Snarleyyow, or, the Dog Fiend

"Snarleyyow, or, the Dog Fiend" by Frederick Marryat is an adventure story placed in 1699, aboard the ship "Yungfrau", which explores themes of power and loyalty. The story follows Lieutenant Cornelius Vanslyperken, a greedy and fearful officer along with his dislikable dog, Snarleyyow. The book opens by introducing the gloomy yet energetic life on the ship. Vanslyperken and his crew deal with normal naval tasks through the harsh winter conditions. We meet Obadiah Coble, the second officer, as he is unbothered by the protagonist's bitter comments, along with Smallbones, the unlucky cabin boy, who is often targeted by Vanslyperken and abused by Snarleyyow. As the lieutenant struggles, Snarleyyow shows his mean side, leading to a fight with Smallbones, setting the stage for adventures and conflicts that will occur as the characters navigate their lives at sea.