ORPHANED BY THE plague and penniless, Mateo must find his way in the world. By chance he is made a cabin boy on the celebrated voyage of Captain-General Ferdinand Magellan. The destination is secret, but the crew whispers that Magellan will be the first to sail east to the Spice Islands by going "west"--and everyone shall return with untold riches. At sea, Mateo discovers the meaning of friendship, loyalty, and hard work, as well as the delight of first love. But when the ocean rages and brother turns against brother, both Mateo and Magellan are in danger--and it's not clear if "anyone" will survive. . . . "Torrey deftly maintains the taut thread of adventure that, along with the cast of memorable characters, keep the pages turning."--"Publishers Weekly," Starred "This deserves to be in the hands of every reader who loves history and adventure."--"Kirkus Reviews"