BLOODY JACK by L.A. Meyer

Narrated by Katherine Kellgren

  Predictable But Enjoyable 

Part Dickensian street urchin story and part swashbuckler, this story is predictable but lovable. It follows the coming of age of a young orphan who survives the street and hides out on a British sailing ship masquerading as a boy. All the standard misadventures and close calls from such a situation are present but, somehow, are not entirely disappointing despite their inevitability.

Because of Katherine Kellgren’s performance I really enjoyed this. It is as predictable as any children’s story but also as clean. In some ways I appreciated the story for its simplicity. The characters are stereotyped but consistent and as voiced my Kellgren quite engaging. Jackie, the title character, is particularly well performed.  I can recommend this for a brief diversion.