Review: Under Drake's Flag

Buckle up for a fast and furious ride as you listen in theater style to the power of Biblical principles guiding a young boy through the adventures of his life from boy to man! 

Heirloom Audio Productions presents Under Drake's Flag. Under Drake's Flag is an audio adventure that captivates its audience and brings history alive. Based upon G.A. Henty's Under Drake's Flag, this audio was recorded in London with a marvelous cast of actors.  It contains amazing sound effects that make you feel as if you have stepped aboard the famous ship of Sir Francis Drake, The Golden Hinde, yourself!  Ned Hawkshaw joins Sir Francis Drake in the greatest adventure a boy could ever imagine.  You will follow him as he fights off a shark attack, survives a shipwreck, engages in battles upon land and sea, rescues a damsel in distress, comes face to face with the Spanish Inquisition, battles with himself as to what God's will is for his life, and so much more.

It comes in a 2 CD set with 7 tracks each lasting for 2 hours. It also comes with an adventure study guide.  Included in the center pocket of your CD set is the prayer of Sir Francis Drake in 1577.  It is such a beautiful and inspirational prayer.

Inside the abridged study guide, you will find a link to the complete study guide.  The study guide is divided into 3 sections:

Listening Well - comprehension questions

Thinking Further - discussion and logical questions to stir up your child's thinking and increase his understanding of the story

Defining Words - vocabulary words

At the end of the study guide are three Bible studies on Godly Character, True Manhood, and Confessing Christ.  

  

Under Drake's Flag is available in several different formats. The 2 CD set, which I received for my review, costs $29.95 plus $6.95 for shipping. There are bonuses that come with each purchase as well as other purchasing options including a downloadable mp3 format, and bulk buying options.  You can find out more about those here. 

How We Used It

We simply listened to the CD and discussed it briefly after using the study guide especially the vocabulary words.  We listened to a track a day much to my children's dismay.  Not a day went by when there wasn't a groan of - "no, don't stop there!"  As we listened with bated breath as to what was going to happen next, we all experienced a full range of emotions from laughter to fear to sadness.  We were truly captivated!  We have never read any of Henty's books before but after listening to this audio adventure, we are all more eager than ever to add them to our list of books to read.  Under Drake's Flag is recommended for ages 6 and up.  We have ages 10, 13, and 42 who can vouch that these are a must for every homeschool shelf.  I've never experienced a auditory experience leading to such a full visual experience before but I could clearly see what was happening in my mind as the story unfolded.  Often, we would lay on the bed with the lights out, our eyes closed, and be teleported to the adventures of the high seas.

I could see many different options in using these CD's in your homeschool.  Listening to them in the car on your way to events or vacation would surely make the time fly.  You could complete your own unit study including reading the original books by G.A. Henty.  The study guide includes a short biography of Sir Francis Drake, a bibliography, and a recommended reading list.

You can find out more about Under Drake's Flag by visiting their website and Facebook page.  

I was thrilled to hear that there is another audio adventure, In Freedom's Cause, in the works as well!