Martin Rattler

Martin Rattler grew up in a quiet village called Ashford where he lived with an aunt and he always dreamed of an adventure in a far away country. When he finished school, Martin boarded the ship Firefly where he became friends with Irish man Barney O'Flannagan. When pirates attacked their ship and it was wrecked, Martin and Barney were washed ashore on a Brazilian beach. Dealing with dense jungle, they had to made acquaintance with numerous jungle animals, birds, beasts and reptiles. They took a sail up the Amazon river, shooting alligators on its banks, spearing fish in its waters, and eventually being captured by wild tribes of Amazon forest. Upon escaping, Martin and Barney came across the diamond mines in Minas Gerais, and after doing some mining and gaining wealth, they decided it's time for them to return home. But, as always, things don't turn out as they plan.

R. M. Ballantyne (1825–1894) was a prolific Scottish author of juvenile fiction, whose engaging writing style and adventurous themes captivated the minds of young readers during the 19th century. Born Robert Michael Ballantyne in Edinburgh on April 24, 1825, he was part of a famous family of printers and publishers. Before turning to writing, Ballantyne spent time in Canada, working for the Hudson's Bay Company, which provided rich material for his later stories. In 1856, he published his first book 'Hudson's Bay: or, Life in the Wilds of North America'. Returning to Scotland to build his literary career, he focused on writing for young readers. His breakout work, 'The Coral Island' (1858), set the tone for his reputation as a writer of exciting adventure novels with moral and Christian undertones. His respect for accuracy in detail led him to thorough research and even practical experimentation. 'Martin Rattler' (1858) is another notable work that showcases Ballantyne's characteristic blend of education and entertainment, taking readers on a thrilling journey through the Brazilian rainforest with the eponymous young hero. Ballantyne's influence extended to authors like Robert Louis Stevenson, who acknowledged the impact of 'The Coral Island' on his own 'Treasure Island'. Over his lifetime, Ballantyne penned more than 100 books, solidifying his place in the annals of children's literature. He passed away on February 8, 1894, leaving a lasting legacy as a pioneer of the adventure genre for young readers.