Rapture of the Deep: Being an Account of the Further Adventures of Jacky Faber, Soldier, Sailor, Mermaid, Spy

Bloody Jack #7

by L.A. Meyer

On the very day that Jacky Faber is to wed her true love, she is kidnapped by British Naval Intelligence and forced to embark on yet another daring mission—this time to search for sunken Spanish gold. But when Jacky is involved, things don't always go as planned.

Jacky has survived battles on the high seas, the stifling propriety of a Boston finishing school, and even confinement in a dank French prison. But no adventure has quite matched her opportunistic street-urchin desires—until now.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Adventure, Pirates, Historical, Fiction, Audiobook

454 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Louis A. Meyer is best known as the author of the Bloody Jack novels. He was also a painter and the author of two children's picture books, and he and his wife owned an art gallery called Clair de Loon in Bar Harbor.

Louis A. Meyer passed away on July 29, 2014 from refractory Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. His final Jacky Faber book, Wild Rover No More, was published posthumously in September that year.

Reviews

[Miss Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anyone else feel like the way Meyer's writes Jacky's sexuality is a getting kind of skeezy? I'm all for Jacky Faber, champion flirter but the way he writes her is coming off as increasingly male gazey. Plus most of her love interests are jackasses, like by now I know if Jacky meets a dude and he's an asshole she'll be probably by making out with him by the end of the book. :/ I think it might not come off so gross if Meyer would let her age properly. There is no way on earth it makes sense for her to only be sixteen within the timeframe of the story. If I'm guessing low and assigning one year per book (and considering how much goes down each book I really think some encompass more than a year) she ought to be nineteen at the very least by now. Also I would give alot to get rid of the attempted rape scenes she's subjected to every single book.

With that little critique done I will say I did enjoy this book. Jacky Faber, professional mermaid! Inventor of the swimming suit and flipper finns! (I suspect the next book will feature Jacky founding modern medical science, it seems like a plausible next step after anachronistically discovering the benefits of alcohol sterilization). The series looks to be winding down now, I look forward to seeing her crowned king of all pirates (what, that has to be end. I can think of literally no profession Jacky Faber would be more intrinsically suited to). 3.5 stars

[Nadine Leishman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bummer, bummer, bummer. I really like Jacky and her adventures, but I don't like her creepy old man author who likes to pepper the text with sexual harassment. The books have been getting more and more explicit, and I think I finally hit my wall. It is too bad because I enjoy the books. I guess I need to get rid of the books so that my kids don't find them, succumb to the fabulous story and read their ways to some old man's fantasy about a 16 year old girl and her much too small swimsuit. Bummer, bummer, bummer.

[Tara Chevrestt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sometimes I love Jacky Faber, sometimes I don't. This is a "don't like" episode. I yielded halfway thru. A. Getting too predictable. ONCE AGAIN, Jacky and Jaimy are separated. ONCE AGAIN Jacky is abducted and put to work for the British Intelligence Agency. ONCE AGAIN Jacky is running around singing and dancing in taverns and flirting with numerous fellows. B. I don't care if she had good intentions, she bought a slave. NO NO NO. C. Top that off with Jacky getting involved in cockfighting... Hmph. D. Quite simply, this episode is not for me.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another delightful adventure with Jacky Faber, who is now like a very dear friend to me. In this adventure, we find Jacky sent by King George to the waters off Cuba and Key West, diving for sunken Spanish treasure. I will try to avoid spoilers for both this book and for the previous books, and simply say that this was perhaps one of the most enjoyable of Jacky’s adventures because, for the most part, it was fairly cheerful. Aside from a few heart-wrenching moments (one involving a tale told by a freed slave, the other when Jacky watches a bullfight), it was mostly smooth sailing (pardon the pun) for Jacky this time around. The supporting cast provided many colorful and engaging moments, including the vile peacock of a Spanish officer Cisneros, and the return of the gallant and amorous Floco (Jacky’s good-natured and handsome pirate friend whom I had not met, having skipped the book he was featured in). I liked Jemima and her “Brother Rabbit” (Brer Rabbit) stories, too, though I felt the name was rather an unfortunate choice for this African-American woman, especially considering she is making pancakes in one of her first scenes. I was delighted that Jamie, Jacky’s betrothed, also features in this book in person vs. the letters I have come to know him by from previous books. He and Jacky must promise not to enter into any sort of, ahem, amorous adventures together which creates quite a lot of sexual tension, as Jacky is quite the lusty lass and Jamie is, well, a young man very eager for his wedding night. I am not sure what age these books are geared for, but I would place this one firmly in the YA category given the sexual innuendo. I enjoyed the setting, and the sunken treasure aspect gave a new twist for Jacky’s adventures. If you enjoyed the previous Jacky books, keep reading. The quality remains strong!

