At the Mercy of the Sea, Jacketed Case Laminate

5-Star Review, Readers' Favorite

Based on true events. Etienne’s story is joined with Abraham’s as they struggle to survive in a dangerous world threatened by disease, conflict, and financial ruin.

Etienne takes to the sea again in a new venture to earn the money his family needs to repay their debts, while his friends, Alsoomse and Abraham, embark on new enterprises of their own that promise to solve all their problems. The lure of adventure quickly turns sour as the young people are launched into a struggle to survive that will ultimately force them to reevaluate everything they believed was true.

Trouble is coming for Etienne Gayneau and his friends at home and at sea as the English prepare to invade New Netherland, pirates roam the oceans, and pandemics and storms threaten to turn their worlds upside down.

Twelve-year-old Etienne takes to the sea again in September 1663 in a desperate move to earn the money his father needs to repay their debt only to find himself shanghaied onto a pirate ship captained by none other than his old rival, Jacob Janssen van den Burgh. He will soon discover that this voyage will test his character and his faith as he must choose whether to follow the easy path that leads to destruction or the harder road to self-discovery and redemption.

Meanwhile, back in the colonies, his friends must traverse their own difficult paths to self-discovery as they struggle to find their places within their own communities. Alsoomse resists following the traditional Lenape gender roles and her mother’s expectations as she must make a seemingly impossible choice to discover her rightful place in the tribe. And Abraham, wrestles with his own mixed heritage and fights to prove his worth to his father as he must choose the kind of man he will become.

“This briskly paced and engaging novel’s climax will leave history-minded readers yearning for more.” – BookLife Review (2024)

“A poignant, adventurous, and historically informative narrative for young readers.” – Kirkus Review (2024)

“Overall, the novel is recommended for its informative portrayal of 17th century life, particularly scenes focused on Native Americans, but the story is best read as part of the wider series.” BlueInk Review (2024)

“At the Mercy of the Sea by Amanda M. Cetas is the third book in this incredibly detailed and beautifully written series. The author has extensively researched this book and the other two in the series. All the historical aspects are documented with sources named. Her knowledge and passion for the 1600s in North America are incredible and inspiring. The storyline and characters are a mix of actual people and fictional ones. With its aspects of adventure, diverse cultures, love, betrayal, and historical elements, At the Mercy of the Sea is a fantastic book any reader will not be able to put down. I recommend reading all the books in the series, although each book can be read as a standalone novel.” – Readers’ Favorite Review (2024)

Download sample chapters here.