The Boy from the Empty Sea – Illustrated Sailing Adventure for Ages 10–16

A thrilling family adventure across the islands of Polynesia

Paradise was supposed to bring the Carter family closer. Instead, the Pacific gives them a fight for survival.

The Carter family is sailing from French Polynesia towards the Cook Islands aboard their catamaran, Sea Wanderer, when ten-year-old Sophie spots something orange rising and disappearing between the waves.

It is a plastic fish crate.

Clinging to it is fifteen-year-old Tane Moala—exhausted, injured and far too distant from land for his story to make sense.

Tane claims that his fishing boat overturned, but there is no wreckage, no equipment and no emergency beacon. Hidden inside the lining of his life jacket is a damaged memory card. Behind Sea Wanderer, a dark expedition yacht appears on the horizon. Its captain knows Tane’s name—and insists that the boy must be handed over.

Tane says the man took his uncle.

As the family races through the islands of Polynesia, the danger follows them. Someone breaks into their boat at night. Their engine is sabotaged. A tracking device is planted inside their dinghy. A violent storm tests every member of the family, while the mysterious yacht remains close behind.

The evidence Tane carries could expose an illegal deep-sea operation damaging marine life and threatening island communities. But delivering it will require much more than courage.

Maya must stop treating the voyage as something being done to her and become a genuine member of the crew. Leo must learn that recklessness is not the same as bravery. Sophie must persuade the others to trust the details only she notices. Their parents must accept that protecting the family does not mean making every decision alone.

And Tane must decide whether he can finally tell them the whole truth.

Travelling through Maupiti, Aitutaki, Rarotonga, Niue and Tonga, The Boy from the Empty Sea combines a suspenseful ocean chase with a powerful story about family, friendship, responsibility and protecting the natural world.

Featuring 16 atmospheric black-and-white illustrations, fast-moving chapters and an unforgettable South Pacific setting, this illustrated adventure novel is ideal for readers who enjoy sailing stories, survival thrillers, environmental mysteries and exciting family adventures.

Recommended reading age: 10–16
Author: Eric Henry
Publisher: Questbound Studios Ltd
Length: 236 pages
Illustrations: 16 black-and-white interior illustrations
Themes: Adventure, mystery, sailing, survival, friendship, family and ocean conservation