Review: Best book I've read all year
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 08 22, 2013
Alfred Wellers is an outstanding work of historical fiction, with loads of danger and adventure perfectly mixed in with historical events.  Set in 1609 it starts off in Amsterdam with Mr. Wellers, possibly the most influential man in town and the father of twelve year old Alfred Wellers. Alfred’s love of adventure is quickly aroused after a discussion of an upcoming voyage by the Half Moon on what he was certain would be the greatest Dutch adventure ever embarked upon. Knowing his parents would find his desire to be on the ship when she sailed little more than a foolish dream, he keeps his ideas to himself and settles for sneaking out every night to hide in the shadows and stare dreamily at the Half Moon still anchored to port. After his offer to serve as an interpreter on the ship is laughingly turned down by Captain Hudson, Alfred slips aboard the Half Moon as a stowaway, and a grand adventure begins.The writing was captivating, the story enthralling, and the attention to the detail impressive. I was easily caught up in this story and could see the ship sails, smell the salty air, and feel the adrenaline rush. If the rest of the series goes off as well as this first book, this will be a truly epic adventure. This is the best book I've read all year!