Title: Magic Marks the Spot
Author: Caroline Carlson
First published September 10, 2013
358 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780062194343 (ISBN10: 0062194348)
Rating: 4.06
Overview
Meet Hilary Westfield, a young lady with a thirst for adventure and a talent for trouble-making. She dreams of becoming a pirate, but the Very Nearly Honorable League of Pirates has other ideas.
According to them, girls belong at Miss Pimm’s Finishing School for Delicate Ladies. But Hilary refuses to be tamed by petticoats and propriety.
She longs for the open sea and a life of excitement. So when she stumbles upon an advertisement for a pirate crew, she jumps at the chance to prove herself.
What follows is a swashbuckling adventure full of magic, danger, and unexpected twists. Along the way, Hilary must outwit a rogue governess, navigate treacherous waters, and face off against a villainous foe.
Will Hilary find the treasure she seeks? Will she become the pirate she was born to be?
Only time—and a bit of magic—will tell.
About the Author
Meet Caroline Carlson, a talented writer of humorous and imaginative books for kids. Her works include The Very Nearly Honorable League of Pirates trilogy, The World’s Greatest Detective, and The Door at the End of the World.
Caroline’s novels have garnered praise from numerous prestigious organizations, such as the American Booksellers Association, the New York Times, Bank Street College of Education, the Junior Library Guild, and the American Library Association.
Caroline earned her BA from Swarthmore College and her MFA in Writing for Children from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Although originally from Massachusetts, she currently resides in Pittsburgh with her loved ones.
Be sure to check out Caroline’s website for more information on her and her captivating stories.
Editoral Review
Magic Marks the Spot by Caroline Carlson is a delightful adventure novel for young readers that was first published on September 10, 2013. Caroline Carlson is a talented author who has written several novels for young readers, including The Very Nearly Honorable League of Pirates series, which includes Magic Marks the Spot.
The book is set in the fictional Kingdom of Augusta, where girls are not allowed to become pirates. The story follows Hilary Westfield, who dreams of becoming a pirate and embarks on a daring adventure to find a hidden treasure.
She enlists the help of her friend, the gargoyle, and her mentor, the Admiral, to navigate treacherous waters and outwit her enemies. But as she gets closer to the treasure, she realizes that there is more at stake than just her dream of becoming a pirate.
One of the strengths of this novel is its well-crafted characters. Hilary Westfield is a brave and determined protagonist who defies societal expectations and takes risks to pursue her dreams.
The supporting characters, including the gargoyle and the Admiral, are also well-developed and add depth to the story. The setting of the Kingdom of Augusta is vividly described, and the world-building is impressive.
The pacing of the novel is also well-done, with enough action and suspense to keep readers engaged. The plot structure is solid, with twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the end.
The themes of friendship, courage, and self-discovery are woven throughout the story and are relevant to young readers.
One of the limitations of the novel is that some of the plot elements are predictable. However, this does not detract from the overall enjoyment of the story.
Magic Marks the Spot is a fantastic novel for young readers who enjoy adventure, fantasy, and strong female characters. The book has historical significance as it addresses gender roles and expectations that were prevalent in the past.
It is also relevant to current events and issues surrounding gender equality and empowerment.
Overall, Magic Marks the Spot deserves a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. The quality of writing, character development, pacing, plot structure, and themes are all well-executed.
Young readers who enjoy adventure and fantasy will love this book, and it has the potential to inspire and empower them.
