Benice

An Adventure of Love and Friendship

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Pub Date 1 Nov 2018 | Archive Date 9 Jul 2019
Yunka | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles

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Description

A middle grade bedtime story book for the whole family. Written and illustrated in the tradition of classics like Peter Pan, Treasure Island, and The Alchemist. While adventures teach boys and girls importance of family and friendship in their lives, adults will love the good lessons about not making the wrong decisions when life offers challenges.

Levend is just twelve when he meets Mr. Ben Ice, a gruff fisherman whose peg leg, eyepatch and hook hand all but prove a lifetime of piracy. But life in Yalova is hard, and if this intimidating figure can help Levend support his family, then he’ll gladly accompany him on the fishing trip of a lifetime – even if it’s packed with more danger, adventure and friendship than either of them could ever have expected.

As Levend discovers more and more about his would-be captain, he becomes embroiled in a dangerous pirate feud, a hunt for sunken treasure, and the chance to forge friendships that will last a lifetime – even if that only means the next few minutes. Confronted by timeless love and shocking betrayal, Levend must decide who he can trust and who’ll make him walk the plank. Benice will take you on a journey that’s as heartwarming as it is hair-raising. Thrill to a swashbuckling adventure, wonder at the hidden truth, and cherish the kind of friends that will stay with you for life. Perfect for young readers starting to learn life’s most important lessons, Benice is a classic adventure suitable for all the family – the sort of story that will inspire nights reading under the covers and days sailing the high seas of imagination.

A middle grade bedtime story book for the whole family. Written and illustrated in the tradition of classics like Peter Pan, Treasure Island, and The Alchemist. While adventures teach boys and girls...


A Note From the Publisher

ebook 9780998964034
Paperback (color) 9780998964027
Hardcover 9780998964058

ebook 9780998964034
Paperback (color) 9780998964027
Hardcover 9780998964058


Advance Praise

“A Treasure Island for the modern era, recommended for middle-grade readers and fans of pirate-adventure tales. The writing style is reminiscent of the prose in The Alchemist, featuring turns of phrase that offer nuggets of wisdom”
— Kirkus Review (Starred Review)

"A page-turning story of secret quests and abductions with a strong and heartwarming message about family and friendship: inventive and whimsical in tone and positive in message. It’s an uplifting read that should appeal to younger readers, particularly, but not exclusively, boys."
— Blueink review

“This solid, carefully developed story kept me involved through its excellent writing and unfaltering character development. Benice is one of those rare books that really does appeal to the whole family, and while boys will get a kick out of the faintly gruesome pirates and dangerous adventures, Ayshin and her friends offer some strong female leads.”
— Sarah Scheele for Readers' Favorite

“One … Great … Story. Told by one great storyteller. And great expectations are duly rewarded with ample buried treasure!”
— Joel R. Dennstedt for Readers' Favorite - Five Star Review

“Lots of fun imagination was put into the book, and I can see myself reading this one again and again.”
— Bruce Arrington for Readers' Favorite - Five Star Review

“It made me nostalgic and reminded me of classics like Peter Pan and Treasure Island. Without a doubt, I'm certain that young adults will enjoy this book as much as I did (if not more).”
— Justine Reyes for Readers' Favorite - Five Star Review

“The story holds an element of mystery as if something is hidden beneath the surface,– true friendship is hard to find and when you do find it, hold on to it no matter the cost.”
— Cheryl E. Rodriguez for Readers' Favorite

“A Treasure Island for the modern era, recommended for middle-grade readers and fans of pirate-adventure tales. The writing style is reminiscent of the prose in The Alchemist, featuring turns of...


Available Editions

EDITION Paperback
ISBN 9780998964041
PRICE US$9.99 (USD)

Average rating from 16 members


Featured Reviews

Swashbuckling and silly, I loved this book. It is a great young reader tale with a sort of foolish, magical quality. Or rather, expect to suspend disbelief. The text is really good, with nice pacing and appealing turns of phrase, but the illustrations are wonderful. I finished this book quickly and am now planning to get the book for the young readers in my life.

Thanks to NetGalley for the free copy for an honest review.

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If weaving a powerful message through a story is an art, then Metin Karayaka is the master of it.

Two best friends, Levend and Orion, arrive at Yalova, a fisherman's haven for a private party. The sight of little kids returning from their brief fishing expedition kindles a sense of reminiscence in Levend, who once used to do the same. They initiate a conversation with the kids by touching upon the subject of fishing, which later, drifted off to the topic of the private party which they came to attend. The kids express their discontent towards the party as it would hinder them from venturing into the seas for fishing, the main source of their livelihood.

With the audience around them in a somber mood, Levend decides to brighten up the atmosphere and quizzes them about "Mr.Ben", an enigmatic character who once lived in Yalova. The very mention of his name triggers a wave of responses from the kids. Seizing their elevated excitement levels, Levend starts to spin a tale about the adventures he had with Mr.Ben, later finished by Orion who chips in sharing his own share of experiences with that man.

"Benice" is a heartwarming tale about Love, Friendship, Fight, Treachery, Pain, and Heartbreak that revolves around the man who goes by the name - Mr.Ben and a host of other characters. Just when you think the pace of the story is flat, the unexpected plot twist hits you hard bringing you to the edge of your seat. The characterization of Mr.Ben couldn't have been better and the various shades he exhibited throughout the story will keep you wondering about his true nature. The dialogues were well written, the twists were well placed and the whole narrative seemed so natural. The biggest highlight of the book is definitely the climax, which had a profound effect on me in addition to the impact it had on the fictional characters. I adored each and every character in the story and overall, it's a book which would leave you teary-eyed but with a smile on your face.

I know its just the beginning of the year, but this one has rightfully earned a place in my Top Ten books of 2019.

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BENICE IS A ROLLICKING TALE THAT BEGINS AND ENDS IN A SMALL FISHING VILLAGE.
Brace yourself when you open the pages of Benice! You are about to find out how a fishing village, pirates, sharks, a miraculous diving bubble, a sorcerer, ratlines, clarinets, and a parrot who gives the game away weave together into the best adventure tale I have read since the Wizard of Oz!

Fourteen year old Levand befriends a kindly fisherman who teaches him the craft. Settling into this new life of fishing, Levand never would have thought that a side job working at a local factory would lead to the adventure of a lifetime!

THIS IS THE KIND OF STORY YOU CAN LIVE IN, LONG AFTER YOU HAVE FINISHED READING IT.
The author weaves multiple narrators and main characters through the story as he slowly lets you into the world of Levand and his friends. By the end of the story, you truly know every character in the book completely. The curtains have been drawn back on the entire world and you feel you truly belong.

Once you finish the adventure you will discover the secret- but promise you won’t peek!

There is so very much love and warmth to this adventure, you really must share it with your children. In fact, this is the book to give as gifts to every child you know!

EXTRA ACTIVITIES YOU CAN ADD
WRITING
After reading the story, pick your favorite characters and describe them. Write it down for yourself. What do they look like? Who do they know? Who are their enemies? Where are they from? Tell the whole story of your favorite character. You will likely find it all here in the book, spread out in many spots and the story winds its way through the adventure.

GEOGRAPHY
Draw a map of where the story takes place. All the scenes in this story interconnect in space and time as well as just the story-line. The author gives you enough clues that you really can draw a map of the whole world that Levand and his friends show you as you read.

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