"Stowaway" by Pam Withers offers a thrilling adventure story that aims to captivate a young adult audience with its high-stakes plot and dynamic setting. Set against the backdrop of the open sea and distant shores, Withers weaves a tale of courage, survival, and the quest for identity that is both engaging and accessible to a wide range of readers.

The novel's strengths lie in its vivid descriptions and fast-paced narrative. Withers demonstrates a keen ability to transport readers to the heart of the action, making them feel the roll of the ship and the salt of the sea. The sense of adventure is palpable, and the author does an admirable job of building tension and excitement as the story progresses.

The protagonist of "Stowaway" is thoughtfully crafted, with a clear arc that speaks to the themes of growth and self-discovery. The challenges and obstacles faced by the main character are relatable, offering readers a lens through which to explore their own experiences of adolescence and the search for belonging. The supporting cast adds depth to the narrative, providing a range of perspectives that enrich the story.

However, "Stowaway" does encounter some turbulence in its journey. The plot, while entertaining, treads familiar waters and may not offer much in the way of surprises or novel twists for readers well-versed in the adventure genre. The narrative sometimes risks falling into cliché, with certain elements feeling predictable or formulaic.

Character development, beyond the protagonist, can at times feel shallow or underexplored. Some of the secondary characters come across as stereotypes rather than fully realized individuals, which may hinder readers' ability to fully engage with the story or care deeply about the characters' fates.

Additionally, the resolution of the novel might leave some readers wanting more. While the climax is undoubtedly exciting, the denouement may seem rushed, with loose ends tied up a bit too neatly. This could detract from the overall impact of the story, leaving some to wonder what could have been had the narrative taken more risks or delved deeper into the complexities of its characters and themes.

In conclusion, "Stowaway" by Pam Withers is a solid addition to the young adult adventure genre, offering a thrilling escape into the unknown. While it navigates a well-charted course, the novel's execution and the sheer fun of the journey make it a worthwhile read for young readers looking for adventure and excitement. Those seeking depth and innovation may find it somewhat lacking, but for its intended audience, "Stowaway" succeeds in delivering an entertaining and action-packed tale of adventure on the high seas.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an advanced copy to review for my honest opinion.

Thank you for approving me for this title! However, I unfortunately was unable to download/read this book prior to it being archived on Netgalley. I hope to read and review this book on my own soon, and hope to read other books from this author and publisher. Thanks again!

Personally, I find the development of plot a bit lacking. As always, the premise seems good. I was expecting a decent read about the adventures of a rebellious teen who becomes marginally wiser by the end of the book. Although the main events and scenes are okay, I feel that it wasn’t carried out wholeheartedly, thus the ‘under-developed plot’. In addition, I struggle to see the character growth.

Readers haven’t really been given a chance to establish a relationship with main characters Owen & Arturo despite first-person narrations from both sides. You would think readers won’t have a problem forging that connection between a reader and character but apparently, that’s the case.

There was a potentially bonding moment when the two main characters share their past. I think the author could’ve used pauses and body language to more effectively deliver their history. At the same time, this will allow readers to identify with the characters but that chance wasn’t used well. A lot of scenes in this book felt similarly glazed over.

Bottom line: Stowaway is, in essence, a good adventure but is unrefined. It has the potential to be so much more..

This was an enjoyable read that had a different premise than what I normally read. The characters were relatable and the plot wasn't unrealistic for the most part.

Hi, this was archived very early compared to the publication date and I did not get to read it. Sorry I can't review as it has vanished off my computer. If you make it avaiable again let me know to download.

Adventure
11-16
When Owen’s parents leave town for a conference, the 16-year-old promises to manage the family marina, located on a northern Gulf Island off the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia. Owen hates life on the island; it’s boring, he has no friends, and he resents his parents’ decision to move there from Ontario after a serious incident involving his brother, missing from the picture though we don’t know why. When a storm blows in, bringing a gorgeous yacht to the marina for refuge and supplies, Owen decides to stow away for a joyride. When he reveals himself to the captain and his Guatemalan “nephew” Arturo, he soon realizes he made a potentially fatal mistake, as he discovers the yacht is being used for human smuggling. He and Arturo must work together, but can they trust each other? Withers is known for her exciting extreme sports adventure stories, well researched and full of exciting tension and danger. This hits all the marks – an interesting and informative read, with deadly danger in the form of storms, guns, and more as Arturo and Owen face a number of moral decisions. The story is told in alternating first-person voice, with both Arturo and Owen giving their perspectives. This helps young readers better understand the issues, and increases the narrative tension as we witness each boy struggle with competing motivations, and balances what could have been dismissed as a white boy’s story. Fast and exciting, its message of compassion and friendship will resonate with young readers. The book is being published this week; my thanks to Dundurn Press for the advance reading copy provided digitally through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
More discussion and reviews of this novel: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36323504

I like Pam Withers. She writes YA which I don't read much of but makes it fun and takes a subject that's not often discussed in YA fiction (at least to my knowledge) which captures the imagination. The reading is nice and clear and draws you in. reminds me of the adventure novels I used to read when younger and there's a unique undercurrent to this story if you pardon the pun. A life at sea is not what Owen expects or hopes it will be. The adventure was intriguing and the plot moved and changed as the novel progressed. I always feel I learn something from Pam Withers novels and it's always an adventure to visit BC and this time, the Pacific ocean. She's a great guide to her province!

I will post this on TheBookTrail closer to publication date

I had trouble with the cell phone. Yes, the cell phone. The focus was on the cell phone so much, but there was a lot about how it played its role in the story that I found a little far fetched or manipulated. As such, it didn't feel like a real-enough story to me; although, it certainly was based on something that could happen. The other part of the story that was either too obvious or too obscure - I'm not sure which - was the mysterious secret past that the lead character had. The author has some good ideas to incorporate into her story, but I don't think the execution of those pieces were woven in well enough. Maybe in future tales the weaving will be stronger.