the events don't seem that special, it's still engrossing, and at some point I couldn't put it down.
I just... I can't explain why it's so good!
I can't describe why I like this book. It's different from others I've read before. There isn't exactly a specific goal other than what Jacky had to do (hide her gender). But reading her flow of thoughts, and following her adventures is addicting as well as humorous. I loved how Meyer made Jacky real. She's so fresh, funny, naive, and smart at times.
Through her, everyone around her becomes real- whether they are minor or major characters. While the events don't seem that special, it's still engrossing, and at some point I couldn't put it down.
I just... I can't explain why it's so good!
gilgulita's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
crey18's review against another edition
5.0
I gobbled this book up when I first read it. And every couple of years I pick it up again to devour it. Jacky is absolutely lovable as a character, and her adventures never cease to amaze.
nedge's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
marshmallowbooks's review against another edition
5.0
I am a huge Jacky fan. Granted, I have to admit that I generally like any story that takes place on a ship. I don't know what my fascination with that setting is, but I have found myself falling in love with The [b:True Confessions|310146|The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle|Avi|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1348243806l/310146._SY75_.jpg|997358] of Charlotte Doyle, Peter Raven Under Fire, Pirates. And now Bloody Jack.
I admire Jacky for her ability to go with the flow. Whatever comes, she jumps in and makes the best of it. She is resourceful, innovative, clever, strong, opinionated, and will stand up for herself and what she believes in. But she is not some super-human, can-do-no-wrong type of character. She admits at times that she's putting on an act and has to break down and cry at times for the way things turn out.
I admire Jacky for her ability to go with the flow. Whatever comes, she jumps in and makes the best of it. She is resourceful, innovative, clever, strong, opinionated, and will stand up for herself and what she believes in. But she is not some super-human, can-do-no-wrong type of character. She admits at times that she's putting on an act and has to break down and cry at times for the way things turn out.
roseybot's review against another edition
3.0
This started out so well! There was running jumping climbing up trees! Everything was exciting! Then it got weird and sexist and gross.
Once again, I am convinced men shouldn't write women povs.
Once again, I am convinced men shouldn't write women povs.
cereuslyrico's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this as a kid! Who wouldn't? Swashbuckling adventures had by a young girl who enjoys her own femininity. The series did drag on though, I never managed to finish as it got a bit too soapy for my taste.