Mike Hartner

Audible, June 2013

We meet Walter Crofter as an old man, 67, ill and possibly dying of malaria, determined to write down the story of his life, both what he did, and most importantly, why. He has secrets never shared, and wants his wife and children to understand.

Walter Crofter is the son of a cloth merchant in Elizabethan England, and his father's lack of business skill does not make life easy. His old patron, Sir Walter Scott is out of favor, his elder son Gerald has embarked on a life of crime, and the cloth merchant has little to offer his younger son but hard work with few prospects. Walter loves his parents, but he wants his work to count for something.

So he sets out, and, almost by chance, signs on to a royal merchant ship. The second in command, Bart, takes Walter under his wing and teaches him the skills of a sailor, and Walter over the next few years rises through the ranks.

He's also learning the skills of a merchant trader, and proves both lucky and smart. The luck is important, because life at sea in late Elizabethan and early Jacobean times is very, very dangerous. They fight the French and assorted pirates, and have many adventures, while Walter grows from boy to man.

I will say right now that, for an historical novel, the history of Spain in the late 16th and early 17th century, as related in this book, is absolute nonsense. I strongly recommend ignoring that, and just sit back and enjoy the story. Walter is an utterly engaging character, fallible, but loyal and decent, and it's his fundamental decency as much as his brains and his hard work that see him through the danger and challenges he faces. Because he is decent, loyal, and honorable, he attracts people like himself.

What is real in this picture of the times is the violence, the danger, the risk of disease at a time when medicine was at best primitive. This wasn't a time when the weak survived--and Walter Crofter is a very well-drawn example of moral decency as an essential part of strength, rather than a source of weakness.

Recommended.

I received a free copy of the audiobook from the author.… (altro)

This is a sequel to Hartner's previous I, Walter, following the adventures of Walter's second son, James, kidnapped at age eleven by Walter's evil brother Gerald. It's best to think of these books as alternate history, and not worry too much about the details, as the Crofters, father and son, invent first modern international trade, and now, in this book, paper currency and the modern banking system.

That snarky comment made, I have to say that this book, like the first, is solid YA adventure, with lots of action, and with courage, intelligence, and honor prevailing over greed, cowardice, and cruelty. James, Rosalind, and those who help them, and whom they help, are likable people, and James and Rosalind, in particular, don't do foolish things because the plot requires it. They take risks, but with their eyes open and with a solid plan.

Another important note: This is James' story, but Rosalind, Luisa, Ines, and Mary are strong, intelligent characters, too. Rosalind and Mary, in particular, are perhaps a little more successful and independent than is entirely believable in the 17th century, but the target audience for I, James won't mind. Girls and boys both get characters they can identify with, and an exciting and (age appropriately) colorful adventure to enjoy.

Recommended.

I received a free electronic galley of this book from the author.… (altro)

Walter Crofter was born into a family of London shopkeepers in 1588. He never truly felt like he belonged within his own family - so by age eleven, Walter had run away and somehow found his way on to a British ship. For the next eight years, Walter sailed around the world and rose quickly through the ranks of the Merchant Navy.

Now at the age of 67, Walter looks back over a life lived during a period of turmoil - where politics and royal favor could turn deadly, shifting at a whim. With a family background such as his, can an honest boy stay true to himself and his principles?

I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! It was such an engaging plot, and the characters fairly jumped off the page at me. I give this book an A+! and am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series, which will focus on the life of James Crofter, Walter's son.… (altro)

Born on September 21, 1613, James Luis Juan Crofter was the second son of English merchant seaman turned ruler of the Iberian Empire, Walter Crofter and his wife, Maria, Princess of Castile. For the next eleven years, young James lived a privileged life as a much-favored prince near the port of San Sabastian on the west coast of Spain. Then on his eleventh birthday, in the year 1624, James is unceremoniously ripped from his family.

Kidnapped and sold into slavery by a ruthless man, who just happens to be his father's estranged brother, James is subsequently shipped off to a tobacco plantation in Africa. For the next five years, James toiled away in enforced servitude, and the prince became a veritable pauper - a stranger living in a strange land. He dreamed of the day when he would be free and be able to return to his loving family.

As James quietly plots and plans for the day that he will eventually escape; he prepares himself for life beyond the plantation. James secretly promises himself that he will return someday to ensure freedom for the other slaves - people whom James considers to be honorary members of his much missed and longed for family. The question that continually haunts James' thoughts is: Is it possible that nature is stronger than nurture? And even if it is, will James still be able to find the happiness that he so richly desires?

I really enjoyed reading this book. The plot was as engaging as I, Walter and I found myself hoping that James would be able to find his family very soon, and overcome the many obstacles that were in his way. The characters and plot were well-developed, and I could sympathize with so many of the characters. I also hoped that others would receive appropriate justice or punishment.

I would give I, James by Mike Hartner an A! This is the second book in The Eternity Series, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series, which I think will focus on the life of James' daughter, Mary Crofter.… (altro)