• Age: 10 to 14
• Grade: 4

In this sequel to the prize-winning young adult novel Submarine Outlaw, the sea of myth and legends beckons young Alfred once again, and the intrepid young explorer answers the call. With his loyal crew of a dog and a seagull by his side, Alfred sails across the Atlantic in his homemade submarine and enters the Mediterranean in search of the fabled lost island of Atlantis.

Philip Roy continues to travel back and forth between Nova Scotia and Ontario, keeping residence in both places. For some half-dozen years now, he has been presenting orally a series of stories at local schools, fairs, and markets called “Happy the Pocket Mouse.” The first of the series, Mouse Tales, illustrated by Andrea Torrey Balsara, will be released by Ronsdale Press in spring 2014. This series of picture books complements Philip’s “Submarine Outlaw” series for young adults, which is now up to volume six. Recently he travelled to Australia to research the materials for the next book in the series, Eco Warrior, to appear in the fall of 2014. Travelling makes for great adventure, Philip contends. The only thing better is writing about it and visiting schools and libraries to share the stories with young readers. Visit Philip Roy’s website at www.philiproy.ca

Philip Roy's profile page

• Short-listed, Hackmatack Children's Choice Book Awards

“Philip Roy’s confident, refreshing Journey to Atlantis avoids the tendency now to write such stories as complicated grand narratives set in magical secondary worlds, and provides a lean, linear, episodic tale [that] has an odd credibility about it, and appealing characters: as for whether it is a ‘boys’ book,’ it seems more a mostly male world that doesn’t preclude female participation or readership.” — Canadian Literature

“An excellent read that takes no time at all; you will not want to put Journey to Atlantis down as the action pulls you forward through the Atlantic Ocean. If you’re looking for an underwater adventure that completely delivers, Journey to Atlantis is definitely worth the read.” — What If? Magazine

“Philip Roy presents another exciting adventure story. . . . Roy covers a neatly fused set of events and topics in an informative and non-didactic way. Journey to Atlantis would be useful in the classroom, especially when read along with a geography or social studies unit on modern ocean travel, the Mediterranean area, or ancient Minoan society. Beyond its practical applications, Journey to Atlantis is really interesting!” — CM Magazine

“This novel will appeal to students who are interested in the history of Atlantis, or who are interested in nautical adventures.” — Resource Links

“Roy has crafted an adventure tale that readers will relish. . . . It is an altogether charming read that will capture the imagination of any young reader who has ever dreamt of exploring the world.” — Atlantic Books Today

“Confident, refreshing . . . compelling . . . echoing the myths and legends, knowledge of seafaring and sea lore. Like Treasure Island‘s Jim, Alfred is old enough to pursue his quest . . . young enough to retain a sense of wonder . . . it has an odd credibility about it, and appealing characters. Philip Roy . . . embraces a more comprehensive definition, resulting in another fabulously rich tale of adventure.” — Canadian Literature

“Journey to Atlantis kept me biting my nails as Al and his crew of dog and seagull tackled peril after peril. Al’s a rare thing these days, an intelligent hero driven by intellectual curiosity, a courageous hero in the face of both physical danger and ethical choices, a hero we’d all want to be. The story plunges from one tense moment to another yet still has time for fun, for thoughtfulness, and for wonder at the world above and below the sea.” — K. V. Johansen, author of The Warlocks of Talverdin

Journey to Atlantis

Al’s adventures continue in this second title in the Submarine Outlaw series. Supported by his family and friends, the submarine has been improved . And after a winter of research, 15-year old Al has a new goal. He sets off from his home in Newfoundland to look for the lost city of Atlantis. Accompanied only by his dog Hollie and his seagull Seaweed, the crew has many adventures encountering coast guard boats, whales, pirates and movie stars. They cross the Atlantic, visit the Azores, and travel through the Strait of Gibraltar on their way to the Mediterranean Sea to Greece. The exciting action keeps the plot moving. An ambiguous ending allows readers to form their own conclusions about the success of the quest.

This novel will complement the study of Ancient Greece. Journey to Atlantis has been nominated for a Hackmatack Award.

Caution: The characters grapple with the possible existence of mermaids and a brief reference to magic is made.

Fascinating from Cover-to-Cover

by Isabella

My kids loved Journey to Atlantis (book 2) even more than the first book in the series, (Submarine Outlaw). Philip Roy does a great job of appealing to the explorer in all of us. And he definitely raises the question of whether or not Atlantis exists. Al's travels in the Mediterranean are interesting, and magical. This is the kind of book that both girls and boys love; it's well-written and fascinating from start-to-finish.

Journey to Atlantis Reviews

by reviewposter

“Confident, refreshing….compelling….echoing the myths and legends, knowledge of seafaring and sea lore. Like Treasure Island‘s Jim, Alfred is old enough to pursue his quest…young enough to retain a sense of wonder….it has an odd credibility about it, and appealing characters. Philip Roy…embraces a more comprehensive definition, resulting in another fabulously rich tale of adventure.“–Canadian Literature

“Journey to Atlantis kept me biting my nails as Al and his crew of dog and seagull tackled peril after peril. Al’s a rare thing these days, an intelligent hero driven by intellectual curiosity, a courageous hero in the face of both physical danger and ethical choices, a hero we’d all want to be. The story plunges from one tense moment to another yet still has time for fun, for thoughtfulness, and for wonder at the world above and below the sea.” —K. V. Johansen, author of the Warlocks of Talverdin series

Journey to Atlantis Review

by Olivia

Journey to Atlantis was filled with adventure and magic. I loved this second book in the series. And I love the cover of the book, too!