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Fletcher #1-7
The Complete Fletcher Adventures: Books 1-7
England, 18th century. Meet young Jacob Fletcher. Apprentice, trader, and unsuspecting heir of Coignwood Hall.
Fletcher never wanted to be a sailor. He’s done everything imaginable to escape the Navy - including murder and mutiny.
When he’s unexpectedly seized by the press gang, Fletcher is compelled to join His Majesty’s fleet and battle against the French.
But Fletcher soon discovers that his most formidable adversaries reside much closer to home.
Included in this 7-book set:
Book 1: Fletcher’s Fortune — Originally published under the pen name J.C. Edwards
Cornwall, 1793. Jacob Fletcher, a thriving seaport apprentice, is illegally enlisted by the press gang. Forced aboard one of His Majesty's frigate, Fletcher faces perilous dangers and the wrath of the late Sir Henry's widow - who aims to obstruct his inheritance.
Book 2: Fletcher’s Glorious 1st of June — Originally published under the pen name J.C. Edwards
Having earned an honourable discharge from the Royal Navy, Fletcher embarks on a fresh voyage aboard the merchant ship Bednal Green . But his plans are ruined when his ship is captured by American privateers. Fletcher and his crew escape to the British frigate Phiandra on one of the most infamous days in military The Glorious First of June.
Book 3: Fletcher and the Mutineers
Seeking solace from his cruel stepmother, Fletcher flees to the tropical shores of Jamaica where he might finally make his fortune. But with the island under threat from the evil Vernon Hughes, Fletcher’s dreams of tranquillity are dashed. Across the ocean, Lady Sarah's thirst for revenge remains unquenched.
Book 4: Fletcher and the Great Raid
Under Captain Cuthbert Percival-Clive's command on the Serpant , Fletcher adapts to life at sea. Amidst the turmoil of the French-English war, treachery looms. When the sale of valuable steamboat technology threatens the English army, Fletcher must ask himself how far he’s willing to go for his country.
Book 5: Fletcher and the Samurai
After years on the high seas, Fletcher confronts the British East India Company's ambition to invade Japan and break free from England's rule. Teaming up with a young samurai, Fletcher braces himself for an impending Japanese civil war.
Book 6: Fletcher and the Blue Star
Sent as a roving ambassador to help defeat the French Navy in America, Fletcher discovers the enigmatic Blue Star — a priceless diamond. Determined to uncover the diamond’s origin, Fletcher embarks on a dangerous journey across Africa. But his efforts will bring him face-to-face with fearsome Zulu leaders.
Book 7: Fletcher and the Flying Machine
Despite flourishing years in trade, Jacob Fletcher is beckoned back to the sea as a commodore, entrusted with the defence of Ireland from the French. His pursuit of a prosperous career takes an unexpected turn as he is forced into the Baltic on a rescue mission.
Fletcher never wanted to be a sailor. He’s done everything imaginable to escape the Navy - including murder and mutiny.
When he’s unexpectedly seized by the press gang, Fletcher is compelled to join His Majesty’s fleet and battle against the French.
But Fletcher soon discovers that his most formidable adversaries reside much closer to home.
Included in this 7-book set:
Book 1: Fletcher’s Fortune — Originally published under the pen name J.C. Edwards
Cornwall, 1793. Jacob Fletcher, a thriving seaport apprentice, is illegally enlisted by the press gang. Forced aboard one of His Majesty's frigate, Fletcher faces perilous dangers and the wrath of the late Sir Henry's widow - who aims to obstruct his inheritance.
Book 2: Fletcher’s Glorious 1st of June — Originally published under the pen name J.C. Edwards
Having earned an honourable discharge from the Royal Navy, Fletcher embarks on a fresh voyage aboard the merchant ship Bednal Green . But his plans are ruined when his ship is captured by American privateers. Fletcher and his crew escape to the British frigate Phiandra on one of the most infamous days in military The Glorious First of June.
Book 3: Fletcher and the Mutineers
Seeking solace from his cruel stepmother, Fletcher flees to the tropical shores of Jamaica where he might finally make his fortune. But with the island under threat from the evil Vernon Hughes, Fletcher’s dreams of tranquillity are dashed. Across the ocean, Lady Sarah's thirst for revenge remains unquenched.
Book 4: Fletcher and the Great Raid
Under Captain Cuthbert Percival-Clive's command on the Serpant , Fletcher adapts to life at sea. Amidst the turmoil of the French-English war, treachery looms. When the sale of valuable steamboat technology threatens the English army, Fletcher must ask himself how far he’s willing to go for his country.
Book 5: Fletcher and the Samurai
After years on the high seas, Fletcher confronts the British East India Company's ambition to invade Japan and break free from England's rule. Teaming up with a young samurai, Fletcher braces himself for an impending Japanese civil war.
Book 6: Fletcher and the Blue Star
Sent as a roving ambassador to help defeat the French Navy in America, Fletcher discovers the enigmatic Blue Star — a priceless diamond. Determined to uncover the diamond’s origin, Fletcher embarks on a dangerous journey across Africa. But his efforts will bring him face-to-face with fearsome Zulu leaders.
Book 7: Fletcher and the Flying Machine
Despite flourishing years in trade, Jacob Fletcher is beckoned back to the sea as a commodore, entrusted with the defence of Ireland from the French. His pursuit of a prosperous career takes an unexpected turn as he is forced into the Baltic on a rescue mission.
2554 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
October 15, 2023
I read volume 1 in 2019 and dismissed the remaining volumes as too “Flashman-like”. In any case, recently Amazon offered the complete 7 volume set for $2.99 so I revisited Fletcher. The visit was worthwhile and I discovered that Fletcher was not Flashman. Each book in the set takes the reader to a different place. The profession of sailing a ship of war is credibly described and the threads, while sometimes extraordinary, are well thought out. In any case, the series is better than TV and most streaming services.
August 12, 2023
Fantastic books
Obviously the author did a huge amount of research for these books. But he didn't bore us with details, instead he worked it into the story in such an interesting way that I couldn't put these books down. He described the rigging and working of sailing ships in such a way that I feel that I could probably do it. Wonderful story, wonderful characters, and a genuine overall good feeling about these books.
Obviously the author did a huge amount of research for these books. But he didn't bore us with details, instead he worked it into the story in such an interesting way that I couldn't put these books down. He described the rigging and working of sailing ships in such a way that I feel that I could probably do it. Wonderful story, wonderful characters, and a genuine overall good feeling about these books.
March 7, 2024
Absolutely superb storytelling and history.
This is a set of 7 volumes, running to over 2500 pages, yet it is a fascinating read, a true page-turner. Set in late 18th and early 19th C., it follows an English youth press-ganged into the Royal Navy until he becomes a famous Commodore. The books reflect both internal and international politics economic influences, and social and interpersonal relationships of the period. In addition, international shipbuilding and sailing practices are incredibly detailed. While enormous amounts of research obviously went into the writing process the books are never slow or pedantic. They are, in fact, brilliantly good humored and amusing. And, as a bonus, the reader might gain insight into the phrase, "jumpin' Jack Flash, he's a gas, gas, gas."
This is a set of 7 volumes, running to over 2500 pages, yet it is a fascinating read, a true page-turner. Set in late 18th and early 19th C., it follows an English youth press-ganged into the Royal Navy until he becomes a famous Commodore. The books reflect both internal and international politics economic influences, and social and interpersonal relationships of the period. In addition, international shipbuilding and sailing practices are incredibly detailed. While enormous amounts of research obviously went into the writing process the books are never slow or pedantic. They are, in fact, brilliantly good humored and amusing. And, as a bonus, the reader might gain insight into the phrase, "jumpin' Jack Flash, he's a gas, gas, gas."
September 5, 2024
a very entertaining read.
A fun, action packed series of books.
The early Napoleonic war isn't something I know too much about so I can't be sure how historically accurate they are, (unlike the Sharpe series), put some of the place names in Portsmouth, (my hometown), struck a cord!
If I've one MINOR complaint, it's the continual use of "aye aye", by all the naval people in the book, when a simp!e "aye" would suffice. I've always thought that you'd say aye when asked a question -to acknowledge you've heard it, and aye aye to signal compliance to an order. However, things may have been different then!. I'll keep a weather eye out for more books, either in the series or by the author.
Recommended.
A fun, action packed series of books.
The early Napoleonic war isn't something I know too much about so I can't be sure how historically accurate they are, (unlike the Sharpe series), put some of the place names in Portsmouth, (my hometown), struck a cord!
If I've one MINOR complaint, it's the continual use of "aye aye", by all the naval people in the book, when a simp!e "aye" would suffice. I've always thought that you'd say aye when asked a question -to acknowledge you've heard it, and aye aye to signal compliance to an order. However, things may have been different then!. I'll keep a weather eye out for more books, either in the series or by the author.
Recommended.
September 10, 2025
A Jolly Good Read
I enjoy getting into a series of books that I can read at night to make a change from the rest of the day. I liked the pace and adventure as the series moved along through different story lines in different places around the globe without interfering with the historical reality of the period. Even after seven books, I felt a slight sadness that I had come to an end, As a writer of different kinds of books, I would like to state my appreciation of the tremendous effort that John Drake has put into this monumental work. His historical and maritime knowledge along with his control of plot and characterisation, has provided this reader with many hours of enjoyable reading from beginning to end. Thank you.
I enjoy getting into a series of books that I can read at night to make a change from the rest of the day. I liked the pace and adventure as the series moved along through different story lines in different places around the globe without interfering with the historical reality of the period. Even after seven books, I felt a slight sadness that I had come to an end, As a writer of different kinds of books, I would like to state my appreciation of the tremendous effort that John Drake has put into this monumental work. His historical and maritime knowledge along with his control of plot and characterisation, has provided this reader with many hours of enjoyable reading from beginning to end. Thank you.
May 5, 2024
Impossible Job call Fletcher
This set of stories deal with the adventures of one, Jacob Fletcher, of the Royal Navy. Set in the era of the Napoleonic Wars and the Age of Sail they bring both laughter and action to the reader. I have several of the series in this time period and can say Fletcher fits right in with all of them. Although he doesn't want to be a seaman instead wanting to be a businessman it doesn't show. Fletcher is a rogue, a scamp, and a lot more, but he is a seaman and he likes it despite what he says. So for a good read adventure this is a great series of books to read.
This set of stories deal with the adventures of one, Jacob Fletcher, of the Royal Navy. Set in the era of the Napoleonic Wars and the Age of Sail they bring both laughter and action to the reader. I have several of the series in this time period and can say Fletcher fits right in with all of them. Although he doesn't want to be a seaman instead wanting to be a businessman it doesn't show. Fletcher is a rogue, a scamp, and a lot more, but he is a seaman and he likes it despite what he says. So for a good read adventure this is a great series of books to read.
February 7, 2024
great fun well written and historically accurate
Fletcher is a great read for those interested in 18th century saling and naval history. Thoughly enjoyed the twisted plots and the general mischief of Fletcher. My biggest disappointment is the lack of an ending and resolution between fletchers and Coignwood. I was waiting the whole time as to how he would finally get his well deserved revenge!
Fletcher is a great read for those interested in 18th century saling and naval history. Thoughly enjoyed the twisted plots and the general mischief of Fletcher. My biggest disappointment is the lack of an ending and resolution between fletchers and Coignwood. I was waiting the whole time as to how he would finally get his well deserved revenge!
June 17, 2024
A rollicking good read
What a long (long) read taking us from the cruellest episodes in naval history through the turbulence of empire building. In parallel, a rags to riches story of a reluctant hero. Thirdly, interwoven throughout the tale, the viscous hatred of the wicked step mother and Fletcher's two step brothers. This compendium of Fletcher's stories has caused me too many late night's.
What a long (long) read taking us from the cruellest episodes in naval history through the turbulence of empire building. In parallel, a rags to riches story of a reluctant hero. Thirdly, interwoven throughout the tale, the viscous hatred of the wicked step mother and Fletcher's two step brothers. This compendium of Fletcher's stories has caused me too many late night's.
July 25, 2025
An action packed collection with heart and humor throughout. The Complete Fletcher Adventures brings together all seven books into one exciting ride, filled with sharp writing, fun characters, and plenty of twists. It’s easy to get invested in Fletcher’s journey from the very start. The cover captures the adventurous spirit of the series and pulls you right in. A solid binge read for fans of fast paced, character driven adventures.
December 16, 2023
Really enjoyed these 7 books. Read them all in one go. Great uncomplicated adventure stories with a believable main character. Would have liked to see his main protagonist more in the last two books but they figured briefly in book #7. Would have wished for an ending to their relationship, would have made the books come full circle. Highly recommend this as a really good read.
February 29, 2024
I didn't actually finish this yet. This is the complete collection of seven books. I read the first two books and I really enjoyed them. I will eventually come back to the series and read the others but for now I am going to move on to read some other books. I will say that the first two were well worth the read.
August 15, 2024
A Most Enjoyable and Riveting Read
John Drake is a author of great imagination who creates stimulating situations for his well drawn characters. The reader is enticed into each story and raced along enticing story lines in almost real places. Great fun to read and more fun to be had in separating fact from fiction.
John Drake is a author of great imagination who creates stimulating situations for his well drawn characters. The reader is enticed into each story and raced along enticing story lines in almost real places. Great fun to read and more fun to be had in separating fact from fiction.
June 24, 2025
A wonderful, engrossing, and informative historical read
This series was as a friend for almost 5 months. While occasionally fanciful and prurient, (which added to the entertainment), the great part was very knowledgeable in both naval and world history and naval reality. Well researched, and deft writing. I consider this series as a very lucky find.
This series was as a friend for almost 5 months. While occasionally fanciful and prurient, (which added to the entertainment), the great part was very knowledgeable in both naval and world history and naval reality. Well researched, and deft writing. I consider this series as a very lucky find.
July 5, 2025
Well done!
This is a 10 book series that I truly wished was 30!.. It is well written, deep character development. In the notes at the end of the book, Drake says he is writing more Fletcher stories and I can't wait. Love the time period and the old technology and old ways things were done. I highly recommend this book.
This is a 10 book series that I truly wished was 30!.. It is well written, deep character development. In the notes at the end of the book, Drake says he is writing more Fletcher stories and I can't wait. Love the time period and the old technology and old ways things were done. I highly recommend this book.
September 21, 2025
Great Adventure
This is a great series of books that is so well written that you experience as if you were transported back in time with Fletcher whose character is multi faceted in so many wonderful ways. It is very hard to put down because every adventure and villain captivate your attention for more.
This is a great series of books that is so well written that you experience as if you were transported back in time with Fletcher whose character is multi faceted in so many wonderful ways. It is very hard to put down because every adventure and villain captivate your attention for more.
August 12, 2023
I enjoyed the books and 3 stars may be generous as I would like the books to be shorter and less repetitive and that would have helped the flow of the action. Like I said I enjoyed these books easy to read
September 15, 2023
High seas adventures
Quite a series of swashbuckling, humor, intrigue and fictional history masterfully told. From the first novel to the last, a rousing tale of one man's rise in the British navy.
Quite a series of swashbuckling, humor, intrigue and fictional history masterfully told. From the first novel to the last, a rousing tale of one man's rise in the British navy.
October 6, 2023
Great adventures on the high seas
Engaging and well written, a bold and amusing series of adventures, reminiscent of Aubrey and Hornblower. Recommended to fans of Master And Commander.
Engaging and well written, a bold and amusing series of adventures, reminiscent of Aubrey and Hornblower. Recommended to fans of Master And Commander.
October 25, 2023
Highly recommended
This has to be the best series of books I have read, each book reveals more about Fletcher and you become part of the book, no that I have fiinnished the series, I intend to read them again.
This has to be the best series of books I have read, each book reveals more about Fletcher and you become part of the book, no that I have fiinnished the series, I intend to read them again.
November 26, 2023
Interesting historical bent to each of these books. The author did a great of job of research of the time period before writing this fast moving set of fiction books. Wish he would write some more of the same vein.
December 6, 2023
Flashman and Hornblower had a child called Jacob Fletcher
Excellent series of daring naval escapades mixed with humour, action and an occasional romp or two.
Fascinating take on that period of history.
Excellent series of daring naval escapades mixed with humour, action and an occasional romp or two.
Fascinating take on that period of history.
May 4, 2024
An outstanding read
I enjoyed every inch of this story. Yes it can get to somewhat predictable, but still the affection generated by the author is captivating. Do engage and be carried away to another world of swashbuckling emotions.
I enjoyed every inch of this story. Yes it can get to somewhat predictable, but still the affection generated by the author is captivating. Do engage and be carried away to another world of swashbuckling emotions.
November 25, 2024
Rivetting reads
This series of books are compelling reading for lovers of naval history, I found it hard to put the book down and look forward to reading further stories of Jacob Fletcher.
This series of books are compelling reading for lovers of naval history, I found it hard to put the book down and look forward to reading further stories of Jacob Fletcher.
February 20, 2025
Fletcher adventure
A great series set a number of historic settings, following the French, the Americans, the French again, the Russians, and everybody in that part of Europe. Very, very interesting and highly recommended.
A great series set a number of historic settings, following the French, the Americans, the French again, the Russians, and everybody in that part of Europe. Very, very interesting and highly recommended.
April 11, 2025
all the way to the end
Each book ran right into the next. I recommend the entire set so there is no interruption to the story line.
What I started thinking of a historical novel just became a novel set in a historical time.
Good fun.
Each book ran right into the next. I recommend the entire set so there is no interruption to the story line.
What I started thinking of a historical novel just became a novel set in a historical time.
Good fun.
July 7, 2026
EXCELLENT
An unusual take on the Napoleonic wars. Well presented and full of life of that period. Well worth it!
Make sure you read it in order if you read them individually. Better you get them as a set...
An unusual take on the Napoleonic wars. Well presented and full of life of that period. Well worth it!
Make sure you read it in order if you read them individually. Better you get them as a set...
June 28, 2023
All the books are an absolutely riveting red from beginning to end. Brilliantly written to the extent that all the action is totally believable.
September 2, 2023
cracking read
Very entertaining and informative, Fletcher’s adventures throw you right into the action painting vivid images of life at sea in the Georgian era
Very entertaining and informative, Fletcher’s adventures throw you right into the action painting vivid images of life at sea in the Georgian era
September 14, 2023
Rattling good fun
If Flashman was a sailor, and a little braver, this is what we’d read. Great stuff, very enjoyable, more please.
If Flashman was a sailor, and a little braver, this is what we’d read. Great stuff, very enjoyable, more please.
November 1, 2023
Fletcher Books
Very entertaining book giving all aspects of that time period with the different inventions of the day also I live in the potteries where his father made his money
Very entertaining book giving all aspects of that time period with the different inventions of the day also I live in the potteries where his father made his money
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews