“BLUE VOYAGE,” by Diana Renn, Viking Books for Young Readers, Oct. 13, 2015, Hardcover, 18.99 (young adult)
Zan has spent her life in front of the cameras. Her father is a high-ranking politician, and she’s living with the notoriety that comes with it. Part of her coping mechanism is getting high off adrenaline, which may or may not be achieved through legal activities.
When Zan’s father is caught cheating on her mom in public, things fall apart. Zan gets caught shoplifting, it only adds to the scandal surrounding her family. Things aren’t looking good, and her parents’ solution sounds even worse — a mother-daughter bonding trip to Turkey where Zan’s recently widowed aunt owns a hotel. It’s a sure recipe for boredom.
Zan’s in luck, though. What starts out as a lackluster trip turns into quite the opposite. After befriending a passenger on a cruise, Zan finds herself in the crosshairs of an antiquities smuggling ring. Dangerous criminals believe Zan is the key to finding priceless — and some believe cursed — treasure. And while Zan’s mom believes the best course of action is to lay low and let the authorities take care of things, Zan isn’t so sure. Trusting the wrong person could get her or the ones she loves killed.
From the sparkling Mediterranean and Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar to the crumbling caves of Cappadocia, “Blue Voyage” transports you to a place that is both dangerous and beautiful. It’s the perfect backdrop for a movie-esque plot that will keep you engaged throughout.
Although the beginning a little sluggish, author Diana Renn is right to make it so. It’s in keeping with what’s going on and sets the tone for what’s ahead. The second half of the novel is when the action really picks up, making “Blue Voyage” a true page-turner. If you’re looking to escape the wintertime blues, this is a good choice.
