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Adventures of Charles Hayden #2
Die letzte Eskorte: Roman (Charles-Hayden-Reihe 2)
England, Winter 1793. Nachdem Charles Hayden einer Verurteilung durch das Kriegsgericht nur haarscharf entgangen ist, wird der junge Royal Navy Offizier erneut auf die Unglücksfregatte Themis beordert. Sein Auftrag diesmal: als so genannter "Acting Captain" einen Versorgungskonvoi sicher ins Mittelmeer eskortieren. Doch schon bald erscheinen dunkle Wolken am Horizont - und Hayden macht seinem Ruf, Feinde anzuziehen wie ein Magnet, alle Ehre ...
609 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
72 people are currently reading
750 people want to read
About the author
Sean Thomas Russell
10 books157 followersA pseudonym used by Sean Russell
Sean Russel has co-written, with Ian Dennis, a mystery series called "Memoirs of a Bow Street Runner". The first volume of the series was published by Bantam under their joint pen name, T.F. Banks.
Sean Russell was born 1952 in Toronto. At the age of three his family moved to the outskirts of the city, where they lived in a cottage at the beach of Lake Ontario. At the age of ten he decided to become an author, and the fantasy genre caught him years later, while reading J. R. R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. After university, he moved to Vancouver, and two years later to Vancouver Island, where he still lives with his family. He published his first novel in 1991. His first historical naval novel Under Enemy Colours, published in 2007, introduced a new Royal Navy hero, Charles Hayden, and HMS Themis, a fictitious frigate.
Sean Russel has co-written, with Ian Dennis, a mystery series called "Memoirs of a Bow Street Runner". The first volume of the series was published by Bantam under their joint pen name, T.F. Banks.
Sean Russell was born 1952 in Toronto. At the age of three his family moved to the outskirts of the city, where they lived in a cottage at the beach of Lake Ontario. At the age of ten he decided to become an author, and the fantasy genre caught him years later, while reading J. R. R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. After university, he moved to Vancouver, and two years later to Vancouver Island, where he still lives with his family. He published his first novel in 1991. His first historical naval novel Under Enemy Colours, published in 2007, introduced a new Royal Navy hero, Charles Hayden, and HMS Themis, a fictitious frigate.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
September 23, 2014
Well, this has been a disappointment. I absolutely loved the first book in this series and was expecting more of the same in its sequel. But I have been let down by the tack this story took.
I never was a fan of the storyline into Haydn's personal life and especially his romantic intentions. Even in the first book I found it an awkward portion of the book and this installment just makes it worse.
On top of that are the many parts of the story that just drag on interminably. The Shakespeare play to start, while amusing, was just a ploy to make Haydn's romantic life seem less forgettable and only succeeded in making the non-naval section of the tale far too long. The golf game for the next, a strange interlude that left me thinking the author had conjured up some interesting facts about golfing and was determined to put them in the story, no matter how inappropriate. Also moving the 18 pounders, did this seriously have to take 60 pages?? And the French women component just seems forced in for added drama.
Other than that I have just a couple more irritating items. Haydn doesn't need to be angry all the time, I need him to act like a master and commander that really wants to be a captain and isn't always lipping off his superiors. And since when does the captain discuss every decision with his officers, it's too surreal to have an 18th century British captain acting like his ship is a democracy?
I wouldn't normally be so critical but I was really looking forward to this book and I was a bit upset. Now, this may be a lot of negative but it was not really that large a portion of the story and the rest was really good. Everything you would expect from naval fiction is there and it's good but the annoying bits are enough to take this down to a 3 star.
I never was a fan of the storyline into Haydn's personal life and especially his romantic intentions. Even in the first book I found it an awkward portion of the book and this installment just makes it worse.
On top of that are the many parts of the story that just drag on interminably. The Shakespeare play to start, while amusing, was just a ploy to make Haydn's romantic life seem less forgettable and only succeeded in making the non-naval section of the tale far too long. The golf game for the next, a strange interlude that left me thinking the author had conjured up some interesting facts about golfing and was determined to put them in the story, no matter how inappropriate. Also moving the 18 pounders, did this seriously have to take 60 pages?? And the French women component just seems forced in for added drama.
Other than that I have just a couple more irritating items. Haydn doesn't need to be angry all the time, I need him to act like a master and commander that really wants to be a captain and isn't always lipping off his superiors. And since when does the captain discuss every decision with his officers, it's too surreal to have an 18th century British captain acting like his ship is a democracy?
I wouldn't normally be so critical but I was really looking forward to this book and I was a bit upset. Now, this may be a lot of negative but it was not really that large a portion of the story and the rest was really good. Everything you would expect from naval fiction is there and it's good but the annoying bits are enough to take this down to a 3 star.
December 4, 2013
An exciting 4 Star Adventure
Another wonderful entry into the saga of Captain Charles Hayden. This second book in the series takes our hero back onto the vessel Themis, the location of adventure and mutiny the first time around. Still without an official posting as a Captain, Charles Hayden is posted to the ship to take a convoy across the waters too late in the season. The trip is filled with excitement. Several battles and pestilence aboard ship in the convoy, account for the excitement of the first 2/3 of the book. The last third of the book, the Author takes on real historical events. Specifically, Admiral Hoods delegation to Corsica. We are introduced to several real characters from History. Overall, the book provides plenty of excitement while our hero deals with two different adventures.
As the second book in a series, A Battle Won is written like most sequels. There is some repetition in the most interesting plot devices from the first book. Fortunately, there was sufficient difference to keep the story fresh. This installment does differ from the first in a couple of ways.
My only real issue with the book is when the story takes place on dry land. A significant portion of the story takes place in Corsica. During this period, the book slowed as writing was not as sharp as the portions that take place aboard the ship.
Overall, an excellent addition to the series. The author flexes his writing muscles and incorporates more real history into his story. This always adds more realism to HF. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Another wonderful entry into the saga of Captain Charles Hayden. This second book in the series takes our hero back onto the vessel Themis, the location of adventure and mutiny the first time around. Still without an official posting as a Captain, Charles Hayden is posted to the ship to take a convoy across the waters too late in the season. The trip is filled with excitement. Several battles and pestilence aboard ship in the convoy, account for the excitement of the first 2/3 of the book. The last third of the book, the Author takes on real historical events. Specifically, Admiral Hoods delegation to Corsica. We are introduced to several real characters from History. Overall, the book provides plenty of excitement while our hero deals with two different adventures.
As the second book in a series, A Battle Won is written like most sequels. There is some repetition in the most interesting plot devices from the first book. Fortunately, there was sufficient difference to keep the story fresh. This installment does differ from the first in a couple of ways.
My only real issue with the book is when the story takes place on dry land. A significant portion of the story takes place in Corsica. During this period, the book slowed as writing was not as sharp as the portions that take place aboard the ship.
Overall, an excellent addition to the series. The author flexes his writing muscles and incorporates more real history into his story. This always adds more realism to HF. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
May 1, 2017
A++ age of sail fiction.
I adore Captain Hayden. He is a wolf at sea and a lamb on land, an officer and a gentleman, a good man who is constantly beset by the worst luck but somehow he always prevails. So far. I just want to hug him at every turn! lol. The author is a master of setting up these complex situations that leave you on the edge of your seat until the final word. Past that, even, for this book leaves you on a cliffy that will have you scrambling to buy #3. Well done! :P
Now that I finally know all their names the crew has really grown on me too. Young Master Wickham, the sassy Hawthorne, grumpy but so capable Mr. Bathe, the parson with no delusions Mr. Smosh, and the unlikely hero young Mr. Gould. So many scenes had me in *stitches* laughing one minute, and then suddenly on tenterhooks again.
Also, Miss Henrietta is lovely and I'm holding my breath as to she and Hayden's possible engagement.
I see there are 4 of these books and I do hope there will be more someday. I'm going to commit Age of Sail blasphemy and admit that I like these books even better than O'Brian. :O
I adore Captain Hayden. He is a wolf at sea and a lamb on land, an officer and a gentleman, a good man who is constantly beset by the worst luck but somehow he always prevails. So far. I just want to hug him at every turn! lol. The author is a master of setting up these complex situations that leave you on the edge of your seat until the final word. Past that, even, for this book leaves you on a cliffy that will have you scrambling to buy #3. Well done! :P
Now that I finally know all their names the crew has really grown on me too. Young Master Wickham, the sassy Hawthorne, grumpy but so capable Mr. Bathe, the parson with no delusions Mr. Smosh, and the unlikely hero young Mr. Gould. So many scenes had me in *stitches* laughing one minute, and then suddenly on tenterhooks again.
Also, Miss Henrietta is lovely and I'm holding my breath as to she and Hayden's possible engagement.
I see there are 4 of these books and I do hope there will be more someday. I'm going to commit Age of Sail blasphemy and admit that I like these books even better than O'Brian. :O
March 22, 2013
Sean T. Russell is a writer you need to read if you are a fan of sailing navy warfare. A BATTLE WON (ISBN 9780425241325, trade paperback, $17.00) is the second in his series featuring Captain Charles Hayden of the Royal Navy circa 1793. In this story Hayden is restored to acting Captain of the Frigate Themis. On this journey, Hayden is ordered to escort a convoy from England to Gibraltar, meet Admiral Lord Hood in the Mediterranean Sea to whom he is supposed to turn over his ship, enters and escapes Toulon harbor in France from which Hood has departed and help in the capture of the island of Corsica.
He helps rescue a French woman and her daughter that will come back to haunt him. His staff plays a game of golf while at Gibraltar that is laugh out loud funny, especially if you know the game. He encounters two members of the British clergy one of whom tries to undermine Captain Hayden with his crew and Lord Hood. He has run-ins with two disagreeable naval captains. Many of the story lines are based on real events and several of the characters are based on real people associated with the true events. His romance with Henrietta that started to blossom in UNDER ENEMY COLORS hits a major and possibly fatal snag.
As much as I enjoyed reading Under Enemy Colors, A Battle Won surpasses the first book’s writing and story telling. Run, don’t walk, to your nearest bookseller for this book.
Go! Buy! Read!
I
He helps rescue a French woman and her daughter that will come back to haunt him. His staff plays a game of golf while at Gibraltar that is laugh out loud funny, especially if you know the game. He encounters two members of the British clergy one of whom tries to undermine Captain Hayden with his crew and Lord Hood. He has run-ins with two disagreeable naval captains. Many of the story lines are based on real events and several of the characters are based on real people associated with the true events. His romance with Henrietta that started to blossom in UNDER ENEMY COLORS hits a major and possibly fatal snag.
As much as I enjoyed reading Under Enemy Colors, A Battle Won surpasses the first book’s writing and story telling. Run, don’t walk, to your nearest bookseller for this book.
Go! Buy! Read!
I
November 15, 2013
Review
I already knew that Sean Thomas Russell could write, what I was more surprised about (again) was the differing nature of the stories with the story, this truly was a multi layered book. Normally you will have plots and sub plots in a book, and you will have threads that pull together at points in the book like fine stitching, and this book in most respects was the same, and yet different. On the one hand you have the blistering action, the harsh reality of nature on the high seas and the comradeship of those on board ship.
Without giving any plot away I have to say that the scenes written around the ship wreck are among the most harrowing I have read, giving the reader a real sense of the danger, the fear, the heroics, the cold and the power of nature, truly a great section of the book.
I had thought that Julian Stockwin was the Master of this part of the Historical fiction genre, but I'm revisiting that opinion after this book, it seems he has some serious competition.
I very much recommend this book, it not all balls out action, it has heart, soul and passion as well as action, danger and heroics.
(Parm)
I already knew that Sean Thomas Russell could write, what I was more surprised about (again) was the differing nature of the stories with the story, this truly was a multi layered book. Normally you will have plots and sub plots in a book, and you will have threads that pull together at points in the book like fine stitching, and this book in most respects was the same, and yet different. On the one hand you have the blistering action, the harsh reality of nature on the high seas and the comradeship of those on board ship.
Without giving any plot away I have to say that the scenes written around the ship wreck are among the most harrowing I have read, giving the reader a real sense of the danger, the fear, the heroics, the cold and the power of nature, truly a great section of the book.
I had thought that Julian Stockwin was the Master of this part of the Historical fiction genre, but I'm revisiting that opinion after this book, it seems he has some serious competition.
I very much recommend this book, it not all balls out action, it has heart, soul and passion as well as action, danger and heroics.
(Parm)
August 10, 2024
I grabbed this off the shelf at random and was pleasantly surprised. I’ve no idea if this was a particularly good book, but I enjoyed it immensely and found the blend of historical fiction to my liking. Great book and I’ll probably keep an eye out for the next one.
October 5, 2010
The just released, A Battle Won by S. Thomas Russell, is classic nautical fiction – vivid, fast paced and full of drama, both on sea and land. Master and Commander Charles Hayden is a gifted naval commander with extremely bad luck. In the previous book, Under Enemy Colors, he found himself serving aboard HMS Themis, a frigate with a tyrannical captain and a mutinous crew. Now in A Battle Won, instead of being allowed to take command of his own ship, Hayden is reassigned back to the Themis, a ship with such a bad reputation that no captain wants the command.
Hayden is a “job-captain,” assigned to deliver the ship to Admiral Hood in the Mediterranean, where it is expected that a new captain will be assigned. Captain Hayden and the Themis are also ordered to help guard a convey of merchant ships across the Bay of Biscay in the winter, under the command of an incompetent convoy commander with a very low opinion of Hayden based solely on the poor reputation of the “mutiny ship” Themis. On the voyage, Hayden must deal with a ship’s parson set on undermining his command and a deadly influenza outbreak, in addition to winter gales, the incompetent convoy commander, and French cruisers out to attack the convoy.
The real action begins when Hayden delivers the Themis to Hood, who temporarily leaves Hayden in the command of the frigate and then dispatches him on a mission to Corsica, where the British are helping the Corsicans drive out the French.
What makes A Battle Won so absorbing is simply that Russell writes exceptionally well. It is easy to slip into and be enveloped by the book. The scenes, both on shipboard and in Corsica, are well researched and the characters consistently both vivid and believable. It is, to use the cliché, a real page-turner, and sets us up for the next book in the series where Captain Hayden must again overcome the unfairness and ill fortune that blocks the advancement that he so richly deserves.
The only negative thing I can say about the book is also a positive, depending on your perspective. Captain Hayden and his exploits fit perfectly into the archetype of the historical naval fiction genre. He is a young and talented officer from a good background, yet held back by family history. He has more enemies than allies in the Admiralty yet ultimately rises in the rank through sheer ability. This brief bio applies to Charles Hayden, yet could also be applied to Jack Aubrey, Richard Bolitho, Horatio Hornblower and perhaps a score of others. What makes A Battle Won distinctive is Russell’s story telling. While reading the book, I felt at home, in comfortable surroundings. While the territory is familiar, it still seems fresh and original.
My one recurring complaint with much of traditional naval fiction is that it can be chronically episodic. Russell succeeds in avoiding this in A Battle Won. The major sections of the book, separated by diverting intermissions, end up feeling all part of the whole. Very nicely done.
A Battle Won will be savored by fans of historical naval fiction and will be a delight for those new to the genre. Highly recommended.
Hayden is a “job-captain,” assigned to deliver the ship to Admiral Hood in the Mediterranean, where it is expected that a new captain will be assigned. Captain Hayden and the Themis are also ordered to help guard a convey of merchant ships across the Bay of Biscay in the winter, under the command of an incompetent convoy commander with a very low opinion of Hayden based solely on the poor reputation of the “mutiny ship” Themis. On the voyage, Hayden must deal with a ship’s parson set on undermining his command and a deadly influenza outbreak, in addition to winter gales, the incompetent convoy commander, and French cruisers out to attack the convoy.
The real action begins when Hayden delivers the Themis to Hood, who temporarily leaves Hayden in the command of the frigate and then dispatches him on a mission to Corsica, where the British are helping the Corsicans drive out the French.
What makes A Battle Won so absorbing is simply that Russell writes exceptionally well. It is easy to slip into and be enveloped by the book. The scenes, both on shipboard and in Corsica, are well researched and the characters consistently both vivid and believable. It is, to use the cliché, a real page-turner, and sets us up for the next book in the series where Captain Hayden must again overcome the unfairness and ill fortune that blocks the advancement that he so richly deserves.
The only negative thing I can say about the book is also a positive, depending on your perspective. Captain Hayden and his exploits fit perfectly into the archetype of the historical naval fiction genre. He is a young and talented officer from a good background, yet held back by family history. He has more enemies than allies in the Admiralty yet ultimately rises in the rank through sheer ability. This brief bio applies to Charles Hayden, yet could also be applied to Jack Aubrey, Richard Bolitho, Horatio Hornblower and perhaps a score of others. What makes A Battle Won distinctive is Russell’s story telling. While reading the book, I felt at home, in comfortable surroundings. While the territory is familiar, it still seems fresh and original.
My one recurring complaint with much of traditional naval fiction is that it can be chronically episodic. Russell succeeds in avoiding this in A Battle Won. The major sections of the book, separated by diverting intermissions, end up feeling all part of the whole. Very nicely done.
A Battle Won will be savored by fans of historical naval fiction and will be a delight for those new to the genre. Highly recommended.
March 6, 2017
Great REad
November 10, 2014
I'm sad to say I ended up being slightly disappointed by this sequel to the first work in the series, Under Enemy Colours.
There is no doubt that this series can achieve great moments. When this book set its mind to it it can be amazingly atmospheric and engaging. For example there is a chapter set on a slowly sinking frigate and the writing during that chapter was so captivatingly eerily it had me shivering in horror. It's clearly my favourite and one of the most powerful parts of the book.
Sadly A Battle Won suffers from the same problems as its predecessor. The, in my eyes, worst offense is that most of its characters have so little to offer apart from the basic Age of Sail literature archetypes they are based on. The clichéd characters were already the biggest annoyance in the first book, and I dearly hoped this would improve with the following volume, but it was simply not the case. Plus I felt like this book simply repeated a lot of the same character clichés we already encountered in the first one: Pool is the new Harte, and Saint-Denis is the new Landry. And the worst thing is they both represent two of my most hated character clichés - the haughty superior, blind to his own inadequacy who just can't see the talents and merits of the protagonist for what they are. And the incompetent, jealous subordinate, who might go through something of a change for the better but will die for his past sins before he can become a character in his or her own right.
Characters that showed promise in the first book (like Wickham or Archer) are underused in this book and appear even less three dimensional than in the first volume of the series. This is a sad state of affairs! Actually the only character I was really happy this time around was Hawthorne! Even the new middy, Gould, is just too good to be true. And he is certainly more worldwise and wellspoken by the end of the book than I will believe of a character that young, even considering the age into which he was born and grew up in.
So, what about our hero? I'm said to say it, but I find Hayden mostly boring. I couldn't bring myself to care much about his courtship of his love interest in the first couple of chapters. And I did not really feel drawn-in enough by him to empathise with his troubles at see.
The only part of his personal journey and the complications that go with it I truly got invested in where the developements of the last couple of chapters, because the hero finding himself involved in that kind of fraud is something I have not read yet within the genre. So, yes, damnit, I thought I was ready to abandon this series after two books, but I guess I'll stick around for the solution of that plot arc.
And who knows? The parts of this series that so far I've had the most trouble with might still improve. And it's not as if this book had not shown great promise in many parts.
There is no doubt that this series can achieve great moments. When this book set its mind to it it can be amazingly atmospheric and engaging. For example there is a chapter set on a slowly sinking frigate and the writing during that chapter was so captivatingly eerily it had me shivering in horror. It's clearly my favourite and one of the most powerful parts of the book.
Sadly A Battle Won suffers from the same problems as its predecessor. The, in my eyes, worst offense is that most of its characters have so little to offer apart from the basic Age of Sail literature archetypes they are based on. The clichéd characters were already the biggest annoyance in the first book, and I dearly hoped this would improve with the following volume, but it was simply not the case. Plus I felt like this book simply repeated a lot of the same character clichés we already encountered in the first one: Pool is the new Harte, and Saint-Denis is the new Landry. And the worst thing is they both represent two of my most hated character clichés - the haughty superior, blind to his own inadequacy who just can't see the talents and merits of the protagonist for what they are. And the incompetent, jealous subordinate, who might go through something of a change for the better but will die for his past sins before he can become a character in his or her own right.
Characters that showed promise in the first book (like Wickham or Archer) are underused in this book and appear even less three dimensional than in the first volume of the series. This is a sad state of affairs! Actually the only character I was really happy this time around was Hawthorne! Even the new middy, Gould, is just too good to be true. And he is certainly more worldwise and wellspoken by the end of the book than I will believe of a character that young, even considering the age into which he was born and grew up in.
So, what about our hero? I'm said to say it, but I find Hayden mostly boring. I couldn't bring myself to care much about his courtship of his love interest in the first couple of chapters. And I did not really feel drawn-in enough by him to empathise with his troubles at see.
The only part of his personal journey and the complications that go with it I truly got invested in where the developements of the last couple of chapters, because the hero finding himself involved in that kind of fraud is something I have not read yet within the genre. So, yes, damnit, I thought I was ready to abandon this series after two books, but I guess I'll stick around for the solution of that plot arc.
And who knows? The parts of this series that so far I've had the most trouble with might still improve. And it's not as if this book had not shown great promise in many parts.
February 10, 2012
I know it's a bit of a cliche these days to call someone writing in this genre an 'heir to Patrick O'Brian' but I think Sean Thomas Russell deserves this epithet at least a little, as he is developing these characters nicely into what I hope will be a long series of Charles Hayden books.
Commissioned again with temporary command of the frigate HMS Themis, a ship no post-captain wants because of its mutinous history (as depicted in the events of Under Enemy Colours) Charles Hayden and his familiar Themis crew join other Royal Navy ships protecting a convoy bound for Gibraltar to supply Admiral Hood's fleet. On the way, they encounter enemy action and foul weather whilst Hayden must deal with unjustified suspicion and hostility from those in command of the other RN ships in the convoy.
The action also takes in skirmishes with the enemy in Toulon along with an extended scene set on Corsica as Hayden works with the Army to support independence efforts there led by General Paoli.
This was a very enjoyable read and Russell does a great job describing sea life and battle engagements with all their uplifting moments and gory afflictions, whilst the suite of characters created leave room for further development in future stories.
Also, Russell doesn't go into too much detail describing the technicalities of sailing in the way Patrick O'Brian did. Whilst I enjoyed all the Aubrey/Maturin series immensely, it was sometimes hard going. Russell still used the authentic words and names from the period to describe ship-board actions, but never overwhelming the reader.
The only criticism was the length of the story devoted to actions on Corsica and the painstaking preparations put in place by Hayden et al to support the Army's plans. Outside of getting the fact it was almost an impossible task being undertaken, it was nonetheless difficult getting a grip on the landscape being described. I found myself longing for Hayden to get himself back on the quarterdeck.
Overall, a book that had me looking forward to my daily commute, if only to give me dedicated time to dive back into the 1790s, and one when finished, left me in eager anticipation for another instalment.
Commissioned again with temporary command of the frigate HMS Themis, a ship no post-captain wants because of its mutinous history (as depicted in the events of Under Enemy Colours) Charles Hayden and his familiar Themis crew join other Royal Navy ships protecting a convoy bound for Gibraltar to supply Admiral Hood's fleet. On the way, they encounter enemy action and foul weather whilst Hayden must deal with unjustified suspicion and hostility from those in command of the other RN ships in the convoy.
The action also takes in skirmishes with the enemy in Toulon along with an extended scene set on Corsica as Hayden works with the Army to support independence efforts there led by General Paoli.
This was a very enjoyable read and Russell does a great job describing sea life and battle engagements with all their uplifting moments and gory afflictions, whilst the suite of characters created leave room for further development in future stories.
Also, Russell doesn't go into too much detail describing the technicalities of sailing in the way Patrick O'Brian did. Whilst I enjoyed all the Aubrey/Maturin series immensely, it was sometimes hard going. Russell still used the authentic words and names from the period to describe ship-board actions, but never overwhelming the reader.
The only criticism was the length of the story devoted to actions on Corsica and the painstaking preparations put in place by Hayden et al to support the Army's plans. Outside of getting the fact it was almost an impossible task being undertaken, it was nonetheless difficult getting a grip on the landscape being described. I found myself longing for Hayden to get himself back on the quarterdeck.
Overall, a book that had me looking forward to my daily commute, if only to give me dedicated time to dive back into the 1790s, and one when finished, left me in eager anticipation for another instalment.
April 30, 2011
A Battle Won by Sean Thomas Russell is the second novel depicting Charles Hayden aboard frigate Themis. Much of the book is based on actual historical events, which always makes for a better reading in my books - even when some actual historical figures have had to give way to fictional heroes filling their shoes.
Overall, I found this novel even more engaging than I did the first one and I'd be happy to recommend this to any fan of Napoleonic naval fiction. It is not quite up there with Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey/Maturin novels (which I'd describe as Literature with capital L), but the naval atmosphere and adventure is still very tangible on every page.
The only downside of the book, to me, was a longish description of a golf match that seemed to stop the progress of the story for an entire chapter - and seemed a little bit tagged-on for homour's sake.
Overall, I found this novel even more engaging than I did the first one and I'd be happy to recommend this to any fan of Napoleonic naval fiction. It is not quite up there with Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey/Maturin novels (which I'd describe as Literature with capital L), but the naval atmosphere and adventure is still very tangible on every page.
The only downside of the book, to me, was a longish description of a golf match that seemed to stop the progress of the story for an entire chapter - and seemed a little bit tagged-on for homour's sake.
May 17, 2018
Ripping good story about the HMS Juno's escape from Toulon! Also, excellent description of hoisting 4000 pound guns up the Corsican mountains.
Absolutely stupid (IMHO) golf interlude...but I don't like golf.
Absolutely stupid (IMHO) golf interlude...but I don't like golf.
November 20, 2021
I'm still on my journey of discovering Hornblower clones and each author seems to be better than the last. Too bad this is only a 4 book series. The writing is easy to read and follow, I can get into the book right away. The 2 plots so far have been somewhat unconventional.
Spoilers ahead:
In the first book our protagonist Lt. Hayden was promoted 2nd Lt. into a frigate with a shy captain and a lackey 1st Lt. He was sent there to report on the captain by the Secy. of the Admiralty and the captain tried his darnedest to kill him or discredit him. Despite that Hayden succeeded in performing his task well.
In this book Hayden is promoted to commander of a brig, but due to interests in the Admiralty actively working against him, he's given the task of being a job captain to take his old frigate to Gibraltar in a convoy. Once again the author gives him plenty of elements of conflict.
First of all the commodore in charge is a coward who dislikes him. On top of that he is given two passengers, one of whom is a clergyman who is unlikable and small mind causing trouble where ever he goes. Once again Hayden again saves the day by helping fight off French ships and privateers on the voyage and being maligned at the same time.
When we get to Gibraltar we have an interesting interlude where some of the characters partake in a golf game. The interlude is written with a comedic bent, totally unexpected in this historical naval fiction book. Quite entertaining and shows the breadth of the author's writing talents.
Hayden is supposed to go back to England but instead is told to deliver the frigate to Lord Hood in the Mediterranean. He first checks in at Toulon which is supposed to be in British/French Royalist hands but has been retaken by the Republicans. Only by his skill and luck does he narrowly escape.
He finally joins Hood who is engaged at that time in helping the Corsicans rebel and kick the French out of Corsica. Hood keeps Hayden in command of the Themis and tasks him to help John Moore of the army. This he does by bringing and siting British naval cannon on hill tops to batter French shore defenses from land. He ends the campaign by capturing a French frigate and preventing it from being fired.
Hood is actually an old friend of his father's and has been helping him as much as he can. When the campaign is over he sends Hayden back to England, still in command of the Themis where new orders await him.
Once in England there are further elements of conflict. Two French women (a mother and daughter) who he helped save from the Jacobins in Gibraltar are actually con-artists. He arranged passage for them to England (on the request of a distinguished English diplomat) where the daughter claims they were married and drew all his prize money from his agent as well as buying a lot of stuff from London merchants on Hayden's credit. Hayden's fiancee and family refuses to see him and he is left trying to unravel this mess and unmask the scammers.
However he has new orders from the Admiralty. His interest, Stephens the Navy Secy. gives him a new task, still in command of the Themis, and advises him to leave as quickly as possible before his enemies countermand these new orders and put him on the beach forever. This is where the book ends.
The plot is definitely unconventional as well as being long winded. A lot happens in this book. The author puts a lot of effort into the characters and does a good job of making them interesting and fun to read. The book also has a lot of interesting subplots, the golf game being one.
Like some of the Hornblower clones the plot follows some historical events and Hayden is inserted in place of historical characters. The author does a good job relating historical events and of commentary on them and naval matters. The action sequences are also well written.
I like Hornblower because Forester is a good writer, an intelligent writer and does great character studies. That's why years later and I can still remember little character vignettes, because they are so memorable and so well written and I can read them over and over again. They have the added feature of brevity, which I think is the only thing this author is missing from the above list. I'm not a big fan of elements of conflict because they limit the plot somewhat and because I feel for the protagonist and want smooth sailing for him.
I've already started on book 3 and looking forward to seeing what will happen next.
Edit: On reading one of the other reviews I'm reminded of the play subplot. Yea, I just fast read through those now. I don't find his romance interesting and tend to just speed through those parts.
Edit 2: Another reviewer noted that the land plot was boring. It doesn't have to be. Lt. Hornblower's segment on hauling the 9 pdr up to the cliff to hit the Spanish privateers was masterfully written. And part of the reason was because it was short and deftly done. Compare that to this long written segment on hauling the guns up. The author has already noted in the afterward that he cut it down, he should have cut it down some more!
Spoilers ahead:
In the first book our protagonist Lt. Hayden was promoted 2nd Lt. into a frigate with a shy captain and a lackey 1st Lt. He was sent there to report on the captain by the Secy. of the Admiralty and the captain tried his darnedest to kill him or discredit him. Despite that Hayden succeeded in performing his task well.
In this book Hayden is promoted to commander of a brig, but due to interests in the Admiralty actively working against him, he's given the task of being a job captain to take his old frigate to Gibraltar in a convoy. Once again the author gives him plenty of elements of conflict.
First of all the commodore in charge is a coward who dislikes him. On top of that he is given two passengers, one of whom is a clergyman who is unlikable and small mind causing trouble where ever he goes. Once again Hayden again saves the day by helping fight off French ships and privateers on the voyage and being maligned at the same time.
When we get to Gibraltar we have an interesting interlude where some of the characters partake in a golf game. The interlude is written with a comedic bent, totally unexpected in this historical naval fiction book. Quite entertaining and shows the breadth of the author's writing talents.
Hayden is supposed to go back to England but instead is told to deliver the frigate to Lord Hood in the Mediterranean. He first checks in at Toulon which is supposed to be in British/French Royalist hands but has been retaken by the Republicans. Only by his skill and luck does he narrowly escape.
He finally joins Hood who is engaged at that time in helping the Corsicans rebel and kick the French out of Corsica. Hood keeps Hayden in command of the Themis and tasks him to help John Moore of the army. This he does by bringing and siting British naval cannon on hill tops to batter French shore defenses from land. He ends the campaign by capturing a French frigate and preventing it from being fired.
Hood is actually an old friend of his father's and has been helping him as much as he can. When the campaign is over he sends Hayden back to England, still in command of the Themis where new orders await him.
Once in England there are further elements of conflict. Two French women (a mother and daughter) who he helped save from the Jacobins in Gibraltar are actually con-artists. He arranged passage for them to England (on the request of a distinguished English diplomat) where the daughter claims they were married and drew all his prize money from his agent as well as buying a lot of stuff from London merchants on Hayden's credit. Hayden's fiancee and family refuses to see him and he is left trying to unravel this mess and unmask the scammers.
However he has new orders from the Admiralty. His interest, Stephens the Navy Secy. gives him a new task, still in command of the Themis, and advises him to leave as quickly as possible before his enemies countermand these new orders and put him on the beach forever. This is where the book ends.
The plot is definitely unconventional as well as being long winded. A lot happens in this book. The author puts a lot of effort into the characters and does a good job of making them interesting and fun to read. The book also has a lot of interesting subplots, the golf game being one.
Like some of the Hornblower clones the plot follows some historical events and Hayden is inserted in place of historical characters. The author does a good job relating historical events and of commentary on them and naval matters. The action sequences are also well written.
I like Hornblower because Forester is a good writer, an intelligent writer and does great character studies. That's why years later and I can still remember little character vignettes, because they are so memorable and so well written and I can read them over and over again. They have the added feature of brevity, which I think is the only thing this author is missing from the above list. I'm not a big fan of elements of conflict because they limit the plot somewhat and because I feel for the protagonist and want smooth sailing for him.
I've already started on book 3 and looking forward to seeing what will happen next.
Edit: On reading one of the other reviews I'm reminded of the play subplot. Yea, I just fast read through those now. I don't find his romance interesting and tend to just speed through those parts.
Edit 2: Another reviewer noted that the land plot was boring. It doesn't have to be. Lt. Hornblower's segment on hauling the 9 pdr up to the cliff to hit the Spanish privateers was masterfully written. And part of the reason was because it was short and deftly done. Compare that to this long written segment on hauling the guns up. The author has already noted in the afterward that he cut it down, he should have cut it down some more!
July 16, 2017
The first book in Russell's Charles Hayden series earned four full stars from me -- losing the last one due to an on-shore, half-baked romantic subplot that felt ham-fisted in what would otherwise have been a perfect age of sail narrative. "A Battle Won," the second installment in the series garners a 3.5 for similar reasons, while also suffering through middle-child syndrome.
Hayden is back, reunited with his crew and his ship, the Themis, for another nautical adventure. Or, more aptly, a couple of nautical adventures loosely tied together in the semblance of a coherent plot. While all of the elements that I love about this series are still present and accounted for: the easy way of communicating intricate age of sail details tied in with engaging characters that you enjoy rooting for, the storyline flows less smoothly than it had in its predecessor. A convoy mission to escort ships across the Mediterranean ends abruptly with a chapter break, the next chapter beginning some weeks later. This kind of transition seems to take place every few chapters, leaving the reader to wonder what the overall story here is -- apparently Hayden's desire to prove himself and make his post, though this seems too general to carry the entire novel -- and ask whether or not Russell simply felt he'd written himself into a corner and copped out with "so, that ended alright somehow, anyway, a few weeks later..."
The out-of-place romance that occurred in the first novel is less prominent here, with Hayden spending much more of his time at sea - or at least away from England, given his on-shore activities in Corsica - but this subplot is none the less furthered with the even more infuriating "third-act misunderstanding" trope. Good. I hope she stays mad at him. Get your head in the game, Hayden. She's boring anyway.
3.5 stars for some plot issues. Given its position in the series: first book might end up being a standalone so it has to be written in a contained way, this second book was obviously written knowing there would be a third one coming up, so it uses that as a way to try and mask its narrative failings. Outside of the structure; the story-telling, characters, history and setting all remain excellent, worth the read particularly in the hopes that the books that follow don't suffer from the same issue.
Hayden is back, reunited with his crew and his ship, the Themis, for another nautical adventure. Or, more aptly, a couple of nautical adventures loosely tied together in the semblance of a coherent plot. While all of the elements that I love about this series are still present and accounted for: the easy way of communicating intricate age of sail details tied in with engaging characters that you enjoy rooting for, the storyline flows less smoothly than it had in its predecessor. A convoy mission to escort ships across the Mediterranean ends abruptly with a chapter break, the next chapter beginning some weeks later. This kind of transition seems to take place every few chapters, leaving the reader to wonder what the overall story here is -- apparently Hayden's desire to prove himself and make his post, though this seems too general to carry the entire novel -- and ask whether or not Russell simply felt he'd written himself into a corner and copped out with "so, that ended alright somehow, anyway, a few weeks later..."
The out-of-place romance that occurred in the first novel is less prominent here, with Hayden spending much more of his time at sea - or at least away from England, given his on-shore activities in Corsica - but this subplot is none the less furthered with the even more infuriating "third-act misunderstanding" trope. Good. I hope she stays mad at him. Get your head in the game, Hayden. She's boring anyway.
3.5 stars for some plot issues. Given its position in the series: first book might end up being a standalone so it has to be written in a contained way, this second book was obviously written knowing there would be a third one coming up, so it uses that as a way to try and mask its narrative failings. Outside of the structure; the story-telling, characters, history and setting all remain excellent, worth the read particularly in the hopes that the books that follow don't suffer from the same issue.
July 14, 2018
A book on British naval history just prior to the Napoleonic Wars and in the middle of the French Revolution causing France to self-destruct, the setting and characters are a British naval officer and ship tainted with previous mutiny - bringing to life quite well the existing aboard such ships of the age. The main characters then bump into John Moore at the beginning of his career and the first time I have seen him fictionalised in a book - with the author having a difficult task of reading the character of someone to be rather well regarded in that era. And as they used to say of General Sir John Moore, "Very good looking in his uniform, even better looking with nothing on." As the author points out the plot line goes off on tangents to take in a hilarious golf match on Gibraltar, and rabid dogs and the precautions one had to take if bitten by one.
March 31, 2024
As a reader of all Alexander Kent's Bolitho novels and some of C S Forrester's from an earlier time , I thought I should try a more recent writer of naval fiction and came across this author . The story combines two of the main character's adventures- one on convoy duty from England to Gibraltar and the other on Corsica when the island was trying to become a British protectorate rather than be part of Republican France ( not a history I was previously familiar with ). The book was very enjoyable , but too many of the chapters were unnecessarily and irritatingly long, while some of the detailed events will make more sense to the author than the reader. I shall certainly read another of his books .
February 23, 2019
Ok, but wasn't quite as good as I hoped. The golf interlude in the middle didn't quite work into the story, the convoy fleet seemed to be forgotten about in the story before it should have been, and some passages could have used less nautical terms and more character development and story. However, I generally liked it and will probably read the next in the series just to see where the story of Hayden goes.
August 25, 2022
Although I know little about the period of this story (1793), even less about maritime jargon, and nothing about naval warfare at the time, I still really enjoyed this book. It kept my interest, though I had doubts that it would. I wish I had read the first in the series first. I may go back and check it out.
This one is very much a cliff-hanger. I will read the third book, to see how things turn out.
This one is very much a cliff-hanger. I will read the third book, to see how things turn out.
January 17, 2024
The tradgey of an honorable man in British navy'
Our hero in this book is apparently bound to suffer always. It seems he will always chose the honorable path and be punished for it in Both his private life and his career. I for one tire of it and will read no more in this series. It is too depressing.
Our hero in this book is apparently bound to suffer always. It seems he will always chose the honorable path and be punished for it in Both his private life and his career. I for one tire of it and will read no more in this series. It is too depressing.
May 25, 2018
An amazingly heart-rending sequence at the end, totally unexpected. Why are people so willing to believe the worst about you with such certainty and so unwilling to entertain an explanation? I am absolutely desperate to continue to the next book. Which I will do. Right ... now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2019
thrilling and full of excitement
thrilling and full of excitement, though the writer choose to dwell on a few subjects like a game of golf until the point I just skimmed the chapter. Otherwise well written, well told and I do look forward for more.
thrilling and full of excitement, though the writer choose to dwell on a few subjects like a game of golf until the point I just skimmed the chapter. Otherwise well written, well told and I do look forward for more.
July 27, 2020
A great novel! He follows the history of this war between France and England closely and accurately. I appreciate that in novels. Hopefully I can find other books in this series. A fun book to read.
January 29, 2022
Book 2 Improves
The first book in the series was excellent. This 2nd book builds upon the last and increases the value of the overall story. A splendid English sailing series so far.
The first book in the series was excellent. This 2nd book builds upon the last and increases the value of the overall story. A splendid English sailing series so far.
January 30, 2025
I’m deeply invested into the characters of this series, and love the writing style of Russell. The books do tend to drag on from time to time but I still thoroughly enjoy them. Excited for the next one.
November 27, 2018
Very easy. To read good plots and characters like dewy lamden or O'Brien
October 18, 2019
Very good "Iron Men and Wooden Ships" book, the second in the series.
February 6, 2020
I liked it very much.
February 20, 2020
also very rousing.
April 6, 2020
Very similar tales to C S Forester. Well written and enjoyable non-the-less.
January 17, 2023
Excellent historic war novel
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