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Nathaniel Drinkwater #1
An Eye of the Fleet
Action in Admiral Rodney's dramatic Moonlight Battle of 1780, when Cyclops' capture of the Santa Teresa plays a decisive part, is the start of Nathaniel Drinkwater's life at sea. HMS Cyclops is involved in pursuing American privateers who are a danger to British trade and Drinkwater finds himself part of a prize crew when initiative and courage in a critical situation enable him to survive a dangerous encounter.
When the frigate is detached on special service to the swamps of South Carolina, grim actions are fought at sea and by a detachment of the ship's company on land, resulting in violent deaths before CYCLOPS arrives in New York in 1781 and is sent back to Spithead with the news of Lord Cornwallis' surrender at Yorktown.
Through his experiences both in action and in the hard life on Cyclops, Drinkwater matures and gains the ability to stand up against the tyranny of the midshipmen's mess and the sinister and evil influence of the senior midshipman, Morris. In overcoming his difficulties he is sustained by his growing love for Elizabeth and the contrast of home life with the brutality of naval service.
185 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1981
78 people are currently reading
462 people want to read
About the author
Richard Woodman
131 books70 followersCaptain Richard Martin Woodman was an English novelist and naval historian who retired in 1997 from a 37-year nautical career, mainly working for Trinity House, to write full-time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
April 21, 2020
I was referred to Woodman by my Goodread’s friend, David. I am a big fan of stories of the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars. This book starts in the 1700s.
The book is well written and researched. The author obviously was a wealth of knowledge about sailing warships of the 18 and 19th century. The book provides an excellent view of what life was like in a RN sailing ship in the 1700s. I enjoyed the bits of history Woodman tossed into the story. I am looking forward to reading more of Woodman. So far, I must admit that Patrick O’Brian is my favorite author in this genre.
I read this as an e-book downloaded from Amazon to my Kindle app for my iPad. The book is 192 pages. The book was originally published in 1981.
The book is well written and researched. The author obviously was a wealth of knowledge about sailing warships of the 18 and 19th century. The book provides an excellent view of what life was like in a RN sailing ship in the 1700s. I enjoyed the bits of history Woodman tossed into the story. I am looking forward to reading more of Woodman. So far, I must admit that Patrick O’Brian is my favorite author in this genre.
I read this as an e-book downloaded from Amazon to my Kindle app for my iPad. The book is 192 pages. The book was originally published in 1981.
November 26, 2017
The basic elements of the story were fine, but I found the author's habit of occasionally speaking directly to the reading audience to be off-putting and unnecessary. For example, at one point he has Drinkwater meet Wilfred Collingwood, who coughs persistently (OK so far). He then tells us that Wilfred Collingwood will subsequently die of tuberculosis, and is not to be confused with his brother Cuthbert who would gain renown with Nelson. Thanks!
There are many other examples like this.
There is a sub-plot involving a nasty character which was obviously written to introduce an element of conflict. The author tells us that Drinkwater feels disgust; it would have been much better to show us instead.
As the first of a series, the author has to introduce a number of characters who will be important later in the series. He also has to introduce a few who will be important in this book but not survive. One of these is referred to as "the handsome sailor" for about half of the book, thus telegraphing to the reader that he was the 18th-century equivalent of a Star Trek Redshirt, someone who wouldn't make it out alive from an away party.
I will read a couple more books in the series to see how they go, since this one does have some promise, but I am not committing to the whole series at this point.
There are many other examples like this.
There is a sub-plot involving a nasty character which was obviously written to introduce an element of conflict. The author tells us that Drinkwater feels disgust; it would have been much better to show us instead.
As the first of a series, the author has to introduce a number of characters who will be important later in the series. He also has to introduce a few who will be important in this book but not survive. One of these is referred to as "the handsome sailor" for about half of the book, thus telegraphing to the reader that he was the 18th-century equivalent of a Star Trek Redshirt, someone who wouldn't make it out alive from an away party.
I will read a couple more books in the series to see how they go, since this one does have some promise, but I am not committing to the whole series at this point.
September 6, 2014
I only discovered this author through the use of Goodreads. I am a fan of books from the Age of Fighting Sail and this book is a delightful addition to that genre. Interestingly it is a much grittier addition to the genre than usually found and deals with subjects generally only alluded to in other works. I will attempt to find other volumes in this series to see if the quality endures.
August 21, 2024
I just love books about ships, boats and the sea, (that's the name of one of my GR bookshelves). This story was a very enjoyable and exciting addition. I was fully engrossed in the story and the main character, Midshipman Nathaniel Drinkwater as he matures as a gentleman in the Kings Navy. A likable young hero as he deals with shipboard hardships, danger and intrigue by fellow sailors. I found the author to be an expert in describing ship handling and naval action. Though, I am good at understanding many nautical terms and physical parts of a sailing vessel, I did on occasion refer to my handy, "Oxford: A-Z of Sailing Terms".
I found this book upon a review and recommendation by a GR friend, David E. who also loves books from the age of sail. I heavily rely on these GR reviews to find worthwhile books that fit my interests.
I am not likely to have the stamina to read all 14 books in the Drinkwater series. I might read the last describing Drinkwater in Retirment. Am open to suggestions. I have read but did also enjoy only three of Patrick O'Brian's books.
I found this book upon a review and recommendation by a GR friend, David E. who also loves books from the age of sail. I heavily rely on these GR reviews to find worthwhile books that fit my interests.
I am not likely to have the stamina to read all 14 books in the Drinkwater series. I might read the last describing Drinkwater in Retirment. Am open to suggestions. I have read but did also enjoy only three of Patrick O'Brian's books.
January 11, 2016
I love the Hornblower series, but I didn't care for this book. It was very episodic, jumping from one thing to the next. There was very little character development. Some of the character actions didn't make sense and seemed to occur mainly to further the drama the author desired in the plot.
In addition, there was a significant focus on the sexual abuse of young midshipman by some of the older midshipman. I understand that such things happened and don't mind some mention of it, but there was an extended and explicit focus on it.
The book never engaged me. I kept hoping for it to get better. It didn't.
In addition, there was a significant focus on the sexual abuse of young midshipman by some of the older midshipman. I understand that such things happened and don't mind some mention of it, but there was an extended and explicit focus on it.
The book never engaged me. I kept hoping for it to get better. It didn't.
May 23, 2022
Nathaniel Drinkwater is a midshipman in the Royal Navy during the American Revolution. He has to deal with the daily problems of life in a sailing ship, and the dangers of combat, and on top of all that, a bullying senior midshipman. This makes for an exciting story - and it is exciting. I must confess that I can't sympathize with Drinkwater's efforts, since I'm an American, but the author is English, and so I don't expect him to take my side.
I do have to criticize a couple of things. First, Richard Woodman seems to have some eccentric notions regarding the comma. There are places where one is necessary, but he doesn't use one, and it makes for odd dialogue if you read it as written. And second, he switches point of view without warning, which is confusing. But this is a good book, and if I hadn't come down with a bad cold and had to let the book alone while the illness mess with my memory, I'd be able to say more about it.
I do have to criticize a couple of things. First, Richard Woodman seems to have some eccentric notions regarding the comma. There are places where one is necessary, but he doesn't use one, and it makes for odd dialogue if you read it as written. And second, he switches point of view without warning, which is confusing. But this is a good book, and if I hadn't come down with a bad cold and had to let the book alone while the illness mess with my memory, I'd be able to say more about it.
March 11, 2018
Un libro que entretiene, la historia de Nat es interesante y permite ver la evolución del personaje a través del viaje del héroe. Por momentos de vuelve tedioso por los tecnicismos marítimos, que de en cierto modo son excesivos para quiénes no somos conocedores de los mismos.
July 30, 2021
Probably the best Hornblower clone I've read so far. The date of publication was 1981 though the writing feels older than that, feels it was written in the 60's. I haven't read all of the HH clones, but the writing here is better than Lawrie, Kydd or Ramage. I've also read Bolitho and Aubrey/Maturin but dnf'd those two.
The writing is mostly easy to read and follow with a few hiccups. A lot goes on in the book, so much so that I have to refresh my memory by going back to the book to remember what I read.
Summary/Spoilers ahead:
The books starts off with Drinkwater as a new on-board midshipman on the frigate Cyclops. The captain is an old, almost over the hill Captain Hook who is a good captain. Somewhat kindly but run down in life due to his late promotion and lack of patronage and money. Fortunately the ship is also blessed with an elderly but competent Master who likes Drinkwater and two capable and friendly officers: Devaux, the aristocratic first officer and Wheeler the marine lieutenant. The other lieutenants are basically fillers. The antagonist is the senior midshipman (Morris), an older but still young man, a bully, tyrant and sodomite.
The action starts with the Moonlight Battle off Cape St. Vincent (1780) where the Calypso attacks and defeats a Spanish frigate and then saves it from going on to a lee shore. The next significant thing that happens is not a battle but when ND (Drinkwater) finally has enough of Morris and his bullying ways with the others and challenges him to a duel with sticks. He beats Morris handily and Morris relents for awhile.
Next the Calypso captures an American privateer the Algonquin and ND is sent on board as part of the prize crew with Lt. Price. However the Algonquin, with a heavy crew for prizes, manages to recover the ship. Price is killed and the British are locked up with a bleak future in a French hulk. ND is prompted by Hagen the marine sergeant to turn the tables and retake the prize. It is successful and they recapture the prize and land at Falmouth.
There is an interlude here where ND meets Elizabeth, the daughter of a poor rector. She is apparently going to be ND's love interest going forward. The Cyclops is away at sea so the crew have to wait on a hulk in the harbor.
While waiting, ND is volunteered as a temporary replacement mate to a Trinity House cutter which is going to make a short trip to check on the lighthouse at St. Agnes in the Scilly Isles off Cornwall. He does a great job, shows initiative and gets along with the master of the ship and a captain who is to inspect the lighthouse. When the ship returns he is deposited at Falmouth again together a certificate that he had passed the test for master's mate and 4 guineas. He spends some more time with Elizabeth where he cements their relationship.
Finally he rejoins the Cyclops which returns to her station. There is a chance meeting with another frigate. The captain of the frigate is Edgecumbe who is also to be a Tory MP. He bribes Captain Hook with £4000 to take over his task, which is to take a chestful of fake money to Cornwallis in America. I'm not even sure it's possible for another captain, even an MP, to take Hope away from the local admiral's command and send him on a trip thousands of miles away. Nevertheless Hope gets his change of orders in writing.
Next the Cyclops meets another American/French privateer La Creole near the American coast. They get into a slugging match which La Creole almost wins by boarding because they have huge numbers of militia on board. Only ND's quick thinking to separate the ships saves them and La Creole limps away.
Cyclops goes to find Cornwallis but their destination is deserted. They land a party who is almost killed by enemy cavalry. And while waiting, La Creole chances on them again, attacks the waiting Cyclops but is defeated. There is another desperate ship to ship action and where they finally sink it. The butcher's bill is high and ND is promoted to acting Lt.
Meanwhile Admiral Graves loses the Battle of Chesapeake Bay, Cornwallis is abandoned and the Brits lose the war.
Spoilers end:
I found the writing easy to read. The action was exciting, the characters easy to like and I liked ND's progress and how he dealt with adversity. We all live our lives vicariously through the characters and I felt good every time ND did something well and got noticed. I'm very happy to have finally found a HH I can enjoy. Now on to the next book.
The writing is mostly easy to read and follow with a few hiccups. A lot goes on in the book, so much so that I have to refresh my memory by going back to the book to remember what I read.
Summary/Spoilers ahead:
The books starts off with Drinkwater as a new on-board midshipman on the frigate Cyclops. The captain is an old, almost over the hill Captain Hook who is a good captain. Somewhat kindly but run down in life due to his late promotion and lack of patronage and money. Fortunately the ship is also blessed with an elderly but competent Master who likes Drinkwater and two capable and friendly officers: Devaux, the aristocratic first officer and Wheeler the marine lieutenant. The other lieutenants are basically fillers. The antagonist is the senior midshipman (Morris), an older but still young man, a bully, tyrant and sodomite.
The action starts with the Moonlight Battle off Cape St. Vincent (1780) where the Calypso attacks and defeats a Spanish frigate and then saves it from going on to a lee shore. The next significant thing that happens is not a battle but when ND (Drinkwater) finally has enough of Morris and his bullying ways with the others and challenges him to a duel with sticks. He beats Morris handily and Morris relents for awhile.
Next the Calypso captures an American privateer the Algonquin and ND is sent on board as part of the prize crew with Lt. Price. However the Algonquin, with a heavy crew for prizes, manages to recover the ship. Price is killed and the British are locked up with a bleak future in a French hulk. ND is prompted by Hagen the marine sergeant to turn the tables and retake the prize. It is successful and they recapture the prize and land at Falmouth.
There is an interlude here where ND meets Elizabeth, the daughter of a poor rector. She is apparently going to be ND's love interest going forward. The Cyclops is away at sea so the crew have to wait on a hulk in the harbor.
While waiting, ND is volunteered as a temporary replacement mate to a Trinity House cutter which is going to make a short trip to check on the lighthouse at St. Agnes in the Scilly Isles off Cornwall. He does a great job, shows initiative and gets along with the master of the ship and a captain who is to inspect the lighthouse. When the ship returns he is deposited at Falmouth again together a certificate that he had passed the test for master's mate and 4 guineas. He spends some more time with Elizabeth where he cements their relationship.
Finally he rejoins the Cyclops which returns to her station. There is a chance meeting with another frigate. The captain of the frigate is Edgecumbe who is also to be a Tory MP. He bribes Captain Hook with £4000 to take over his task, which is to take a chestful of fake money to Cornwallis in America. I'm not even sure it's possible for another captain, even an MP, to take Hope away from the local admiral's command and send him on a trip thousands of miles away. Nevertheless Hope gets his change of orders in writing.
Next the Cyclops meets another American/French privateer La Creole near the American coast. They get into a slugging match which La Creole almost wins by boarding because they have huge numbers of militia on board. Only ND's quick thinking to separate the ships saves them and La Creole limps away.
Cyclops goes to find Cornwallis but their destination is deserted. They land a party who is almost killed by enemy cavalry. And while waiting, La Creole chances on them again, attacks the waiting Cyclops but is defeated. There is another desperate ship to ship action and where they finally sink it. The butcher's bill is high and ND is promoted to acting Lt.
Meanwhile Admiral Graves loses the Battle of Chesapeake Bay, Cornwallis is abandoned and the Brits lose the war.
Spoilers end:
I found the writing easy to read. The action was exciting, the characters easy to like and I liked ND's progress and how he dealt with adversity. We all live our lives vicariously through the characters and I felt good every time ND did something well and got noticed. I'm very happy to have finally found a HH I can enjoy. Now on to the next book.
July 6, 2024
Nathaniel Drinkwater is a young midshipman on board the frigate Cyclops. It is 1779 and the American War of Independence has recently widened into a far more dangerous war against France and Spain. This promises plenty of action for the young midshipman, but first he must learn the ropes. Richard Woodman’s Eye of the Fleet is a coming of age novel with plenty of action for our hero.
