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The British Consul
1856. Alarmed by the United States territorial expansion across the American continent, British Prime Minister, Lord Palmerston, fears that the landing of mercenary William Walker in Nicaragua will eventually lead to US President Pierce annexing the whole of Central America. Acting without authorisation from his Cabinet, Palmerston sends former soldier, James Steele, newly appointed Consul to Nicaragua and the Mosquito Coast, on a covert mission to close the transcontinental route through Nicaragua and expel the Americans from the country - by force if necessary. The intervention of an American warship causes a diplomatic incident and results in Steele’s disgrace and imprisonment. As a fugitive, Steele must get back to London to try to regain Palmerston’s support - a journey which takes him to the very heart of the American political establishment
- GenresHistorical Fiction
421 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 15, 2012
A First Reads Review
Reading this book it is obvious that the author really knows the time period, peppering the story with numerous small historical facts that give the setting a feel of historical fiction. Only occasionally do these embellishes seem to be a bit too much, most often when events or ideas are brought up that amount to making historical nods to things that are still in the future as far as the characters of the novel are concerned. Still, though, this novel does give a good feel of the time period, and sets itself firmly in establishing what things were like at the time.
As far as the story is concerned, it is a political piece set in Central America with British interests colliding with American ambitions and the other machinations of the newer countries in Central and South America. In that sense the book does not exactly paint the native Central and South Americans in a very positive light, and falls a bit in treating them as they have been historically portrayed, which makes certain parts of the novel rather condescending when the principle players are a British man and an American in a place where other sovereign interests might be a bit more sympathetic. But that, too, fits with the history of the time, and I suppose I cannot complain too much on that part except to say that more could have been done.
The writing itself is effective and exciting, though, with the action jammed between the covers and lots of battles, gunfire, and death. The action is varied enough to not get boring and the battles are intelligently enough done that I could tell that the author was familiar with military practice of the time. A thoroughly researched piece, it seemed, though I personally am not familiar with the time period so I guess I simply take the author's word, but nothing seemed off in the descriptions. And it is a fun novel, mostly, moving from place to place quickly and with clear motivations for all involved.
My main complaint, really, was that aside as a vessel to drive the story, there wasn't much to the character of James Steele. Sure it is alluded to that he was more complicated than he was portrayed, but at the end of the day he came across as rather shallow, as someone acting in his own interests and with only a passing concern for other people. He doesn't really grow or become complicated as the story goes on, breaking his word when convenient and doing whatever he felt like to get the job done. Again, not terribly done, but this is definitely a lighter read with the emphasis on the history and action and not on the quieter character moments. It all goes as expected, like a movie almost with the predictable setbacks and triumphs.
In the end, though, it was still an entertaining read, and I would probably enter to win the next book in the series if only because it was fun and managed to give a historical fiction some action and excitement. It also makes me want to investigate a bit how much of the events in the novel happened, so it seems the author did his job if he was hoping to foster interest in history. So yes, a good book if not a great book, and definitely worth the time.
Reading this book it is obvious that the author really knows the time period, peppering the story with numerous small historical facts that give the setting a feel of historical fiction. Only occasionally do these embellishes seem to be a bit too much, most often when events or ideas are brought up that amount to making historical nods to things that are still in the future as far as the characters of the novel are concerned. Still, though, this novel does give a good feel of the time period, and sets itself firmly in establishing what things were like at the time.
As far as the story is concerned, it is a political piece set in Central America with British interests colliding with American ambitions and the other machinations of the newer countries in Central and South America. In that sense the book does not exactly paint the native Central and South Americans in a very positive light, and falls a bit in treating them as they have been historically portrayed, which makes certain parts of the novel rather condescending when the principle players are a British man and an American in a place where other sovereign interests might be a bit more sympathetic. But that, too, fits with the history of the time, and I suppose I cannot complain too much on that part except to say that more could have been done.
