Publisher's Synopsis
1750 French BahamasThirteen-year-old Bastian St. Claire, orphaned after his father mysteriously dies at sea, is resolute when it comes to saving the people on the drought-stricken island of Marie Galante. Rich land baron, Don Flaco, is just as uncompromising with his greedy plan to control all of the fertile farmland on the small Caribbean island and make indentured servants of those who till the soil. Every year, the Barron's land holdings increase as farmer after farmer is forced to sell. Bastian wants to put an end to Don Flacco's cruel practice, so when he discovers a treasure map showing hidden gold on his father's sunken ship, he comes up with a plan to buy back the land. Bastian needs to find the gold first, so he takes a job on a vessel transporting cargo in the Caribbean in hopes of locating the downed craft. During a hurricane at sea, Bastian rescues an injured albatross, which he names Zwazo. The newfound and most friendly duo is soon stalked by an evil pirate named Mud Beard, after word gets out about Bastian's quest for gold. Possessing a fortune-telling blue crystal, Mud Beard always knows Bastian's next move. The young mariner encounters more danger while marooned on a desert island with blood-thirsty cannibals. A cryptic message from Tularon, a witch doctor, forces Bastian to face the mysterious sorcerer. According to rumor, Tularon turns his enemies into giant lizards and is protected by highly skilled female bodyguards. Tularon agrees to help Bastian if the boy retrieves a valuable treasure for the mysterious witch doctor. Will Bastian ever return to his island in time to rescue the farmers and save his big Crush, Elena? The young girl knows secret information that could bring down Don Flaco, her uncle-it could also send her to a terrible fate. Join young Bastian on an adventure of a lifetime to find out how this epic voyage ends.
