A First Command

by James Burns

Welcome to the world of an 18th century sailor. Welcome to a world of adventure, a world of danger, of death! Welcome... to war! Lieutenant George Wilson of His Britannic Majesty's Royal Navy is second in command aboard one of the Navy's smallest frigates, the Bellan of 24 guns. With war having just broken out with revolutionary France in 1793, Bellan is part of the squadron patrolling the western coast of the Iberian Peninsula, the Bay of Biscay. As the war draws ever closer fortunes change for Wilson. He captures a prize, he is given responsibility for sailing her home to Portsmouth, and the next thing he is aware of he is back in the Bay, only this time he has his own ship, his first command. But now he must fight, now he must command his frigate, his crew, and battle his way through both wind, wave and foe alike. How will he cope with the news of tragedy, with the capture of a close friend, with a tense and delicate diplomatic situation? Ultimately, Wilson will face his greatest challenge, the enemy. And when he does, then he will discover whether his command, this first command... will also be his last. .................................................. 'A First Command' has been compared to the works of C S Forester and Patrick O'Brian, James Burns was also announced as a runner up in the inaugural Chalke Valley History Prize Competition for the novel. Visit the official website of 'A First Command' www.afirstcommand.weebly.com/

156 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 29, 2012

Reviews

[Barry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable naval fiction introducing new captain George Wilson. Bit of an abrupt ending, signaling a sequel.