At the Mercy of the Sea, Paperback

5-Star Review, Readers' Favorite

In book three, At the Mercy of the Sea, thirteen-year-old Etienne takes to the sea again in 1663 to repay his family’s debts and falls in with pirates, while his friends, Alsoomse and Abraham, each struggle to find their own places within their communities.

September 20, 1663, gulls circle and dive overhead as the sails unfurl propelling the ship carrying twelve-year-old Etienne Gayneau and ten-year-old Abraham Dayton toward Boston and new business opportunities that promise them everything they want. Unknown to them, these ventures also carry the power to destroy. Each boy must choose – take the easy road of promise that leads to destruction, or follow the harder path to self-discovery. Both choices will cost them everything. 

“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)