In their seventh adventure, Hal and the Heron crew accept a mission rescuing an empress's kidnapped son from pirates to save the life of the palace guard commander, who is first mate Stig's estranged father. Exciting nautical chases, quick escapes, and clever ruses keep the action at a rapid boil, while sailing proficiency, technical know-how, and wry humor serve as bonds that unite the crew. Glos. (c) Copyright 2018. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.