Given the war you would think the enemy in the book would be the French, or the Americans, or the Spanish. But that is not the case. The real villain of the piece is the older Midshipman Augustus Morris. Given the position Drinkwater has in the narrow confines of a ship it is natural that relationships onboard play an outsized role. So I don't have an issue with the book’s baddy being a shipmate, but I do with how this plot is approached. Morris is homosexual, and it is written that it is his homosexuality that has twisted him. To make matters worse Morris has somehow or other managed to create a cabal of homosexuals who successfully repress a large portion of the crew. Given homosexual acts are illegal, and Morris has clearly engaged in things that would get him hanged it is quite unbelievable that he could have such a hold over the midshipmen and ratings when any one of them could report it to the senior officers of the ship.
As just noted, putting the focus internal to the ship makes sense with a midshipman who can't have too much time or necessity to concern himself with outside events. Yet Woodman’s interests in history clearly pulls him the other way. Each chapter has a short piece on the events that are going on around Drinkwater. I feel this is both a bit of a distraction and is not very helpful. Most who read the book will know of the events already. For those who don't however there is no need to know to follow the story. If really wanted it could be worked in organically through news or letters.
I got the impression that Woodman is trying to make the book somewhat dark and gritty. Except for the officers the crew seem to be either a, pressed men or b, criminals sent to the navy. Neither of which was very likely at this time. On impressment we are early in the war when most of the crew would have come from the merchant marine. As to criminals a significant proportion of crime was punishable by death (or transportation) so not available for the navy, and the navy would not want criminals who would have no knowledge of the sea anyway.
Woodman has a very different style than for example O Brien. The focus is on the action rather than the sea and sailing. It is also very tight and fast. Each chapter is just a few pages. And each event at most a couple of chapters. As such a lot goes on in the book - we get through two eventful years in just 176 pages. It may be short but there is decent character development in Drinkwater at least, though precious little space for any other characters to have much depth to them.
My distaste and disbelief in the main plotline means I did not like An Eye of the Fleet. However, given the outcome it is unlikely to carry over into others in the series so I probably would try another at some point in the future. The style may also work better when Drinkwater is slightly older and in a position of greater responsibility.
Given the war you would think the enemy in the book would be the French, or the Americans, or the Spanish. But that is not the case. The real villain of the piece is the older Midshipman Augustus Morris. Given the position Drinkwater has in the narrow confines of a ship it is natural that relationships onboard play an outsized role. So I don't have an issue with the book’s baddy being a shipmate, but I do with how this plot is approached. Morris is homosexual, and it is written that it is his homosexuality that has twisted him. To make matters worse Morris has somehow or other managed to create a cabal of homosexuals who successfully repress a large portion of the crew. Given homosexual acts are illegal, and Morris has clearly engaged in things that would get him hanged it is quite unbelievable that he could have such a hold over the midshipmen and ratings when any one of them could report it to the senior officers of the ship.
As just noted, putting the focus internal to the ship makes sense with a midshipman who can't have too much time or necessity to concern himself with outside events. Yet Woodman’s interests in history clearly pulls him the other way. Each chapter has a short piece on the events that are going on around Drinkwater. I feel this is both a bit of a distraction and is not very helpful. Most who read the book will know of the events already. For those who don't however there is no need to know to follow the story. If really wanted it could be worked in organically through news or letters.
I got the impression that Woodman is trying to make the book somewhat dark and gritty. Except for the officers the crew seem to be either a, pressed men or b, criminals sent to the navy. Neither of which was very likely at this time. On impressment we are early in the war when most of the crew would have come from the merchant marine. As to criminals a significant proportion of crime was punishable by death (or transportation) so not available for the navy, and the navy would not want criminals who would have no knowledge of the sea anyway.
Woodman has a very different style than for example O Brien. The focus is on the action rather than the sea and sailing. It is also very tight and fast. Each chapter is just a few pages. And each event at most a couple of chapters. As such a lot goes on in the book - we get through two eventful years in just 176 pages. It may be short but there is decent character development in Drinkwater at least, though precious little space for any other characters to have much depth to them.
My distaste and disbelief in the main plotline means I did not like An Eye of the Fleet. However, given the outcome it is unlikely to carry over into others in the series so I probably would try another at some point in the future. The style may also work better when Drinkwater is slightly older and in a position of greater responsibility.
August 1, 2024
Woodman's sailing knowledge may be superior to that of C.S. Forester or Patrick O'Brian, but unfortunately his literary ability (at least in this earliest of his works) is not in the same league. For that matter, his specific plot devices (the evil senior midshipman who makes Drinkwater's life miserable) are almost mirror images of Hornblower's midshipman days. And while choosing a slightly earlier setting (the US Revolution) instead of the Napoleonic Wars, Woodman doesn't find much to do in that period, with only the second half of this slip volume actually dealing with a minor incident on the Carolina coast, and by the end the war is already over. While I already own the next two installments, I probably won't be in a rush to read them. Perhaps I'll pick up Frederick Marryat's Mr. Midshipman Easy instead, for an author that actual trod the decks during the Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1812.
October 25, 2025
Richard Woodman stands unmatched as a maritime author of the Age of Sail. While Forester’s tales revel in romanticized heroism and O’Brian’s Aubrey & Maturin indulges in parlor-room philosophy and literary cleverness, Woodman delivers authentic, brutal, and beautiful prose. His Nathaniel Drinkwater series immerses the reader fully in life aboard a Royal Navy ship — the tactics, the fatigue, the moral weight of command — with a realism and emotional depth that neither Forester nor O’Brian achieves. For anyone seeking the truest depiction of the era, Woodman is simply the best.
August 14, 2024
This is my first read in this series of books. The author writes a very interesting tale of the British Navy. This the start of the adventures of Nathaniel Drinkwater, a midshipman in the Royal Navy. As we follow Drinkwater in his various adventures in this book see the start of a career that promises to be interesting. If you like O'Brian, Stockwin, Lambdin and the like then this series looks to be a good one to read.
June 13, 2021
First I've read from this author
This was an excellent book. I've done the Hornblower, Lawrie, and the other boys in the band, but this was a great read. It looks at the darker side, combined fact and fiction well, and is well worth the read. It's different, lacks reference to outside the navy (mostly) and concentrates on the life on board. Try it!
This was an excellent book. I've done the Hornblower, Lawrie, and the other boys in the band, but this was a great read. It looks at the darker side, combined fact and fiction well, and is well worth the read. It's different, lacks reference to outside the navy (mostly) and concentrates on the life on board. Try it!
February 2, 2023
It’s not C.S. Forester’s Hornblower but it wasn’t bad especially being the first book in the series. I’m looking forward to getting into the next couple of books and see how they go. I have one big complaint with the kindle edition and that is there must be at least two spelling errors or missing words on every page of the book! It kind of breaks up the flow.
February 9, 2023
Good story, Well told.
There are many aspects to life in wartime that are not readily exposed or are dwarfed by the events of the time. Finding your footing in any unit can be daunting. New people, new duties and new missions....and the stupidity of human conflict....no one wins...
There are many aspects to life in wartime that are not readily exposed or are dwarfed by the events of the time. Finding your footing in any unit can be daunting. New people, new duties and new missions....and the stupidity of human conflict....no one wins...
November 24, 2020
3.5 stars. Weird jumps in time and sections are straight non fiction narrative where main character isn’t present at all. Not the best nautical fiction. Read part of second book in series, same reaction, so I’m giving up on this author. May go back and re-read Hornblower instead.
June 1, 2018
Fans of nautical age of sail fiction will very much enjoy this series.
May 5, 2019
An excellent 1st book in the series looking forward to reading the follow up editions.
Richard Woodman can capture his reader and hold his attention.
Richard Woodman can capture his reader and hold his attention.
