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The Dawlish Chronicles #1
Britannia's Wolf: The Dawlish Chronicles: September 1877 - February 1878
This is the 4th volume chronologically of The Dawlish Chronicles naval fiction series – action and adventure set in the age of transition from sail to steam in the last decades of the 19th Century.It’s late 1877 and the Russian and Ottoman-Turkish Empires are locked in a deadly as the war between them is reaching its climax. A Russian victory will pose a threat to Britain’s strategic interests. To protect them, an ambitious British naval officer, Nicholas Dawlish, is assigned to the Ottoman Navy to ravage Russian supply-lines in the Black Sea.In the depths of a savage winter, as Turkish forces face defeat on all fronts, Dawlish confronts enemy ironclads in naval combat and Cossack lances and merciless Kurdish irregulars in battles ashore. But more than warfare is involved, for Dawlish finds himself a pawn in the rivalry of the Sultan’s half-brothers for control of the collapsing empire.And in the midst of this chaos, unwillingly and unexpectedly, Dawlish finds himself drawn to a woman whom he believes he should not love. Neither for his own sake, nor for hers…Britannia’s Wolf is more than a work of historical naval fiction, or a tale of war and military conflict, for its protagonist is more familiar with steam, breech-loaders and torpedoes than with sails, carronades and broadsides. Later volumes in this naval fiction series chart Dawlish's further rise in the Royal Navy. As a boy in the late 1850s he has joined a navy still commanded by veterans of the Napoleonic Wars. But now, in the 1870s, sail is yielding to steam, new technologies are creating new weapons and established international power-balances are shifting. Against the background of real historical events Dawlish has to confront challenges inconceivable to earlier generations of officers.From a review in Quarterdeck Magazine, Spring 2014:“… Action dripping from every page, Britannia’s Wolf captures the reader’s interest, with international tension, as well as the internal friction between various Ottoman political factions. Equally intriguing are the military details – ship’s armaments, weapon types and their sources. All told, the novel captures a period not often noticed, but worthy of being so.”Why The Dawlish Chronicles series?I’ve enjoyed sea stories and naval fiction since I was introduced to C.S. Forester’s Hornblower books when I was a boy,” says author Antoine Vanner , “and I’ve never tired since of stories of action and adventure by land and by sea. The Napoleonic era has however come to dominate the war and military genre but the century that followed it was one no less exciting, an added attraction being the arrival and adoption of so much new technology. I’ve reflected this in the Dawlish Chronicles and for this reason, I’m pleased that nautical author Joan Druett has described me as ‘The Tom Clancy of historical naval fiction.’ My novels have as their settings actual events of the international power-games of the period and real-life personalities usually play significant roles. Britannia’s Wolf is no exception to this and key roles are played by the Ottoman Sultan Abdul-Hamid II and by Hobart Pasha, the amazing head of the Turkish Navy, an ex-Royal Navy officer who had also seen service as a Confederate blockade-runner in the American Civil War.”
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 19, 2013
197 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Antoine Vanner
16 books53 followersAntoine Vanner has survived military coups, a guerrilla war, storms at sea and life in mangrove swamps, tropical forest, offshore oil-platforms and the boardroom. He has lived and worked long-term in eight countries, has travelled widely in all continents except Antarctica and is fluent in three languages. He has a passion for nineteenth-century political and military history and has a deep understanding of what was the cutting-edge technology of the time. His knowledge of human nature and his first-hand experience of the locales – often surprising – of the most important conflicts of the period provide the impetus for his chronicling of the life of the Royal Navy officer Nicholas Dawlish and his wife Florence. The first five novels in the Dawlish Chronicles series are:
"Britannia's Wolf", set in the Russo-Turkish War of 1877/78,
"Britannia's Reach", set in Paraguay in 1879-80
"Britannia's Shark", set in the Americas in 1881.
"Britannia's Spartan" set in Korea in 1882
"Britannia's Amazon", set in England in 1882
“I’m fascinated by the Victorian period,” Vanner says, “for not only was it one of colonial expansion and of Great Power rivalry that often came to the brink of war, but it was also one of unprecedented social, political, technological and scientific change. Britain’s power may have been at an apogee but it was under constant threat and would demand constant adaptation from those who aspired to shape events. Many born in the 1840s would not only play significant roles in the later decades of the century but be key players in the maelstrom that would engulf the world in 1914. The Dawlish Chronicles are set in that world of change, uncertainty and risk and they involve projection of naval power to meet complex social, political and diplomatic challenges.”
Find out more on www.dawlishchronicles.com
Weekly blog: http://dawlishchronicles.blogspot.co.uk/
"Britannia's Wolf", set in the Russo-Turkish War of 1877/78,
"Britannia's Reach", set in Paraguay in 1879-80
"Britannia's Shark", set in the Americas in 1881.
"Britannia's Spartan" set in Korea in 1882
"Britannia's Amazon", set in England in 1882
“I’m fascinated by the Victorian period,” Vanner says, “for not only was it one of colonial expansion and of Great Power rivalry that often came to the brink of war, but it was also one of unprecedented social, political, technological and scientific change. Britain’s power may have been at an apogee but it was under constant threat and would demand constant adaptation from those who aspired to shape events. Many born in the 1840s would not only play significant roles in the later decades of the century but be key players in the maelstrom that would engulf the world in 1914. The Dawlish Chronicles are set in that world of change, uncertainty and risk and they involve projection of naval power to meet complex social, political and diplomatic challenges.”
Find out more on www.dawlishchronicles.com
Weekly blog: http://dawlishchronicles.blogspot.co.uk/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 9, 2020
I wish I had the time and energy to write a review that could do justice to this book- but I don't.
This is good, solid British military historical fiction like "Flashman" (but not at all humorous). Vanner brings the specific milieu of the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878 alive, and does a successful job at making the history feel very real. The minute details add an incredible amount of texture, which is very satisfying to the reader. (I always like it when a novel teaches me something I didn't know before.)
The action is fast and ferocious, though not overdone. While there is a naval emphasis to the character of this book, the action is not by any means confined to the decks, spaces and compartments of a ship. The characters are multidimensional and evince strong cynical qualities- which I think are often absent in this genre. It took me a while to get into it (aesthetically, the odd spacing between paragraphs threw me off), but after a certain point I was hooked and couldn't put it down.
Brutal, compelling and intelligent, is how I would sum it up. I'm looking forward to seeing Dawlish grow and progress.
This is good, solid British military historical fiction like "Flashman" (but not at all humorous). Vanner brings the specific milieu of the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878 alive, and does a successful job at making the history feel very real. The minute details add an incredible amount of texture, which is very satisfying to the reader. (I always like it when a novel teaches me something I didn't know before.)
The action is fast and ferocious, though not overdone. While there is a naval emphasis to the character of this book, the action is not by any means confined to the decks, spaces and compartments of a ship. The characters are multidimensional and evince strong cynical qualities- which I think are often absent in this genre. It took me a while to get into it (aesthetically, the odd spacing between paragraphs threw me off), but after a certain point I was hooked and couldn't put it down.
Brutal, compelling and intelligent, is how I would sum it up. I'm looking forward to seeing Dawlish grow and progress.
April 21, 2013
I read "Britannia's Wolf" and enjoyed it on several levels. First, and to my mind most importantly, I considered it a "good read," one that gave me enjoyment commensurate with the time invested. I'm a nautical genre fan, and have read many of the series set in at the peak of the age of sail and the conflicts between Britain and France in the 18th and early 19th centuries. As much as I love them, it was refreshing to begin a series that is set in a different time period and with different players (aside from Britain) in the Great Game of later 19th Century national rivalries and colonial imperialism. The battle scenes are vivid and showcase a different form of naval warfare from the exchange of volleys at a cable's length or closer of the wooden ship era, one that is inching closer to the long-distance duels of the early 20th Century. I particularly appreciated the way the author dealt with the rapidly evolving technology of the time, which was showcased particularly in the small arms, and more interesting to me (because I know less about them) the naval artillery, with muzzle-loaders still in use next to rapid-fire breechloaders.
Nicholas Dawlish is the British officer at the center of this novel which promises to be the first of a series chronicling a career that has been outlined in the author's mind. He is of his times, a Victorian, and American readers should bear with such traits as his then-proper concerns of class and place in matters of the heart. He is an embodiment of "stiff upper lip," but bears some internal conflicts which will help humanize him as the series continues. And he is ingenious and unrelenting in a fight, virtues that serve both him and the reader well when he's in conflict.
Nicholas Dawlish is the British officer at the center of this novel which promises to be the first of a series chronicling a career that has been outlined in the author's mind. He is of his times, a Victorian, and American readers should bear with such traits as his then-proper concerns of class and place in matters of the heart. He is an embodiment of "stiff upper lip," but bears some internal conflicts which will help humanize him as the series continues. And he is ingenious and unrelenting in a fight, virtues that serve both him and the reader well when he's in conflict.
June 18, 2013
Britannia's Wolf, by Antoine Vanner, is a gripping tale of naval action, set in the middle of the Turkish-Russian war of 1877-8. The central character, Nicholas Dawlish, is a British sea captain under temporary (and somewhat unofficial) secondment to the Turkish navy to boost its effectiveness against the approaching Russian forces. There are several main themes which are developed here, all based on Antoine's evidently considerable knowledge both of the events in question and also the geographical backcloth. It is not an era that I knew much about before, and I enjoyed the book as a good example of this genre of fiction even though (in all honesty) it is not my favourite.
Antoine successfully, in my view, brings to life the difficulties facing a captain of this period of history. The sailing men-of-war that Nelson and his fictional colleagues Hornblower, Bolitho or Aubrey handled were now gone, replaced by metal-clad, engine-propelled vessels demanding a very different style of seamanship. It is clear that the various navies of the major countries were struggling with this transition, just as civilian shipping was, and Captain Dawlish is of the mind-set to learn the necessary engineering skills rather than deride them.
The action is split roughly 50-50 between sea and land, as Dawlish becomes rather unwillingly involved in the last-ditch attempts of the Turks to protect Istanbul from the ferocity of the Russian advance. British involvement in the conflict was largely motivated by the over-riding need to protect the empire, and from time to time the political decisions of the age are exposed as morally questionable actions of convenience. Dawlish is aware of the ethical dilemma but is able to fall back on concepts of duty and obedience which permit him to continue following orders despite his qualms. This division between corrupt leadership and dutiful population is at its most apparent within Turkey itself. Dawlish comes to admire and completely trust the regular troops he commands (though not the irregular levies), while being repelled by the vast and overt corruption at higher levels of the nation. Propped up by other European powers, the Ottoman Empire would survive for nearly fifty years longer, albeit reduced in size, until it was dismantled in the 1920s.
DId I like the book? It certainly had pace and held my enthusiasm throughout. I would happily recommend it to others to read, especially if they have a liking for 19th century settings or naval literature. It is manifestly well researched and gives every impression of authenticity of voice and style. Personally, I could not really relate to the setting so well, preferring my reads to be located further in the past. I also prefer characters who are more ambiguous - in the grand tradition of naval fiction the main figures here are either persons of great virtue (with one or two minor flaws that emerge from time to time) or great vice (with one or two redeeming features that emerge from time to time). So long as you accept this as part of the convention, you wil get along with the book. There are one or two minor typos, clustered towards the end as though the editor was running out of steam, but very few in total considering the length and intricacy of the content.
For me, this was a 4* book, but not because of any specific flaws. The lack is rather in my own preferences than the content. Other readers, with more interest in or sympathy for the chosen setting, might well give it 5*, and I would urge potential readers to give the book the opportunity to be read. If you like this one, it seems very likely that there will be others following along after this first volume. I suspect there will be other opportunities to follow Dawlish's naval career. There are certainly plenty of years of his service left to explore, though how many of them leave space for good fiction to be written remains to be seen.
Antoine successfully, in my view, brings to life the difficulties facing a captain of this period of history. The sailing men-of-war that Nelson and his fictional colleagues Hornblower, Bolitho or Aubrey handled were now gone, replaced by metal-clad, engine-propelled vessels demanding a very different style of seamanship. It is clear that the various navies of the major countries were struggling with this transition, just as civilian shipping was, and Captain Dawlish is of the mind-set to learn the necessary engineering skills rather than deride them.
The action is split roughly 50-50 between sea and land, as Dawlish becomes rather unwillingly involved in the last-ditch attempts of the Turks to protect Istanbul from the ferocity of the Russian advance. British involvement in the conflict was largely motivated by the over-riding need to protect the empire, and from time to time the political decisions of the age are exposed as morally questionable actions of convenience. Dawlish is aware of the ethical dilemma but is able to fall back on concepts of duty and obedience which permit him to continue following orders despite his qualms. This division between corrupt leadership and dutiful population is at its most apparent within Turkey itself. Dawlish comes to admire and completely trust the regular troops he commands (though not the irregular levies), while being repelled by the vast and overt corruption at higher levels of the nation. Propped up by other European powers, the Ottoman Empire would survive for nearly fifty years longer, albeit reduced in size, until it was dismantled in the 1920s.
DId I like the book? It certainly had pace and held my enthusiasm throughout. I would happily recommend it to others to read, especially if they have a liking for 19th century settings or naval literature. It is manifestly well researched and gives every impression of authenticity of voice and style. Personally, I could not really relate to the setting so well, preferring my reads to be located further in the past. I also prefer characters who are more ambiguous - in the grand tradition of naval fiction the main figures here are either persons of great virtue (with one or two minor flaws that emerge from time to time) or great vice (with one or two redeeming features that emerge from time to time). So long as you accept this as part of the convention, you wil get along with the book. There are one or two minor typos, clustered towards the end as though the editor was running out of steam, but very few in total considering the length and intricacy of the content.
For me, this was a 4* book, but not because of any specific flaws. The lack is rather in my own preferences than the content. Other readers, with more interest in or sympathy for the chosen setting, might well give it 5*, and I would urge potential readers to give the book the opportunity to be read. If you like this one, it seems very likely that there will be others following along after this first volume. I suspect there will be other opportunities to follow Dawlish's naval career. There are certainly plenty of years of his service left to explore, though how many of them leave space for good fiction to be written remains to be seen.
April 12, 2024
I want to start off by saying that I might be biased when it comes to this book. I have the privilege to call the writer my uncle. As he finished his twelfth novel this year, which is an amazing accomplishment in itself, I promised myself that I would start reading them. Since Britannias Wolf was made into an audiobook I could listen to it during my commute.
Naval fiction is not a genre that I would have chosen before reading this book. I know little to nothing about ships, aside from leisure. Since our family has a long history in boating, my lack of interest would make my ancestors turn in their grave. However this novel has sparked my interest, which I never thought I would have found otherwise.
The novel pulls you into the victorian world of captain Nicholas Dawlish, a pragmatic British naval officer fighting for the Ottomans during the very bloody Russo-Ottoman war. Where most victorian novels I read are set in drawing rooms, this one is full of action. True problems such as the vital importance of maintaining the ship, bridging cultural differences and managing the crew are brilliantly depicted. The plotline isn’t directly obvious, aside from some sweet romance, which keeps the reader invested until the end. Since there are many historical accurate figures involved and naval strategies introduced, I found myself deep diving into them.
Overall for a victorian era set novel it is a very eyeopening and refreshing read. I would highly recommend this to (young) adults who are interested in reading books set in the victorian era or set in the Russo-Ottoman war. Remain cautious with young adults, because it describes crimes of war.
Naval fiction is not a genre that I would have chosen before reading this book. I know little to nothing about ships, aside from leisure. Since our family has a long history in boating, my lack of interest would make my ancestors turn in their grave. However this novel has sparked my interest, which I never thought I would have found otherwise.
The novel pulls you into the victorian world of captain Nicholas Dawlish, a pragmatic British naval officer fighting for the Ottomans during the very bloody Russo-Ottoman war. Where most victorian novels I read are set in drawing rooms, this one is full of action. True problems such as the vital importance of maintaining the ship, bridging cultural differences and managing the crew are brilliantly depicted. The plotline isn’t directly obvious, aside from some sweet romance, which keeps the reader invested until the end. Since there are many historical accurate figures involved and naval strategies introduced, I found myself deep diving into them.
Overall for a victorian era set novel it is a very eyeopening and refreshing read. I would highly recommend this to (young) adults who are interested in reading books set in the victorian era or set in the Russo-Ottoman war. Remain cautious with young adults, because it describes crimes of war.
October 5, 2013
The central character of this book, Nicholas Dawlish, is a Royal Navy officer, not during the age of sail but in the burgeoning world of steam power. That vital difference is this book's great strength, but also apparently, it's weakness.
It seems traditional publishers shied away from a story set at the time of Victoria's growing empire, where Britain's 'wooden walls' were clad in iron, forcing Vanner to go it alone. And that being the case they made a huge mistake.
This is one of the best naval stories I've read. Okay, much of the action is necessarily land-based, given the campaign it covers, but the book fairly gallops along dragging the reader with it. Dawlish's background is only hinted at in this volume, with the promise of more revelations in later stories. We know he's ambitious, with a mentor who persuades him to accept a commission in the Ottoman navy which may help him climb the ladder of promotion; or kill him.
It seems each time Dawlish extracts himself from a scrape another immediately presents itself, and the plot twists and turns kept me reading late into the night far too often. The author's been criticised for the odd anachronism and dubious fact, but apart from occasionally clunky past tense
I saw nothing wrong.
Excellent, and highly recommended if period war fiction's your thing. Roll on the next instalment!
It seems traditional publishers shied away from a story set at the time of Victoria's growing empire, where Britain's 'wooden walls' were clad in iron, forcing Vanner to go it alone. And that being the case they made a huge mistake.
This is one of the best naval stories I've read. Okay, much of the action is necessarily land-based, given the campaign it covers, but the book fairly gallops along dragging the reader with it. Dawlish's background is only hinted at in this volume, with the promise of more revelations in later stories. We know he's ambitious, with a mentor who persuades him to accept a commission in the Ottoman navy which may help him climb the ladder of promotion; or kill him.
It seems each time Dawlish extracts himself from a scrape another immediately presents itself, and the plot twists and turns kept me reading late into the night far too often. The author's been criticised for the odd anachronism and dubious fact, but apart from occasionally clunky past tense
I saw nothing wrong.
Excellent, and highly recommended if period war fiction's your thing. Roll on the next instalment!
September 23, 2019
Britannia’s Wolf is the first in a Victorian navy series and introduces Nicholas Dawlish, an intelligent and courageous naval officer who becomes entangled in both the military and political machinations of the Russo-Turkish war. The author weaves an exciting and believable story through a campaign which I knew very little about.
It’s obvious that Mr Vanner has done an enormous amount of research but never allows it to overwhelm the story. The writing is excellent, the story is fast paced and I wanted to read the next book immediately, which is always a good sign.
The thing that makes this series stand out for me, however, are the characters. The author draws even minor characters deftly while Dawlish draws the reader into his world from the first chapter. He is likeable, intelligent and brave but by no means perfect. He is also a man of his times and his struggle to deal with his growing attachment to a woman from a different social class is beautifully handled. Florence herself is a character I would have been proud to write and I’m looking forward to seeing more of her.
All in all, a fabulous start to the series, very highly recommended.
It’s obvious that Mr Vanner has done an enormous amount of research but never allows it to overwhelm the story. The writing is excellent, the story is fast paced and I wanted to read the next book immediately, which is always a good sign.
The thing that makes this series stand out for me, however, are the characters. The author draws even minor characters deftly while Dawlish draws the reader into his world from the first chapter. He is likeable, intelligent and brave but by no means perfect. He is also a man of his times and his struggle to deal with his growing attachment to a woman from a different social class is beautifully handled. Florence herself is a character I would have been proud to write and I’m looking forward to seeing more of her.
All in all, a fabulous start to the series, very highly recommended.
October 26, 2014
There are still many untold stories of British naval history from Victorian times. Especially when it comes to the change from wooden and wind driven to steel made and stream driven war ships.
Fortunately there are authors like Antoine Vanner who did an excellent job in telling an excellent historical naval fiction afrom a lesser known conflict.
Nicholas Dawlish is a tough main character with a deeply hidden soft spot.
Soemtimes I felt a little bit overstrained by the the level of sea battle details.
A more than promising start of the Dawlish Chronicles.
Recommended to everyone who likes strong and detailed naval historical fiction.
Fortunately there are authors like Antoine Vanner who did an excellent job in telling an excellent historical naval fiction afrom a lesser known conflict.
Nicholas Dawlish is a tough main character with a deeply hidden soft spot.
Soemtimes I felt a little bit overstrained by the the level of sea battle details.
A more than promising start of the Dawlish Chronicles.
Recommended to everyone who likes strong and detailed naval historical fiction.
May 1, 2016
This is excellently researched with vivid action sequences and characters. Vanner really brings a relatively unknown bit of history to life. The only criticism I'd have is that there are so many mentions of past events in Dawlish's career it seems like you are reading the middle of a series rather than the first. Every character needs a back story but it was a little overdone. Well worth reading though.
June 30, 2018
Learned a lot the countries in the story. The maps and ship profile needs to be better quality. The book cover is uninteresting.
May 22, 2018
This is an excellent naval (and some ground) warfare historical novel. It is set in Turkey in the 1870's, when yet another Russo-Turkish War broke out, and our hero, Commander Dawlish RN, is sent to Turkey to help the Turks prevent the Russians from winning too big a victory over the moribund Ottoman Empire -- a similar situation to the one that triggered the Crimean War 20 years previously.
The author displays excellent knowledge of the period and setting, including the complicated results of the transition from "wooden ships and iron men" to steam and steel, as well as the even more complex intrigues going on in the Ottoman government. It shows the continuing reinforcement of the ethnic hatreds that forged "ethnic cleansing" in Bosnia as late as the 1990's (and as early as the 600's) as Islamic ethnic groups sought to convert or expel all Christian, pagans, and Jews from their expanding dominions. This included two sieges of Vienna by Turkish armies, the last one as late as the 1600's. While the author must, to make the plot believable, provide admirable Turkish characters to reinforce CDR Dawlish's loyalty to his new command structure, he also avoids whitewashing them, and rightly so: they have been a fanatical and destabilizing element in European history for a very long time. Turkish words are used for the naval and military ranks to give verisimilitude and they are explained sufficiently for readers unfamiliar with them. Like me, he shows that he has also read some of the Byzantine historical literature on the Turkish wars with the remnants of the Roman Empire that preceded them.
There is a romance in this book too but I'm not sure it adds much to the action, which is fast and filled with plot turns and bloody battles. Getting away from the Napoleonic period was a great help to the story, given that the author has the knowledge to carry it off in a way that doesn't make obvious mistakes. (Having seen the piping drawing for USS Alliance [1877] which shows steam heat in part of the accommodation, I suspect the description of how cold it was on board is exaggerated). Anyone who has enjoyed the Hornblower books or Patrick O'Brian will get a lot out of this one -- I will read more of this series.
The author displays excellent knowledge of the period and setting, including the complicated results of the transition from "wooden ships and iron men" to steam and steel, as well as the even more complex intrigues going on in the Ottoman government. It shows the continuing reinforcement of the ethnic hatreds that forged "ethnic cleansing" in Bosnia as late as the 1990's (and as early as the 600's) as Islamic ethnic groups sought to convert or expel all Christian, pagans, and Jews from their expanding dominions. This included two sieges of Vienna by Turkish armies, the last one as late as the 1600's. While the author must, to make the plot believable, provide admirable Turkish characters to reinforce CDR Dawlish's loyalty to his new command structure, he also avoids whitewashing them, and rightly so: they have been a fanatical and destabilizing element in European history for a very long time. Turkish words are used for the naval and military ranks to give verisimilitude and they are explained sufficiently for readers unfamiliar with them. Like me, he shows that he has also read some of the Byzantine historical literature on the Turkish wars with the remnants of the Roman Empire that preceded them.
There is a romance in this book too but I'm not sure it adds much to the action, which is fast and filled with plot turns and bloody battles. Getting away from the Napoleonic period was a great help to the story, given that the author has the knowledge to carry it off in a way that doesn't make obvious mistakes. (Having seen the piping drawing for USS Alliance [1877] which shows steam heat in part of the accommodation, I suspect the description of how cold it was on board is exaggerated). Anyone who has enjoyed the Hornblower books or Patrick O'Brian will get a lot out of this one -- I will read more of this series.
July 28, 2020
I've read a lot of naval stories, but this is the first involving ironclads. Set in the Russo-Ottoman wars, its a sort of transition between the old days of sail and the modern days of war.
Captain Dawlish has taken up the job of being commander of a small squadron of warships that the Ottoman Empire controls in the Black Sea. He's there on behalf of the British Empire to oppose Russian expansion that would cut off easy connection to their Indian holdings.
The Ottoman Empire is torn by internal struggles between an attempt to modernize the nation with a more liberal constitution and old school Muslims who want to destroy that and anything that supports it, including the Armenian and Christians living in the area.
The book is somewhat depressing, because it is a very difficult push for Captain Dawlish and while he has individual victories and heroism, the story is sad and does not turn out well. Wracked with corruption and infighting, the Ottoman Empire is on its last legs, and the Imperial Russian army is extremely well led, also nearing the end of its era.
There is an interesting blend of old and new: a sort of machine gun mixed with muzzle loading cannons, some breech loading ones with exploding shells and sailing ships along side ironclads. Overall its well written and filled with interesting history, but a sordid, awful time in the British Empire and beginning of the collapse of empires worldwide.
Captain Dawlish has taken up the job of being commander of a small squadron of warships that the Ottoman Empire controls in the Black Sea. He's there on behalf of the British Empire to oppose Russian expansion that would cut off easy connection to their Indian holdings.
The Ottoman Empire is torn by internal struggles between an attempt to modernize the nation with a more liberal constitution and old school Muslims who want to destroy that and anything that supports it, including the Armenian and Christians living in the area.
The book is somewhat depressing, because it is a very difficult push for Captain Dawlish and while he has individual victories and heroism, the story is sad and does not turn out well. Wracked with corruption and infighting, the Ottoman Empire is on its last legs, and the Imperial Russian army is extremely well led, also nearing the end of its era.
There is an interesting blend of old and new: a sort of machine gun mixed with muzzle loading cannons, some breech loading ones with exploding shells and sailing ships along side ironclads. Overall its well written and filled with interesting history, but a sordid, awful time in the British Empire and beginning of the collapse of empires worldwide.
May 8, 2022
TWO BOOKS IN ONE
A. Vanner's Dawlish Chonicals rise to the top of military/nautical historical fiction with this wonderful book. On the one hand we are absorbed with the continued development of the career of a remarkably able and valiant warrior who might represent our deepest longing for individual heroism. On the other hand we are deeply invested in the politics and military developments during an impactful clash between the Ottoman and Russian empires in the Winter of 1877-78. Weaving these two elements together in this treasure of a book must have given Mr. Vanner immense personal pleasure. I hope so because that is what I got out of reading it.
A. Vanner's Dawlish Chonicals rise to the top of military/nautical historical fiction with this wonderful book. On the one hand we are absorbed with the continued development of the career of a remarkably able and valiant warrior who might represent our deepest longing for individual heroism. On the other hand we are deeply invested in the politics and military developments during an impactful clash between the Ottoman and Russian empires in the Winter of 1877-78. Weaving these two elements together in this treasure of a book must have given Mr. Vanner immense personal pleasure. I hope so because that is what I got out of reading it.
March 19, 2021
Absorbing story set in real history
Thoroughly fascinating, gritty, realistic, and intriguing.
The main character is an admirable and dedicated officer. Includes a typical 19th century love story, stiff upper lip, don’t you know, old chap! I really enjoyed the story, the historical underpinnings, and the realistic battle scenes, maneuvers, and tactics.
Thoroughly fascinating, gritty, realistic, and intriguing.
The main character is an admirable and dedicated officer. Includes a typical 19th century love story, stiff upper lip, don’t you know, old chap! I really enjoyed the story, the historical underpinnings, and the realistic battle scenes, maneuvers, and tactics.
July 30, 2017
Excellent Read
Great author with deep well formed characters and an exciting trip through history. When I put it down, I could not wait until I could get back to the story. Have recommended it to friends.
Great author with deep well formed characters and an exciting trip through history. When I put it down, I could not wait until I could get back to the story. Have recommended it to friends.
October 31, 2018
Immensely satisfying page-turner
What a brilliantly crafted, exciting war epic. I'm convinced. More is better than less. I need to read the next volume, forthwith. Well done, Antoine Vanner!
What a brilliantly crafted, exciting war epic. I'm convinced. More is better than less. I need to read the next volume, forthwith. Well done, Antoine Vanner!
March 16, 2019
Excellent read
Found this book to be a very interesting story. Author has accomplished a fascinating book which keeps your attention to the very end. I stayed up late nights just to finish chapters!!
Looking forward to the next book in this series! Well done!!!
Found this book to be a very interesting story. Author has accomplished a fascinating book which keeps your attention to the very end. I stayed up late nights just to finish chapters!!
Looking forward to the next book in this series! Well done!!!
December 3, 2019
Great read.
With an eye to details, but always with a view to the big picture, this book describes the Ottoman empire of the late 1800's very well. The military detail, action, and the thoughts of the protaginist is great. Well worth the read.
With an eye to details, but always with a view to the big picture, this book describes the Ottoman empire of the late 1800's very well. The military detail, action, and the thoughts of the protaginist is great. Well worth the read.
July 26, 2020
Great action packed adventure set in the corrupt court of the Ottoman Empire.
It’s different from most of the 19 century naval stories in that it’s set in a period beyond the Napoleonic wars in the time of the war between Russia and turkey much later in the century.
It’s different from most of the 19 century naval stories in that it’s set in a period beyond the Napoleonic wars in the time of the war between Russia and turkey much later in the century.
August 1, 2017
Well worth reading
A complex time in history provides an excellent adventure that compel you to keep turning the pages to find out the (real as life) characters survive.
A complex time in history provides an excellent adventure that compel you to keep turning the pages to find out the (real as life) characters survive.
December 29, 2017
Enjoyable
Enjoyed reading. A bit different from most historical nautical novels I've read. Look forward to reading the rest of his novels.
Enjoyed reading. A bit different from most historical nautical novels I've read. Look forward to reading the rest of his novels.
September 30, 2018
Great battle description
Liked the point of view of the main character of historical events. Great battle fiction as well as description of people and places to give them context.
Liked the point of view of the main character of historical events. Great battle fiction as well as description of people and places to give them context.
January 30, 2020
Great adventure
Interesting and unknown period in history written with great style and enthusiasm.
Will start reading the next in the series now!
Interesting and unknown period in history written with great style and enthusiasm.
Will start reading the next in the series now!
January 30, 2020
Great book .
Well written suspenseful action and a second
Hidden plot through the story will keep the readers
Reading to the last page.
Well written suspenseful action and a second
Hidden plot through the story will keep the readers
Reading to the last page.
March 8, 2020
What an exciting story. Very well done. Dawlish is an amazing and very human character. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
May 19, 2020
Wonderful read
A wonderful read in the tradition of Forrester, Kent, Woodman and Pope. A humble but eminently skilled sailor with the heart of a lion.
A wonderful read in the tradition of Forrester, Kent, Woodman and Pope. A humble but eminently skilled sailor with the heart of a lion.
June 15, 2021
Enjoyable, interesting history, fun story.
June 19, 2025
IA love story
I was sad that the story ended. I wish that I understood how the story went from one segment to another one. I end up missing or joining part of his life.
I was sad that the story ended. I wish that I understood how the story went from one segment to another one. I end up missing or joining part of his life.
July 1, 2013
Antoine Vanner gets it right in this story of a little-known war in the early days of steam-powered navies. "Britannia's Wolf" is a nicely put together story of the sea that rewards the reader on many levels. First of all, it is a rip-snorting story of derring-do that features likable characters in difficult circumstances faced with tough choices. In other words, the story grabs the reader and won't let go. Second, I am a sailor, and insist on realism in sea stories. Here, Vanner excels. He explains how things work in an obsolete technology while still entertaining and getting the "shiver me timbers" parts right. Third, for those like me who are history buffs, Vanner's main character creation, Nicholas Dawlish, rings true as a contemporary of the setting in which he is found. He is more progressive than most of the period (1877-1878), but he is not a modern man in period dress. Rather, Dawlish is a real person, a believable product of his times, with the inner turmoil that results when matters of the heart conflict with social mores. Antoine Vanner has gotten me involved with his characters, the time in which they live, and the fascinating details of their daily lives. I anticipate with great pleasure further books in what will hopefully be the long tale of the Dawlish Chronicles.
August 29, 2013
Superb historical naval/military fiction from a lesser known period and conflict. Antoine Vanner has created a hard-edged but likeable hero in Nicholas Dawlish, and has brilliantly realised the era of muzzle-loading rifled cannon, compound expansion steam engines, hand-operated machine guns and rapid progress in arms and tactics. Morever, he has created a heart-pounding narrative that kept me page-turning from beginning to end, with one jaw-droppingly shocking twist I never saw coming. Highly recommended.
June 28, 2015
I really enjoyed this and am looking forward to reading the next in the series. As a long-time devotee of Patrick O'Brian's sea stories, I find it quite intriguing to be in a very different era, but one with traces of the Napoleonic period still clinging to its perceptions and traditions, especially in the Navy. I am quite squeamish, as a rule, about battles and violence, but Vanner managed to show me a lot about the experience of brutal war without letting me skip any pages. I was so engaged with Dawlish that I couldn't miss anything. Good stuff.
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