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Richard Bolitho #5
In Gallant Company
As the American Revolution rages on the mainland, the British Navy prepares for action at sea. Against a growing fleet of American and French privateers, the navy must maintain its blockade of Washington's vital military supplies. Caught up in the turmoil, junior officer Richard Bolitho finds himself having to make momentous decisions in the heat of battle—decisions that could affect the lives of many men and, perhaps, even the fate of nations.
312 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1977
139 people are currently reading
451 people want to read
About the author
Alexander Kent
229 books199 followersA pseudonym used by Douglas Reeman.
Series:
* Richard Bolitho
* Adam Bolitho
Series:
* Richard Bolitho
* Adam Bolitho
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
July 7, 2023
“While there was life there was always hope.” (3.5 stars)
Continuing my revisit to the Richard Bolitho naval series, and IN GALLANT COMPANY will ensure I keep up the journey. This text seems to be better written than its immediate predecessor. That is a good sign when reading a series. It still has abrupt moments where focus changes, but the quality of the writing is improved from some of the earlier books.
In this installment Richard Bolitho is a young low ranking lieutenant aboard the 80 gun “Trojan”. His ship is part of the vast fleet in New York Harbor in the early years of the American Revolution. There really is not an American Navy at the moment, but there are privateers, and the French are certainly doing some shady things behind the scenes to aid the revolutionaries. It makes for an intriguing plot.
Quotes:
• “Things of power and beauty, while within their hulls they carried as much hope and pain as any landlocked town.”
• “Right or wrong, successful or not, it was better to be with the devil one knew.”
• “This is the quality of courage which will always sustain us.”
• “So we’ll save our regrets for later.”
• “Secrecy seemed to have crept into their world like the first touch of a disease.”
• “The sea’s noises came to meet them, giving them confidence like an old friend.”
• “Obedience, trust, hope, they were as much a part of these men as their cursing and brawling.”
• “If you’ve not had to shave with salt water, you never know how soft is the life of a landsman by comparison.”
• “Small moments stood out, as they always did.”
IN GALLANT COMPANY seems to be where the Bolitho series finds its step. The novel boasts some vividly portrayed violent battles, which are not be labored but quick and brutal (like most battles).
The best thing I can say about this book is that I always wanted to pick it up when given the opportunity. That says a lot!
Continuing my revisit to the Richard Bolitho naval series, and IN GALLANT COMPANY will ensure I keep up the journey. This text seems to be better written than its immediate predecessor. That is a good sign when reading a series. It still has abrupt moments where focus changes, but the quality of the writing is improved from some of the earlier books.
In this installment Richard Bolitho is a young low ranking lieutenant aboard the 80 gun “Trojan”. His ship is part of the vast fleet in New York Harbor in the early years of the American Revolution. There really is not an American Navy at the moment, but there are privateers, and the French are certainly doing some shady things behind the scenes to aid the revolutionaries. It makes for an intriguing plot.
Quotes:
• “Things of power and beauty, while within their hulls they carried as much hope and pain as any landlocked town.”
• “Right or wrong, successful or not, it was better to be with the devil one knew.”
• “This is the quality of courage which will always sustain us.”
• “So we’ll save our regrets for later.”
• “Secrecy seemed to have crept into their world like the first touch of a disease.”
• “The sea’s noises came to meet them, giving them confidence like an old friend.”
• “Obedience, trust, hope, they were as much a part of these men as their cursing and brawling.”
• “If you’ve not had to shave with salt water, you never know how soft is the life of a landsman by comparison.”
• “Small moments stood out, as they always did.”
IN GALLANT COMPANY seems to be where the Bolitho series finds its step. The novel boasts some vividly portrayed violent battles, which are not be labored but quick and brutal (like most battles).
The best thing I can say about this book is that I always wanted to pick it up when given the opportunity. That says a lot!
September 26, 2021
I found myself torn in this 5th Bolitho book on who to root for. Richard is fighting against the dastardly rebels in North America who are of course American Revolutionaries. A very good read as Richard finds himself a 4th Lieutenant aboard the Trojan which is doing harbor duty in NY during the Revolution. Dispatched on several missions against Rebel privateers Richard continues to distinguish himself and rise up the ranks. A good read.
