Black Heart of Jamaica: Cat in the Caribbean

Cat Royal Adventures #5

by Julia Golding

The indomitable Cat Royal turns pirate, undertakes a Caribbean cruise and gets mixed up in a slave revolt. Prepare to swash your buckle in Cat's most outrageous adventure yet.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Young Adult, Adventure, Mystery, Fiction, Childrens

404 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2008

About the author

My journey to becoming an author has been a roundabout one, taking in many other careers. I grew up on the edge of Epping Forest and was that dreamy kind of child who was always writing stories. After reading English at Cambridge, I decided to find out as much as I could about the wider world so joined the Foreign Office and served in Poland. My work as a diplomat took me from the high point of town twinning in the Tatra Mountains to the low of inspecting the bottom of a Silesian coal mine.

On leaving Poland, I exchanged diplomacy for academia and took a doctorate in the literature of the English Romantic Period at Oxford. I then joined Oxfam as a lobbyist on conflict issues, campaigning at the UN and with governments to lessen the impact of conflict on civilians living in war zones - a cause about which I still feel very passionate.

Married with three children, I now live in Oxford between two rivers, surrounded by gargoyles, beautiful sandstone buildings and ancient trees.

My first novel, 'The Diamond of Drury Lane', won the Waterstone's Children's Book Prize 2006 and the Nestle Children's Book Prize 2006 (formerly known as the Smarties Prize). I was also chosen by Waterstone's in 2007 as one of their 'Twenty-five authors for the future'. In the US, 'Secret of the Sirens' won the honor book medal of the Green Earth Book Award.

My latest series, which starts with Mel Foster and the Demon Butler, about an intrepid Victorian orphan who lives in a household of monsters, won Bronze in the Primary Teacher awards in 2015. The next part, Mel Foster and the Time Machine, has set the time-dial to arrive in 2016.

Reviews

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Cat Royal series, and this one was really fun. I was sad going into it knowing that Frank wasn't going to be in this book, since he's my favorite character and I didn't like Billy as much. However, he really stepped up in this book to become an intriguing romantic opposite- and Cat, of course, shines as her usual spirited self. In this novel, she travels to the Carribbean with an acting company with Pedro. However, with the rebellion raging in Jamaica, Pedro isn't allowed onto land- and Cat is worried that he's got his eye on joining the fight. On top of that, Cat has a run-in with her old nemesis Hawkins- who hasn't forgotten or forgiven. Fans of Cat Royal will love this continuation of the series as much as the previous four- and for those who want more, check out the online novella about the journey home! Recommended for everyone!

[Ali Book World · Rating 4 out of 5]

کَت اینبار عازم دریای کاریبن و جزایر آن شده و به طور اتفاقی به یک گروه تئاتر سیار ملحق میشود. خیلی اتفاقی به دزدان دریایی می‌پیوندد و از جزایر کارائیب سر در می‌آورد. در نهایت به شورش‌های علیه برده داری ملحق میشود و و و...

جلد پنج یکی از قشنگ ترین جلدهای این مجموعه‌ست😍
کَت با خیلی مشکلات رو‌به‌رو میشه و به شکل عجیبی هم توی خیلی از اتفاقات درگیر میشه. شروع این جلد خیلی خوب بود و تا آخرش کشش قابل قبولی داشت. اصلا خسته کننده نبود. من که لذت بردم...
پایانشم که واقعا زیبا بود. جوری تمام شد که یک لحظه پیش خودم فکر کردم چجور کَت و بقیه از جلد اول و شرایط اون موقع به پایانی اینطوری در کتاب پنجم رسیدن؟😍❤... واقعا نویسنده‌ی خلاقی داره...!!!
.
بریم که کم‌کم جلد آخر این مجموعه‌ی جذاب رو هم بخونیم و ببینیم پایان ماجراهای کَت چی میشه..
(( ریویووی کل مجموعه رو در قسمت کتاب ششم مینویسم ))

[Saba (mybookfortress) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, I’ve gotta say this book wouldn’t have me giving it five stars without Billy’s presence.
The plot was quite interesting and it didn’t ever bore me, though the whole adventure wasn’t as unexpected as the previous books, but the super unexpected boldness of Billy’s role and how he acted somehow abnormally brilliant, made up for any weaknesses in the plot. I really liked him this time!
And as always, I couldn’t stop reading till it was over...!

[Elevetha · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Warning. Erratic review*

All right, Cat's in Jamaica. Nice.
There is a revolt from the slaves there.
Oh, look, Billy. Billy? Crap, run!!
He's being...niceish? Odd. (No, Cat, don't fall for it! He's the devil's spawn!? I give up. That girl is crazy.)
I don't trust him.
Cat's a slave. Fun times. Now she has a disease. Malaria? Ouch.
Billy, stop being nice!
Pedro, why you stay in Jamaica and leave Cat with Billy? Oh, pretty Jamaican girl. Got cha now, bro.
What the heck? Oh, well. Now I wait years for Cat and Billy to cross the ocean back to London.

[Negin · Rating 5 out of 5]

من جلد آخرو میخوامممم
پرده ها میوفتند..
هاکینز نمیخواد بمیره؟ یه 10 20 بار اعصاب همه رو خورد کرد:|

[Jen-Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Billy and Cat forever, fight me.

[Miss Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This fifth volume in the nine book series picks up not long after where the fourth stops, with Cat still visiting Johnny and Lizzy in America. Trying to decide where her calling is in life and determined to make her own way, she and Pedro embark on a voyage to the Caribbean with an acting company. Cat is engaged as an actress with them and Pedro as a musician. Of course, since Cat is involved, nothing goes smoothly. Once they reach Jamaica, Pedro is not allowed to disembark because of the slave rebellion on the neighboring island. Billy shows up yet again to wreak random havoc and to my great dismay Cat seems to have some lingering romantic notions regarding him. Stupid, Cat! He is such a scummy person and I do not understand why Cat acts like a twitbrain around him. Pedro is golden here, though. It was great to see Cat actually struggle a bit more in this volume, not always immediately getting things right or handling it perfectly, especially the situation with Jenny. And I liked that we did not have any new suitors, as Cat has far too many already. It was nice to see her adeptness as an actress, her coming to a realization about Pedro and the slave trade/ rebellion. Anyone that has enjoyed the series will want to read this book. Very much looking forward to volume six,Cat's Cradle, due out next year.

"When my task here is done, I'll come find you," Pedro promised, his voice hoarse.

He had better. He is one of my favorite characters and I really want to see him again. Also, he and Cat are two orphans that chose to become family and I want to keep that and see how it plays out. Ooh, and does Cat's malaria ever come back and cause problems?

[Anna Bergmark · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this the fifth installment in the series Cat joins a theater company on tour in the West Indies. Syd and Frank isn't with her, nor Johnny or Elisabeth, and Pedro doesn't stay around for long, which is a pity. The new faces aren't that interesting really. Pretty soon I was longing for a familiar face, any face, and what do you know..? In from the left enters evil minded Billy Shepard - and the change of climate must have done wonders for him, cause he's likable! You could have knocked me over with a feather. The bad boy you've loved to hate now puts a smile on your face and a warm, gooey feeling in your heart. And furthermore... When he sweeps our perky heroine of to sea for a bit of piracy (all for a good cause of course) a somewhat bland beginning grows the swashbuckling attitude of a good old fashioned adventure story, and your smile gets even bigger.
So... Thank you Julia Golding for letting "Billy the Boil" ripen, grow, and finally explode - into a very enjoyable and driving character indeed!

[Paulina's Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though this was the 5th book of the series, and I have read none before, I found that the character and the plot was very easy to understand and follow. I really enjoyed this book - there were moments when I was captivated and couldn't put the book down. Black Heart of Jamaica is an amazing novel which captivates the themes of slavery, friendship and love in a way that entertains but also allows the reader to reflect on their own life. Set in the late 18th century, Cat ventures to the Caribbean in pursuit of an acting career. There, she encounters a couple of obstacles, old friendships as well as makes new ones. Overall, the book is very entertaining and has a fast moving plot. Nevertheless, this novel did not receive 5/5 stars due to the fact that this was not an adventure that was extraordinary - compared to some other novels I have read, this was quite average and I felt it was a bit childish. I would recommend this to readers 14-16.

[Redfox5 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I normally read my books in the order I get them to ensure fairness but my life has been very stressful lately and I can't concentrate on anything for long and my reading has really taken a hit. I'm moving tomorrow, most of my books are boxed up and what had down to read is a bunch of history books, I just can't face them. So I started this, I'm so glad I did.

This was a perfect easy read, it is aimed at 9-12 years olds so not very taxing. This is an adventure story focused on an orphan from London called Cat. This is the 5th book in the series so lots must have happened to get us to the point where she is currently in the Caribbean but I managed to follow along no problem.

The story focuses on slavery so does have a serious tone to it but the book is filled with likable characters. I found myself really liking Billy even though he is somewhat of a villain, I think Cat likes him more than she is letting on as well!

I really enjoyed this book, I would happily read more in the series. I might see if my 10 year old niece wants to read this as I think she would also really like it.

[Abbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another stunning adventure from Julia Golding! Full of suspense, intrigue and adventure, Cat Riyal continues her escapades across the Atlantic, becoming a pirate, indentured secant and travelling actress along the way. Old enemies and friends such as Mr. Hawking and Billy Shepherd come back into play in one of her most epic quests yet! Cat joins a travelling group of musicians and actors, little knowing she will soon be kidnapped, forced to become a pirate, and still, unabashed, try to find her friend Pedro Amakye, a freed slave in grave danger from his old master. You cannot put it down. Ever. This is one of the few books I have EVER given a five-star!! ;)

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since this deals heavily with slavery, it touched on topics that are controversial at best. It wasn't my favorite, but I feel that the author did the best she could to address the sensitive topics without being derogatory or dismissive of the individuals.

[Genevieve · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Someone Who Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

در کل کتاب های این مجموعه روند صعودی داشتن. هر چی جلو تر میرفت بهتر میشد و هر کتاب از کتاب قبلی بهتر بود. ترجمه ��وبی داشت. خودم جلد چهارم رو از بقیه بیشتر دوست داشتم.

[Melissa Joulwan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spunky heroine, pirates, derring-do, and lots of heart. Sweet and fun.

[Mariah · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good! Loved it!!

[Abi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been making my way through re-reading this series, one that I heartily enjoyed as young teen and I wanted to re-read it and see what I thought about it some years later. And, as I found with the former books in this series, I’m still enjoying them just as much as I did when I first read them. I also recently learned that this series is actually marketed as young adult whereas I always considered it to be middle grade. But, in this book in particular, you can really see why this book series is young adult because this book does have a lot of serious themes, such as piracy, slavery and some serious illnesses such as malaria. However, this book also carries the same humour and wit as the other novels and the same engaging and interesting characters too. I’m intrigued to see where this series finishes up because I can’t actually remember what happens!

In Jamaica, Cat and Pedro are disgusted to learn that slavery is still common and both are frightened and horrified when they discover that Pedro’s former owner, Mr Hawkins is in Jamaica. Mr Hawkins thinks that slavery is lawful and fair, and he still believes that Pedro belongs to him. He taunts Cat after her performance on stage and then finally kidnaps her. At his plantation Cat falls ill with malaria and while she is still delusional and sick Billy rescues her. He forces her to buy a slave which Pedro is disgusted at, but he soon learns to forgive Cat. In the end Cat gets involved in a slave revolt but Pedro tells her to leave, while he will stay and help his fellow men gain their rights of freedom and equality. Cat is heartbroken to leave Pedro alone but she knows she must, so she and Billy leave together.

Something that I’ve noticed about these books is that each one of the books takes place in a different place and all of the different places reflect some of the messages and tones within the book. So, of course, the extremely important part of history such as slavery is going to be discussed in Jamaica. I really enjoyed, as I always do, Julia Golding’s writing style because it is so engaging and vivid and realistic and you are able to truly immerse yourself in the world that she’s writing about. And even though these books are works of historical fiction, the feelings of the characters and their motives are still modern and real today and that is what makes the story seem so realistic. And, of course, you get to learn some new historical facts which, as a history buff, I always enjoy doing.

I can go on about the characters in this series until I’m blue in the face so I’m not going to labour the point that I really, really like all of the characters in this book. Of course, some of the characters are terrible people and you definitely wouldn’t want to come across them in an alley way on a dark night because you’d probably leave with a knife in your back. But all of the characters are complex and interesting and engaging and I particularly enjoyed the banter between Cat and Billy in this book. You can really see their emerging relationship in this book and how it’s changed from the beginning of the series where they were hard-out enemies. It’s the character development and relationship growth that really make these books entertaining, as well as the humour and historical references too.

I’d give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars because it was very entertaining and enjoyable to read, but the plot did lack a little bit sometimes and some of the scenes seemed to be a tad bit unrealistic.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my favorite of the Cat Royal books-that title goes to Cat o' Nine Tails-but still great. Cat goes through everything from malaria to pirate battles when Pedro runs off to join a slave uprising. Billy Shepherd is back and more obnoxious than ever which makes for plenty of witty banter.
My only complaint is that a lot of things in this book kind of happened before. Didn't she have her "other cultures are cool" experience in book four with the Indians? Didn't she rescue Pedro from slavery in the second book? What's she doing running around Jamaica and connecting with the black heart? She has black friends and she knows how cruel slavery can be. She doesn't need to learn these lessons all over again. It's as if she's taken a step backwards and become more naive than she ever was in the previous books.
Not that her character has decayed. Cat's still fiery and resourceful as ever. She even fights off a pirate in one scene while jumping from the top of the mast . The only thing that could've made it better was a twist. I wish Pedro could've discovered his family somehow. Nope, apparently they're still in Africa. Now hopefully we'll see more of Syd in the next book! I miss that guy.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

How much do I love Julia Golding's Cat Royal series? Unlike Philip Pullman's Sally Lockhart stories (which I also love) the Cat Royal stories manage to be exciting and action-packed without resorting to more melodramatic trappings like mysterious jewels or secret weapons. Instead, all the drama comes out of the everyday perils and problems of 18th century life.

The characters are written with depth and complexity, especially Cat's ongoing relationship with the villainous Billy Boil. Ms. Golding's vivid descriptions of the historical settings really bring them to life, and she provides enough political and cultural information to set the scene without turning her stories into textbooks.

While this isn't the first book to take Cat out of London, this time, she is almost completely separated from her support group of friends. To Ms. Golding's credit, the Cat Royal books aren't just a series of discrete adventures. Each one develops Cat's world just a little bit more, and this one is no exception.

In short: another great installment in a fantastic series, and I am so looking forward to the next one (Cat's Cradle) next spring.

[Laura]

Things I liked about this book:
-Cat is confronted with the reality of owning a slave. She knows it's wrong, can't figure a way around it, but in the end does the right thing.
-Fast pace
-Overall message about treating people with respect regardless of their background or color of their skin
-I'm glad that Cat and friends didn't swoop in as the white people to save the poor, downtrodden black slaves and that Pedro will be staying behind to help with the slave rebellion

Things that didn't really work for me:
-I wish I knew if the way Golding wrote the Jamaican slaves' speech was at all accurate, or if it was just a stereotype of patois. The way she wrote the Native Americans in the previous book was pretty stereotypical, so I wonder about this. I don't know enough about Jamaica and patois to know if that's the case here though.
-Evil Hawkins is back. Why? So that he can be a convenient excuse to kidnap Cat and make her a slave. Or rather an indentured servant.
-Message is way heavy handed.

Overall, it was OK. A fast read. And definitely more development of the Cat/Billy relationship

[Fern · Rating 3 out of 5]

Golding definitely dives head first into this one - the issue of slavery is economically and emotionally complex but Golding gives an interesting and important interpretation of the slave rebellion. Whilst the plot was definitely one of Cat’s most outrageous adventure I did find the beginning a little slow and repetitive but Golding doesn’t fall short on her wit and wonder. Golding has done such a fantastic job of capturing her events and settings across this series - taking us from London to France, from America to Jamaica, all the while incorporating important messages and themes and issues throughout.

New characters are introduced and old favourites return but our feisty and fearless Cat stays the same as always - in fact, Cat reveals a much deeper layer through her mistakes and misjudgments in this book, which only makes her that more realistic and relatable.

Entertaining as always, with the perfect amount of humour and historical reference on the side - Julia Golding has done it again!

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

'You're really living, not drifting as so many of us do.'

There is a lot in this book. It's about slavery in America, there are pirates, there's theatre… And there's a lot of Billy. That's what I like most about this book: Cat and Billy have a lot of scenes together and their relationship is given a lot of depth here.
On the other hand, there's Pedro, who was so annoying; glad he wasn't there for the better part of the story.
Overall, though, the quality isn't as good anymore as it used to be. Apart from Pedro (slightly) and Billy, there aren't really any major characters anymore that have been with Cat since the beginning of the series. Lizzie, Johnny, Frank and Syd only feature at the very start of Book 5, and that's it. Renewal can be okay, but conserving older characters is good too.
7.7/10

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hmmm... I think the pacing was a bit off with this one--it seemed to take a good long while to get to the main climax of the story (I say "main" because Cat always gets in so many fixes).

Still, the book kept my attention and examined a number of important issues. That is one thing I really appreciate about Golding's writing in these books--she doesn't flinch from dealing with the really difficult issues. She has Cat walk the line. For example, she doesn't simply allow Cat's worry for Pedro to be passed off as sisterly concern, but examines the ways in which her attempted control of him reflects a master/slave relationship.

I also gained some new information about slavery in the 18th century as a result of the book being set in the West Indies, as opposed to the United States.

[Rasheta · Rating 2 out of 5]

I might have given this more stars if the author hadn't started trying to put Billy and Cat together. I"m assuming the author is trying to show that people can make a turn around and be better then they are. However, with Billy I can't believe Cat is falling for him! He's tried to kill her, twice, he blackmails and threatens her a lot of the time. Yet they "understand each other." This his not a healthy relationship! I will be seriously pissed if the two end up together in the end. Frank I could stand Billy no never!

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one MUCH more than I did Cat O' Nine Tails--I liked the new characters a lot, and I especially loved the progression of Cat's relationship with Pedro here. The pacing felt much better this time around as well, at least to me. Billy still kind of creeps me out, but I'm intrigued as to where Golding is going with his character. I'll be reading Middle Passage right away--heh!

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cat royal books are my all time favorites. I have to say, this book was very hard to get. I had to find a small store on line in the uk to ship it to the us. No second thoughts, think these books have great charcters and adventures. This book, however, didn't seem as exciting. I still read it in less than a week but it bothers me how Julia Golding is making Cat move to differnt parts of the world. Other than that the book was brillinat and amazing!!

[GSGS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh no, what is this - I'm beginning to vaguely like Billy?! NOOOOOOOO

But really, though, I ship Cat and Frank too much for Billy to get in the way.

Cat is just awesome ol' Cat, the supporting characters are amazing and
NO PEDRO. I mean, he did the right thing and I'm happy about that, but WHAT IF HE DOESN'T COME BACK? No no no no no.

I like how the series is kinda maturing along with Cat.

[Kell]

Not quite as good as the last one. Once again we’re looking at slavery, but this time Cat experiences first hand how slaves are treated. There’s a smattering of piracy included, so a second sea voyage (however brief), but I would have preferred more of that to explore something a little different. Still good though!

[Lilyholmesy7 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing cat royal novel. This story takes cat to the Caribbean where the people are starting to take actions. Pesto and cat join a theatre but when they turn up at Jamaica and pedro cannot step on the land. So when he thinks he can help his people and cat finds an old enemy Hawkins things starts to get all exiting!
5/5
An amazing story and excitement at every step.

[Ursula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Black Heart of Jamaica is an amazing adition to the Cat Royal series there are twists and turns around every corner and trust me once you are finished you will be begging for more. Cat becomes so many different things in this book that she leaves you very confused, Billy Shepherd surprises everyone in more ways then one, Pedro takes a huge lawless turn and will cat even find her way home?