Review of Shanghai'd

[Ruka NK]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Shanghai'd" by Curtis Stephen Burdick.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Shanghai'd by Curtis Stephen Burdick is a historical fiction novel that takes the reader on a wild journey into the harsh realities of California’s 1849 Gold Rush. The story follows Joshua Cabot, a Harvard mineralogy graduate, hired to assay gold. After an unfortunate accident and a drunken night, Joshua finds himself kidnapped and aboard a sailor's ship, headed for Shanghai, China. The brutal journey becomes even more dangerous as they progress from port to port, inching closer to their destination. From mutineers, cannibals, and Russian pirates, Joshua is faced with the harsh realities of life at sea.

The author expertly weaves camaraderie and adventure with passion, patience, and bravery to create heightened, action-packed scenes. This was one of the many positives. The reader is pulled into scene after scene, experiencing the thrill of every situation as if they were there. Although short, the book was well-paced, packed with details, and filled with unpredictable circumstances. Another positive was the realistic feel of the characters and environment, giving insight into the lives of people during those times. They were memorable and often felt relatable. Their personal stories were distressing but contributed to the overall theme of perseverance and grief in the book.

I did not find anything negative about the book. The story was a captivating blend of tragedy, adventure, and danger, making it thoroughly engaging. The book provides insight into the life of a merchant in Gold Rush America and the lives of pirates. With its constant twists, it keeps the reader on their toes, weaving in tension and creating uncertainty along the way without feeling exaggerated.

I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars. It was original, entertaining, anxiety-inducing, and thought-provoking. This combination keeps the reader's interest from beginning to end. I did not find any typos, grammar, spelling, or punctuation mistakes in it. Therefore, I believe it is exceptionally well-edited. I recommend this book to adventure lovers and people who enjoy stories about sea life and pirates. The book uses language that could be considered unsuitable for younger readers.

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Shanghai'd
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