If you listen to the audiobook, which I highly recommend thanks to Katherine Kellgren's marvelous reading, be sure to stay tuned after the last chapter for an interesting twenty minute interview with Kellgren and author LA Meyer.

[Katie Hutchison Irion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Jacky, I am so flipping sad to know that there are no new books for me to read about your wild adventures, constant flirting, abundant flesh showing, crazy ideas, and fantastic personality. When I finished book 7 I felt like I had lost a friend. I guess I'm just going to have to reread them.
So, if you couldn't tell, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loves the premise. I loved the location. I loved Higgins. I loved Davey on the ship with her and their constant bickering. I love Higgins. I love Capt. Hudson and his indulgent ways when it comes to Jacky. I love that she finally paid the crown back so many she can get on to some adventures that doesn't involve running away from everything British. I loved her rooster and his weighted vest. I loved Capt Allen and cheeky personality. I loved all the interactions with Jaimy but I also loved the foiled wedding. I did. I mean, I am still a Jaimy fan but it sure makes for an exciting book to have options. And to think, that Jacky is still chaste. Who knows how she does it considering every book she is kissing some guy and is threatened with rape at least once. This girl can get out of her scrapes.
Ok L.A. Meyer, get writing and let us follow Jacky again. I'm already sick of other books!
A big thank you to my lovely friend Heidi Hadley for encouraging me to read these. It took me a year but I've read them and LOVED them. My goal is know to convert others!

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just as a note to start, this is one of the best books/series to listen to... Katherine Kellgren is amazing and the accents and music bring the story to life in a way you don't get from reading the print version. So... go listen to it!

This is one of my favorite YA series, which feels weird to say, because I normally can't stand historical fiction. I've also finally caught up to the end of the series, and now have to wait for the next book. Jacky is a phenomenal character and the sort of person I wish I was a little more like... though a little Jacky goes a long way. She's strong, tough, resourceful, and has an excellent sense of humor. However, I feel like the series is dragging just a little. This book moved fairly quickly and didn't hold me in the same way of previous adventures, particularly "In the Belly of the Bloodhound" or "Under the Jolly Roger." That being said, I will continue to read the Bloody Jack books... I like Jacky just too much to stop! And while I'm not wild about Jamie, I'd like to see a happy ending for the two of them.

Here's looking forward to this September and "The Wake of the Lorelei Lee!"

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know... I just can't help myself... I'm a HUGE Jacky Faber fan. I know the plot is spinning in circles and I just don't care. I'm along for the ride.

Long live Jacky Faber! Forever may she sail!

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

AMAZING!!!! This was sooo good!

*SPOILER*

I knew Jaimy and Jacky weren't going to get married some how!! And thats just the beginning! The iron bell, Flaco the pirate!!! Oh, this book is INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!

[Jessie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Going through this I started to remember that there were writing flaws in the other books that I had forgotten about since I read the last book two years ago.
Most of it is written in the first person present which impossibly annoying because who wants to read "we are going there, we are so close. yes, we are there." Really? Just really, stream of conscience can go too far. That and Umms in italics when she kisses someone...gross.

And just as far as her as a character she has become really distasteful, and she's not the kind of character that can get away with that. She seems to have become a Mama (like for whores) rather than the female rugged-Liberace that she was before. Now it just seems we have to listen to her vainglorious musing about her genius and successes. That and to her concerns about all the sex people around her are having.

It's also become an insanely annoying habit of the writer take moments and remind us over and over that she was raised as an orphan, "well I wasn't raised proper." So? That's no excuse for loose morals. Oh yeah, that's another thing, she kisses every guy she sees as attractive and makes sex jokes with them (which are painful to read.) We have to listen to her inner 'struggles' over whether or not to be all over these guys or be faithful.

She does not seem like a woman, which makes sense because the writer is a man. For instance her obsession with every man and woman she knows getting paired up and get busy so they can have tons of babies. That and her acceptance of man acting like pigs "oops, it's just male honor," when she used to have some honor herself so she would not take that.

[Geisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing adventure by Jackie. So far this one is my favourite of the series, but there's 5 more books and I can't wait to see what she'll get into next.

Edit: I forgot to mention that at the end of this particular audiobook the reader, Katherine Kellgren interviews the author and I appreciate this addition to the stories. We learn such things as the inspiration for the main character and that the last book is already written plus the title of said book.

10/10 would recommend. Especially the audiobook version.

[Anna · Rating 1 out of 5]

My least favorite of the series. Full of filler and fluff: Jemima's stories of brother fox and brother rabbit, cockfighting, Jacky singing in the club in Havana. All fluff without moving the story forward. All designed to explain why Jacky and Jamey haven't had sex yet. Where's an editor when you need one?

[Lynette · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5! Finally a Jacky book that’s hunting for treasure! I enjoyed this book thoroughly. However, I didn’t see the need to go into matadors and cock fighting. Yes I know it’s part of the culture. I guess I didn’t see the addition to the storyline except the end.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying these books. Also I just love the audiobook narrator for these books.

[Lani · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am fatigued and even the nostalgia bias is not hiding some of the deep flaws in the series at this point.

Taking a bit of the hiatus on this series reread.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this series, and this one was a little different which was nice but still with all the wonderful things that make Jacky Faber so much fun.

[Mum · Rating 2 out of 5]

kindle/audio

Okay, if 2 stars is 'it was ok' and 3 stars is 'I liked it' then I have to fall somewhere in the middle of that.

**SPOILER ALERT** While I don't discuss specific plot points or give away the ending, I do mention things that happen in the book. Read on knowing you have been warned.

I have been a fan of this series up until now, giving books 5 star reviews that really don't deserve them on their literary merit, but because they are entertaining, hysterical quick reads that are good breaks between more mature books. We all need comic relief sometimes, right? Well this one was a little on the ridiculous side even for a Bloody Jack book. In this book Jacky invents swimming fins, is the first to dive the ocean depths to retrieve treasure (seriously, with no weights she swims out of the bell and collects things and never floats up? Come on! And she recovers from an episode of decompression sickness or the bends in time to dive the next day!?), invents the bikini, becomes the first to sanitize medical equipment because she finds it reduces the chances of infection, meets Rick in Havana. That Rick. Casablanca Rick. There's more, I just can't remember it all right now.

Anyway, as usual there are suitors a-plenty and Jacky has no qualms about leading them all on and right up to a certain point where they all must stop because she is saving herself for Jaimy. This is getting old. The plot was a little overworked here and I didn't see much point. There is a near rape. Every.Single.Book! Come on!

I also wish that Jacky would age a bit more. If she was 18-20 I'd feel a bit better about her behavior, but a 16 year old, who for at least 2 years has been galavanting around the world breaking hearts and whatever else. I guess in the first few books I felt as if she might be developing a bit of a moral compass, but that ended. I don't need her to be a nun, just not a slut. And these books, written by a man who makes Jacky seem really gross, wiggling her bum on the lap of the pirate and letting him put his hairy face between her breasts and shake it back and forth-that has a name I think-is just creepy in a way. I'm not a total prude, so it isn't that it happens, just the way he writes it. Dirty old man creepy. And these books are supposed to be for the middle school set. Ummmm. I wouldn't let my girls read them at that age. No way.

So. I am half-way through the series that I know has an ending because the final book was released last fall. Will I or won't I? Well, I won't for a little while anyway, then we shall see.

[Jamie Dacyczyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

2023 reread: I'm going to take this book down a star, because this is one I like less and less with each reread (versus the other direction for other books in this series). I'm subtracting a whole star entirely because of the cock fighting scenes, which (for the first time) I fast forwarded through on this audio reread. The series as a whole is still entertaining, but this is one of the weaker ones, for sure. I do like the stuff about Jacky diving for sunken treasure, so there's that.

2018 reread: I think this is the 4th time I listened to this book. This marks the second half of the series, and alas the real beginning of the decline in quality. It's just too difficult to write TWELVE books about one character and have each one feel fresh. I didn't care for Jacky's involvement with cock fighting, and her sudden out-of-the-blue romance with pirate Flaco Hermenez feels like it was tacked on so that Jacky had a convenient ally at a crucial moment. There're also some Brother Rabbit folktales that don't add anything except for more pages in the book. HOWEVER, I keep going with the series because in general Jacky is an entertaining character, her adventures are great fun, and (as always) Katherine Kellgren's audio performance makes it all worthwhile.

Speaking of which, this audiobook has a bonus at the end: a conversation between author L.A. Meyer and narrator Katherine Kellgren. It made me tear up this time around, because of course both have passed away now. To hear them laughing together was heartbreakingly sweet.

2016 Reading Challenge: A book with a cover that if your favorite color (anything teal/turquoise/green)

Update 2014: As usual, highly entertaining even if Jacky is edging into Mary Jane status (she is just took awesome at everything she does, mostly). The attempts on her virtue are getting a little predictable, but I guess it's expected with the setting. I'm also getting a little sick of stiff-as-board Jamey, and I keep hoping that he gets hit with a stray cannon ball so that Jacky can go off and marry someone more interesting.....but, oh well. Like I said, these books are still highly entertaining fluff.

[Caitlín K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, so where do I start? Basically with, I hope this book isn't an indication of the series going WAY. DOWN. HILL.
Rapture began with a good premise and had me expecting another rollicking adventure. But after the first 105 pages (or, parts I and II) it didn't live up to it. Yes, Jacky and Jaimy were together, but all they did was try--and fail--again and again to have "quiet moments," and Jacky told Jaimy what to do ALL THE TIME. I didn't even really like Jaimy for most of this book; the only time I felt any genuine liking for him was when he braved the diving bell, something he feared greatly, for Jacky's sake. It was very sweet. Otherwise, simply held the place of "the most beautiful boy" with no brain.

Secondly--which should perhaps be first--WHAT WAS WITH MR. MEYER REPEATING HIMSELF SO MANY TIMES?! I was nearly ready to scream by the end if I heard about Higgins' and his stupid towel-at-the-ready one more time. And entire sentences and explanations of various things were repeated many times--sometimes even on following pages.

A lot of the book seemed like boring filler--especially the Bother/Fox/Bear/Rabbit stories, which are apparently required to appear in every single book featuring slavery and/or an old slave who imports "wisdom" to the young.

I did like it from page 412 on, where a certain red-coated rascal appeared to save the day (and make me laugh!). I *loved* the scene with Richard Allen and the bomb--best true-to-character moment ever! It was nice, for once, that the book ended without a ton of drama in the last paragraph, but I'd almost rather have a cliffhanger because frankly I'm not all that excited for Book 8.

[Nisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Considering my distaste with how long L.A. Meyer is dragging on about maintaining Jacky's virginity and her frustrating relationship with British Navy, I loved this book.

Jacky is finally reunited with her beloved Jaimy and they are nearly at the alter getting married, when Jacky is whisked away by the British Naval Intelligence to recover sunken Spanish gold. Supposedly, they are still angry that she didn't kill Napoleon when she had the chance, so her punishment is to abstain from sex until after their mission is complete. Lucky for Jacky, Jaimy is allowed to help with the mission, as 3rd Mate on the Dolphin, the ship that is supposed to accompany the Nancy B in their endeavor. And so begins the adventure. Jacky gets to reunite most of her brotherhood, add another female crewmember, see a slave auction, and run into a few of her previous suitors, the Spanish pirate Flaco and Captain Richard Allen.

There's really not much else to the story, but it was cute and we had more time with Jaimy. I am liking him a lot more and the boy has definitely grown up some. Still kinda bland though. I, myself, lust after Flaco or even Richard Allen, but Jaimy's still kinda cute.

Overall, its a good addition, but honestly, I just want it to end. No, not really end, but I no longer want Jacky drawn to be her still intact virginity. It has dragged on way too long and I would appreciate a nice satisfying finale. But considering that there are at least 2 books after this one, I doubt it.

[Lori Twichell · Rating 5 out of 5]

With more adventures, wild crazy schemes and just the right amount of danger, the Rapture of the Deep continues the grand tradition of the Bloody Jack series. As with the previous books, Jacky’s danger level rises considerably and though targeted to 8th grade and up, there are some heavy situations in here that aren’t necessarily appropriate for younger teens. Pretty much the same warning I’ve given throughout the other books applies. Jacky’s adventures aren’t simple, light or easy. She ends up in danger and often, in highly violent or even sexual situations.

Even better is the audio version of the book – with Jacky’s adventures acted out in spectacular detail. With songs, beautiful voices and exceptional acting, this is the best audio book series that I have ever had the opportunity to experience. I never cease to be impressed with the magnitude of the production. When I have considered audiobooks in the past, most of the time it’s simple reading. There may be some voices, but you can always tell that it’s the same actor. That is not the case with this series. As I was listening, I was completely caught up in the audio version of Jacky’s tales. I found myself listening all the time! I didn’t want to stop.

Next stop: The Wake of the Lorelei Lee!


Review copy provided by the publisher and Listen and Live Audio. Thank you!

[Lady · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hurrah, back to the high seas! These books are ever so fun (mostly) and Katherine Kellgren is incredible. I might finally be getting tired of the formula of the series, though, and perhaps it is time for a break. I did enjoy the setting, the return of all the usual characters, and Jacky's usual resourcefulness and quite personalized moral code.
Two notes of strong disgust:
- Meyer literally named the one older black woman Aunt Jemima and wrote her as the "mammy" archetype to the letter. Racist af.
- I hate that every single one of these books uses [attempted] rape as part of the plot formula. I like that Meyer acknowledges it as a real and present danger, which it would be for Jacky, but the fact that she suffers no mental health or intimacy issues as a result is wildly unrealistic. A lot of this series is unrealistic but this is too important an issue to be one of them.
Note of slightly less disgust: If a woman had written this, Jacky's lack of shyness about nudity would feel like a story about a girl rejecting propriety. As it is, it feels like a straight, middle-aged man creating a constantly naked 16-year old girl, with lots of details about her tiny swimsuit. Icky.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meyer never fails to deliver an amazing tale of love, adventure, friendship, and the luck of a certain impulsive maiden.

The momment a good friend had thrusted the town library's battered copy of Bloody Jack into my reluctant hands, and commanded me to read the first chapter, I was spellbound.

In a little over a week, I had flashed through the available following books. I ended today, on Rapture of the Deep, starving for the next installment.

Readers will find this series heartwarming. I for one found the adventures Jacky Faber an elegant mix of history, romance, and adventure, with L.A. Meyer's unique prose adding to the novelty of the action.

If you have yet to pick up the books, I recommend you harden your sea legs, and hop on, for Miss Faber is about to take you on a journey unlike any other.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think believe myself to be quite biased in my review of this book, for I have been ready this series since the very first Bloody Jack came to Barnes and Nobles. Being that as it may. . . I LOVE THIS BOOK!! I felt as if I was living this adventure along with Jacky and her crew from England to Boston and then to Florida with the Spaniards. I am not joking when I say I could not put this book down. It however leaves off with much hope for another book, as with the previous installments. I hope that the next book is just as riveting and I can NOT WAIT!

[Gemma · Rating 5 out of 5]

While most series start out strong and get progressively more disappointing (and I can name a few), this is not one of them. In fact, Jacky just keeps getting better and better!
Like every other book in this series, you have to find another fan and just start talking about your favorite parts, because you have to have read it to really get why it's the funnest, funniest series ever written. I could hardly breathe for laughing, and in fact I read it twice in five days! There's nothing quite like watching Jacky being Jacky. Can't wait to read the next book!

[Dodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was completely set not to like this book - it just seemed a little overstuffed with pirates, intrigue, science, romance, and revenge. But then Jacky Faber's sassy attitude hooked me, and I was soon enjoying this ripping good yarn of a gutter rat turned mercantile opportunist who is off to discover the sunken treasure of the Santa Magdalena. Readers will enjoy visiting ports in London, Boston and Havana with Jacky and her crew.This is the 7th in the Bloody Jack Adventures series.

[Cassi aka Snow White Haggard · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars. I'm just ready for Jacky & Jaimy to GET MARRIED AND DO IT! Yeah that's cruder than I normally am but Jacky is so free with her affection that I'm just ready now.

I enjoyed Jaimy being in this book, as well as Lord Richard Alan briefly showing up (he's sexiness). Actually the plot of this story was fine. I liked the diving.

I didn't like Aunt Jemima's Brother Rabbit story or the cockfighting. I need more singing & flirting & less of that.

[Cheezcake · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know I haven't read the book yet, but know it deserves a five star rating, as do all the books in this fabulous Bloody Jack series!! I just cannot wait till I can tear up the next book and dicover what happens next to Jacky! God, the 28th August seems so far away- I want to read that book NOW!

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

i read about half way into this book and then skipped to the end. you really don't miss much in between. same formula as the other books and jacky and jamie are still not together. can barely type through the frustration....

[Sandy D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining, but without the depth of some of the previous books in the series. Recommended for the winter months in the northern temperate zone, when reading about Key West & Havana would be fabulous.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love you, Jacky.