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East Indiaman
When a man escapes alive, he has a chance to survive.
In the unforgiving docklands of east London, young orphan William must do all he can to survive. Like the other ‘wharf rats’, his life of petty crime is not a choice; it’s a necessity. But William’s misdeeds won’t remain hidden for long. When the boy unknowingly steals from a murderous pirate captain, escape is his only option. He is forced to stow away and begin a life that will take him to the far side of the world; a life as a soldier of the East India Company.
“The last thing I needed was to stay in London where a bloodthirsty pirate captain hunted me. I was pragmatic. I could start a new life at whatever port she docked. Who knew? If I did not know where I was going to land then how would those who wished me harm? This might be the chance I had been seeking. It had been forced upon me but I was beholden to no one… I needed no one.”
Brimming with adventure and peril, East Indiaman is a story about self-discovery and a relentless pursuit of freedom. Through the use of evocative prose, Hosker immerses the reader into the seafaring world of the late 1700s where an opportunistic youth transforms from a hunted thief into an unexpected soldier.
The enthralling first instalment in the best-selling East Indiaman series by Griff Hosker. Perfect for fans of Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe books, C.S Forester and Colin Falconer.
In the unforgiving docklands of east London, young orphan William must do all he can to survive. Like the other ‘wharf rats’, his life of petty crime is not a choice; it’s a necessity. But William’s misdeeds won’t remain hidden for long. When the boy unknowingly steals from a murderous pirate captain, escape is his only option. He is forced to stow away and begin a life that will take him to the far side of the world; a life as a soldier of the East India Company.
“The last thing I needed was to stay in London where a bloodthirsty pirate captain hunted me. I was pragmatic. I could start a new life at whatever port she docked. Who knew? If I did not know where I was going to land then how would those who wished me harm? This might be the chance I had been seeking. It had been forced upon me but I was beholden to no one… I needed no one.”
Brimming with adventure and peril, East Indiaman is a story about self-discovery and a relentless pursuit of freedom. Through the use of evocative prose, Hosker immerses the reader into the seafaring world of the late 1700s where an opportunistic youth transforms from a hunted thief into an unexpected soldier.
The enthralling first instalment in the best-selling East Indiaman series by Griff Hosker. Perfect for fans of Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe books, C.S Forester and Colin Falconer.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2024
227 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
About the author
Griff Hosker
305 books419 followersI was born in 1950 in Lancashire and attended a boy’s grammar school. After qualifying as an English and Drama teacher in 1972, I worked in the North East of England for the next 35 years. During that time I did write, mainly plays, pantos and musicals for the students at the three schools in which I worked.
When I stopped teaching I set up my own consultancy firm and worked as an adviser in schools and colleges in the North East of England. The new Conservative Government ended that avenue of work and in 2010 I found that I had time on my hands; having started work at the age of 15 I found the lack of work not to my liking and used the time to research the Roman invasion of Britain and begin to create a novel. The result was The Sword of Cartimandua.
My decision to begin writing was one of the best I have ever taken.
griff-signature-360x57
When I stopped teaching I set up my own consultancy firm and worked as an adviser in schools and colleges in the North East of England. The new Conservative Government ended that avenue of work and in 2010 I found that I had time on my hands; having started work at the age of 15 I found the lack of work not to my liking and used the time to research the Roman invasion of Britain and begin to create a novel. The result was The Sword of Cartimandua.
My decision to begin writing was one of the best I have ever taken.
griff-signature-360x57
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 19, 2025
Bill Smith (not his real name) was a young thief in a poor section of London when he took stuff from the wrong victim. He stowed away on an British East India Company ship (by chance) and was eventually discovered, but not before he showed some skill and “pluck.”
As the ship nears India he is given a choice to serve as part of that ship’s crew or to become part of the East India Company’s Army. Lucky for me, he chooses the army because I have always been interested in the way in which this army melded with the regular British Army in India before the Raj. This is exactly the period (at the turn of the 19th century) when this was in flux.
Smith is called “Smudger” and is part of a small group made up of men who were given a chance to get out of prison if they were willing to serve in the East India Company’s Army.
"We were the Devil’s Dozen and enjoyed the accolade. When we lined up the captain addressed us. “Welcome to the thirteen of you.” He smiled, “I hope that is not an unlucky number. As you can see you double the number of our platoon. This is not our normal home so do not become too comfortable here. We have been based in Calcutta, Mallavelli and Seringapatam. This platoon is well thought of. We have a reputation and that means that we are used by Lord Mornington and the East India Company to do specialised work."
Smudger is tapped for several spying adventures which varying results.
"Sergeant Grundy patted my back as he passed, “Smudger is a survivor. He has the face of an angel but the heart of a killer. Stick close to him you two and you have a good chance of surviving this journey home.”"
A good deal of time is spent sleeping away from the barracks --- often in the jungle.
"I sat outside and listened to the sounds of the night. Animals were hunting and life and death struggles took place just a few yards from us. It was the same as our world. I did not understand why we had assaulted and taken the fortress but men like Lord Mornington were different to me and the section. The duck ate the worms and the fox took the duck. Here in India the wolf and the tiger would take the fox. We were at the duck end of our world. We killed because we were ordered to and to survive."
This is historical fiction so there a many historical characters blended into the narrative. Hosker does this very well and the recounting of tactics used in real battles was an eye-opener.
My only quibble is that this is obviously a longish book that was divided in half to suit publishing demands. That forced me to immediately acquire The Tiger and the Thief of which I hope to begin a review shortly.
As the ship nears India he is given a choice to serve as part of that ship’s crew or to become part of the East India Company’s Army. Lucky for me, he chooses the army because I have always been interested in the way in which this army melded with the regular British Army in India before the Raj. This is exactly the period (at the turn of the 19th century) when this was in flux.
Smith is called “Smudger” and is part of a small group made up of men who were given a chance to get out of prison if they were willing to serve in the East India Company’s Army.
"We were the Devil’s Dozen and enjoyed the accolade. When we lined up the captain addressed us. “Welcome to the thirteen of you.” He smiled, “I hope that is not an unlucky number. As you can see you double the number of our platoon. This is not our normal home so do not become too comfortable here. We have been based in Calcutta, Mallavelli and Seringapatam. This platoon is well thought of. We have a reputation and that means that we are used by Lord Mornington and the East India Company to do specialised work."
Smudger is tapped for several spying adventures which varying results.
"Sergeant Grundy patted my back as he passed, “Smudger is a survivor. He has the face of an angel but the heart of a killer. Stick close to him you two and you have a good chance of surviving this journey home.”"
A good deal of time is spent sleeping away from the barracks --- often in the jungle.
"I sat outside and listened to the sounds of the night. Animals were hunting and life and death struggles took place just a few yards from us. It was the same as our world. I did not understand why we had assaulted and taken the fortress but men like Lord Mornington were different to me and the section. The duck ate the worms and the fox took the duck. Here in India the wolf and the tiger would take the fox. We were at the duck end of our world. We killed because we were ordered to and to survive."
This is historical fiction so there a many historical characters blended into the narrative. Hosker does this very well and the recounting of tactics used in real battles was an eye-opener.
My only quibble is that this is obviously a longish book that was divided in half to suit publishing demands. That forced me to immediately acquire The Tiger and the Thief of which I hope to begin a review shortly.
August 30, 2024
I love this book.
I enjoyed reading this book. I read it twice. Also, I want to thank you for your sources. I have a start on a project about the East Indian Company during my convalescent leave.
I enjoyed reading this book. I read it twice. Also, I want to thank you for your sources. I have a start on a project about the East Indian Company during my convalescent leave.
March 23, 2025
As someone who has long despised the East India Company—seeing them as invaders who exploited my homeland—I approached East Indiaman with deep skepticism. For thirty years, my feelings toward that chapter of history remained bitter and unwavering. But then, I picked up this book, and something unexpected happened.
Griff Hosker’s storytelling pulled me into the life of a young rogue from the rough streets of London, a man who wasn’t a conqueror, but simply someone chasing a better life. Through his eyes, I saw not an empire’s ambition, but the hopes, struggles, and fears of individuals—men who came to India not to pillage, but to survive, to escape their own hardships, to seek adventure in a land completely unknown to them.
What struck me most was how the novel didn’t attempt to rewrite history or justify the injustices of colonial rule. Instead, it gave faces to those often lost in the sweeping narrative of empire—ordinary people, some desperate, some ambitious, all caught in something far larger than themselves. It made me pause and, for the first time, set aside my anger long enough to simply witness their stories.
Hosker’s writing brings historical India to life—the mystery, the danger, the allure of a world both beautiful and brutal. The characters feel real, the pacing is gripping, and the journey is one that lingers with you. This book had the foundation to become an incredible franchise, exploring different lives entangled in history, but sadly, that potential was never realized.
Despite my initial reservations, East Indiaman did something I never expected—it softened something in me. It didn’t change my views on history, but it reminded me that behind every era, no matter how painful, there are human lives, each carrying their own dreams and burdens. And maybe, just maybe, that’s a story worth hearing.
Griff Hosker’s storytelling pulled me into the life of a young rogue from the rough streets of London, a man who wasn’t a conqueror, but simply someone chasing a better life. Through his eyes, I saw not an empire’s ambition, but the hopes, struggles, and fears of individuals—men who came to India not to pillage, but to survive, to escape their own hardships, to seek adventure in a land completely unknown to them.
What struck me most was how the novel didn’t attempt to rewrite history or justify the injustices of colonial rule. Instead, it gave faces to those often lost in the sweeping narrative of empire—ordinary people, some desperate, some ambitious, all caught in something far larger than themselves. It made me pause and, for the first time, set aside my anger long enough to simply witness their stories.
Hosker’s writing brings historical India to life—the mystery, the danger, the allure of a world both beautiful and brutal. The characters feel real, the pacing is gripping, and the journey is one that lingers with you. This book had the foundation to become an incredible franchise, exploring different lives entangled in history, but sadly, that potential was never realized.
Despite my initial reservations, East Indiaman did something I never expected—it softened something in me. It didn’t change my views on history, but it reminded me that behind every era, no matter how painful, there are human lives, each carrying their own dreams and burdens. And maybe, just maybe, that’s a story worth hearing.
July 26, 2025
If I didn’t know better, I would have thought that this was the author’s first self-published attempt at a novel. Nope! He has 180+ books under his belt (which is probably also a problem, considered that he somehow spewed out that many books since 2011)!
I couldn’t believe the stilted writing style. I was so annoyed by all the short, simple sentences. They quickly became irksome. I also noticed that at least half of the sentences began with “I.” He did not ever use contractions. This added to the unnatural feel. Can you imagine reading 243 pages of this? I did.
This stylistic nightmare tells the tale of a young thief turned company soldier who effortlessly excels at everything he tries (caring for horses, silently slitting throats, accurately firing a musket, learning foreign languages, etc.) and quickly becomes everyone’s favorite boy who gets picked for all the special assignments. Everything always works out perfectly for him and his band of misfit cardboard cutouts & ethnic stereotypes who give only a passing nod to military discipline or weapons training.
The only thing that kept me reading was the hope of finding interesting historical nuggets about the East India Company. It wasn’t worth it. I could go on, but I don’t want to waste any more time on this.
I couldn’t believe the stilted writing style. I was so annoyed by all the short, simple sentences. They quickly became irksome. I also noticed that at least half of the sentences began with “I.” He did not ever use contractions. This added to the unnatural feel. Can you imagine reading 243 pages of this? I did.
This stylistic nightmare tells the tale of a young thief turned company soldier who effortlessly excels at everything he tries (caring for horses, silently slitting throats, accurately firing a musket, learning foreign languages, etc.) and quickly becomes everyone’s favorite boy who gets picked for all the special assignments. Everything always works out perfectly for him and his band of misfit cardboard cutouts & ethnic stereotypes who give only a passing nod to military discipline or weapons training.
The only thing that kept me reading was the hope of finding interesting historical nuggets about the East India Company. It wasn’t worth it. I could go on, but I don’t want to waste any more time on this.
October 16, 2024
Adventure in India
This is a tale about a young rogue from the tough streets of London who escapes a harsh fate by joining the East India Company as a soldier. Set in an exotic location during the era of the British colonial empire in India, this story offers mystery and adventure for anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
It features interesting, well-developed characters and keeps readers engaged from beginning to end.
This is a tale about a young rogue from the tough streets of London who escapes a harsh fate by joining the East India Company as a soldier. Set in an exotic location during the era of the British colonial empire in India, this story offers mystery and adventure for anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
It features interesting, well-developed characters and keeps readers engaged from beginning to end.
October 25, 2024
Lessons in soldiering
Our author, or Captain Obvious as he might be known, carefully explains every detail needed to make a young thief into an effective soldier. But it’s never as boring as that might sound because it’s couched in a tight, fast moving plot. Not only do we learn of shipboard duties and animal husbandry, also tips on being an infantryman: aim low! Though no “gentleman”, our hero earns the gratitude of the officers and men. More to come, since this is book 1.
Our author, or Captain Obvious as he might be known, carefully explains every detail needed to make a young thief into an effective soldier. But it’s never as boring as that might sound because it’s couched in a tight, fast moving plot. Not only do we learn of shipboard duties and animal husbandry, also tips on being an infantryman: aim low! Though no “gentleman”, our hero earns the gratitude of the officers and men. More to come, since this is book 1.
December 5, 2024
A hero's life series/Horatio Alger story.
Orphan in a dock town in England steals from the wrong person, stows away on a Company ship, is found but ends up being a good brave new sailor, and becomes a new Company Army soldier instead.
The second half of the book is him working his way through a squad side mission as a low ranking but central character.
It sounds simplistic but it has just the right amount of action and just enough internal thoughts to make the story work.
Orphan in a dock town in England steals from the wrong person, stows away on a Company ship, is found but ends up being a good brave new sailor, and becomes a new Company Army soldier instead.
The second half of the book is him working his way through a squad side mission as a low ranking but central character.
