Our family enjoys listening to high quality audio dramas! We play them in the van, and my children listen to them before bed. During the last few weeks, our family has prepared for our move, so we had to pack up most of our CDs and books. With everything going on, we wondered if we could realistically continue our regular pastime.
And then Under Drake’s Flag, an audio drama from Heirloom Audio Productions, arrived in our mailbox.
The Under Drake’s Flag package contained 2 CD’s–each about an hour long, a small discussion guide, and a prayer that’s written inside the cover. A longer pdf study guide is also available. While directed towards audiences ages six to adult, my three and five year old boys were captivated.
We enjoyed the classic G.A. Henty novel in the van while running errands and in our home after devotions. We also found moments that inspired discussion during our day, especially moments that included making right decisions and standing strong in our faith, even when things seem scary and uncertain.
Without spoiling the storyline too much, the tale of Ned and Gerald, after being mentored by Francis Drake, provided high-seas adventure, as well as a crisis point that made me turn to my husband and say, “Wow!” Parents, you don’t want to miss out on this story! Listen to it with your children, and discuss how God has worked in your life– share how He has worked all things according to His purpose.
Within the story and guide, you’ll experience:
- adventure for the whole family
- thought-provoking discussion questions
- vocabulary building activities
- critical and creative thinking skills
- conflicts involving man vs. nature, the elements, and other cultures
- the importance of faith during adversity and uncertainty
- a touch of romance with an ending that made my daughters smile with glee
- an in-depth Bible study covering character and faith
Some scenes are intense, especially for young ones, although I think I found them more intense than my children did. One scene, which included an encounter with a shark, left me squirming in my seat, but it was a favorite of my three older children (ages 9, 10, and 12). The sound quality was superb! During the storm scene, I felt so completely wrapped up in the story while driving, that I had to turn down the volume or risk becoming too distracted.
Since my husband led the discussion, I asked if he’d share his viewpoint, especially since he takes story material seriously, rejecting most things as fluff. He found Under Drake’s Flag to be suitable for discussion after our family devotion time–a time he fiercely protects by only using high-quality materials.
From My Husband’s Pen
“You can’t judge a book by its cover I thought,” as I looked at the rich illustration of Under Drakes Flag by G.A. Henty.
“That just came in,” remarked my wife, “Doesn’t it look cool?”
“I suppose,” I replied skeptically, having been burned a dozen times by exciting cover artwork, followed by lack luster performance and cheesy acting.
“It was recorded in England,” she continued in a vain attempt to draw me in, hoping that my status as a British Ex-Pat of seventeen years would tip the scale.
As we began the audios one evening, I readied myself for disappointment, but I gathered the children around me as my wife began the CD.
And I was right. You cannot judge a book by its cover. The rich printed packaging and original artwork did nothing to prepare me for the high quality audio production and dynamic aural excitement that we were thrown into.
“That’s Brian Blessed,” I exclaimed with excitement to my bewildered wife. “He’s one of my favorite actors; what’s he doing in a production like this?”
But a production like this was exactly where Mr. Blessed needed to be, as we were catapulted into the world of Sir Frances Drake and his voyage aboard the Golden Hinde. For me coming from England, Sir Frances Drake was a common icon of history, but what a joy to see it come to life for my children, as they relived the tales and more importantly, the morals for Drake and our star of the story, Ned Hawkshaw.
We lived the adventure as he survived shark attacks, sailed as the crew of a privateer ship, battled Spanish galleons, and even stood for his faith against the Spanish Inquisition. I would tell you more, but at the risk of being branded a spoiler, I will leave you with just those hints. If you are looking for high sea adventure; stunning production and solid moral Spiritual principles for discussion with every scene, look no further.
From one skeptic, perhaps to another, I challenge you to set sail with Ned, Drake, and the rest of the crew for the adventure of a lifetime.
My husband reviewing discussion questions with our two older boys.
Costs and Other Details:
The 2 CD-set that we reviewed is available for $29.95, but Heirloom Audio Productions offers several other packages to suit your needs and budget. An audio download, complete with the 30 page guide e-book and discussion starter is available for $20. If you decide to purchase the CD set, the audio download and e-guides are also included–what a fantastic value!
Our whole family enjoyed listening to Under Drake’s Flag, and we look forward to future recordings from Heirloom Audio Productions. From what I hear, a new release is slated for early November, and we look forward to the experience. My ten-year-old is currently asking, “Can we buy it, Mama? Can we? Please?!”
For more information on Under Drake’s Flag, visit their website, and like their page on Facebook.
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I just finished listening to Under Drake’s Flag over the weekend and started my kids listening today! I loved it, which really came as no surprise to me considering it was created by some of the same amazing people who bring us Adventures in Odyssey, Radio Theatre, and Lamplighter Theatre, which are all favorites in our house. This was my first introduction to G. A. Henty, however, though I’ve taken note of his popularity with so many other homeschoolers. Now I’m excited to read some of his books. And hopefully hear more of them dramatized!
How neat! We look forward to any new materials that are coming out later. It’s good stuff, isn’t it? 🙂
LOVED reading your review!! This was one of my favorite items we’ve been able to review and I loved that your husband is English and added to your review 🙂