Title: I, Mary
Series: Eternity (Book 3)
Author: Mike Hartner
Published: July 14, 2015
Pages: 268 pages
Format: eARC
Source: From author in exchange for an honest review
Purchase: Amazon
Summary (Goodreads):
Mary Crofter’s first trip on the water was just after her first birthday, when her parents came from her birthplace in Kilwa to Portsmouth. She’s been on several trips from Portsmouth to London and other places since. She loves the water and the water seems to love her. Can she survive on the water? Will people ever take seriously a GIRL as a sailor? Will she ever come off the water? If she does, will the lure of the ocean draw her back?
She was born to privilege.. but does she even know? And, more importantly, in a time of English Civil War, is it better that she doesn’t know?
This is the third book in The Eternity Series.
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Talk about a strong female lead character! I, Mary focuses on the life of Mary Crofter, granddaughter of the great Walter Crofter and daughter of James Crofter, as she joins, at a young age, the crew of a small boat owned by her family, and goes on and about to explore foreign lands and waters.
It was a great pleasure to read about a girl – and eventually a young woman- as fierce and courageous as Mary Crofter. Her character surprised me since the adventure she embarks upon is sure not an easy feat, and done by a girl? Definitely unheard of, especially in the 1600s!
I liked that Mary was really smart and dedicated. She always worked hard to make things right and truly earned her place. It didn’t matter that the Crofter family owned the ship she was working on, she worked as hard (even harder!) as the rest of the crew and learned all about sailing ships and surviving at sea.
There were plenty of dangerous bumps on the road and so many situations where Mary was at a disadvantage, what with the civil war between the Royalists and Parliamentarians and other political issues. Mary’s life was a tough one. Exciting, yes, but really tough and I’m pretty sure one I wouldn’t have survived if I’d have been in her shoes.
What really stressed me out was how Mary’s parents, James and Rosalind, allowed Mary to go on such a dangerous adventure. I know she was entitled to and there was a bigger purpose to it, but still.
You’d think that after reading the first two books in the series, I’d be already used to Mike’s writing, but in reality, the endings of his books always catch me off guard. They are all bittersweet. and I, Mary was no exception. It made me tear up as I reached the last few pages and I feel a bit hollow inside. I already miss my beloved characters!
If you love history or you enjoy exciting adventures, then you will surely enjoy I, Mary. It’s my favorite book in the series (so far) and you will meet one amazing main character (well, two because I loved Andrew as well).
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