Timothée de Fombelle has created an incredible adventure story that rates as one of the best starts to a series I have read in years. This is a wonderful adventure story with a cast of powerful and determined young characters . Set against a back drop of slavery, treasure hunting and life aboard tall ships, the story soon pulls the reader in. The key protagonist- Alma - sets out to hunt for her missing brother not realising their actions unleash a challenge to the entire family . She finds herself aboard a ship full of slaves where survival is key. Against this story is one of greed and power and divisions between the crew of the ship -Amelie. The characterisation and plotting is superb; the pace keeps you hooked and the attention to details from the period add further historical context - albeit in a fictional narrative. This is the first part of a trilogy that has been a huge success in France and I cannot wait for volume 2 . This is an ideal read for those 11+ - but even as an adult I loved it. One of the best books of 2022