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Reluctant Adventures of Lieutenant Martin Jerrold #2
The Chains of Albion
" The Chains of Albion is a cracking book. Fast paced, exciting, and funny."
---Conn Iggulden, author of the bestselling Emperor series July 1806. Commanding a prison hulk filled with French captives in the Medway, Martin Jerrold thinks his war can't get much better. He's far away from storm, battle and the other disagreeable elements of naval life. He can keep his mistress, Isobel, close at hand. It seems too good to last, and so it proves.
When one of the passengers goes missing, Jerrold's comfortable world is turned upside down. Summoned to London by the First Lord of the Admiralty, he is ordered to recapture the Frenchman at any cost. Jerrold does not know it, but his pursuit will take him clear across from the stinking marshes of Chatham to the slums of London; from the wilds of Dartmoor to the newly fashionable seaside resort of Brighton.
But why is the prisoner so important? At the post office, Jerrold's old friend Mr. Nevell is curious; so, too, are politicians from the highest levels of the Whig government, and the Tory opposition led by the cunning Spencer Perceval. Even the seductive Princess Caroline takes an unexpected interest.
As Jerrold---with his usual mix of bad timing, bad luck, and bad behavior---closes on his quarry, he begins to uncover an extraordinary tangle of deceit and treachery that stretches back over twenty years to the most exalted levels of society on both sides of the Channel, and which some men will stop at nothing to protect. "This is a great book, exciting and utterly unique. Edwin Thomas's portrayal of the eighteenth century is spot on, from his depiction of the smugglers' underworld to life aboard a small British navy man-of-war. Thomas has created in Lieutenant Martin Jerrold someone whom the reader of nautical fiction has never seen before---a character we love despite ourselves, and despite his many faults. For the lover of naval fiction, historical fiction, and mysteries, this book has it all."
---James L. Nelson, author of Reign of Iron and the Revolution at Sea Saga series
"Well researched, charmingly outrageous debut. Enchanted readers loath to say bon voyage will impatiently await the sequel."
--- Publishers Weekly
"Jerrold swashes his buckles and splices his mainbraces to good effect, and this series will solve the gift problem for all armchair admirals."--- Scotland on Sunday (UK)
"At last, the nautical Flashman! Martin Jerrold loves to become one of the great British antiheroes, boozing and lusting his way through Regency England."
---Andrew Roberts, author of Napoleon and Wellington
---Conn Iggulden, author of the bestselling Emperor series July 1806. Commanding a prison hulk filled with French captives in the Medway, Martin Jerrold thinks his war can't get much better. He's far away from storm, battle and the other disagreeable elements of naval life. He can keep his mistress, Isobel, close at hand. It seems too good to last, and so it proves.
When one of the passengers goes missing, Jerrold's comfortable world is turned upside down. Summoned to London by the First Lord of the Admiralty, he is ordered to recapture the Frenchman at any cost. Jerrold does not know it, but his pursuit will take him clear across from the stinking marshes of Chatham to the slums of London; from the wilds of Dartmoor to the newly fashionable seaside resort of Brighton.
But why is the prisoner so important? At the post office, Jerrold's old friend Mr. Nevell is curious; so, too, are politicians from the highest levels of the Whig government, and the Tory opposition led by the cunning Spencer Perceval. Even the seductive Princess Caroline takes an unexpected interest.
As Jerrold---with his usual mix of bad timing, bad luck, and bad behavior---closes on his quarry, he begins to uncover an extraordinary tangle of deceit and treachery that stretches back over twenty years to the most exalted levels of society on both sides of the Channel, and which some men will stop at nothing to protect. "This is a great book, exciting and utterly unique. Edwin Thomas's portrayal of the eighteenth century is spot on, from his depiction of the smugglers' underworld to life aboard a small British navy man-of-war. Thomas has created in Lieutenant Martin Jerrold someone whom the reader of nautical fiction has never seen before---a character we love despite ourselves, and despite his many faults. For the lover of naval fiction, historical fiction, and mysteries, this book has it all."
---James L. Nelson, author of Reign of Iron and the Revolution at Sea Saga series
"Well researched, charmingly outrageous debut. Enchanted readers loath to say bon voyage will impatiently await the sequel."
--- Publishers Weekly
"Jerrold swashes his buckles and splices his mainbraces to good effect, and this series will solve the gift problem for all armchair admirals."--- Scotland on Sunday (UK)
"At last, the nautical Flashman! Martin Jerrold loves to become one of the great British antiheroes, boozing and lusting his way through Regency England."
---Andrew Roberts, author of Napoleon and Wellington
Hardcover
First published June 1, 2004
About the author
Edwin Thomas
18 books11 followersAka Tom Harper
Edwin Thomas grew up in West Germany, Belgium and America before returning to England to study history at Lincoln College, Oxford. His conclusion to the short story 'Death by the Invisible Hand' was published in The Economist in 1997, and the first chapter of The Blighted Cliffs was runner-up in the 2001 Crime Writers' Association Début Dagger Award for new fiction. The first two installments of the adventures of Martin Jerrold, The Blighted Cliffs and The Chains of Albion, are available in Bantam paperback.
Edwin Thomas grew up in West Germany, Belgium and America before returning to England to study history at Lincoln College, Oxford. His conclusion to the short story 'Death by the Invisible Hand' was published in The Economist in 1997, and the first chapter of The Blighted Cliffs was runner-up in the 2001 Crime Writers' Association Début Dagger Award for new fiction. The first two installments of the adventures of Martin Jerrold, The Blighted Cliffs and The Chains of Albion, are available in Bantam paperback.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 2, 2026
Once again, Edwin Thomas has managed to entertain me with the desperate adventures of British naval lieutenant Martin Jerrold, a troublemaker.
It's a light, entertaining, and fast-paced historical mystery perfect for those seeking pure entertainment without too much effort, and appreciating the connections to real events from the past.
THE PLOT IN A NUTSHELL :
July 1806.
Just a few months earlier, Lieutenant Martin Jerrold had had to clear himself of an unjust murder charge, thus foiling, amidst a thousand blunders and misfortunes, a conspiracy traitorous to the English crown in favor of Napoleon. Now, promoted to captain, he
finds himself managing a prison ship in the Medway loaded with French convicts.
He couldn't be happier: he feels safe, far from the storms, the fighting, and all the burdens of naval service; moreover, he has the opportunity to enjoy himself permanently with his lover, Isobel, who, under the guise of his "cousin," regularly visits him on the ship. However, this idyllic situation is destined to come to an abrupt end.
Jerrold's luck runs out when one of the prisoners manages to escape thanks to his own carelessness. Removed from his captaincy and recalled to the capital by the First Lord of the Admiralty, he receives the strict task of tracking down the French fugitive by any means necessary. Thus begins, against his will, a pursuit that will take him from the swamps of Chatham to the slums of London, crossing the desolate areas of Dartmoor, and finally reaching Brighton, the emerging and elegant tourist destination on the coast.
At the post office, Mr. Nevell, a Secret Office spy and Jerrold's companion in the previous adventure, also expresses a certain interest, shared by the political leaders, both among the heir to the throne and among those in the opposition.
What is the reason the escaped prisoner is so important and everyone is willing to do anything to have him?
____ MY OPINION ___
As I said in the start, the book is entertaining with many sometimes ridiculous situations, but don't immediately classify it as a "silly" story, because even if we don't have a murder to investigate on, the mystery of the prisoner's importance gives the reader a sense of curiosity and suspense that keep on until one of the final chapters, in which someone finally reveals the truth to Jerrold and once again he surprises us by doing the right thing, just when it would have been much easier to do the wrong one.
THE MAIN CHARACTER : MARTIN JERROLD
Lazy, clumsy, and completely incompetent and unsuited to the role of a soldier, especially one with significant responsibilities, he might seem like the classic unbearable character, but instead he managed to win my sympathy and affection from the first book.
Besides being young and handsome, deep down he also has a good heart, and you can't help but root for him throughout: it's undeniable that every action undertaken reluctantly but with commitment is marred by bad luck.
In both the previous book and this one, the "villain" isn't just one person, but all those who treat him with merciless arrogance and a sense of superiority.
WHAT YOU CAN COUNT ON:
One thing I like about this author: bad guys and bullies always get what they deserve, and in the end, the unfortunate Martin Jerrold is rewarded for his efforts and the oppression he endured.
The writer presents his final reward as "undeserved." Actually, the character is endearing because, even though forced by forces beyond his control (superior orders, circumstances, and fate), he actually, almost without realizing it, gives it his all.
Perhaps he's the first to not truly believe in himself and to think of himself as a "cunning coward," but then the facts prove otherwise, and we can't help but love him and cheer with him at the moment of his moral vindication.
WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER :
__ SIDE CHARACTERS:
Isolbel, Nevill, and the little personal servant, those who respect and are friends with Martin, have minor roles in this story compared to installment #1.
If the novel had been longer and had featured more action scenes with the help of these recurring characters, it would have been perfect and I greatly appreciated it.
I was very happy to see them again; the presence of characters from the previous adventure helps me feel a sense of continuity in the series.
__ THE MAIN VILLAIN :
Major Lebrett, a cavalry officer obsessed with capturing the prisoner, is perhaps the most harsh of all toward Jerrold. The character is described as an efficient soldier, yet devoid of any scruples or conscience. Perhaps he could have been explored more deeply as the main foil to our "anti-hero" Jerrold, but I understand that when an author includes so many villains, it's difficult to fully focus on each character's personality.
This, however, is just my small observation, and it didn't detract from the story's effective enjoyment.
THE HISTORICAL BACKDROP:
Although the historical period is that of the Napoleonic Wars, when England and France were sworn enemies, the reader doesn't actually participate in any war scenes.
The real scenario you should imagine is one of breathing the salty sea air, mixed with the tension of political conspiracies, the smell of sweat during daring escapes, and occasionally the acrid odor of gun smoke.
There's a small, suspenseful action scene between two brigantines that, I must admit, made me want to read the classics by Patrick O'Brian (Master and Commander) or C.S. Forester (Horatio Hornblower).
WHO DO I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO?
Young adults and adults looking for a fast-paced, unpredictable novel that can be read in a couple of daysand will leave the reader feeling lighthearted and cheerful.
The language is clean, suitable even for very young readers, and there are no gory scenes that might upset more sensitive people.
Thank you for reading my review, and I apologize for any errors in my text, as English is not my native language.
It's a light, entertaining, and fast-paced historical mystery perfect for those seeking pure entertainment without too much effort, and appreciating the connections to real events from the past.
THE PLOT IN A NUTSHELL :
July 1806.
Just a few months earlier, Lieutenant Martin Jerrold had had to clear himself of an unjust murder charge, thus foiling, amidst a thousand blunders and misfortunes, a conspiracy traitorous to the English crown in favor of Napoleon. Now, promoted to captain, he
finds himself managing a prison ship in the Medway loaded with French convicts.
He couldn't be happier: he feels safe, far from the storms, the fighting, and all the burdens of naval service; moreover, he has the opportunity to enjoy himself permanently with his lover, Isobel, who, under the guise of his "cousin," regularly visits him on the ship. However, this idyllic situation is destined to come to an abrupt end.
Jerrold's luck runs out when one of the prisoners manages to escape thanks to his own carelessness. Removed from his captaincy and recalled to the capital by the First Lord of the Admiralty, he receives the strict task of tracking down the French fugitive by any means necessary. Thus begins, against his will, a pursuit that will take him from the swamps of Chatham to the slums of London, crossing the desolate areas of Dartmoor, and finally reaching Brighton, the emerging and elegant tourist destination on the coast.
At the post office, Mr. Nevell, a Secret Office spy and Jerrold's companion in the previous adventure, also expresses a certain interest, shared by the political leaders, both among the heir to the throne and among those in the opposition.
What is the reason the escaped prisoner is so important and everyone is willing to do anything to have him?
____ MY OPINION ___
As I said in the start, the book is entertaining with many sometimes ridiculous situations, but don't immediately classify it as a "silly" story, because even if we don't have a murder to investigate on, the mystery of the prisoner's importance gives the reader a sense of curiosity and suspense that keep on until one of the final chapters, in which someone finally reveals the truth to Jerrold and once again he surprises us by doing the right thing, just when it would have been much easier to do the wrong one.
THE MAIN CHARACTER : MARTIN JERROLD
Lazy, clumsy, and completely incompetent and unsuited to the role of a soldier, especially one with significant responsibilities, he might seem like the classic unbearable character, but instead he managed to win my sympathy and affection from the first book.
Besides being young and handsome, deep down he also has a good heart, and you can't help but root for him throughout: it's undeniable that every action undertaken reluctantly but with commitment is marred by bad luck.
In both the previous book and this one, the "villain" isn't just one person, but all those who treat him with merciless arrogance and a sense of superiority.
WHAT YOU CAN COUNT ON:
One thing I like about this author: bad guys and bullies always get what they deserve, and in the end, the unfortunate Martin Jerrold is rewarded for his efforts and the oppression he endured.
The writer presents his final reward as "undeserved." Actually, the character is endearing because, even though forced by forces beyond his control (superior orders, circumstances, and fate), he actually, almost without realizing it, gives it his all.
Perhaps he's the first to not truly believe in himself and to think of himself as a "cunning coward," but then the facts prove otherwise, and we can't help but love him and cheer with him at the moment of his moral vindication.
WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER :
__ SIDE CHARACTERS:
Isolbel, Nevill, and the little personal servant, those who respect and are friends with Martin, have minor roles in this story compared to installment #1.
If the novel had been longer and had featured more action scenes with the help of these recurring characters, it would have been perfect and I greatly appreciated it.
I was very happy to see them again; the presence of characters from the previous adventure helps me feel a sense of continuity in the series.
__ THE MAIN VILLAIN :
Major Lebrett, a cavalry officer obsessed with capturing the prisoner, is perhaps the most harsh of all toward Jerrold. The character is described as an efficient soldier, yet devoid of any scruples or conscience. Perhaps he could have been explored more deeply as the main foil to our "anti-hero" Jerrold, but I understand that when an author includes so many villains, it's difficult to fully focus on each character's personality.
This, however, is just my small observation, and it didn't detract from the story's effective enjoyment.
THE HISTORICAL BACKDROP:
Although the historical period is that of the Napoleonic Wars, when England and France were sworn enemies, the reader doesn't actually participate in any war scenes.
The real scenario you should imagine is one of breathing the salty sea air, mixed with the tension of political conspiracies, the smell of sweat during daring escapes, and occasionally the acrid odor of gun smoke.
There's a small, suspenseful action scene between two brigantines that, I must admit, made me want to read the classics by Patrick O'Brian (Master and Commander) or C.S. Forester (Horatio Hornblower).
WHO DO I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO?
Young adults and adults looking for a fast-paced, unpredictable novel that can be read in a couple of daysand will leave the reader feeling lighthearted and cheerful.
The language is clean, suitable even for very young readers, and there are no gory scenes that might upset more sensitive people.
Thank you for reading my review, and I apologize for any errors in my text, as English is not my native language.
January 23, 2022
**Should Read as 4.5 Stars!**
Read this book in 2005, and its the 2nd part of the "Martin Jerrold" series.
Its July, AD 1806, and Martin Jerrold, far from the actual battles, storm and disagreeable elements of naval life, is Commanding the prison-hulk in the Medway guarding French prisoners.
When one of these Frenchmen, Dumont, goes missing, Jerrold is summoned by the First Lord of the Admiralty in London and told in a most pressing manner that this Frenchman must be recaptured as soon as possible.
This pursuit will take Jerrold all over England, from the slums of London to the stinking marches of Chatham, from the wilds of Dartmoor to the seaside port of Brighton.
This Frenchman has information that goes back twenty years and can damage the Government, because not only the Whig Government wants the man back in imprisonment and silenced, but also the Tory opposition, while also the seductive Princess Caroline has an unexpected interest in this man and case.
What is to follow is an astonishing naval adventure, where intrigue, deceit and treachery will play a major part in this wonderful told story of England in uproar, and where this secret from this Frenchman, Dumont, can bring disgrace to both societies on both sides of the channel.
Highly recommended, for this is a terrific addition to this wonderful series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "An Excellent Chains Of Albion"!
Read this book in 2005, and its the 2nd part of the "Martin Jerrold" series.
Its July, AD 1806, and Martin Jerrold, far from the actual battles, storm and disagreeable elements of naval life, is Commanding the prison-hulk in the Medway guarding French prisoners.
When one of these Frenchmen, Dumont, goes missing, Jerrold is summoned by the First Lord of the Admiralty in London and told in a most pressing manner that this Frenchman must be recaptured as soon as possible.
This pursuit will take Jerrold all over England, from the slums of London to the stinking marches of Chatham, from the wilds of Dartmoor to the seaside port of Brighton.
This Frenchman has information that goes back twenty years and can damage the Government, because not only the Whig Government wants the man back in imprisonment and silenced, but also the Tory opposition, while also the seductive Princess Caroline has an unexpected interest in this man and case.
What is to follow is an astonishing naval adventure, where intrigue, deceit and treachery will play a major part in this wonderful told story of England in uproar, and where this secret from this Frenchman, Dumont, can bring disgrace to both societies on both sides of the channel.
Highly recommended, for this is a terrific addition to this wonderful series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "An Excellent Chains Of Albion"!
November 6, 2025
From the moment I began reading The Chains of Albion, I became enraptured with the style and pace of writing. Almost immediately, as a reader, I felt I was in the hands of a writer well-versed in the craft. That was both comforting and reassuring.
The time is July 1806. The lead protagonist is Martin Jerrold, a Royal Navy officer in command of a prison ship full of French prisoners of war. The prison ship is a dismasted warship moored in the Thames in London, housing 800 men. Compared to the usual hazards of wartime life in the Navy, Jerrold has a safe, secure posting and is glad of it. Plus, he has a mistress, Isobel, who dotes on him and has an enchantingly childish zest for life that never fails to charm and engage Jerrold. How could life be any better?
But when one of the prisoners goes missing, Jerrold's life is turned upside down in an instant. His command is taken away from him and he is enjoined by a contemptuous cavalry officer (a Major Lebrett) to assist him in finding this prisoner, Dumont. A prisoner who, as the novel progresses, has a special value to both the Admiralty and the government. Jerrold is required to find Dumont at any cost. Otherwise his naval career will likely become forfeit. This leads to him going on a wild chase across England in pursuit of Dumont so as to prevent him securing passage on a smuggler's ship to France.
The chase itself proves to be highly dangerous and full of surprises, making The Chains of Albion one of the most delightful thrillers I've read in quite some time. I recommend it highly.
The time is July 1806. The lead protagonist is Martin Jerrold, a Royal Navy officer in command of a prison ship full of French prisoners of war. The prison ship is a dismasted warship moored in the Thames in London, housing 800 men. Compared to the usual hazards of wartime life in the Navy, Jerrold has a safe, secure posting and is glad of it. Plus, he has a mistress, Isobel, who dotes on him and has an enchantingly childish zest for life that never fails to charm and engage Jerrold. How could life be any better?
But when one of the prisoners goes missing, Jerrold's life is turned upside down in an instant. His command is taken away from him and he is enjoined by a contemptuous cavalry officer (a Major Lebrett) to assist him in finding this prisoner, Dumont. A prisoner who, as the novel progresses, has a special value to both the Admiralty and the government. Jerrold is required to find Dumont at any cost. Otherwise his naval career will likely become forfeit. This leads to him going on a wild chase across England in pursuit of Dumont so as to prevent him securing passage on a smuggler's ship to France.
The chase itself proves to be highly dangerous and full of surprises, making The Chains of Albion one of the most delightful thrillers I've read in quite some time. I recommend it highly.
September 19, 2017
Have you ever read a book with such clumsy plotting and poorly crafted characters that you were incapable of suspending disbelief? That's what it's like to read this book. The author bludgeons you over the head with one unrealistic scenario after another and hopes no one will notice.
A more skilled author might have used dramatic irony to justify the most conspicuous contrivances that escaped the protagonist's attention but were blatantly obvious to the reader. Instead, the reader was expected to be just as unobservant and obtuse as the protagonist, undermining my ability to sympathize with the character and immerse myself in the story.
No characters questioned mischievous behavior, subordinate crewmen never found reasons to inform their superiors of suspicious events and if they did it's brushed aside or forgotten, and the protagonist was entirely incapable of using deductive reasoning.
For instance, he doesn't question why or how a robbery aboard the prison hulk might correspond to the prisoner's escape, and is genuinely surprised to discover a correlation between the two. It's insulting to the reader's intelligence. I found myself rolling my eyes so often that I developed a migraine. The lack of realism eventually builds into a tsunami of contrivances, pinning the story under its own wreckage. I didn't even bother finishing the last few chapters. Quite frankly, life's too short to waste time on books of this caliber. If you're a forgiving reader who can overlook condescending writing, then you might find enjoyment out of it, especially if you're already a fan of the series. But if you're a more discriminate reader, this may strike you as particularly substandard.
A more skilled author might have used dramatic irony to justify the most conspicuous contrivances that escaped the protagonist's attention but were blatantly obvious to the reader. Instead, the reader was expected to be just as unobservant and obtuse as the protagonist, undermining my ability to sympathize with the character and immerse myself in the story.
No characters questioned mischievous behavior, subordinate crewmen never found reasons to inform their superiors of suspicious events and if they did it's brushed aside or forgotten, and the protagonist was entirely incapable of using deductive reasoning.
For instance, he doesn't question why or how a robbery aboard the prison hulk might correspond to the prisoner's escape, and is genuinely surprised to discover a correlation between the two. It's insulting to the reader's intelligence. I found myself rolling my eyes so often that I developed a migraine. The lack of realism eventually builds into a tsunami of contrivances, pinning the story under its own wreckage. I didn't even bother finishing the last few chapters. Quite frankly, life's too short to waste time on books of this caliber. If you're a forgiving reader who can overlook condescending writing, then you might find enjoyment out of it, especially if you're already a fan of the series. But if you're a more discriminate reader, this may strike you as particularly substandard.
October 24, 2020
I was sceptical of these books, because I generally find heroes who spend all their time resisting being part of the story tiresome, but Jerrold is likable and it works here. Honestly this one probably works better than the first in the series.
July 14, 2024
Action packed swashbuckling political adventure. Really glad I’ve found this trilogy.
March 6, 2014
This seems better - fingers crossed. A prison boat far from the action of war...
Narrator..................David Thorpe
Abr/Unabr...............Unabridged
Genre.......................Adventure
Source.....................9 CDs
Just a bit too light. Out of the two series, I prefer Flashman just a smidgeon more
Narrator..................David Thorpe
Abr/Unabr...............Unabridged
Genre.......................Adventure
Source.....................9 CDs
Just a bit too light. Out of the two series, I prefer Flashman just a smidgeon more
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2011
Good sequel to The blighted cliffs. Again, I just really enjoy Lt. Jerrold. Love his cowardice, his simplicity, his concern over his his heavy-handed uncloe. Who can't identify? Admittedly this isn't fine literature and not even high adventure, but it's a lot of fun. I look forward to the next installment.
March 25, 2012
It was fairly good for it to be the second book to complete
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews