Book excerpt: A hardened old sea dog joins Magellan's journey to the Spice Island. After three ocean voyages, Leo knows not to trust anyone but himself. But in 1519 he sets sail with Magellan on a journey to find a westward route to the Spice Islands. Slowly, he begins to develop new friendships with the ship's scribe, Pigafetta, and Marco, Magellan's page. Together, the three of them experience hunger and thirst, storms and doldrums, and mutinies and hostile, violent encounters. Will they ever find safe passage? The Dog Chronicles series features fast-paced, fascinating historical fiction about working dogs, perfect for readers who love books.