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Thomas Kydd #17
Inferno
In the 17th volume in the popular high-seas nautical adventure series, it is 1807 and Captain Sir Thomas Kydd's famous sea action aboard Tyger has snatched his reputation from ignominy. He is the hero of the hour. But though Britain's Navy remains imperious, a succession of battles has seen Napoleon victorious on mainland Europe. His enemies have sued for peace and the emperor’s Continental System, establishing a European blockade, will mean that Britain will be cut off from her economic lifeblood. One small link in this ring of steel is still free of French the neutral state of Denmark, which controls the straits through which the entire Baltic trade passes. In an attempt to prevent the French from taking control of Denmark's navy, Kydd's great friend Nicholas Renzi – now the Lord Farndon – is sent on a desperate diplomatic mission to persuade the Danes to give up their fleet to Britain. But the Danes are caught between two implacable forces and will not yield, opting instead for the inferno of battle.
448 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2016
157 people are currently reading
349 people want to read
About the author
Julian Stockwin
52 books334 followersJulian Stockwin was sent at the age of fourteen to Indefatigable, a tough sea-training school. He joined the Royal Navy at fifteen. He now lives in Devon with his wife Kathy. Julian has written 24 books to date in the Kydd series of historical adventure fiction, the story of one man's journey from pressed man to admiral in the age of fighting sail, and a non-fiction book, 'Stockwin's Maritime Miscellany.' His latest Kydd series title is THUNDERER. And, he's also published two historical standalone novels, THE SILK TREE, set in the time of Emperor Justinian and THE POWDER OF DEATH, about the quest for the secret of gunpowder.
Series:
* Thomas Kydd
Series:
* Thomas Kydd
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
October 29, 2019
I like this series but not this book. Pretty strange plotting with a pointless treasure hunt in Scotland, skirmishes in Denmark, a little political intrigue and not much sea time. All a bit pointless- adding nothing to the series.
December 1, 2016
The worst Kydd novel I've read so far. Very little sailing expertise, more Royal Army action on land.
Extremely boring.
Extremely boring.
October 15, 2016
Another fast read of a well researched tale of the Brits and Bonaparte. This time, neutral Denmark gets nailed by a preemptive British strike to seize the Danish Navy ahead of Napoleon who by this time thinks all of "his" Europe is his whore and whatever he wants is his for the taking.
I did not know about the seige of Copenhagen. And a neutral country at that. A very controversial move by Great Britain back then and "ballsy."
And a wee little side story of an early submarine used to retrieve treasure. I love how Stockwin finds these gems in his research.
I did not know about the seige of Copenhagen. And a neutral country at that. A very controversial move by Great Britain back then and "ballsy."
And a wee little side story of an early submarine used to retrieve treasure. I love how Stockwin finds these gems in his research.
Read
September 6, 2016Another Kydd adventure, covering a period of history I knew nothing about: 1807 Britain trying to protect her trade route to the Baltic. She wants to take custody of the Danish Fleet for the duration of the war, to keep trade open. Renzi goes to neutral Denmark and then Germany, to Crown Prince Frederick as envoy to head off any war, then the novel describes an amphibious landing of British Army and Navy. Kydd captains the H.M.S. Tyger. Hostilities ensue between Denmark and Britain on both land and sea. Interesting description of a young ensign's first taste of battle.
The first part, involving Kidd's diving for buried treasure off the coast of Scotland, didn't fit with the rest of the story. Good naval yarn as a whole.
I thank LibraryThing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The first part, involving Kidd's diving for buried treasure off the coast of Scotland, didn't fit with the rest of the story. Good naval yarn as a whole.
I thank LibraryThing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
February 27, 2019
Not the best, there's not enough Kydd in it for me, but extremely interesting nonetheless
December 29, 2018
This fascinating sea-faring story is already the 17th volume of the superb and beautiful Thomas Kydd series.
The book contains at the beginning three well-drawn maps, and a wonderful list of Dramatis Personae, while at the end you'll find a superb documented Author's Note, a very well explained Glossary, and a Timeline concerning all the Kydd books.
