Bloody Jack

Bloody Jack: Being an Account of the Curious Adventures of Mary "Jacky" Faber

Author L. A. Meyer

Released in 2002

What an amazing beginning to the epic tale of Mary "Jacky" Faber. Mary was orphaned at a young age and turned out into the rough streets of late 18th century London where she learns to beg and steal as a member of street gang. Meyer tells the story of how Jacky survives the streets of London and finds herself enlisted in the British Royal Navy as a Ship's Boy on the Man-O-War HMS Dolphin.

Bloody Jack is a story about a remarkable girl growing up facing some unusual challenges and how she helps and is helped by her friends. It has pirates, adventure, suspense and even a love story. Meyer paints a detailed picture of the places Jacky visits writing the dialogue in the colorful slang used by the residents of London and British sailors in the late 1700's. One of Jacky's biggest concerns is maintaining her ship's boy disguise as her body starts to mature. This part of the story is handled gracefully and sometimes comically but does effect who the audience should be. Some reviews place the target audience as low as 5th grade, but I would start the audience around 13. This book is as enjoyable for adults as it is for the children so I would not put an upper age limit on potential readers. 

Meyer has written a total of 5 Bloody Jack Adventures so far. When you finish Bloody Jack you should have a copy of the next book nearby.

Update:

 So far I have read the first four novels in this series and I am working on the fifth. The entire series is outstanding. It has great entertainment value for young readers and adults alike. When I finished the fourth book, "In the Belly of the Bloodhound" I immediately grabbed the fifth novel, "Mississippi Jack". I would suggest purchasing these together. You will be very frustrated if you have to wait even a few hours between these books. 

The series so far

1. Bloody Jack: Being an Account of the Curious Adventures of Mary "Jacky" Faber
2. Curse of the Blue Tattoo: Being an Account of the Misadventures of Jacky Faber, Midshipman and Fine Lady
3. Under the Jolly Roger: Being an Account of the Further Nautical Adventures of Jacky Faber
4. In the Belly of the Bloodhound: Being an Account of a Particularly Peculiar Adventure in the Life of Jacky Faber
5. Mississippi Jack: Being an Account of the Further Waterborne Adventures of Jacky Faber, Midshipman, Fine Lady, and Lily of the West