September 20, 2015
another good installment. occasional hard to follow and filled with the minutia of sailing life. much better than the ones written in the 2000's
December 18, 2024
Wow... this chapter of Richard Bolitho's career sure didn't skimp on the action. No less than 4 separate engagements happened here, covering all the standard scenarios for a naval fiction... cutting out a ship at port... landing and attacking a coastal fort... two ships of the line slugging it out, and a chance encounter that required a bit of trickery.
As with the last book, the author isn't shy about grinding up the ship's crew (an advantage of having your hero on a different ship every book, I suppose), but was definitely able to develop a few characters that I hope turn up again at some point.
It was pretty interesting to see a view of the American Revoltion from the English navy's perspective... where (not surprisingly) they were mostly worried about France and didn't really seem all that concerned one way of the other.
This part might be a bit of misinterpretation, but the officers of the ship seemed to generally think it was only a matter of time that the Americans would win, even as they were trying to stop their flow of arms. Seems pretty early for that view (1777), but it was interesting.
The plot armor was a bit much in this one, but I generally expect that in a naval fiction book.. you don't get to be the main character if you're not the one that lives, after all.
As with the last book, the author isn't shy about grinding up the ship's crew (an advantage of having your hero on a different ship every book, I suppose), but was definitely able to develop a few characters that I hope turn up again at some point.
It was pretty interesting to see a view of the American Revoltion from the English navy's perspective... where (not surprisingly) they were mostly worried about France and didn't really seem all that concerned one way of the other.
This part might be a bit of misinterpretation, but the officers of the ship seemed to generally think it was only a matter of time that the Americans would win, even as they were trying to stop their flow of arms. Seems pretty early for that view (1777), but it was interesting.
The plot armor was a bit much in this one, but I generally expect that in a naval fiction book.. you don't get to be the main character if you're not the one that lives, after all.
August 1, 2007
If only I liked "series" books better, I suspect I could really get into these. This is packed full of naval and historical lore -- the backdrop is the American revolution. Interesting to have a view of the war from the British perspective here. I'm only a casual reader of this type of historical fiction, but it seems that Kent's work is similar to O'Brien, though perhaps not quite as technical. (That might be an advantage for some who get bogged down reading O'Brien, as I admit I have!)
March 30, 2025
Alexander Kent war mir bisher kein Begriff. Er scheint aber der Großmeister der maritimen Abenteuer im 18. Jahrhundert zu sein (amerikanischer Unabhängigkeitskrieg aus der Perspektive der Briten). Da ich kein Segelexperte bin, konnte ich zwar mit den ganzen Bezeichnungen der Bootsteile nicht viel anfangen - das machte zum Glück aber nichts. Die Geschichte ist sehr bildhaft beschrieben und ist absolut glaubwürdig und unglaublich spannend. Gerne mehr davon.
May 31, 2014
In the same vein as the Patrick O'Brien Aubrey/Maturin novels, this is the fifth in a series of novels of the 18th-century British Navy.
Like O'Brien, Kent works in the details of naval life, but this novel, at least, lacks the sparkle of wit that the dynamic between two unforgettable characters like Aubrey and his surgeon naturally injects. Lacking, too, so far, are the intrigues and 18th-century spycraft -- but of course, this is just one novel.
The gritty details of naval battles are rendered in all their glory and awfulness, and Kent does seem to do a somewhat better job than O'Brien at his beginning and ending of the novel -- O'Brien novels sometimes feel like you've walked into the middle of a film, and had to leave after the denouement, but before the final scene.
If you've exhausted O'Brien and are hungry for more from that milieu, or if you've not yet met Aubrey and his particular friend Maturin, I can heartily recommend Kent and his dogged Bolitho.
Like O'Brien, Kent works in the details of naval life, but this novel, at least, lacks the sparkle of wit that the dynamic between two unforgettable characters like Aubrey and his surgeon naturally injects. Lacking, too, so far, are the intrigues and 18th-century spycraft -- but of course, this is just one novel.
The gritty details of naval battles are rendered in all their glory and awfulness, and Kent does seem to do a somewhat better job than O'Brien at his beginning and ending of the novel -- O'Brien novels sometimes feel like you've walked into the middle of a film, and had to leave after the denouement, but before the final scene.
If you've exhausted O'Brien and are hungry for more from that milieu, or if you've not yet met Aubrey and his particular friend Maturin, I can heartily recommend Kent and his dogged Bolitho.
July 25, 2012
Originally published on my blog here in June 2000.
Although written five years later, the events of In Gallant Company come immediately before those of Sloop of War, detailing the adventures of Richard Bolitho as a naval lieutenant during the American War of Independence.
In Gallant Company is extremely typical of the genre of naval novels set in the eighteenth century, complete with all the standard elements: a gallant hero, pig-headed superior officers, occasional scenes of brutality, and young men either disgracing themselves or proving themselves. It is perhaps slightly more episodic than usual, the periods of boring routine between moments of action being omitted between chapters which could stand on their own as short stories. It gives the impression of something dashed off without a great deal of effort by an author thoroughly at home in his chosen genre.
Although written five years later, the events of In Gallant Company come immediately before those of Sloop of War, detailing the adventures of Richard Bolitho as a naval lieutenant during the American War of Independence.
In Gallant Company is extremely typical of the genre of naval novels set in the eighteenth century, complete with all the standard elements: a gallant hero, pig-headed superior officers, occasional scenes of brutality, and young men either disgracing themselves or proving themselves. It is perhaps slightly more episodic than usual, the periods of boring routine between moments of action being omitted between chapters which could stand on their own as short stories. It gives the impression of something dashed off without a great deal of effort by an author thoroughly at home in his chosen genre.
July 20, 2022
Bolitho continues as an intriguing character. The setting of the American War of Independence is well-crafted as are the supporting characters. The plot is relatively simple but likely more convincing for that.
What sets this series apart is the superb use of nautical language. Be warned, no concessions are made for the landlubber! It is larboard not port in 1777. Taffrail and orlop deck, stun’sl and t’gallant sails kept me checking but the good news is, there are lots more books in the series to put my knowledge to the test!
A man trying to make his way using his brains and his bravery in the Royal Navy of the Eighteenth century. An enjoyable outing.
What sets this series apart is the superb use of nautical language. Be warned, no concessions are made for the landlubber! It is larboard not port in 1777. Taffrail and orlop deck, stun’sl and t’gallant sails kept me checking but the good news is, there are lots more books in the series to put my knowledge to the test!
A man trying to make his way using his brains and his bravery in the Royal Navy of the Eighteenth century. An enjoyable outing.
February 10, 2017
I greatly enjoy the Horatio Hornblower series. And I kept hoping this series would improve and be closer to that. But, this is where I gave up on the series. The previous books I rated either a 2-star (okay) or a 3-star. I was forcing myself to keep reading this one. This series just isn't going to come close to measuring up for me.
A lot of the problem for me is that I find the characterization to be weak. I also just feel these books lack the sparkle of the Hornblower series. I think I'll go back and give those a read.
A lot of the problem for me is that I find the characterization to be weak. I also just feel these books lack the sparkle of the Hornblower series. I think I'll go back and give those a read.
November 30, 2018
Great read!
Has to be a clear five stars. A great read that I couldn't put down. Have to say - better than Hornblower, Lewrie etc. More about the people and their feelings. It's good to read about vulnerability, rather than just their brave deeds. It makes it "real", to some extent, and you makes you wonder what the lives of those of the period were really like.
Has to be a clear five stars. A great read that I couldn't put down. Have to say - better than Hornblower, Lewrie etc. More about the people and their feelings. It's good to read about vulnerability, rather than just their brave deeds. It makes it "real", to some extent, and you makes you wonder what the lives of those of the period were really like.
December 27, 2020
Great book - and a great adventure. Building the story and background for Richard Bolitho. As I have noted before, an excellent example of leadership in action that building a character that leads not through directive and demands but by inspiring those around him.
November 25, 2014
Nice, After Aubrey and Hornblower a few years back, I needed more. Bolitho does the job very well!!
August 7, 2017
Excellent read. Always great history and an in depth look at life aboard 18th and 19th century ships. Great character profiles with a story that flows and keeps you reading.
May 8, 2021
I will save this book to re-read in case of boredom. Definitely 3rd-rate compared to O'Brien.
November 18, 2025
It is March 1777 and the Americas have been in revolt against the British crown for a couple of years. HMS Trojan, a ship of the line, is supporting the British army in its’ efforts to suppress this revolution in New York state. But a ship of the line is not much help and so Richard Bolitho, the fourth lieutenant, and the rest of the crew don't have much to do. Trojan has convoy duty, not because it will do much good against smaller nimbler raiders, but simply to provide a show of force. In Gallant Company is the fiflth in the series of books by Alexander Kent following Bolitho from his time as a midshipman working his way through the ranks.
Pros
Clear plot
Standalone (even while part of a series)
Cons
Plot can feel a bit contrived
Lack of hinterland
As with other Kent/Reeman books this is quite cookie cutter in terms of the characters. Though Bolitho himself does clearly grow during it - In Gallant Company is early enough in the series that he still has lots to learn. There are elements that could be considered missing, there doesn't appear to be much heartache and moral tension from fighting people who were once British (though to be fair this could have been in an earlier book). But this is not a series that concerns itself much with politics or the wider situation - though the support the revolutionaries are getting lurks in the background. Instead we stick closely to the workings of the ship and rush from action to action.
There is nothing on the side. The focus is pretty squarely on the central plot as it unfolds, almost everything ultimately ties into it. All the actions are pieces of it one move leading to the next. In real life this would perhaps be a bit too fortuitous and too clean, particularly as Bolitho himself is not unravelling the plot. In retrospect it feels a bit contrived but as I was reading I found it worked reasonably well in the book and ensures no loose ends. It does however mean there are no distractions; if you like interesting side plots then this is not the book for you. In particular this means there is precisely zero romance.
There aren’t really any particularly important secondary characters beyond that which are strictly necessary. Bolitho’s relations with both superiors and subordinates are largely correct and proper - the only tension is with the third lieutenant, Probyn, who is a drunk and regularly failing at his duties, which is pretty standard fare. This extends beyond the characters; there is little worldbuilding - with no sub-plots there is not much opportunity. But also there is also not much extra colour provided through other areas of personal interest to Bolitho such as hobbies.
This is the fifth in the series. I've not read any others (except the first many years ago) but I can't say I felt I was missing much. There was the odd reference to past events in Bolitho’s life that were presumably covered in previous novels, but probably not any more than you would expect as building a character in a standalone novel anyway.
Ultimately this makes for an enjoyable enough novel and a satisfying read but ultimately not one that will be remembered (I say with the experience of trying to write a review six months later!)
Pros
Clear plot
Standalone (even while part of a series)
Cons
Plot can feel a bit contrived
Lack of hinterland
As with other Kent/Reeman books this is quite cookie cutter in terms of the characters. Though Bolitho himself does clearly grow during it - In Gallant Company is early enough in the series that he still has lots to learn. There are elements that could be considered missing, there doesn't appear to be much heartache and moral tension from fighting people who were once British (though to be fair this could have been in an earlier book). But this is not a series that concerns itself much with politics or the wider situation - though the support the revolutionaries are getting lurks in the background. Instead we stick closely to the workings of the ship and rush from action to action.
There is nothing on the side. The focus is pretty squarely on the central plot as it unfolds, almost everything ultimately ties into it. All the actions are pieces of it one move leading to the next. In real life this would perhaps be a bit too fortuitous and too clean, particularly as Bolitho himself is not unravelling the plot. In retrospect it feels a bit contrived but as I was reading I found it worked reasonably well in the book and ensures no loose ends. It does however mean there are no distractions; if you like interesting side plots then this is not the book for you. In particular this means there is precisely zero romance.