August 12, 2019
Interesting.
Very technical, action, villains, heroes, good descriptions of the hardships endured by the seamen and the effects of war on those who must fight them.
Very technical, action, villains, heroes, good descriptions of the hardships endured by the seamen and the effects of war on those who must fight them.
October 23, 2019
Es una novela atractiva para quienes gusten de temas navales. Woodman es un experto escritor en la materia.
March 8, 2024
This was an ok story about the British navy and their fight against America. It was just a little bit too much to ask finding yourself rooting against the upstart American navy though.
December 8, 2014
I enjoyed this quite a bit. Been wanting to read a similar series after finishing O'Brian and this filled the need. A fourteen book series by Richard Woodman and in this book we are introduced to his character Nathaniel Drinkwater. It's October 1779 and Daniel is a young midshipman on HMS Cyclops, a 36-gun frigate captained by Hope, a veteran of the Seven Years War.
Nathaniel encounters typical midshipman events and deals with a bully of his group all the while attempting to learn his duty and do the right thing both as a gentleman (that he aspires to be) and as a human being.
Quite a lot happens in a short 185 pages as we even reach Yorktown by the end of this book, so without looking ahead I am curious where the next 13 go.
This will probably end up having me reread O'Brian or perhaps take a dip in Forester as I have never read the Hornblower series somehow.
Nathaniel encounters typical midshipman events and deals with a bully of his group all the while attempting to learn his duty and do the right thing both as a gentleman (that he aspires to be) and as a human being.
Quite a lot happens in a short 185 pages as we even reach Yorktown by the end of this book, so without looking ahead I am curious where the next 13 go.
This will probably end up having me reread O'Brian or perhaps take a dip in Forester as I have never read the Hornblower series somehow.
July 15, 2021
Review tbd
March 25, 2009
Recommended by my English friend, John Thompson, the Nathaniel Drinkwater saga begins with Nathaniel in his first posting as Midshipman on the frigate Cyclops in 1780. This book is literate.
Finished this well before Christmas and it did not disappoint. From England to the American Revolution, An Eye of the Fleet is indeed literate, with an introspective and bloody berserker for a main character. Woodman's books seem slim, but packed with nuance an adventure.
Finished this well before Christmas and it did not disappoint. From England to the American Revolution, An Eye of the Fleet is indeed literate, with an introspective and bloody berserker for a main character. Woodman's books seem slim, but packed with nuance an adventure.
December 27, 2023
Such an odd writing style. Will appeal, I suppose, to addicts of the "Wooden Ships" genre, if it does to anyone. The story is as interesting as any--it covers ground very familiar to the Kent/Reeman Bolitho book "Sloop of War"--but the writing itself is an odd mixture of history and narrative. Where most authors would "show" the reader what's going on, Woodman will often just "tell" you. The story is fine and the dialogue is weird enough to seem authentic.
July 8, 2015
A decent age-of-sale adventure story, Drinkwater is an eminently human character (not possessed of extraordinary wealth, strength, intelligence or superhuman aspects with which the "heros" of such stories seem inevitably to be blessed), and I like that combat affects him and is not just a "guts and glory" swashbuckler.
October 25, 2009
Historical fiction is my forte. I loved reading about the British navy as it took on missions in the Carolinas during the Revolutionary War. This is the first of a series of 13 books with Nathaniel Drinkwater as the main character. I plan to read them all!
November 1, 2015
Where Midshipman Quinn targets the young adult audience Woodman's Drinkwater series decidedly does not. Also, even though it's my first foray into the Drinkwater saga, An Eye of the Fleet seems much edgier than any Hornblower entry.
May 11, 2011
I recommend this to any reader who enjoys nautical fiction. One of the best writers in this genre. Excellent.
January 19, 2016
A gritty look at life on board a British frigate. The story centers around Nathaniel Drinkwater, the self-effacing hero, who matures into a lieutenant under trying conditions.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews