Book Review by Aarene Storms: Wild Rover No More

Wild Rover No More by L.A. Meyer

The cover illustration shows Jacky facing a noose once again, and the subtitle is "Being the Last Recorded Account of the Life and Times of Jacky Faber." Has Jacky come to her untimely-but-not-unforeseen end at last? Well, certainly not before she disguises herself as a governess, runs away with the circus, and involves nearly all her friends in a desperate escape plan. And even then, how could the authorities hang our merry lass?

Jacky's full-tilt adventures are brought to a quick conclusion in this twelfth and final novel in the Bloody Jack Series. There is a distinct air of abruptness to the last third of the narrative; the author made no secret of his plan to pre-write the final chapters in the series so that they could be clipped on to the existing storyline at almost any point if he became unable to continue writing the story, and that is clearly the case with this book. Still, the story is fast, fun, and satisfying, and a recommended read for those who love the series and newcomers seeking a ripping good adventure story.

RIP, L.A. Meyer, you did well. Ages 13 to adult; some minor cussing, kissing and bloodshed, but all sexual situations are off-page.

The events may not have happened; still, the story is true.  --R. Silvern

Aarene Storms, youth services librarian

Richmond Beach and Lake Forest Park Libraries, KCLS