There aren’t really any particularly important secondary characters beyond that which are strictly necessary. Bolitho’s relations with both superiors and subordinates are largely correct and proper - the only tension is with the third lieutenant, Probyn, who is a drunk and regularly failing at his duties, which is pretty standard fare. This extends beyond the characters; there is little worldbuilding - with no sub-plots there is not much opportunity. But also there is also not much extra colour provided through other areas of personal interest to Bolitho such as hobbies.
This is the fifth in the series. I've not read any others (except the first many years ago) but I can't say I felt I was missing much. There was the odd reference to past events in Bolitho’s life that were presumably covered in previous novels, but probably not any more than you would expect as building a character in a standalone novel anyway.
Ultimately this makes for an enjoyable enough novel and a satisfying read but ultimately not one that will be remembered (I say with the experience of trying to write a review six months later!)
June 6, 2022
In this fourth book in the series, Richard Bolitho, just shy of 21 years old, has spent two years as Sixth Lieutenant on the two deck Trojan based in New York. The Trojan has spent a frustrating period blockading the east coast of North America in an attempt to stifle the American Revolution and prevent its army from equipping. The growing fleet of American and French privateers has made the British role more and more difficult. Their small agile ships easily outsail the large, ponderous British two and three deckers, especially in the dangerous island chains of the Caribbean. The privateers also like to take British merchantmen not sailing in convoy or lagging behind at night. Convoy escort work needs as many ships as the blockade.
There are never enough ships and Bolitho craves the freedom of the captains of the smaller ships: frigates and brigs. These are frequently able to catch the blockade runners. If not, they are able to scare them off or delay them. This allows the British Army to fight the infantry battle before the rebels are fully equipped.
This sounds like the naval story could be quite dull in the two decker. However, Kent has found a way to make it interesting and full of action. Trojan is ordered to Halifax to guard another convoy. The crew spots a privateer on the horizon, at the very edge of sight. As all are forced to stop because of fog, Trojan sends two small boats, including our protagonist, to capture the privateer. The Trojans win a very interesting battle that advances Bolitho up to Fourth Lieutenant, endears him to his captain and the men, and captures a brig for the British navy.
This has all left Trojan seriously undermanned, just in time to meet up with a slightly larger, fully manned, French two deck ship. While France and Britain are not at war, the French ship fires at Trojan and the battle is on. Both ships take significant damage and lose crew before the French boat sails away. Trojan has lost more masts and sails than the French ship and must complete repairs before trying to chase the French boat. This battle allows Trojan’s captain to cough up information for another opportunity for small boats and marines on a small island in the Caribbean. Trojan drops the force and sails out of sight. This group, led by Bolitho starts its battle just in time for a second American brig to come to the aid of the first and overwhelm Bolitho’s team. By a quirk of luck, the trojans are able to beat both groups of rebels just as Trojan sails into sight.
This was a very good story, well told; Kent is a master at this. Four and a half stars.
There are never enough ships and Bolitho craves the freedom of the captains of the smaller ships: frigates and brigs. These are frequently able to catch the blockade runners. If not, they are able to scare them off or delay them. This allows the British Army to fight the infantry battle before the rebels are fully equipped.
This sounds like the naval story could be quite dull in the two decker. However, Kent has found a way to make it interesting and full of action. Trojan is ordered to Halifax to guard another convoy. The crew spots a privateer on the horizon, at the very edge of sight. As all are forced to stop because of fog, Trojan sends two small boats, including our protagonist, to capture the privateer. The Trojans win a very interesting battle that advances Bolitho up to Fourth Lieutenant, endears him to his captain and the men, and captures a brig for the British navy.
This has all left Trojan seriously undermanned, just in time to meet up with a slightly larger, fully manned, French two deck ship. While France and Britain are not at war, the French ship fires at Trojan and the battle is on. Both ships take significant damage and lose crew before the French boat sails away. Trojan has lost more masts and sails than the French ship and must complete repairs before trying to chase the French boat. This battle allows Trojan’s captain to cough up information for another opportunity for small boats and marines on a small island in the Caribbean. Trojan drops the force and sails out of sight. This group, led by Bolitho starts its battle just in time for a second American brig to come to the aid of the first and overwhelm Bolitho’s team. By a quirk of luck, the trojans are able to beat both groups of rebels just as Trojan sails into sight.
This was a very good story, well told; Kent is a master at this. Four and a half stars.
September 25, 2021
Spoilers ahead:
I really enjoyed this book. The writing style is easy to follow and read and flows pretty naturally. This book follows Lt. Richard Bolitho (RB) in the 80 gun SOL Trojan in American waters. I feel a little conflicted as I read this book. I always root for the British but in this case, they are fighting against the Americans (which I am). So on one hand I want the protagonist to succeed but on the other hand the author paints the antagonists as the bad guys, which they aren't. I can't wait for this time frame to end so RB can go back fighting the Frogs and the Dons.
The action sequences are done very well and there are a lot of them. I should also mention that the sailing and weather sequences are all also done very well but I usually just take them for granted.
But the best thing about the RB books is that the author spends a lot of time on the characters and this is what makes them interesting. Everyone from the admiral to the lowest seaman has time spent on them and the time isn't wasted. But unlike Ramage, most of these characters don't follow the protagonist from book to book which is just as well.
I really enjoyed this book. The writing style is easy to follow and read and flows pretty naturally. This book follows Lt. Richard Bolitho (RB) in the 80 gun SOL Trojan in American waters. I feel a little conflicted as I read this book. I always root for the British but in this case, they are fighting against the Americans (which I am). So on one hand I want the protagonist to succeed but on the other hand the author paints the antagonists as the bad guys, which they aren't. I can't wait for this time frame to end so RB can go back fighting the Frogs and the Dons.
The action sequences are done very well and there are a lot of them. I should also mention that the sailing and weather sequences are all also done very well but I usually just take them for granted.
But the best thing about the RB books is that the author spends a lot of time on the characters and this is what makes them interesting. Everyone from the admiral to the lowest seaman has time spent on them and the time isn't wasted. But unlike Ramage, most of these characters don't follow the protagonist from book to book which is just as well.
July 6, 2017
Bolitho is again assigned to another Ship of the Line -- this time as Fourth Leiotenant (of 6) -- wallowing off Staten Island awaiting orders of action, any action or duty where such a behemoth may contribute in the war against the colonies and their swift privateers.
After many months idling orders come through that begin a series of events in which Bolitho composure and rationale helps save him and his company through unfavorable situations brought on by the questionable leadership of the Lts. immediately superior to him and eventually rises to 2nd Lt through attrition while ingratiating himself with the aloof ship's captain.
Lots of land and sea action -- and human drama -- as Bolitho is forced to defend his first command (albeit temporary of a captured brig's prize crew) against insurmountable odds.
3.5+ Stars
After many months idling orders come through that begin a series of events in which Bolitho composure and rationale helps save him and his company through unfavorable situations brought on by the questionable leadership of the Lts. immediately superior to him and eventually rises to 2nd Lt through attrition while ingratiating himself with the aloof ship's captain.
Lots of land and sea action -- and human drama -- as Bolitho is forced to defend his first command (albeit temporary of a captured brig's prize crew) against insurmountable odds.
3.5+ Stars
June 14, 2023
Richard Bolitho is now a lieutenant on Trojan, a ship of the line assigned to duty near the port of New York during the early days of the American Revolution. But soon the Richard and the Trojan are on a series of missions to stop American privateers and their French allies (France at this port is providing unofficial support for the rebels but has not yet officially entered the war) from supplying Washington's troops with weapons and ammunition.
In Gallant Company features several sea battles and several others on shore. These are excitingly told, but perhaps the strongest point of the novel is the characterization, both of Bolitho and those around him. Through these characters, Kent portrays the thrills, terror, and loss of battle. He portrays the different ways men can respond in moments of extreme stress and danger.
Overall, a good book and a thrilling read.
In Gallant Company features several sea battles and several others on shore. These are excitingly told, but perhaps the strongest point of the novel is the characterization, both of Bolitho and those around him. Through these characters, Kent portrays the thrills, terror, and loss of battle. He portrays the different ways men can respond in moments of extreme stress and danger.
Overall, a good book and a thrilling read.
