Steel

Steel
By Carrie Vaughn
HarperTeen, 2011. 294 pgs. Young Adult

Jill Archer is on vacation in the Bahamas with her family after a disappointing match in the Junior World Fencing Championships. When she finds the rusty tip of an old sword in the sand, she pockets it and through its magic travels back 300 years to the pirate ship Diana where she is surrounded by strangers and is forced to sign on as crew. Over the passing weeks she learns the ropes (literally!), practices dueling with real swords, and witnesses the freedom and danger that come with being a pirate. But Jill is desperate to get home and senses that the key to getting back is through a notorious and deadly pirate, Edmund Blane.

This was great fun to read. Jill is an appealing character who acquires a new, deeper understanding of her sport when given the chance to fight with real sharpened blades that could draw blood - or end a life - with one swift stroke. I also enjoyed the sights and sounds of life as a pirate. Vaughn paints it with a realistic touch, highlighting the work just as much as the adventure.

BHG