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Sailing Orders #1
Sailing Orders
For those awaiting another action adventure naval story of the 18/19th century, then this is it. Following the life of an abandoned 13 year old who by chance is instrumental in saving a family from robbery and worse. Taken in by the naval Captain Bowers he is placed as a midshipman in his benefactor’s ship. From that time onward with the increasing demands of the conflict with France, Martin Forrest grows up fast. The relationship with his benefactors family is formalized when he is adopted by them and has a home once more. Romance with Jennifer the Captain’s ward links him ever closer to the family.
Meanwhile he serves in the West Indies where good fortune results in his gaining considerable wealth personally. With promotion and command he is able to marry and reclaim his birth-right, stolen from him by his step-mother and her lover.
The mysterious (call me merely Mr. Smith) involves Martin in more activity in the shadowy world of spies and secret agents. Mainly a question of infiltrating and extricating agents, his involvement becomes more complex as time goes on. A cruise to India consolidates his position and rank with the successful capture of prizes when returning convoying East-Indiamen. His rise to Post rank is followed by a series of events, that sadly culminate in family tragedy.
Though still young Martin Forrest-Bowers faces and empty future, yet the mysterious merely Mr. Smith has requested his service. Why does the spymaster require of him, and what lies ahead?
Meanwhile he serves in the West Indies where good fortune results in his gaining considerable wealth personally. With promotion and command he is able to marry and reclaim his birth-right, stolen from him by his step-mother and her lover.
The mysterious (call me merely Mr. Smith) involves Martin in more activity in the shadowy world of spies and secret agents. Mainly a question of infiltrating and extricating agents, his involvement becomes more complex as time goes on. A cruise to India consolidates his position and rank with the successful capture of prizes when returning convoying East-Indiamen. His rise to Post rank is followed by a series of events, that sadly culminate in family tragedy.
Though still young Martin Forrest-Bowers faces and empty future, yet the mysterious merely Mr. Smith has requested his service. Why does the spymaster require of him, and what lies ahead?
337 pages, Paperback
First published December 23, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
May 22, 2019
Poor editing
Plot seems to change at will and without notice. Story thread is disjointed. Detail of naval operations is light on.
Did not enjoy this book. Seems to be made up of the sum of all other similar books but severly lacking in character
Plot seems to change at will and without notice. Story thread is disjointed. Detail of naval operations is light on.
Did not enjoy this book. Seems to be made up of the sum of all other similar books but severly lacking in character
June 10, 2019
Excellent read
Once again O'neil has succeeded in keeping me waiting for the next part of this adventure, a great story, bringing to life the navy in Nelson's time.
Once again O'neil has succeeded in keeping me waiting for the next part of this adventure, a great story, bringing to life the navy in Nelson's time.
November 1, 2023
Terrible novel.
Poorly written, this novel is a waste of time. The plot is developed in a way that makes it unbelievable.
Poorly written, this novel is a waste of time. The plot is developed in a way that makes it unbelievable.
April 16, 2014
Good story
but I would have rather had more sea action and less sex action. The typical male attitude were disappointing to me.
but I would have rather had more sea action and less sex action. The typical male attitude were disappointing to me.
April 11, 2017
Very enjoyable Age of Sail novel. Both a coming of age and career book. Herein though lies the reason for only 4 stars. The author simply hits we the readers with too much. Martin accomplishes a heady career worth of excellence all by his mid 20's.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews