The Alchemist's Apprentice — Sarah Bates

When Owen was younger he was chosen by the Grand master of the Alchemists' Guild to become his student. This was a very great honor, as that mean that he would one day be the head Alchemist in the King of Southerland's Royal Court. In the years since Owen has tried to be a good student, to prove that he was worthy of being chosen for such an honor. But when his teacher's former student, Dargo, arrives in the city with the king's sister, the Duchess of D'Vette, Owen knows he's up to no good. He's proven right on the last night of the Duchess's visit when Master Atlee's Master Book, his own private collection of alchemical works, is stolen. Owen believes he knows who stole it. But before he can prove it the Duchess and her entourage leave to return to their homeland. Determined to get the book back and prove Dargo's guilt Owen, along with his best friend, Kayla, Southerland's own Princess, embark on a journey to retrieve the stolen book. They are aided along the way by a wandering troop of gypsies, and Vonta, the Pirate King, and the crew of his ship the King's Fancy. Their adventure takes them far and wide, from the coastal port city of Thale, to the secret, tropical pirate island Isla de Vonta ; a battle at sea, and on to the Duchess's fortress of D'Vette. It's an adventure of a lifetime, but in the end they learn that home really is the best place to be, and that the only things that truly matter are their families and friends.