Sally Jones Rogan

The really liked it is all Z. For me, it was a fine yarn but not any type of amazing stick-with-you book of childhood, partially because I felt like the author mixed "period" types of dialect and detail with modern language like "totally" in a somewhat ineffective way. And that shows how spoiled I have been by great children's literature lately.

For kids not yet ready for Redwall, this is a fast paced adventure about a fox, Penhaligon Brush, who finds himself involved in a daring plot to steal a princess' dowry.

Reviewed by Holly Owen for TeensReadToo.com

How far would you go to save a loved one's life? Would you board a rickety ship captained by an ornery, money-hungry cat? Or jump into a tangle of seaweed where a sea serpent lies in wait? Or even travel to an island rumored to be inhabited by fierce creatures? Penhaligon Brush did all that and more. He's a fox with an eye for adventure, a head for medicinal healing, and a heart as pure as gold.

When his adopted wolf cub, Donald, becomes stricken show more with a fever that could take his life, Penhaligon embarks on a journey to collect a rare ingredient that he hopes will be the cure. With his good friend, Hotchi the hedgehog, and a young stowaway, Penhaligon finds himself overcoming obstacles at every turn, with his fox mate, Rowan, being left to care not only for Donald but for the youngest members of their seaside community who also fall victim to the terrible illness.

While Penhaligon finagles his way through treacherous waters and meets up with an equally treacherous pirate, Rowan is faced with an upsurge of prejudice at the hands of her own neighbors--all because of some old curse. Will Penhaligon keep his wits about him and return in time with the cure?

In this story of pirates, mysterious monsters, and dark secrets, S. Jones Rogan takes her readers on a non-stop adventure. But that's not all. Bubbling beneath the surface is a plot so thick you could swirl it over your pancakes. With every turn of the page, she weaves an intriguing tale, dropping clues for us to ponder and allowing the truth to slowly unfold. This book also includes engaging illustrations of the lively cast of characters and the places they inhabit.

As you read through this tale, you'll find yourself rooting not only for Penhaligon and his mate, Rowan, but for the most unlikely characters, as well. This book has all the ingredients of a first-rate adventure, with rollicking action scenes, plot twists, and realistic characters who you willingly follow into their world. show less