A splendid tale of adventure in the clouds

The author sent me a code in exchange for an honest review of Captain Jenna and the Sky Pirates.

This story is firmly aimed at the early-mid teen bracket. I left that demographic a long time ago, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying the story of Jenna and her sky sailor friends.

Here’s a no spolier summary. Jenna lives with her grandfather and their dog. He tells her tales of great ships in the sky harvesting lightning. When Jenna finds a silver button in the garden, she begins an epic adventure.

Now if that premise doesn’t have you intrigued, you have no soul.

The story is well written and Lesley’s narration fits David’s style brilliantly. Her performance is engaging and really draws the listener in.

I honestly think a good story aimed at younger readers should be enjoyable by all ages, and this book does that. This is the kind of audiobook you could put on during a family car journey and everyone would enjoy it. While the language, plot and execution is aimed at younger listener, it carries over well for older listeners too. Everyone can enjoy the story and have fun with it. It will make you smile.

I listened while recovering from the dreaded Corona Virus and it lifted my spirits. In part I was taken back to school when my teacher would read stories at the end of the day… it was pure nostalgia from that perspective. It reminded me of the importance of story telling and how audiobooks can deliver a unique experience.

The author has done a great job of creating an improbable world that feels real, lived in and complex. The characters are really well drawn and vibrant (Lesley brings them to life brilliantly). The world I imagined had real Steampunk feel – one where Jules Verne and Nikola Tesla designed everything.

Sometimes it’s great to listen to a story that’s not dark and needless complex. Jenna’s adventures with the crew of the Catcher are heroic and fun. Pure escapism.

At 1.22 it’s relatively short listen, which is totally in keeping with the target audience. I’d love to hear more from Jenna and her lightening harvesting friends.

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