The writing itself is effective and exciting, though, with the action jammed between the covers and lots of battles, gunfire, and death. The action is varied enough to not get boring and the battles are intelligently enough done that I could tell that the author was familiar with military practice of the time. A thoroughly researched piece, it seemed, though I personally am not familiar with the time period so I guess I simply take the author's word, but nothing seemed off in the descriptions. And it is a fun novel, mostly, moving from place to place quickly and with clear motivations for all involved.
My main complaint, really, was that aside as a vessel to drive the story, there wasn't much to the character of James Steele. Sure it is alluded to that he was more complicated than he was portrayed, but at the end of the day he came across as rather shallow, as someone acting in his own interests and with only a passing concern for other people. He doesn't really grow or become complicated as the story goes on, breaking his word when convenient and doing whatever he felt like to get the job done. Again, not terribly done, but this is definitely a lighter read with the emphasis on the history and action and not on the quieter character moments. It all goes as expected, like a movie almost with the predictable setbacks and triumphs.
In the end, though, it was still an entertaining read, and I would probably enter to win the next book in the series if only because it was fun and managed to give a historical fiction some action and excitement. It also makes me want to investigate a bit how much of the events in the novel happened, so it seems the author did his job if he was hoping to foster interest in history. So yes, a good book if not a great book, and definitely worth the time.
December 22, 2011
This was my first James Steele book and it was okay. I enjoyed the historic aspects of the political thriller and there was no shortage of battles, laying siege to an area, or political manoeuvrings. However, I just could not become enamored with the main character James Steele. Steele is aloof and sometimes downright nasty. The only time I softened towards him was when he tried to help out a woman and her child by securing her a job. 'The British Consul' alludes to a previous James Steele book where he looses his wife and daughter. I couldn't help wondering if I would have liked the James Steele in that book much better than the one I met in 'The British Consul'. I will probably go back and try to meet James Steele in Samuel Simpson's first book to see if I can learn to appreciate the character better and thus the story. That being said, 'The British Consul' is very well written and if you are already a fan of James Steele I would not hesitate reading Simpson's newest addition to the series.
July 2, 2012
I was pleased to receive this book from the author as a first-reads giveaway. I enjoyed reading it and it is well written. It is a political and military adventure centring on James Steele, The British Consul to Nicaragua. It is very informative historically, is full of action and is a little in the vogue of the “Sharpe” books or indeed “Hornblower.” Yet this story is without the human touch. There is mention of a dead wife and daughter, but no explanation is given as to how they died, except that James Steele is intent on finding a man called Slaven and killing him. I would have liked to have known why. There is very little romantic interest, and the character of Captain James Steele comes across as arrogant and at times cruel. Not sure what's hidden underneath. Good book.
July 30, 2012
I won this as part of a Goodreads Firstreads giveaway.
This is how I like my historical fiction. Enough history blended with the fiction that you aren't really sure where the lines are. The story starts a little slow but when it picks up there is plenty of action. Steele comes across a little ruthless but he knows what he wants. I don't know much about Latin American history but if even a fraction of the chaos in this book is true, I'm so glad I didn't have to deal with it.
This book is well written and detailed and I found it very enjoyable.
This is how I like my historical fiction. Enough history blended with the fiction that you aren't really sure where the lines are. The story starts a little slow but when it picks up there is plenty of action. Steele comes across a little ruthless but he knows what he wants. I don't know much about Latin American history but if even a fraction of the chaos in this book is true, I'm so glad I didn't have to deal with it.
This book is well written and detailed and I found it very enjoyable.
September 9, 2013
The British Consul is a well-written, well-plotted historical action/adventure story. The action is fast and furious, and the characters are well developed and engaging. I look forward to the publication of the second in the series.
January 7, 2012
I enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next book in the series! The main character, Steele, is a fabulous character and I am sure that we will all enjoy reading about more of his adventures.
March 30, 2012
Good book. First time I have read this author. Good historic items. A little slow at first but the pace picks up. Recommend to those that like historical fiction.
February 7, 2021
I was thrilled to receive this as a Goodreads giveaway. Enjoyed it. Hoping for more character development in any sequels.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews