Scoundrels: The League of Maritime Adventurers, Book Three

By: Stephen Wedlock and Steve Dean
Publication Date: January 9, 2023
ISBN: 978-17379854-4-0
Reviewed by: Trix Lee-Rainwater
Review Date: April 29, 2024

If you thought the sun-drenched shores of Stonehaven, Maine promised nothing more than lazy days of boating and fishing, think again. Just when Connor, Ryan, Dawn, Terry, and Jenna thought they could enjoy a peaceful summer, trouble finds them once again. In Scoundrels: The League of Maritime Adventurers, Book Three by Steve Wedlock and Steve Dean, the teenage crew finds themselves embroiled in a new maritime mystery.

The teens were eager to spend their days exploring with their beloved vessel, the “eggy Su:” an 18-foot fiberglass boat they had lovingly overhauled, with Ryan converting it to battery-powered propulsion. With the warm months stretching ahead, they looked forward to lazy outings on the water and normal summer activities. However, a brand-new adventure looms when the group comes across a local kelp farm operated by Kaia and Brage, the waters demarcated by property signs and buoys. Initially indignant at the perceived privatization of the seas, the teens soon learn that when properly maintained, a kelp farm can actually enhance the marine environment, providing a flourishing habitat akin to an undersea rainforest. However, their newfound appreciation is short-lived as they discover the entire kelp farm has been stolen. Ropes, buoys, and the nutrient-rich kelp itself all vanished without a trace, leaving only a few ominous drag marks in their wake.

The teens immediately suspected the Kneasley family, the villains whose nefarious deeds our teenage crew had thwarted in previous summers. From dumping plastic into the sea to sabotaging renewable energy projects through bribery and underhanded tactics, the Kneasleys have proven themselves to be relentless foes. Determined to uncover the truth behind the stolen kelp farm, the young adventurers begin investigating, following a trail of clues that leads them to a remote cove housing a mysterious shipping container. Inside, they make a startling discovery: piles of rope, buoys, and dried kelp, the very remnants of the stolen kelp farm.

But who is behind this latest eco-crime, and what twisted motives could drive them to such a brazen theft? As the teenagers delve deeper into the mystery, they find themselves not only confronting the perpetrators, but also their own evolving relationships and personal growth amid the high-stakes summer adventure.

While Scoundrels is the third book in the League of Maritime Adventurers series, Wedlock and Dean deftly craft a story that can be enjoyed on its own merits. Readers new to the series may miss some backstory and past character details, but the authors provide enough context that the central mystery remains engaging and accessible. The book weaves suspense, environmental themes, and the relatable challenges of adolescence. Depictions of blossoming romantic tensions lend emotional depth, grounding the plot in realistic teenage experiences. Moreover, the authors’ commitment to education shines through, with each chapter divider page offering maritime trivia that explores the origins of common seafaring phrases. This enriches the reading experience, inviting readers to appreciate maritime history and culture that forms the backdrop of the protagonists’ adventures.

With its engaging characters, fast-paced plot, and a genuine commitment to environmental awareness and preservation, Scoundrels is a captivating addition to the League of Maritime Adventurers series. Wedlock and Dean have crafted a tale that not only entertains, but also inspires readers to ponder the wonders of the natural world and the importance of protecting it from those who would do it harm.

Quill says: An enthralling blend of adventure, teenage relationships, and eco-consciousness, this book will have readers hooked and eagerly awaiting the league’s next maritime escapade.

For more information on Scoundrels: The League of Maritime Adventurers, Book Three, please visit the author’s website at: www.inquisitivesailors.com/

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