What I would like to mention is, is that this tale reminds me for a great part about a book I read some years ago by Bernard Cornwell, a book called Sharpe's Prey, and that book told us much about the same subject as this book does by Julian Stockwin, which is the Siege and Battle for Copenhagen, Denmark.
As always the authentic language of the great seas is still present in this book when they are at sea, and thus making this story once again so unique of its own.
Before I go to the book itself I prefer to say that the story-telling by the author is of a very good quality, so much so that all his characters, whether they are real or fictional, come all vividly to life within this book.
The story is set once more in the year AD 1807, and at this moment Thomas Kydd is the hero of the hour, but when the French army is heading towards Denmark, the last link which is still outside French control and which at this moment is still neutral, and not to forget it controls the straits where the entire Baltic Trade passes, Thomas Kydd, his friend Nicholas Renzi have to come into action.
And so Thomas Kydd's great friend, the same Nicholas Renzi now the Lord Farndon, is sent on a desperate diplomatic mission to persuade the Danes to give up their fleet to Britain, but the Danes do not yield, and what will finally follow is a bloody and fiery battle for Copenhagen between Britain and France with these same Danes caught in between.
Very much recommended, for this book is "An Impressive Nautical & Battle Tale"!
The book contains at the beginning three well-drawn maps, and a wonderful list of Dramatis Personae, while at the end you'll find a superb documented Author's Note, a very well explained Glossary, and a Timeline concerning all the Kydd books.
What I would like to mention is, is that this tale reminds me for a great part about a book I read some years ago by Bernard Cornwell, a book called Sharpe's Prey, and that book told us much about the same subject as this book does by Julian Stockwin, which is the Siege and Battle for Copenhagen, Denmark.
As always the authentic language of the great seas is still present in this book when they are at sea, and thus making this story once again so unique of its own.
Before I go to the book itself I prefer to say that the story-telling by the author is of a very good quality, so much so that all his characters, whether they are real or fictional, come all vividly to life within this book.
The story is set once more in the year AD 1807, and at this moment Thomas Kydd is the hero of the hour, but when the French army is heading towards Denmark, the last link which is still outside French control and which at this moment is still neutral, and not to forget it controls the straits where the entire Baltic Trade passes, Thomas Kydd, his friend Nicholas Renzi have to come into action.
And so Thomas Kydd's great friend, the same Nicholas Renzi now the Lord Farndon, is sent on a desperate diplomatic mission to persuade the Danes to give up their fleet to Britain, but the Danes do not yield, and what will finally follow is a bloody and fiery battle for Copenhagen between Britain and France with these same Danes caught in between.
Very much recommended, for this book is "An Impressive Nautical & Battle Tale"!
October 8, 2016
Thoughts and Impressions After Finishing The Book (Mini Review): After finishing Inferno I immediately understood why this series has been so successful. Julian Stockwin's attention to detail, his life at sea and his generous fountain of historical knowledge, all contribute to the overall feel of this book. The historical and military elements of Inferno kept me interested and invested throughout this book. My main issue with the book was both the structure and the pacing. I found the first act - where Kydd finds himself on a treasure hunt in the Scottish Isles - tacked on and didn't set the tone for the book very well. (though it was a good platform for Stockwin to have some fun with his historical knowledge :D)
Once this book jumped into the main storyline, I felt most of my concern related to the plot melt away, replaced by enjoyment of solid, comfortable and impressive writing. The 2nd/3rd acts of this book - the confrontation with Denmark and the inevitable war - were worth waiting for. I appreciate the fact that Stockwin ventured out of the comfort zone but he is much more enjoyable when he is crafting great sea/land battles and threading influential historical characters into his detailed plot lines.
8/10
Once this book jumped into the main storyline, I felt most of my concern related to the plot melt away, replaced by enjoyment of solid, comfortable and impressive writing. The 2nd/3rd acts of this book - the confrontation with Denmark and the inevitable war - were worth waiting for. I appreciate the fact that Stockwin ventured out of the comfort zone but he is much more enjoyable when he is crafting great sea/land battles and threading influential historical characters into his detailed plot lines.
8/10
December 28, 2016
A Kydd Sea Adventure with very little Kydd and very little sea adventure.
June 20, 2024
After his most recent trials and tribulations, Captain Thomas Kydd is in sore need of rest and renewal. The one man who may provide such a place is an old friend and mentor, Tobias Stirk. He, too, is injured, although his are more physical in nature than Kydd’s. To be on a more equal footing – friends instead of commander and commanded – Kydd travels incognito to Dunlochry, Scotland, on the island of Mull. There, the two become involved in a search for treasure aboard the remains of an Armada shipwreck. Just one problem: the hoard is far enough underwater that to retrieve requires diving equipment. The device closest to their location has only been used once before and that was a long time ago.
While away from the navy on their own adventure, Napoleon’s new policy threatens the very existence of Britain. No other European country is permitted to trade with the English, and with only Denmark, Sweden, and Russia not under the emperor’s control, he may well achieve what his failed invasions could not. When word reaches London of secret talks between France and Russia, those in command feel there is little recourse left to them. They must demand that Denmark surrender its navy to the British for the duration of the war. That is the sole way to keep the French from achieving total domination of Europe and to maintain open avenues to trade in the Baltic, where vital naval resources are purchased.
There’s just one problem, and it’s a doozy. Denmark is a neutral country. To violate that neutrality will be injurious to British honor, yet no one has an alternative to stopping their archnemesis. Still, before taking such a step, King George wishes to appeal to his Danish counterpart for a peaceful accord without going through regular diplomatic channels. Only one person may achieve this goal, Nicholas Renzi, the Earl of Farndon, and this time, his wife Cecilia, Kydd’s sister, must participate in the subterfuge.
In the meantime, Kydd resumes command of Tyger and joins the fleet that is amassing to carry out the Admiralty’s directive. This will be a joint operation between the navy and the army. Major General Sir Arthur Wesley will command the land forces, and their action is seen through the eyes of a young ensign whose brother serves aboard Tyger. With each passing day, the clock ticks closer to all-out hostilities and no way out for those within the walls of Copenhagen, including the Farndons. Danger also stalks Kydd, who is approached by a stranger seeking assistance and leaves his ship in hopes of securing additional help from rebel Swedes. Instead, he finds himself kidnapped and awaiting transport to France to stand trial before his most public execution.
Inferno is the seventeenth entry in the Kydd Sea Adventures series, but it is one in which Thomas Kydd plays only a minor role. In some regards, the same is true for Nicholas. Instead, much of the story takes place in government offices in London and on the ground outside Copenhagen. This is a fictional recounting of the Second Battle of Copenhagen, a complicated affair that Stockwin does a superb job of simplifying just enough for most readers to follow without getting bogged down in details and to comprehend the nuances that made this episode in Anglo-French-Danish relations so important to Great Britain.
There are two minor technical shortcomings with this book. First, there are a few formatting issues, such as the “Dramatis Personae” (list of characters) being placed in backwards and split in half by the placement of the maps. Also, it helps to think of the title not as a conflagration, as suggested by the cover art, but as “a place or state that resembles or suggests hell.”
Die-hard Kydd fans will find this a rendering of good historical fiction, but some readers may be disappointed that Kydd does not play as central a figure as he has in earlier novels. (There are forty-three chapters between one of his appearances and the next.) Perhaps Stockwin’s intent is to provide readers with the same respite Kydd needs while providing an engaging and different interlude before his next adventure.
(This review originally appeared at Pirates and Privateers: http://www.cindyvallar.com/Stockwin.h...)
While away from the navy on their own adventure, Napoleon’s new policy threatens the very existence of Britain. No other European country is permitted to trade with the English, and with only Denmark, Sweden, and Russia not under the emperor’s control, he may well achieve what his failed invasions could not. When word reaches London of secret talks between France and Russia, those in command feel there is little recourse left to them. They must demand that Denmark surrender its navy to the British for the duration of the war. That is the sole way to keep the French from achieving total domination of Europe and to maintain open avenues to trade in the Baltic, where vital naval resources are purchased.
There’s just one problem, and it’s a doozy. Denmark is a neutral country. To violate that neutrality will be injurious to British honor, yet no one has an alternative to stopping their archnemesis. Still, before taking such a step, King George wishes to appeal to his Danish counterpart for a peaceful accord without going through regular diplomatic channels. Only one person may achieve this goal, Nicholas Renzi, the Earl of Farndon, and this time, his wife Cecilia, Kydd’s sister, must participate in the subterfuge.
In the meantime, Kydd resumes command of Tyger and joins the fleet that is amassing to carry out the Admiralty’s directive. This will be a joint operation between the navy and the army. Major General Sir Arthur Wesley will command the land forces, and their action is seen through the eyes of a young ensign whose brother serves aboard Tyger. With each passing day, the clock ticks closer to all-out hostilities and no way out for those within the walls of Copenhagen, including the Farndons. Danger also stalks Kydd, who is approached by a stranger seeking assistance and leaves his ship in hopes of securing additional help from rebel Swedes. Instead, he finds himself kidnapped and awaiting transport to France to stand trial before his most public execution.
Inferno is the seventeenth entry in the Kydd Sea Adventures series, but it is one in which Thomas Kydd plays only a minor role. In some regards, the same is true for Nicholas. Instead, much of the story takes place in government offices in London and on the ground outside Copenhagen. This is a fictional recounting of the Second Battle of Copenhagen, a complicated affair that Stockwin does a superb job of simplifying just enough for most readers to follow without getting bogged down in details and to comprehend the nuances that made this episode in Anglo-French-Danish relations so important to Great Britain.
There are two minor technical shortcomings with this book. First, there are a few formatting issues, such as the “Dramatis Personae” (list of characters) being placed in backwards and split in half by the placement of the maps. Also, it helps to think of the title not as a conflagration, as suggested by the cover art, but as “a place or state that resembles or suggests hell.”
Die-hard Kydd fans will find this a rendering of good historical fiction, but some readers may be disappointed that Kydd does not play as central a figure as he has in earlier novels. (There are forty-three chapters between one of his appearances and the next.) Perhaps Stockwin’s intent is to provide readers with the same respite Kydd needs while providing an engaging and different interlude before his next adventure.
(This review originally appeared at Pirates and Privateers: http://www.cindyvallar.com/Stockwin.h...)
April 26, 2019
Here we are back with the adventures of Sir Thomas Kydd of Tyger. He is in Denmark with the entire British fleet, hoping that his brother-in-law Renzi can convince the Prince Regent to give up their navy to keep them out of the hands of Bonaparte. It fails spectacularly and the destruction of Copenhagen begins.
As all the Kydd books there is history woven into the story. And I'm not a big fan of warfare, or military history much of the story is new to me. As horrific it is, it's also fascinating, I learn something with each book. This book is not any different, however it does cause me to raise an eyebrow when I found out the meaning of "And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air" was quite horrific to say the least. Never having thought of what that poem by Francis Scott Key in 1814 actually meant in terms of the terrible night. Nor during all the years of schooling having any one explain what the lyrics actual meant for those that were there that night.
"Inferno" explains why the rockets had a red tail and the bombs burst in mid air. It's a frightening precursor to today's military tactics. It drives home how terrible the bombarding of Copenhagen was and the luck of Francis Scott Key surviving the bombing of Baltimore in 1814.
Rocket's red glare - Congreve's Rockets had a red tail or trail upon launching. I couldn't find a distinct reason for this other than they probably were packed with a colored dust that created a red tail in flight.
Bomb's bursting in air - these were early concussion bombs. They exploded in mid air and rained shrapnel down on the unsuspecting.
As all the Kydd books there is history woven into the story. And I'm not a big fan of warfare, or military history much of the story is new to me. As horrific it is, it's also fascinating, I learn something with each book. This book is not any different, however it does cause me to raise an eyebrow when I found out the meaning of "And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air" was quite horrific to say the least. Never having thought of what that poem by Francis Scott Key in 1814 actually meant in terms of the terrible night. Nor during all the years of schooling having any one explain what the lyrics actual meant for those that were there that night.
"Inferno" explains why the rockets had a red tail and the bombs burst in mid air. It's a frightening precursor to today's military tactics. It drives home how terrible the bombarding of Copenhagen was and the luck of Francis Scott Key surviving the bombing of Baltimore in 1814.
Rocket's red glare - Congreve's Rockets had a red tail or trail upon launching. I couldn't find a distinct reason for this other than they probably were packed with a colored dust that created a red tail in flight.
Bomb's bursting in air - these were early concussion bombs. They exploded in mid air and rained shrapnel down on the unsuspecting.
March 14, 2021
Well I picked up this book as I was in the mood for a bit of naval adventure in the age of sail, when Britain ruled the waves and such. Even better when it was set during the Napoleonic Wars. Captain Kidd, of her Majesty's Tyger, what better. Hmmm, the book was fairly remarkable in the fact that our eponymous hero, wasn't actually in it much. In fact, the only two occasions of note were a rather superfluous and slightly ridiculous treasure hunt at the beginning and an equally daft rescue of the future king of France at the end. Most of the rest of the time, poor old Kidd was left tootling around Denmark. It was as if the author faced a bit of a dilemma. How can I fit a fictional character, around which the adventure should be based, into a historically important and definitive account of the second battle of Copenhagen without buggering up the facts?
Although I was disappointed with the lack of sea action, after all, that was the reason I picked up the book in the first place, the rest of the book was pretty good. I particularly enjoyed diving into 'Wikipedia' every time a factually significant character/ship/battle/event occurred to get much needed historical background and to help put things into context. The political shenanigans and the rather sad and regrettable bombardment of Copenhagen were well written. One could not help feel sorry for the Danes, but it was entirely a matter of Britain's survival. Having pissed off most of Europe, there seemed little point in holding back. I may well have to pick up another of Stockwin's books in order to get the naval action I was somewhat deprived of, and of course to see a bit more of the good Captain Kidd.
Although I was disappointed with the lack of sea action, after all, that was the reason I picked up the book in the first place, the rest of the book was pretty good. I particularly enjoyed diving into 'Wikipedia' every time a factually significant character/ship/battle/event occurred to get much needed historical background and to help put things into context. The political shenanigans and the rather sad and regrettable bombardment of Copenhagen were well written. One could not help feel sorry for the Danes, but it was entirely a matter of Britain's survival. Having pissed off most of Europe, there seemed little point in holding back. I may well have to pick up another of Stockwin's books in order to get the naval action I was somewhat deprived of, and of course to see a bit more of the good Captain Kidd.
July 15, 2021
1 star GR rating = I did not like it.
Spoilers ahead. I read these books for the adventures of Kydd, not for a history lesson. There's pretty much only 2 Kydd events in this book:
1) The ship returns to England and the crew get a break. Kydd goes with Stirk to Scotland where he's moved to. Stirk's brother in law finds gold from a sunken Spanish Armada galleon. A few locals form a group to recover the treasure and share it. But it's too deep to dive so they find a diving bell. The diving bell owner demands a stake. Kydd is roped in to operate the bell.
2) Kydd's ship forms part of the battle group to neutralize Denmark's fleet before Napoleon can get his hands on it. At one point Kydd is kidnapped by the French by a trick. He is freed by Bernadotte on the promise that he will find and transport the exiled French king to Sweden. The French king at that time was somewhere in the Baltic and there were plans to find and kill him.
The other parts of the book are divided into several points of views.
1) Renzi is sent as a special agent to try and convince the neutral Danish king to turn his fleet over or fight against the French.
2) POV from the English command.
3) POV from the Danish command.
4) POV from a British ensign of a light company.
Another pet peeve of mine is the differing POV's but most of all I just didn't want to read a history text book and fast read or skipped over most of it. A waste of my time.
Spoilers ahead. I read these books for the adventures of Kydd, not for a history lesson. There's pretty much only 2 Kydd events in this book:
1) The ship returns to England and the crew get a break. Kydd goes with Stirk to Scotland where he's moved to. Stirk's brother in law finds gold from a sunken Spanish Armada galleon. A few locals form a group to recover the treasure and share it. But it's too deep to dive so they find a diving bell. The diving bell owner demands a stake. Kydd is roped in to operate the bell.
2) Kydd's ship forms part of the battle group to neutralize Denmark's fleet before Napoleon can get his hands on it. At one point Kydd is kidnapped by the French by a trick. He is freed by Bernadotte on the promise that he will find and transport the exiled French king to Sweden. The French king at that time was somewhere in the Baltic and there were plans to find and kill him.
The other parts of the book are divided into several points of views.
1) Renzi is sent as a special agent to try and convince the neutral Danish king to turn his fleet over or fight against the French.
2) POV from the English command.
3) POV from the Danish command.
4) POV from a British ensign of a light company.
Another pet peeve of mine is the differing POV's but most of all I just didn't want to read a history text book and fast read or skipped over most of it. A waste of my time.
August 13, 2017
This book tells the story of a lesser known piece of British History from the Napoleonic era. Other than this it has practically nothing going for it and was hardly recognisable as a part of the rest of the Kydd series.
As a first the writing has taken a massive shift in style. Tyger had 20 chapters of clever characterisation and plausible plot; Inferno has 105 chapters with dry characters who aren't really involved or in the slightest bit interesting and a series of plot lines which are frankly fanciful. I sincerely hope Stockwin reverts back to his previous style as I found the structure of this book disruptive and distracting.
Secondly in my opinion the role of Renzi has run its course. In the Aubrey/Maturin relationship there was a believable reason for Maturin to exist. As his character developed there was still a solid reason for him to be there. Stockwin clearly stole the idea and whilst it sort of worked early on, it has become more and more stretched so that for me he is now an annoying implausability.
I know there is another Kydd book about to be released, hopefully it will be well written and actually feature Kydd like the earlier Stockwin books.
As a first the writing has taken a massive shift in style. Tyger had 20 chapters of clever characterisation and plausible plot; Inferno has 105 chapters with dry characters who aren't really involved or in the slightest bit interesting and a series of plot lines which are frankly fanciful. I sincerely hope Stockwin reverts back to his previous style as I found the structure of this book disruptive and distracting.
Secondly in my opinion the role of Renzi has run its course. In the Aubrey/Maturin relationship there was a believable reason for Maturin to exist. As his character developed there was still a solid reason for him to be there. Stockwin clearly stole the idea and whilst it sort of worked early on, it has become more and more stretched so that for me he is now an annoying implausability.
I know there is another Kydd book about to be released, hopefully it will be well written and actually feature Kydd like the earlier Stockwin books.
January 12, 2025
This 17th installment in the popular Kydd Sea Adventures details the British attempt to acquire the Danish fleet during the Napoleonic era so as to keep the Baltic trade open to their ships. Captain Sir Thomas Kydd sails his frigate, Tyger, under orders to these foreign seas where the Navy combines tactics with a land army to force compliance. Meanwhile, his close friend Renzi, aka Lord Farndon, gets embroiled in espionage in Copenhagen, bringing his wife—and Kydd’s sister—into peril. Tense action scenes, familiar characters, and an urgent mission combine into a tale of history and adventure.
July 16, 2017
Another great Kydd novel. I thoroughly enjoy reading books from this series, Julian Stockwin knows how to write a page turner. I enjoyed the previous novel (Tyger) but felt there wasn't enough of Renzi (my favourite character), I'm pleased to confirm that he's back in this novel. I really like the juxtaposition of the different characters and how it all comes together nicely. Plenty of intrigue and action set against a historical backdrop, definitely worth a read.
August 3, 2017
The strength of this book is the telling of Britain's attack on neutral Denmark in the Napoleonic wars. This included a bombardment of civilians (much like the Blitz) that many apparently felt ashamed of. That part of the book is worthwhile and informative.
The rest, however, is not up to standard. There is an unnecessary treasure hunt and a fictional account of the real rescue of a king. It lacks the sailing of previous books and goes way off piste. Shame, but not of me, this one,
The rest, however, is not up to standard. There is an unnecessary treasure hunt and a fictional account of the real rescue of a king. It lacks the sailing of previous books and goes way off piste. Shame, but not of me, this one,
December 18, 2017
c2016 (4). Another enjoyable outing with the main story not involving our dashing hero. The book opens up with an almost stand alone tale of an outing up to Scotland and whilst riveting, I was left wondering what literary device was being used. It doesn't really matter. I enjoyed the story - just as well written and page-turning as the previous ones and I will continue to read the series. Recommended to the normal crew.
August 20, 2018
A well crafted book that I found engrossing because I love history and the author brought to light a not all that well known part of the Napoleonic war. The link to Captain Kydd was far less than in previous books, but I found that the details of the 'incident' was so engrossing that I didn't notice that Captain Kydd was just a side show. Having been to Copenhagen I was able to visualise many of the places.
May 6, 2019
This tale of a little known piece of English history has given me a deeper curiosity to know more. The tale doesn't really seem to "fit" the Kydd saga, but it did provide a little "meanwhile" information. It was a bit tedious at times, which made me wonder if it wasn't due to a publisher deadline. It could be taken out of the series without suffering much loss. If you're at the end of your reading on the Napoleonic wars than go ahead.
December 27, 2020
Although well told - and our intrepid Captain Kydd continues to find himself challenged by his assignments, this time to Copenhagen - this episode is far from the strongest in the series. It begs us to suspend our disbelief and buy that the very French Kydd is fighting rescue him from execution to ensure the survival of Louis XVIII. Kydd is almost a secondary character in this book, and the story suffers because of it. Still a good read, just not as strong as others in the series.
June 1, 2023
Not the best in the series for me.
I've enjoyed all of the books in this series
but could not get on with this one. It seemed to jump about too much and I didn't really see why it was doing so. When the end finally came I was a bit relieved to be honest. Still 16/1 in favour of all the ones I've enjoyed is pretty good going. 😀
I've enjoyed all of the books in this series
but could not get on with this one. It seemed to jump about too much and I didn't really see why it was doing so. When the end finally came I was a bit relieved to be honest. Still 16/1 in favour of all the ones I've enjoyed is pretty good going. 😀
February 25, 2018
Uno de los episodios más vergonzosos del Imperio Británico fue la invasión y bombardeo de Dinamarca y su capital durante las guerras napoleónicas. El hecho de que el país fuese neutral y tuviese su ejército concentrado en la frontera Sur del país lo hizo una víctima indefensa.
May 14, 2018
While this story was another adventure by Mr. Stockwin, I did not care for the may characters that were introduced. For me, it made it a bit confusing and choppy. There was not a lot of action by Sir Thomas. Still a good book though.
June 1, 2018
Out of all the Kydd books this one was the hardest read.
It is good in spots but drags in places also. I am some what disappointed after reading all the books of the Kydd series. This book falls short of the all the preceding books in this series’s.
It is good in spots but drags in places also. I am some what disappointed after reading all the books of the Kydd series. This book falls short of the all the preceding books in this series’s.
February 4, 2021
Picking up the series for the first time in a bit, I’m reminded that Stockton is neither Cromwell or O’Brian. Which isn’t a bad thing in and of itself, but I’m consistently wishing for just a bit more even if I can’t say what that more is.
3 1/2 would be a more accurate rating
3 1/2 would be a more accurate rating
August 17, 2020
Not the typical Kydd story, more a novel with Kydd as a side character
April 29, 2021
Forgotten history
I enjoyed the story line about Copenhagen and the siege by England. Unfortunate circumstances led to a neutral country being drawn into conflict.
I enjoyed the story line about Copenhagen and the siege by England. Unfortunate circumstances led to a neutral country being drawn into conflict.
February 1, 2022
very good read
May 27, 2022
The last two Kydd stories ( TYGER and Inferno) have been disappointing. I have the feeling they were written by ghost authors. I hope things improve.
March 24, 2024
Not my favorite. Disjointed. Not enough sailing😎
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews