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Thomas Kydd #11
Victory
'Paints a vivid picture of life aboard the mighty ship-of-the-line' - Daily Express
Commander Thomas Kydd is eager to play his part in thwarting Bonaparte's plans for the invasion of England.
Joining Admiral Nelson's command, Kydd and his ship soon find themselves at the heart of the action that leads up to the greatest sea battle in Trafalgar.
Kydd's journey takes him from false sightings of the enemy and dramatic chases across the Atlantic, to the bloody annihilation of the enemy during the actual battle, and the heroic aftermath.
******************
What readers are saying about VICTORY
'More of the same, please!' - 5 stars
'The best Stockwin yet!' - 5 stars
'A great read . . . I salute a terrific story teller of that bygone age!' - 5 stars
'A masterly retelling of a real hero's tragic demise and a thoroughly enjoyable novel' - 5 stars
'A marvelous book' - 5 stars
Commander Thomas Kydd is eager to play his part in thwarting Bonaparte's plans for the invasion of England.
Joining Admiral Nelson's command, Kydd and his ship soon find themselves at the heart of the action that leads up to the greatest sea battle in Trafalgar.
Kydd's journey takes him from false sightings of the enemy and dramatic chases across the Atlantic, to the bloody annihilation of the enemy during the actual battle, and the heroic aftermath.
******************
What readers are saying about VICTORY
'More of the same, please!' - 5 stars
'The best Stockwin yet!' - 5 stars
'A great read . . . I salute a terrific story teller of that bygone age!' - 5 stars
'A masterly retelling of a real hero's tragic demise and a thoroughly enjoyable novel' - 5 stars
'A marvelous book' - 5 stars
327 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 24, 2010
107 people are currently reading
274 people want to read
About the author
Julian Stockwin
52 books334 followersJulian Stockwin was sent at the age of fourteen to Indefatigable, a tough sea-training school. He joined the Royal Navy at fifteen. He now lives in Devon with his wife Kathy. Julian has written 24 books to date in the Kydd series of historical adventure fiction, the story of one man's journey from pressed man to admiral in the age of fighting sail, and a non-fiction book, 'Stockwin's Maritime Miscellany.' His latest Kydd series title is THUNDERER. And, he's also published two historical standalone novels, THE SILK TREE, set in the time of Emperor Justinian and THE POWDER OF DEATH, about the quest for the secret of gunpowder.
Series:
* Thomas Kydd
Series:
* Thomas Kydd
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
January 21, 2022
Read this book in 2010, and its the 11th volume of the wonderful "Thomas Kydd" series.
In this story Thomas Kydd and his crew will take part in defending Britain, and they will be part of the fleet that's lead by Admiral Nelson.
The year is AD 1805, and we heading to the famous Battle of Trafalgar, with Admiral Nelson at the head of the British Squadron against the French fleet.
In this book we'll also see action from on board HMS Victory, Admiral Nelson's flagship, and all things seen through the eyes of Midshipman Bowden.
Facts and fiction are superbly blended, and the historical details are precisely followed in this seafaring tale of great accuracy, with all its chases across the Atlantic, the political machinations, until the ultimate famous Battle of Trafalgar of AD 1805.
In this final Battle of Trafalgar the French enemy will be annihilated by the British, followed by a heroic aftermath, and an impeachment of the head of the Navy, and with a glorious Admiral Nelson as a reminder to all of British superiority at sea.
What is to follow is an amazing historical naval adventure, where facts and fiction are superbly intertwined by the author, and brought to us in his own formidable and authentic fashion.
Highly recommended, for this is a tremendous addition to this brilliant series, and that's why I like to call this awesome episode: "A Marvellous Victory"!
In this story Thomas Kydd and his crew will take part in defending Britain, and they will be part of the fleet that's lead by Admiral Nelson.
The year is AD 1805, and we heading to the famous Battle of Trafalgar, with Admiral Nelson at the head of the British Squadron against the French fleet.
In this book we'll also see action from on board HMS Victory, Admiral Nelson's flagship, and all things seen through the eyes of Midshipman Bowden.
Facts and fiction are superbly blended, and the historical details are precisely followed in this seafaring tale of great accuracy, with all its chases across the Atlantic, the political machinations, until the ultimate famous Battle of Trafalgar of AD 1805.
In this final Battle of Trafalgar the French enemy will be annihilated by the British, followed by a heroic aftermath, and an impeachment of the head of the Navy, and with a glorious Admiral Nelson as a reminder to all of British superiority at sea.
What is to follow is an amazing historical naval adventure, where facts and fiction are superbly intertwined by the author, and brought to us in his own formidable and authentic fashion.
Highly recommended, for this is a tremendous addition to this brilliant series, and that's why I like to call this awesome episode: "A Marvellous Victory"!
January 22, 2019
As expected, a highlight of the series. This book deals with the Battle of Trafalgar and the events surrounding and leading up to it, a MUST for anybody even remotely interested in the Napoleonic wars and the Royal Navy's part of it.
The only downside was that Kydd couldn't take a more active part in the battle but I would have been more worried if the author abandoned authenticity and did!
The only downside was that Kydd couldn't take a more active part in the battle but I would have been more worried if the author abandoned authenticity and did!
October 21, 2018
This is the best book in the series yet! Great action and as usual excellent detail! 5 Stars!!!
May 7, 2012
I have to be up front im a fan of Kydd and Julian Stockwin, I have all the books, so you would expect a good review and glowing praise.
But even with that I was surprised by this book, every time Kydd has an outing im surprised by the direction of the plot and the Interaction between Renzi and Kydd, the beautiful flow of the language between all of the characters and the natural way that they all fit together So brilliantly into a finely woven tapestry.
But this time....i have to say I was stunned by the depth of feeling crammed into the book, it captured such an epic time in history, the fear, the excitement the horror, the disappointments and finally the national sorrow, I had tears in my eyes by the end of the book.
Bravo Mr Stockwin...how the hell you are going to top this one is beyond me.
(Parm)
But even with that I was surprised by this book, every time Kydd has an outing im surprised by the direction of the plot and the Interaction between Renzi and Kydd, the beautiful flow of the language between all of the characters and the natural way that they all fit together So brilliantly into a finely woven tapestry.
But this time....i have to say I was stunned by the depth of feeling crammed into the book, it captured such an epic time in history, the fear, the excitement the horror, the disappointments and finally the national sorrow, I had tears in my eyes by the end of the book.
Bravo Mr Stockwin...how the hell you are going to top this one is beyond me.
(Parm)
August 7, 2016
The only reason this series isn't rated five stars are the lengths of the books. They are short, averaging 320 pages. I know boring, but I will read them all. Onto number twelve. Conquest
May 24, 2011
This was a fast paced naval yarn about an up and coming officer, Thomas Kydd. The tenth in a series by Julian Stockwin, a former officer in the Royal Navy himself, it can easily stand on its own as a fine read. I have always had a fondness for ships and naval epics and this does not disappoint. While there is some naval jargon, it wasn't forced on me like in a Faulkner novel, and the context of the writing never left me scratching my head, wondering what the author was referring to.
In this particular tale, Thomas Kydd takes command of a frigate and participates in the greatest sea battle in history, Trafalgar, where Admiral Lord Nelson defeated Bonaparte's navy and saved Britain and the world, turning the tide against Napoleoan's advance. This is a heroic tale with noble characters and there is nothing wrong with that.
Although I don't plan on reading the rest of the series at this time, as a testament to the quality of the story and the writing, I am putting all the books on my to read list. I also look forward to the next Kydd Sea Adventure when it comes out.
In this particular tale, Thomas Kydd takes command of a frigate and participates in the greatest sea battle in history, Trafalgar, where Admiral Lord Nelson defeated Bonaparte's navy and saved Britain and the world, turning the tide against Napoleoan's advance. This is a heroic tale with noble characters and there is nothing wrong with that.
Although I don't plan on reading the rest of the series at this time, as a testament to the quality of the story and the writing, I am putting all the books on my to read list. I also look forward to the next Kydd Sea Adventure when it comes out.
November 21, 2010
Every autumn means a new installment in his ever-growing sea-faring naval series set during the Napoleonic Wars, and starring the much-tested but never wavering Thomas Kydd. And this year brought forth his tenth book, Victory – which in my estimation is his best since Mutiny, the fourth.
Nearly cast into limbo as a ship-less post-captain from events occurring in the last book, Invasion, Kydd is swept up in the evens leading up to and then culminating with the Battle of Trafalgar -- the pivotal and most dramatic moment in British naval history. Which enshrined Admiral Nelson as one of the greatest heroes in the annals of British history. Although I will be here again next year when Stockwin’s next Kydd adventure is released, I would venture to say that topping Victory will be hard after the legendary defeat of the Napoleon’s navy at Trafalgar and the dramatic death of Nelson aboard his beloved HMS Victory.
Nearly cast into limbo as a ship-less post-captain from events occurring in the last book, Invasion, Kydd is swept up in the evens leading up to and then culminating with the Battle of Trafalgar -- the pivotal and most dramatic moment in British naval history. Which enshrined Admiral Nelson as one of the greatest heroes in the annals of British history. Although I will be here again next year when Stockwin’s next Kydd adventure is released, I would venture to say that topping Victory will be hard after the legendary defeat of the Napoleon’s navy at Trafalgar and the dramatic death of Nelson aboard his beloved HMS Victory.
May 10, 2011
I enjoyed this nautical adventure, but I have enjoyed other high seas works more. The Battle of Trafalgar was an incredible naval historical event and I appreciate Commander Stockwin trying to fit it into the Commander Thomas Kydd storyline. The problem for me was that it just did not flow smoothly and did not really connect. I loved the setting, both the time period and the location(s), but some of the conversations between characters were over the top in that English eras way of speaking. I was hoping to taste the saltwater and smell the gunpowder as I read this book, which might have been asking for too much, but I did feel a small ocean breeze pushing the canvas sails forward.
I won this book through the Goodreads' First Reads giveaway program. What a great program! Thank you to Gorges for making this book available through this program. I am enjoyed this nautical work.
I won this book through the Goodreads' First Reads giveaway program. What a great program! Thank you to Gorges for making this book available through this program. I am enjoyed this nautical work.
April 28, 2017
Nelson's death at Trafalgar!
This book covers the approach to this incident, the sea chase of Villeneuve, and last but not least the battle in which Lord Nelson was mortally wounded! An excellent read!
This book covers the approach to this incident, the sea chase of Villeneuve, and last but not least the battle in which Lord Nelson was mortally wounded! An excellent read!
September 5, 2010
Certainly the best Kydd book yet. A thoroughly enjoyable read. Stockwin just gets better and better.
November 18, 2023
After delivering dispatches and mail to blockading ships off Brest, HMS Teazer nears England. A lookout spots a French privateer and Commander Thomas Kydd pursues. Except the enemy is not alone. The privateer lures Teazer into a trap and a French frigate swoops in to capture the English prize. It’s a nail-biting chase that drives Kydd and his crew closer and closer to France, but they refuse to surrender and when it’s over, good men and a good vessel are gone.
With many men of higher rank clamoring for ships to command and with Napoleon’s invasion fleet ready to sail any day, Kydd’s prospects of securing a new vessel are slim to none. Yet each morning he visits the Admiralty in hopes of gaining his desire. Until one day, he receives a note telling him not to return. He faces a future on half pay with no idea of where to turn or what to do, but Nicholas Renzi studies the missive’s wording and a kernel of an idea blossoms. After he and Cecilia Kydd investigate, they launch a surprise befitting a post-captain.
The relationship between Nicholas and Cecilia grows strained in the aftermath of her brother’s promotion. Nicholas doesn’t want to declare his true feelings until he publishes his book and can comfortably support a wife and family. Cecilia is miffed that he refuses to take the plunge after all his hard work. When he does, he experiences a rude awakening regarding publishing and what will and will not sell. Like dominos falling, one crushed dream results in an awareness that another must also die. At the same time, Cecilia begins to wonder if maybe she must let go of her vision for the future as well before it’s too late to have the family and home she desires.
In this eleventh book in the series, Stockwin snares the reader’s attention from the start and the realm of emotions experienced mirrors the crests and troughs of waves during a storm. Other books depict the Battle of Trafalgar, but his use of a midshipman to witness Admiral Lord Nelson’s death resurrects the sorrow and devastation felt then in a way that makes these feelings just as palpable two centuries later.
Equally acute is the opening battle with the two French ships. There’s an immediacy that transports the reader to Teazer’s deck to experience the confusion, the wreckage, the smells, and the sounds that mark the hell that the Teazers undergo, as well as the grief Kydd senses as his beloved ship sinks. Just as profound is Renzi’s shock and dismay that his magnum opus may never be published and the realization he must grapple with as to what that means for his future with Cecilia.
“Victory” is defined as overcoming an enemy, of succeeding in an endeavor against great odds. This novel depicts victory on many levels, in different ways, and with profound passion. It also demonstrates the price that victory, or Victory, must pay in order to triumph over evil. This is a voyage not to be missed, one that will haunt the reader long after the last page is turned.
(This review was originally published at Pirates and Privateers: http://www.cindyvallar.com/Stockwin.h...)
With many men of higher rank clamoring for ships to command and with Napoleon’s invasion fleet ready to sail any day, Kydd’s prospects of securing a new vessel are slim to none. Yet each morning he visits the Admiralty in hopes of gaining his desire. Until one day, he receives a note telling him not to return. He faces a future on half pay with no idea of where to turn or what to do, but Nicholas Renzi studies the missive’s wording and a kernel of an idea blossoms. After he and Cecilia Kydd investigate, they launch a surprise befitting a post-captain.
The relationship between Nicholas and Cecilia grows strained in the aftermath of her brother’s promotion. Nicholas doesn’t want to declare his true feelings until he publishes his book and can comfortably support a wife and family. Cecilia is miffed that he refuses to take the plunge after all his hard work. When he does, he experiences a rude awakening regarding publishing and what will and will not sell. Like dominos falling, one crushed dream results in an awareness that another must also die. At the same time, Cecilia begins to wonder if maybe she must let go of her vision for the future as well before it’s too late to have the family and home she desires.
In this eleventh book in the series, Stockwin snares the reader’s attention from the start and the realm of emotions experienced mirrors the crests and troughs of waves during a storm. Other books depict the Battle of Trafalgar, but his use of a midshipman to witness Admiral Lord Nelson’s death resurrects the sorrow and devastation felt then in a way that makes these feelings just as palpable two centuries later.
Equally acute is the opening battle with the two French ships. There’s an immediacy that transports the reader to Teazer’s deck to experience the confusion, the wreckage, the smells, and the sounds that mark the hell that the Teazers undergo, as well as the grief Kydd senses as his beloved ship sinks. Just as profound is Renzi’s shock and dismay that his magnum opus may never be published and the realization he must grapple with as to what that means for his future with Cecilia.
“Victory” is defined as overcoming an enemy, of succeeding in an endeavor against great odds. This novel depicts victory on many levels, in different ways, and with profound passion. It also demonstrates the price that victory, or Victory, must pay in order to triumph over evil. This is a voyage not to be missed, one that will haunt the reader long after the last page is turned.
(This review was originally published at Pirates and Privateers: http://www.cindyvallar.com/Stockwin.h...)
September 29, 2021
In Julian Stockwin's "Victory", both Kydd and Renzi are seriously upstaged by the charismatic naval hero, Lord Horatio Nelson and his decisive role in the battle of Trafalgar in October 1805. Through much of the story, Kydd is equipping his ship and crew to join Nelson's fleet in pursuit of Napoleon's combined naval force of French and Spanish ships of the line. At one point, Kydd finds that he is woefully short of seamen for the manning of L'Aurore. Desperate to join Nelson, he will confiscate a crew from a returning ship to fill his quota and face a threatened mutiny as a result.
Pitt, the Prime Minister, and members of the admiralty, realize that there are grave consequences to be faced if England, a vulnerable island nation, cannot prevent an invasion through the English Channel. Their singular hope is that Nelson will be able to find and destroy Napoleon's fleet.
Nelson and his ships went through several frustrating trips back and forth from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean to find their prey. Quite by chance the enemy was sighted at Trafalgar, off the coast of Spain. It was Nelson's daring exercise in strategy and his captains who followed his ship Victory into battle that determined the successful outcome. Nelson's direct frontal attack separated the enemy's vessels into three sections which his ships were able to surround and engage. It is to the author's credit that we are spared details of the horror of the battle; he gives Midshipman Bowmen the voice that will convey the chaotic events as they happened on Nelson's ship and his mortal wounding by a French sharpshooter.
This was a stunning defeat for Napoleon: of 33 ships of the line, 21 were captured, 4395 killed, Nelson's 27 ships of the line were battered but not lost, although 458 were killed.
It is an interesting footnote that Pierre Villeneuve, the French Commander of Napoleon's fleet was able to attend Nelson's funeral in England. Also, noteworthy is the fact that Villeneuve was found stabbed to death six months later in France. The verdict was suicide, but the suspicion of assassination lingers to this day. An additional footnote is that among Nelson's last words were that "Lady Hamilton and their daughter, Hortensia should be taken care of", the British government ignored his request and gave all his assets to his legitimate family.
Pitt, the Prime Minister, and members of the admiralty, realize that there are grave consequences to be faced if England, a vulnerable island nation, cannot prevent an invasion through the English Channel. Their singular hope is that Nelson will be able to find and destroy Napoleon's fleet.
Nelson and his ships went through several frustrating trips back and forth from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean to find their prey. Quite by chance the enemy was sighted at Trafalgar, off the coast of Spain. It was Nelson's daring exercise in strategy and his captains who followed his ship Victory into battle that determined the successful outcome. Nelson's direct frontal attack separated the enemy's vessels into three sections which his ships were able to surround and engage. It is to the author's credit that we are spared details of the horror of the battle; he gives Midshipman Bowmen the voice that will convey the chaotic events as they happened on Nelson's ship and his mortal wounding by a French sharpshooter.
This was a stunning defeat for Napoleon: of 33 ships of the line, 21 were captured, 4395 killed, Nelson's 27 ships of the line were battered but not lost, although 458 were killed.
It is an interesting footnote that Pierre Villeneuve, the French Commander of Napoleon's fleet was able to attend Nelson's funeral in England. Also, noteworthy is the fact that Villeneuve was found stabbed to death six months later in France. The verdict was suicide, but the suspicion of assassination lingers to this day. An additional footnote is that among Nelson's last words were that "Lady Hamilton and their daughter, Hortensia should be taken care of", the British government ignored his request and gave all his assets to his legitimate family.
September 14, 2020
Is the Kydd series in a rut? First Mr. Stockwin is a superb author of nautical fiction. In this genre, he falls between my favorite, C. S. Forester and Patrick O'Brian. I see these two authors similar to authors of historical western fiction. Forrester has the ability to create colorful characters and witty dialogue akin to Larry McMurtry while O'Brian in my opinion is a bit more like Cormac McCarthy who can write 24 pages of about scenery with zero dialogue. All are exceptional at painting and bringing historical fiction to life and Mr. Stockwin falls somewhere in the middle of these styles, you could say the Kydd series its a bit like Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe's series at sea. I'm not here to write spoilers but I will say There are a couple of flaws in this book. Kydd's sidekick, Renzi, has been adrift too long. His self pity has been dragging the last few books down - his character was at its best when he and Kydd had parity of rank. There are signs of hope. Finally Tralfargar the greatest naval battle in history only takes up 1 to 2% of this book. Mr. Stockwin stated so much had been written already... I'll give him his due to paint it in the light and story line he saw fit, but it still feels like a missed opportunity. If you want a more compelling story of the battle Sharpe's Trafalgar. While it appears that I am griping a bit I do truly enjoy Mr. Stockwin's books - he has an acceptional talent and understanding of the age of fighting sail. Obviously, I am 11 books into this series and see no reason to stop.
June 30, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up to 4. I'm a fan of this series reading the books not in chronological order.
Spoilers ahead:
This book deals with the Battle of Trafalgar. As Kydd is the captain of a frigate which isn't going to be in the thick of action in the battle, the author introduces the POV of Bowden, a signals midshipman who serves on the flagship Victory to give us a boots on the deck view of the action.
The book starts off with Kydd looking for a new command as his last ship (a sloop) was destroyed in a desperate 3 ship action. Kydd is promoted to post captain so he is given command of a frigate. This frigate has just been captured from the French so we get a good description of the fitting out process and his difficulties of crewing the ship. The author always does a good job of explaining processes or events in his books.
As a frigate captain, his job is always to act as the eyes of the fleet or squadrons, able to sail fast and yet carry enough guns to deal with anyone to can catch them, and destroy smaller vessels.
As usual there are a lot of side stories in the book, the most interesting one to me was the one capturing an agreement for the French to buy timber and ship building materials. The most uninteresting one is Renzi's romance or pretty much anything to do with him.
Most of the book deals with Nelson's ships sailing all over the place trying to find and fight the French fleet to prevent the invasion of England. They finally catch the combined French and Spanish fleet off Cape Trafalgar and the POV switches to midshipman Bowden who is in the thick of action.
Overall a pretty decent book in the series. I find this series the closest in quality to Hornblower. HH is more concise, these books have a lot more filler.
Spoilers ahead:
This book deals with the Battle of Trafalgar. As Kydd is the captain of a frigate which isn't going to be in the thick of action in the battle, the author introduces the POV of Bowden, a signals midshipman who serves on the flagship Victory to give us a boots on the deck view of the action.
The book starts off with Kydd looking for a new command as his last ship (a sloop) was destroyed in a desperate 3 ship action. Kydd is promoted to post captain so he is given command of a frigate. This frigate has just been captured from the French so we get a good description of the fitting out process and his difficulties of crewing the ship. The author always does a good job of explaining processes or events in his books.
As a frigate captain, his job is always to act as the eyes of the fleet or squadrons, able to sail fast and yet carry enough guns to deal with anyone to can catch them, and destroy smaller vessels.
As usual there are a lot of side stories in the book, the most interesting one to me was the one capturing an agreement for the French to buy timber and ship building materials. The most uninteresting one is Renzi's romance or pretty much anything to do with him.
Most of the book deals with Nelson's ships sailing all over the place trying to find and fight the French fleet to prevent the invasion of England. They finally catch the combined French and Spanish fleet off Cape Trafalgar and the POV switches to midshipman Bowden who is in the thick of action.
Overall a pretty decent book in the series. I find this series the closest in quality to Hornblower. HH is more concise, these books have a lot more filler.
August 17, 2020
What a bore. Hoi presto, Kydd is now post captain. And he is off to the Med to report on Our Nel's travels untill he is killed at Trafalgar. Renzi is still trying to get his courage together to ask Kydd's sister to marry him.
That's it. I will not waste my time any longer with this series. It's idea sound with Kydd being a man pressed into the Navy. But by book three he was already non-commissioned officer. Although he actively participated in the mutiny at the Nore, hoi presto, Renzi gets him off and back into a ship. Now he is off to the ex-colonies where he - a 5th Lieutenant - gets to meet the newly created U.S. secretary of the Navy and asked to report on the qualitees of the U.S. frigates. Some time later in the series Kydd falls madly in love with an admiral's daughter. However having met the daughter of a possible privateer he promptly falls even more madly in love with her. However come back from finally capturing the actual privateer he has to note that the girl died. In next installment Kydd through an incredible ploy with false secret orders loses his command (not his commission). But is then offered command of a privateer by one of the English smugglers - who being from Guernsey isn't actually a smuggler - to ... etc... etc...
Readers interested in historical naval fiction should stick to Patrick O'Brian, C.S. Forester, Alexander Kent or Dudley Pope.
That's it. I will not waste my time any longer with this series. It's idea sound with Kydd being a man pressed into the Navy. But by book three he was already non-commissioned officer. Although he actively participated in the mutiny at the Nore, hoi presto, Renzi gets him off and back into a ship. Now he is off to the ex-colonies where he - a 5th Lieutenant - gets to meet the newly created U.S. secretary of the Navy and asked to report on the qualitees of the U.S. frigates. Some time later in the series Kydd falls madly in love with an admiral's daughter. However having met the daughter of a possible privateer he promptly falls even more madly in love with her. However come back from finally capturing the actual privateer he has to note that the girl died. In next installment Kydd through an incredible ploy with false secret orders loses his command (not his commission). But is then offered command of a privateer by one of the English smugglers - who being from Guernsey isn't actually a smuggler - to ... etc... etc...
Readers interested in historical naval fiction should stick to Patrick O'Brian, C.S. Forester, Alexander Kent or Dudley Pope.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2019
This series, along with the Lewrie series from author Dewey Lambdin, do a wonderful job at depicting life in the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars period. These Kydd books center on Thomas Kydd who rises from a pressed (involuntary) sailor in the King's Navy up through the ranks to, at this point in the saga, to post-captain in charge of a frigate. As soon as highly newly outfitted ship is ready for sea he is assigned to Horatio Nelson's Mediterranean fleet, which is keeping a large part of the French navy bottled up in port, thus preventing, or at least delaying, the French invasion of Britain. The adventures continue in this book up to and including the decisive battle of Trafalgar. The series is very good at imagining the personal aspects of life at sea during this period, and is thoroughly researched. I feel that this is the best book in the series up to this point. I look forward to further books in the series. This genre has come a long way from the ground-breaking (sea-breaking?) Hornblower books of C.S. Forester published more than half a century ago, although those books retain their interest and overall quality even among the more recent efforts.
May 16, 2024
This is one of a series of books following the adventures of Thomas Kydd, a captain of a British ship during the Napoleonic Wars. This then treads familiar ground, following in the footsteps of Horatio Hornblower and Jack Aubrey. Just as Aubrey has Maturin as a friend and support, Kydd has Renzi. A sub-plot concerning whether Renzi will marry Kydd's sister Cecilia forms a minor part of this novel. I have jumped in to this series at the 11th instalment. This tells how Kydd gets to command a frigate in Nelson's fleet and the part he plays in the build up to the Battle of Trafalgar. As with other novels regarding the British Navy at the start of the 19th Century, it sometimes delights in using archaic nautical terms and language. This sometimes makes certain passages incomprehensible to the non-specialist. Most of the novel recounts Kydd's actions as captain of the frigate L'Aurore, and how he helps to observe the movement of the French fleet. However, when it comes to the climactic description of the Battle of Trafalgar, this is told through the experiences of Master Bowden, a midshipman aboard Victory.
December 16, 2023
In this story, the British Royal Navy struggles to prevent Napolean’s invasion fleet from reaching England. Keeping track of their movements is one part of their task. They seek an all-out battle at sea led by Admiral Horatio Nelson before the French can be reinforced by their allies. Captain Thomas Kydd, now a post-captain in command of a frigate, is part of this force. So is Midshipman Bowden who is a signalman on Nelson’s flagship. Through their eyes, we see events unfold and learn about battle tactics as well as how ships communicated back in the early 1800s. “Victory” is entertaining as well educational with fast-paced action, intimate nautical details and two noble lead characters.
March 14, 2024
These novels get better the further they go into Kidd's career. They are full of nautical detail as it pertains to the time and place. All so far are placed at the scenes of great British sea campaigns. The writing is crisp and clear and not sentimental at all except for the fine rendering of Kidd's friendships. I look forward to sailing these seas for some time to their conclusion and then, perhaps, start over again.
December 8, 2017
This book in this series one of my favorites.
Action that takes chapters to develop but has the horror of seawarfare while allowing the reader to follow the strategy, heroism and sacrifices of a memorable battle. We also have chapters to watch our characters continue to have their moments and watch their growth while reading about their frailties. Impressive research always.
Action that takes chapters to develop but has the horror of seawarfare while allowing the reader to follow the strategy, heroism and sacrifices of a memorable battle. We also have chapters to watch our characters continue to have their moments and watch their growth while reading about their frailties. Impressive research always.
February 14, 2019
Much like story of Lehte Gulf by Professor Morisson, this story of Trafalgar captures the imagination. The perspective here is somewhat novel, and presented a good read. The chases across the Atlantic, which so often are forgotten, were also informative and interesting. Perhaps the best in this series since the first two volumes.
May 1, 2020
Although not the strongest entry in the series, this is still a good read. Kydd is made Post and winds up in the heat of the battle at Trafalgar with Nelson. The battle itself is told from the perspective of a Midshipman on the Victory which adds an interesting twist to the story. Filled with plenty of naval history, this is a good addition to Kydd's story arc.
December 6, 2025
Excellent book, I enjoyed more than the previous couple. I mean this ends with Trafalgar which is just peak. Also my bro got promoted so what's not to love. Only Nicholas Renzi is still being a prick sometimes to piss me off, but it admittedly does keep the anticipation of his predicament working out in the future ever on edge.
February 25, 2019
The story of the Battle of the Nord, was thrilling! Whenever Nelson is included in one of these stories, it just makes for fun reading. This book was highly enjoyable, however the irony of the personal relatoinships gets to be a bit much. It does keep your attention. Recommend!
August 9, 2023
Very poor. The book is rammed full of nautical jargon with no index of terms so, you either accept that you don't understand the word usage, or you spend so much time looking them up. The characters aren't fleshed out so we don't even care what happens to them. I skimmed large chunks of this book.
February 23, 2024
The most recent book in the Kydd adventure finds him promoted to Post Captain. Sent to the Mediterranean to serve in Nelson's squadron the book follows the lead up to the Battle of Trafalgar. Another good book in the series.
July 23, 2018
Better than the last
Stockwin improved on his last Kidd adventure with this, Victory. Still too much set up and too quick the resolution. But worthy of reading and continuing the series.
Stockwin improved on his last Kidd adventure with this, Victory. Still too much set up and too quick the resolution. But worthy of reading and continuing the series.
August 16, 2018
One step closer to finding out if our lovebirds get married...at long last and I wonder if Kydd ever finds a mate. On to the next!
August 24, 2019
Good beginning
The author stated this was his first book. He certainly did a fine job. I recommend it. I have already started his next one.
The author stated this was his first book. He certainly did a fine job. I recommend it. I have already started his next one.
October 3, 2022
Really enjoyed this one, interesting and exciting to follow Kydd's journey to Trafalgar.
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