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Kingfisher
It is the reign of Charles II and Barbary pirates are causing mayhem and terror in the Mediterranean. Nineteen-year-old Ralph Wrenn has been at sea since the age of ten. Recently promoted, he now serves as the fourth officer on the HMS Kingfisher, a new type of warship constructed to conceal weaponry behind false bulkheads.
Masquerading as a merchantman, Ralph and his men counter the attacks of pirates and capture their ships.
But when one such mission introduces him to a beautiful and intriguing young woman, it’s not just battles at sea Wrenn must contend with, as this beguiling stranger is certainly not all she appears to be.
Based on true exploits of the Kingfisher, leading to the battle of the seven Algerines, this thrilling novel is perfect for lovers of swashbuckling naval adventures.
Masquerading as a merchantman, Ralph and his men counter the attacks of pirates and capture their ships.
But when one such mission introduces him to a beautiful and intriguing young woman, it’s not just battles at sea Wrenn must contend with, as this beguiling stranger is certainly not all she appears to be.
Based on true exploits of the Kingfisher, leading to the battle of the seven Algerines, this thrilling novel is perfect for lovers of swashbuckling naval adventures.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2023
521 people are currently reading
1693 people want to read
About the author
Christopher C. Tubbs
35 books109 followersBiography
I am descendent of a long line of Dorset clay miners and have chased my family tree back to the 16th century in the Isle of Purbeck. I have been a public speaker at conferences for most of my career in the Aerospace and Automotive industries and was one of the founders of a successful games company back in the 1990’s.
Now in my sixties, and living in the Netherlands Antilles, I finally got to write the stories I had going around in my head for many years. Thanks to inspiration from the great sea authors like Alexander Kent, Dewey Lambdin, Patrick O’Brian and Dudley Pope I was finally able to put digit to keyboard and start writing the Dorset Boy series.
I make no apologies that I write for myself. The stories emerge as I write and I am often surprised by the twists and turns that they take.
I am descendent of a long line of Dorset clay miners and have chased my family tree back to the 16th century in the Isle of Purbeck. I have been a public speaker at conferences for most of my career in the Aerospace and Automotive industries and was one of the founders of a successful games company back in the 1990’s.
Now in my sixties, and living in the Netherlands Antilles, I finally got to write the stories I had going around in my head for many years. Thanks to inspiration from the great sea authors like Alexander Kent, Dewey Lambdin, Patrick O’Brian and Dudley Pope I was finally able to put digit to keyboard and start writing the Dorset Boy series.
I make no apologies that I write for myself. The stories emerge as I write and I am often surprised by the twists and turns that they take.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
May 15, 2024
"He jumped up and pulled on trousers, shoes and a shirt and struggled up to the deck. The ship was under storm sails only. The deck was a river of water that deluged from the heavens. He was soaked to the skin in seconds. ‘Mr Wrenn, you are inappropriately dressed,’ Kempthorne shouted over the wind from inside a tarpaulin coat and hat. Ralph grabbed a stay and hung on. ‘It’s a little rough, sir.’ ‘Came in an hour ago and has been getting worse by the minute. All we can do is run before it.’ There was a crack like the shot from a gun and rigging parted. ‘Get that repaired or replaced immediately or we will lose a mast,’ he shouted. Ralph made his way hand over hand down a safety line and found some men on deck sheltering under the gunnel. ‘You men come with me.’ He led them to the mizzen and gave instructions. ‘You, get up there and make this fast on the futtock shroud.’ He handed the man the end of a rope. ‘You, help him.’"
Tubbs has been writing historical naval yarns for some time. I think he has found an interesting subject: the British effort against the Barbary pirates. So, at least in this book, much of the time is spent in the Mediterranean with some interesting details of Naples and the Algerian coast during that period.
He writes with a more gritty style than the authors of either the Hornblower or Aubrey/Maturin series. The language is coarser; the base desires more evident; and the action is frequent and violent. This book is filled with tactics accompanied by dollops of strategy. "‘Do not underestimate the Algerians. They are learning fast how to handle European ships and have acquired enough expertise to cause problems.’"
"Ralph let them get to two sword lengths before stepping forward with a stamp and a shout. ‘HAH!’ He knocked the leader’s sword aside and kicked him in the gut. As he doubled, Ralph swung his dagger and smashed him in the side of the head with the guard. The leader staggered towards the flanking man. Ralph turned on his other, nervous, opponent. He parried a wild swing which put the man off balance. That gave him time to spin and shove the staggering leader into the flanker before turning just in time to parry another swing with his dagger. It was another uncontrolled wild swing and left his opponent open. He thrust with his sword, which entered the man’s throat just below his chin. He twisted and withdrew. He spun around. The leader had recovered somewhat though blood trickled down his face. The two men advanced, moving apart to divide his defence. He watched them and waited. They started to circle him in opposite directions. He needed to take the initiative."
