I wanted to have read Voyage of the Lanternfish by C. S. Boyack before the release of Boyack’s latest adventure, ‘H.M.S. Lanternfish’. And I almost made it (I was a few days behind in finishing)! This way, when I started reading reviews about ‘H.M.S’, I wasn’t going to have any spoilers for ‘Voyage’ sneak up on me! Sound thinking, right?
So now, I’m going to have to review ‘Voyage’ without spoiling anything for those of you out there who haven’t yet hopped aboard this series. Let’s see if I’m up to the task…
I’m a big fan of C.S. Boyack. He displays creativity, a unique imagination, and pumps a lot of heart into his books. You can usually find an assortment of interesting characters, and ‘Voyage of the Lanternfish’ has these guys in abundance. Funnily enough, it wasn’t the main character (James), or even the chief sidekick (Dan) who hooked me in, it was the vast array of supporting characters. Wise Mal (easily a favourite), feisty Serang, bumbling Biscuit Bill, irrepressible Boss, even Mule won me over despite only being introduced near the end of the adventure. There’s someone for everyone to cheer on aboard the Lanternfish.
A nicely unfolding story set in a make-believe world that you could dead-set believe was real, offers action, adventure, and even some supernatural shenanigans (root monsters, ya ya!). Also, it wouldn’t be a Boyack book without some wry humour tucked among the cannon battles and swordfights:
“He isn’t our problem,” James said.
“He eats people.”
“So has our surgeon. So do your dogs.”
‘Voyage’ is certainly a more grandiose adventure than other titles I’ve read by Boyack, say for example, ‘The Hat’, and juggles a huge cast of characters, and multiple overlapping goals. Despite such size and scope, each character gets his or her turn in the limelight, which is great, though I’d like to see more emotional interplay between the characters. This only being book 1 in a series, however, I expect that will follow as these miscreants enjoy more adventures together.
The detail about pirate ships and weapons of the time period is extremely thorough, and it’s clear Boyack either did a ton of research or else was a pirate in another life! It made the story all the more believable.
If you’re looking for a fun rollicking ride filled with pirates, monsters, and adventure, hop aboard, and take a ‘Voyage of the Lanternfish’.
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I’m so excited to find this today. Glad you enjoyed the story, and that you shared it with your fans.
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My pleasure, Craig!!
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Reblogged this on Entertaining Stories and commented:
This wonderful review just showed up. Stop by Jessica’s blog and check it out. While you’re there, check out her blog and debut story, Guns of Perdition. I read it and loved it.
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Excellent review for a fun book. Thanks for sharing, Jessica 😊
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Thanks, Harmony.
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It really was, wasn’t it? Thanks for stopping by, Harmony 🙂
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Craig as a pirate in another life – now there’s a thought. Awesome review, Jessica!
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Arrr!
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See? Got the ‘arrrr’ down pat 🙂
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Oh I think it’s a given he was! 🙂
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A super review, Jessica. This is on my Kindle working it’s way to the top. Knowing Craig’s work I’m going to enjoy it.
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Thank you, John.
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😁
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Definitely worth a read! Now I’ve got to make room in my TBR pile for the follow up I’ve been hearing so much about!
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A most excellent and observant review, Jessica. And me, I’m going with Craig having been a pirate in another life. (Or maybe even at some point in THIS one). He fits the bill perfectly, if you ask me. All he needs is a parrot and a wooden leg, and he could hit the seas today!! (Talk like a pirate, Craig. I dare you!)
Seriously, I HAVE to get these two books READ. I need an alter-ego to take care of everything else around here, so all I have to do is read all day long. And maybe a little writing.
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Them reading’ lists be deep, lass.
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I KNEW it!!! 😀
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I rest my case
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You make a good point… just how much DO we know about Craig’s past in this life? Anything you’d like to declare Mr Boyack?
Oooo I love the idea of an alter-ego to take care of the day-to-day leaving us free to read. If you do find her, can you see if she has a sister I can borrow?
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You’ll be the first to know, Jessica! 😀
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I could easily see Craig as a pirate in a former life. Good call, Jess. And great review!
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Thanks, Staci.
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Thanks, Staci! I couldn’t see this story coming out of anyone else’s brain, put it that way! Arr…
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Wonderful review, Jess. I’m with Staci, I can imagine Craig being a pirate in a former life. 😀
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I’m so excited to find this post today. Thanks for dropping by and commenting.
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Seems to be the consensus, Gwen 🙂 We might have to rename him Captain BloodBoyack
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He displays creativity, a unique imagination, and pumps a lot of heart into his books.
So true! Wonderful review, Jess.
Congrats, Craig!
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Thank you, Sue.
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Agree wholeheartedly Sue!! 🙂
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Absolutely–creativity and imagination. Like no other. Good review of an exciting book.
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Thank you for weighing in today.
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Without a doubt one of the most imaginative writers I’ve ever come across, Jacqui 🙂 Thanks for popping by!
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I love the Lanternfish universe! This was an excellent, fun and exciting book. The second is just as colorful and intriguing.
Great review, Jess. A huge congrats to Craig. He certainly does have a fertile imagination!
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Appreciate the testimonial. Means a lot to me.
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Thanks Mae 🙂 I’ve got the second book in my pile… all I need are a couple more hours in the day!
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Terrific review Jessica and congratulations Craig.. x
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Thanks so much.
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Thanks, Sally!
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Really enjoyed your review, Jessica. I really liked Lanternfish but I liked HMS Lanternfish even more. Like you mentioned, the characters grew and deepened a lot in the second book.
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Thank you for that wonderful comment. My first order of business come November is to get going on the final book of the trilogy.
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Maybe after a little rest, Craig?
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Oh wow!! Now I NEED to push that one to the top of my TBR pile! Thanks Judi 🙂
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Your reviews are always entertaining, Jess. I really enjoyed Serang and am looking forward to getting aboard the Lanternfish. And you did a good job of not spilling the beans. 🙂
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Thank you for mentioning this character. She was so intriguing to me that she deserved her own story.
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Hahaha, you know me, D. I always wear my heart on my sleeve 🙂
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Lanternfish sure has a cast of colorful characters. I love the root monsters and Serang is a favorite.
Nice review!
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Thanks Joan! Have to agree 🙂
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Thanks, Joan. I was pretty excited to find this today.
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Excellent review, Jessica! Craig’s books are so much fun. Congratulations to him! I agree, he probably was a pirate in his past life. 😉
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Thanks, Vashti! 🙂
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You’re welcome. 🙂
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