The Horn Book Guide

INTERMEDIATE FICTION

Milford, Kate

The Left-Handed Fate

377 pp. | Holt | August, 2016 | Trade ISBN 978-0-8050-9800-6 $16.99 | Ebook ISBN 978-1-62779-656-9

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Eliza Wheeler. In 1812, teenage scholar Max hires Captain Bluecrowne to search for an ancient weapon powerful enough to impose peace. When the captain is killed, twelve-year-old midshipman Oliver is given command; captain's daughter Lucy and Max persuade Oliver to search for the weapon's remaining parts. The idea of achieving peace through superior firepower is effectively questioned over the course of the fast-paced nautical narrative.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2016