"‘Larboard guns, repel boarders!’ he shouted and launched himself into the thick of the fight. He found himself facing a man with a curved sword. It arced horizontally towards his chest. Ralph parried with his dagger and kicked him in the gut. As he doubled over, he brought his sword down on his neck. A second came in from the side and he turned to take him just as a pike thrust took the man in the side. He had no time to thank the soldier as he had to parry another sword thrust with his sword."
You have the essence of this novel. Below are some other items that pleased me.
4*
There are many delightful nautical terms and tactics:
"The wind wasn’t a rank muzzler but too fine on the bow for the galiote to sail against."
"…ropes flaked down neatly."
"Her hull was made as sound as it was when it was new and coated in brown stuff. Brown stuff was a mixture of Tar and Pitch called black stuff, with added brimstone. It was deemed more effective than black stuff alone."
"Ralph stretched the chase out for as long as he could to give the men time to train with the new tactics, but the inevitable came. The two dhows were no more than a quarter mile behind when they fired their cannon. The balls, all four of them, missed by yards, but the fire served to fire up the pirates, who climbed the sides and waved their weapons. ‘Everybody ready?’ Ralph bellowed and got a unified shout back. His sail handlers clued up the mains and the rate of closure increased dramatically as their speed suddenly dropped. That was designed to upset the pirate’s timing as they came alongside quicker than they expected."
"What the pirates didn’t know was that the Kingfisher had raised its topmasts once out of sight of the land and with the extra height could spot the pirates at twenty-seven miles. They set no topsails so it would be impossible for their opponents to see them until their mainsails came up over the horizon."
And details of nautical engagements at the end of the eighteenth century.
"‘What do you see?’ Ralph said. ‘There is a flake hanging about nine foot down. That probably means there is honeycombing.’ The problem with honeycombing was it weakened the iron and the barrel could explode when the charge was fired. The result would be catastrophic in the confines of the gun deck with shrapnel flying around killing or wounding not only that gun’s crew but the crews of the adjacent guns."
"He and the gunner worked out the most efficient method for getting cartridges from the magazine to the guns. Wooden chests were installed on the deck as temporary storage for four rounds of powder for the main guns and eight for the swivels. This would avoid stray sparks from detonating them. These would be kept topped up by the powder monkeys who would continuously carry cartridges up from below rather than bring one up and wait for the gun crew to claim it. This way every gun would have two cartridges available and a swivel the same."
Tubbs has been writing historical naval yarns for some time. I think he has found an interesting subject: the British effort against the Barbary pirates. So, at least in this book, much of the time is spent in the Mediterranean with some interesting details of Naples and the Algerian coast during that period.
He writes with a more gritty style than the authors of either the Hornblower or Aubrey/Maturin series. The language is coarser; the base desires more evident; and the action is frequent and violent. This book is filled with tactics accompanied by dollops of strategy. "‘Do not underestimate the Algerians. They are learning fast how to handle European ships and have acquired enough expertise to cause problems.’"
"Ralph let them get to two sword lengths before stepping forward with a stamp and a shout. ‘HAH!’ He knocked the leader’s sword aside and kicked him in the gut. As he doubled, Ralph swung his dagger and smashed him in the side of the head with the guard. The leader staggered towards the flanking man. Ralph turned on his other, nervous, opponent. He parried a wild swing which put the man off balance. That gave him time to spin and shove the staggering leader into the flanker before turning just in time to parry another swing with his dagger. It was another uncontrolled wild swing and left his opponent open. He thrust with his sword, which entered the man’s throat just below his chin. He twisted and withdrew. He spun around. The leader had recovered somewhat though blood trickled down his face. The two men advanced, moving apart to divide his defence. He watched them and waited. They started to circle him in opposite directions. He needed to take the initiative."
"‘Larboard guns, repel boarders!’ he shouted and launched himself into the thick of the fight. He found himself facing a man with a curved sword. It arced horizontally towards his chest. Ralph parried with his dagger and kicked him in the gut. As he doubled over, he brought his sword down on his neck. A second came in from the side and he turned to take him just as a pike thrust took the man in the side. He had no time to thank the soldier as he had to parry another sword thrust with his sword."
You have the essence of this novel. Below are some other items that pleased me.
4*
There are many delightful nautical terms and tactics:
"The wind wasn’t a rank muzzler but too fine on the bow for the galiote to sail against."
"…ropes flaked down neatly."
"Her hull was made as sound as it was when it was new and coated in brown stuff. Brown stuff was a mixture of Tar and Pitch called black stuff, with added brimstone. It was deemed more effective than black stuff alone."
"Ralph stretched the chase out for as long as he could to give the men time to train with the new tactics, but the inevitable came. The two dhows were no more than a quarter mile behind when they fired their cannon. The balls, all four of them, missed by yards, but the fire served to fire up the pirates, who climbed the sides and waved their weapons. ‘Everybody ready?’ Ralph bellowed and got a unified shout back. His sail handlers clued up the mains and the rate of closure increased dramatically as their speed suddenly dropped. That was designed to upset the pirate’s timing as they came alongside quicker than they expected."
"What the pirates didn’t know was that the Kingfisher had raised its topmasts once out of sight of the land and with the extra height could spot the pirates at twenty-seven miles. They set no topsails so it would be impossible for their opponents to see them until their mainsails came up over the horizon."
And details of nautical engagements at the end of the eighteenth century.
"‘What do you see?’ Ralph said. ‘There is a flake hanging about nine foot down. That probably means there is honeycombing.’ The problem with honeycombing was it weakened the iron and the barrel could explode when the charge was fired. The result would be catastrophic in the confines of the gun deck with shrapnel flying around killing or wounding not only that gun’s crew but the crews of the adjacent guns."
"He and the gunner worked out the most efficient method for getting cartridges from the magazine to the guns. Wooden chests were installed on the deck as temporary storage for four rounds of powder for the main guns and eight for the swivels. This would avoid stray sparks from detonating them. These would be kept topped up by the powder monkeys who would continuously carry cartridges up from below rather than bring one up and wait for the gun crew to claim it. This way every gun would have two cartridges available and a swivel the same."
January 7, 2025
Swashbuckling tale of fighting Barbary Coast pirates on a tall ship. This sailor learned a lot of new nautical vocabulary.
July 2, 2024
I had to read this, a book cover with a full-rigged ship on it, I will almost always want to read, but this novel was not by the likes of CS Forester nor Patrick O’Brian. The author loves the sea, however, and that love is apparent. The setting was interesting; earlier than the Napoleonic Wars, but lacked substance in that there was no language from that era used by any characters, none of whom were particularly believable nor particularly likable. There were a lot of nautical terms thrown about. The story was told in little short vignettes, which often were well described, but didn’t move the story along to tell a cohesive tale. Maybe the 2nd adventure, which is on my kindle, will be better!
June 10, 2024
An excellent start to a new series
An earlier period than your typical, Napoleonic Era Age of Sail, so we will get to look at warfare at see before the British became dominant. Good characters and good history drive an action oriented story line quite nicely.
An earlier period than your typical, Napoleonic Era Age of Sail, so we will get to look at warfare at see before the British became dominant. Good characters and good history drive an action oriented story line quite nicely.
April 24, 2024
In the late 17th century the Barbary pirates were ravaging shipping in the Mediterranean and beyond capturing slaves, goods, and ships. To combat this scourge, the Lords of the Admiralty developed a plan to lure the pirates into a trap – building a decoy of a fourth rated warship; "a juicy fly that has a hidden sting" (p. 2). Newly promoted nineteen year old Lieutenant Ralph Wrenn is assigned to the Kingfisher, the fly with the sting of two decks of cannon that can be hidden as a merchant ship.
This is the first book that I have read by Christopher C. Tubbs and it will not be the last. The story grapped my attention from the beginning and it never flagged throughout. Ralph is nice drawn character that I connected with and wanted to follow – the essence of a good novel. There is plenty of action, appropriately informed by a working knowledge of fighting ships and the time. It is well paced and populated with interesting characters in Ralph's world.
A very enjoyable and engaging read!
This is the first book that I have read by Christopher C. Tubbs and it will not be the last. The story grapped my attention from the beginning and it never flagged throughout. Ralph is nice drawn character that I connected with and wanted to follow – the essence of a good novel. There is plenty of action, appropriately informed by a working knowledge of fighting ships and the time. It is well paced and populated with interesting characters in Ralph's world.
A very enjoyable and engaging read!
April 14, 2024
What I really enjoyed about this book was the description of all things nautical. You can tell the author clearly cares about it and knows his stuff! It made it thoroughly enjoyable to read as a fan of sailing and the age of sail. The only point I had against the book was that the various characters felt slightly flat. Specifically, the main character, Ralph, seems to have little in the ways of flaws or personal obstacles to overcome. The narrative was direct and tight so I don’t fault it to heavily for having rigid characters. I would happily recommend this book to anyone with a love of sailing or nautical adventure. Easy to read and, I found, hard to put down.
January 29, 2024
Action Packed
I have never read a period naval adventure before. This story had me truly enthralled. At times it felt as if I was aboard ship, l was able to relate to all the characters and the running of the ship. Loved all the naval technical jargon, even though I didn’t understand a lot of it. (I’m ex army 45yrs) l will learn more as l read more of your novels. Particularly enjoyed reading of the grizzled Manx pilot picked up from the IOM (I’m Manx) he even had a Manx name Quayle, brilliant. Look forward to your next read. Kind Regards,Ron Corrin.
I have never read a period naval adventure before. This story had me truly enthralled. At times it felt as if I was aboard ship, l was able to relate to all the characters and the running of the ship. Loved all the naval technical jargon, even though I didn’t understand a lot of it. (I’m ex army 45yrs) l will learn more as l read more of your novels. Particularly enjoyed reading of the grizzled Manx pilot picked up from the IOM (I’m Manx) he even had a Manx name Quayle, brilliant. Look forward to your next read. Kind Regards,Ron Corrin.
November 21, 2024
2.5 stars.
Just not enough for me.
I’m not a fan of the writing style. It was a lot of telling and not much showing. It also felt quite abrupt and glossed over things. There wasn’t a lot of character development beyond the superficial. I do, however, have a soft spot for historical seafaring novels. I just love it and, while this wasn’t the most exciting novel, there was a lot of action in it. Not the most well written but quite atmospheric nonetheless.
Overall, I’m not a fan. It had good points and the story is solid but the writing isn’t for me.
Just not enough for me.
I’m not a fan of the writing style. It was a lot of telling and not much showing. It also felt quite abrupt and glossed over things. There wasn’t a lot of character development beyond the superficial. I do, however, have a soft spot for historical seafaring novels. I just love it and, while this wasn’t the most exciting novel, there was a lot of action in it. Not the most well written but quite atmospheric nonetheless.
Overall, I’m not a fan. It had good points and the story is solid but the writing isn’t for me.
January 26, 2024
If you like a good swashbuckler, here is one to enjoy. This is a light read with plenty of action. Wilbur Smith writes this same genre of books in his Courtney Series, and Smith is a much better storyteller.
Then again, this is only about 300 pages where Smith writes very long books. As a recommendation, I would try Kingfisher first, and if you are enjoying the genre, read Wilbur Smith's trilogy of Birds of Prey, Blue Horizon, and one other. I think the name is Monsoon.
Then again, this is only about 300 pages where Smith writes very long books. As a recommendation, I would try Kingfisher first, and if you are enjoying the genre, read Wilbur Smith's trilogy of Birds of Prey, Blue Horizon, and one other. I think the name is Monsoon.
July 21, 2024
FAST PACED ADVENTURE
This is a fast-paced British navel adventure set in the 1600s. The main character is a young officer who is adept at fighting pirates and charming women, a true old school hero.
The story is well written, well paced, and full of seafaring adventure. An enjoyable read.
This is a fast-paced British navel adventure set in the 1600s. The main character is a young officer who is adept at fighting pirates and charming women, a true old school hero.
The story is well written, well paced, and full of seafaring adventure. An enjoyable read.
August 23, 2024
The author writes a good story and has great character development, getting you into the action and having you feel as if you are there. I read this with my “free” Kindle Unlimited subscription vs. the regular $3.99 price, and I certainly received more than $3.99 in entertainment value. If you like a good story as well as historical fiction, I would recommend giving this one a read.
October 7, 2023
good nautical read following the e glorious restoration
Enjoyable read for English naval exploits against the Barbary Pirates during the reign of Charles II.
A special design for a decoy ship, specialist naval officers, and North African Corsairs make a great read.
Enjoyable read for English naval exploits against the Barbary Pirates during the reign of Charles II.
A special design for a decoy ship, specialist naval officers, and North African Corsairs make a great read.
October 21, 2023
I found this very hard to get into, the characters very very flat and one dimensional, and to be honest I really couldn't care less what happened to them, the final battleground was ok, but only just.
January 5, 2024
This series has promise
This naval adventure is a great start to the series. I read it in one sitting. It’s told from the perspective of the Lieutenant “Ralph”, and follows the patterns of the other nautical yarns. Enjoy.
This naval adventure is a great start to the series. I read it in one sitting. It’s told from the perspective of the Lieutenant “Ralph”, and follows the patterns of the other nautical yarns. Enjoy.
February 10, 2024
Good book from that genre. Something to pass the time of day. When I put it up for the night could I not wait to get back to it? Mmmm- not really. Will you be disappointed? No. But it is forgettable.
May 7, 2024
Couldn't put it down
Action and romance kept your interest from beginning to the end. Clever ship handling and strict training make fighting the pirates even with fewer ships possible in this fast moving tale! Can't wait for the next book!
Action and romance kept your interest from beginning to the end. Clever ship handling and strict training make fighting the pirates even with fewer ships possible in this fast moving tale! Can't wait for the next book!
May 13, 2024
Hornblower Lite. Very Lite All the ingredients for a romping naval historical yarn but flat and uninvolviing. I have no doubt it will appeal to many readers but I found it superficial,mechanical and disappointing inhabited with one dimensional characters
June 19, 2024
Exciting story
Very interesting, exciting, well researched story. The only thing I could find wrong, and God knows I tried, is that to my knowledge Army soldiers we're not on Royal Navy ships. I always believed it to be Marines. Other than that I loved every word of it.
Very interesting, exciting, well researched story. The only thing I could find wrong, and God knows I tried, is that to my knowledge Army soldiers we're not on Royal Navy ships. I always believed it to be Marines. Other than that I loved every word of it.
July 2, 2024
An enjoyable book.
There are 2 books in the Decoy series, but they're stand-alone books with different characters. Kudos to Tubb for sticking to a single novel. Further applause for not writing yet another book set in the Napolianic era.
There are 2 books in the Decoy series, but they're stand-alone books with different characters. Kudos to Tubb for sticking to a single novel. Further applause for not writing yet another book set in the Napolianic era.
October 12, 2024
A rollicking naval story
A rollicking story about a man in His Majesty's Navy and how he pulled himself up to a captaincy over a period of warfare in the Mediterranean.Very well written.
A rollicking story about a man in His Majesty's Navy and how he pulled himself up to a captaincy over a period of warfare in the Mediterranean.Very well written.
October 30, 2024
Exciting action packed
A well written story of honor, duty, chivalry, with just enough romance thrown in to make it hard to put down…..which I couldn’t having read cover to cover nonstop
A well written story of honor, duty, chivalry, with just enough romance thrown in to make it hard to put down…..which I couldn’t having read cover to cover nonstop
October 15, 2023
Suckerer for the olden under canvas
Refreshing good plots excellent development of character,s,lots of blood and smoke. An excellent read more to come i hope very enjoyable.
Refreshing good plots excellent development of character,s,lots of blood and smoke. An excellent read more to come i hope very enjoyable.
October 18, 2023
A Fun Adventure
Christopher Tubbs is a master of the genre. His descriptions of battle are engrossing. I am ready for book 2
Christopher Tubbs is a master of the genre. His descriptions of battle are engrossing. I am ready for book 2
October 21, 2023
Enjoyed!
17th century naval tale during reign of Charles II. Before Nelson. Well told. Seems credible. Worthwhile. Certainly better than streaming or TV.
17th century naval tale during reign of Charles II. Before Nelson. Well told. Seems credible. Worthwhile. Certainly better than streaming or TV.
October 24, 2023
High seas adventure
Rip roaring adventure so real that you. can smell the gun powder, and feel the roll of the ship. Wow
Rip roaring adventure so real that you. can smell the gun powder, and feel the roll of the ship. Wow
October 24, 2023
a good start to what promises to be a great new series
A most enjoyable read for the first book, which presiges a great new series. Tubbs is as always on top of his game!!!
A most enjoyable read for the first book, which presiges a great new series. Tubbs is as always on top of his game!!!
October 25, 2023
Excellent
I loved this novel. It cracks along at pace and never fails to disappoint. I shall now read more of Christopher's books.
I loved this novel. It cracks along at pace and never fails to disappoint. I shall now read more of Christopher's books.
October 31, 2023
Book one was great
When will book 2 come out? This was a really good and easy read. I enjoyed the action and the characters. I want more books of this quality.
When will book 2 come out? This was a really good and easy read. I enjoyed the action and the characters. I want more books of this quality.
November 7, 2023
Fun but slightly lacking
The hagiography is a bit strong and the ease with which our hero wins the day nothing short of amazing.
The hagiography is a bit strong and the ease with which our hero wins the day nothing short of amazing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews