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Jim Murphy assumes the grass will be greener once he leaves the family business behind. Jim is his father's choice for taking over as Captain of the Deliverance, a ship for deep-sea fishing. Jim wants to go off to a Christian college with Zachery, his best friend. Is this God's call or Jim's own wishes?
A local mystery has been kept buried for years in their small fishing village outside of Boston. People fear to discuss it due to the hard-nosed and dangerous Captain Bainbridge. Jim's father knows the key, but Jim alone can provide the incentive to search out the truth. If he doesn't pursue this calling now, Jim may lose Zachary forever and the love of Zach's sister, Becky. After seeking the Lord's help, Jim must choose to face a mythical sea creature, solve a fishy mystery, and defeat evil personified by an enemy who will stop at nothing. Fortunately, this teen hero gets extra help from an angel-like character and the U.S. Coast Guard.
This Christian novel, filled with danger and suspense, helps point young adults in the direction of finding the will of God for each of their lives. Yoder seems to be very familiar with deep-sea fishing in the North Atlantic. Preparations to outfit a craft for weeks at sea are insightful. Interestingly, the realism of life on the bridge, log keeping, and ship communications remove some of the glamour from what young folk might otherwise consider a completely exciting occupation. A helpful map of the area appears at the beginning of the book. The honorable characters will likely attract teenage readers. In an example of the consequences of one's actions, the lack of honest communication between Jim and his family and friends gets everyone into trouble. Only a miracle can unravel the deadly tentacles.