October 13, 2019
Una nueva entrega de la saga de marinería en la que es protagonista el joven Richard Bolitho; esta vez como cuarto teniente a bordo de un barco de "su majestad" en aguas norteamericanas y del Caribe. Enfrentamientos con la reciente armada norteamericana que a su vez es apoyada por la francesa durante la guerra de independencia de los primeros.
Apasionantes aventuras y juego del gato y el ratón con detalles muy precisos de lo dura pero a la vez adictiva que era esa vida sobre las tablas de un barco, en lo que no siempre era fácil estar a las alturas de lo que los demás o uno mismo espera dar.
Apasionantes aventuras y juego del gato y el ratón con detalles muy precisos de lo dura pero a la vez adictiva que era esa vida sobre las tablas de un barco, en lo que no siempre era fácil estar a las alturas de lo que los demás o uno mismo espera dar.
January 31, 2023
This is a typical Kent novel in the vein of Hornblower and Aubrey/Maturin. I have to confess that I just love sea stories, but have a difficult time with many lesser efforts. As I work my way through the Bolitho stories (this is my 4th) I'm happy to see that Kent seems to be getting better. Like the authors of the aforementioned books, the characters are growing and becoming more interesting as they progress rather than remain cardboard cut-outs. Thoroughly enjoyable, and I look forward to reading the next book!
August 20, 2018
I enjoy books about the early days of the British navy and having read the first two in the series was delighted to find the third in the series. I have read all of Patrick O'Brian's books about Jack Aubrey and most of Julian Stockwin's Kydd series, so this fits into the genre of sea going tales. Look forward to the next one in the series.
August 2, 2019
This was a hard book to follow because of the wording of a naval vessel. It contains good fighting and stories of the sailors. It is set in 1777 on the English side fighting against the colonists trying to free America. It's hard to get into because it's on the wrong side of the battle. But it's a good book if you like sea stories.
November 16, 2019
Another stirring adventure
Another thrilling chapter in the saga of Richard Bolitho. Set against the backdrop of the American Revolution, this is a grand story of adventure and non-stop action. Great characters, great challenges, and more than a few moments of sadness. A truly enjoyable read.
Another thrilling chapter in the saga of Richard Bolitho. Set against the backdrop of the American Revolution, this is a grand story of adventure and non-stop action. Great characters, great challenges, and more than a few moments of sadness. A truly enjoyable read.
April 10, 2022
Lieutenant Bolitho rises through the ranks administ daring-do. A pleasant read and not so gung-ho heroic as some of these tales, which makes a nice change. If you've read Hornblower but still want Age of Sail heroics, this is probably the second-best place to get them and I'd rate it more highly than the Aubrey/Maturin series.
November 7, 2023
In Hornblower's Wake
I read all of the Bolitho books some 30 years ago and recently decided to revisit them. I had forgotten just be good they are. Action packed, with great characterisation, historically accurate and superbly written. In my opinion they are even better than C. S. Forester's Hornblower series.
I read all of the Bolitho books some 30 years ago and recently decided to revisit them. I had forgotten just be good they are. Action packed, with great characterisation, historically accurate and superbly written. In my opinion they are even better than C. S. Forester's Hornblower series.
October 11, 2024
While I enjoyed the voice of Michael Jaiston again narrating this story for me. I found that in comparison to Stand into Danger. This book didn't grab me as much. While an interesting story, I found I preferred the minor characters more in Stand into Danger.
A good read that I would recommed. I appreciate the action and suspense intertwined.
A good read that I would recommed. I appreciate the action and suspense intertwined.
November 8, 2020
ACTION FILLED YARN.
Another actio-packed tale of the 18th century Royal Navy. Kent (Reeman) has created a superb character in Richard Bolitho. Lots of fighting, but also a realistic depiction of lifer at sea in the age of sail.
Another actio-packed tale of the 18th century Royal Navy. Kent (Reeman) has created a superb character in Richard Bolitho. Lots of fighting, but also a realistic depiction of lifer at sea in the age of sail.
March 22, 2023
So strange to read a book about the American Revolution from the point of view of the English sailors. Very interesting and emotional. Don’t know why I love these naval adventures so much, the vocabulary is confusing, but I’m enthralled.
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