Full of adventure and swash-buckling pirates! (What is a "swash" and what is it "buckled" to?) The writing is very dry and rambles along, but the plot swings forward merrily. The characters are colorful, but also dry. We never really get to know their insides, except for the main character, Philip. We do see more of his thoughts, feelings, and intentions than any of the others.

The action picks up more towards the middle and end, and I was on the edge of my seat for awhile. I was surprised that so many characters died!

The writing is a little disjointed in style; some parts of the story are described in the barest words, and others are given extra unnecessary description. I'm actually surprised that this won a Newberry Award, but it is a good rousing story.