It sounds simplistic but it has just the right amount of action and just enough internal thoughts to make the story work.
July 16, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I chose it because I've always been interested in groups like the East India Company and the Hudson Bay Company. The main character is young thief who stows away on a ship and ends up becoming a member of the East India Company. There was a section on the ship where I thought the story dragged a bit, but otherwise, it was very quick-paced and enjoyable.
September 11, 2025
East Indiaman book 1 from Griff Hosker
I’ve read other series by Hosker, and all have been excellent. This series is also a winner. A thief of east London flees for his life and stowaways on an East India trade company ship. Once discovered while at sea his adventures begin as a soldier of the East India Company.
I’ve read other series by Hosker, and all have been excellent. This series is also a winner. A thief of east London flees for his life and stowaways on an East India trade company ship. Once discovered while at sea his adventures begin as a soldier of the East India Company.
September 23, 2024
East India company story
Excellent story about a period little known in the us . Characters are nicely developed and the description of India shows a lot of research Great book and I wait for#2.
Excellent story about a period little known in the us . Characters are nicely developed and the description of India shows a lot of research Great book and I wait for#2.
September 28, 2024
East India man Saga book 1
Seemed like a well planned out historical adventure, engaging characters and plausible plot, well worth reading for the entertainment value. Looking forward to book 2.
Seemed like a well planned out historical adventure, engaging characters and plausible plot, well worth reading for the entertainment value. Looking forward to book 2.
December 13, 2024
A new author
Tried out a Griff Hosker book first one I wasn't disappointed .It was well written looking forward to book 2 of this series in the meantime I have a few books to read of his
Tried out a Griff Hosker book first one I wasn't disappointed .It was well written looking forward to book 2 of this series in the meantime I have a few books to read of his
December 31, 2024
Its a 5 from me !!
Totally enjoyed the story line, good reading throughout, must admit I'm becoming a Griffin Hosker fan, the writing is entertaining as well as believable. Moving on to the next adventure of Smiffy
Totally enjoyed the story line, good reading throughout, must admit I'm becoming a Griffin Hosker fan, the writing is entertaining as well as believable. Moving on to the next adventure of Smiffy
February 15, 2025
East Indianan by Griff Hosker.
Abandoned as a youngster to his own means in the city of London William stows away on a boat to avoid a price on his head.
His quick thinking keeps himself out of trouble.
A good HF read about life in the East India Company 1790’s India.
Abandoned as a youngster to his own means in the city of London William stows away on a boat to avoid a price on his head.
His quick thinking keeps himself out of trouble.
A good HF read about life in the East India Company 1790’s India.
February 28, 2025
Another Hosker Gem
I have read many novels by this author and have enjoyed them all. This novel did not disappoint. Characters and events were great and kept me glued to the book reading it in 4 hours.
I have read many novels by this author and have enjoyed them all. This novel did not disappoint. Characters and events were great and kept me glued to the book reading it in 4 hours.
September 4, 2024
Surprisingly good
It is nice to read a book featuring the eic that isn't pushing an agenda. Good, old fashioned read, though the thoughts on running get a little repetitive
It is nice to read a book featuring the eic that isn't pushing an agenda. Good, old fashioned read, though the thoughts on running get a little repetitive
September 12, 2024
Another excellent book from this great storyteller.
October 23, 2024
Well written
I was engrossed by this book and the interesting details it reveals about East India men and the challenges and hardships that faced.
I was engrossed by this book and the interesting details it reveals about East India men and the challenges and hardships that faced.
December 5, 2024
A fun and interesting read with a main character that is worth investing time in.
Looking forward to the next book
Looking forward to the next book
January 21, 2025
Was a bit meh. Poor prose, but did get better as it went on - felt as though it was written in a rush. Didn’t really learn a great deal about the East India Company.
February 4, 2025
another great one by Griff Hosker
I enjoyed this book and I wish he had done a follow up. If you like his books you’ll enjoy it too.
I enjoyed this book and I wish he had done a follow up. If you like his books you’ll enjoy it too.
April 14, 2025
good I enjoyed this one plenty of action
June 21, 2025
- Good read with enjoyable characters.
June 26, 2025
Very enjoyable, historically accurate.
July 8, 2025
a historically correct fictional story
The main character, an orphaned boy, has numerous adventures and become a man. This was a fun read about the English army in long ago India.
The main character, an orphaned boy, has numerous adventures and become a man. This was a fun read about the English army in long ago India.
July 14, 2025
Great historical fiction
I felt like I was there experiencing life in the Napoleonic era. Eager to read the next in the series.
I felt like I was there experiencing life in the Napoleonic era. Eager to read the next in the series.
March 9, 2025
Great first book
Could not put the book down Totally immersed in the story and so realistic .Can't wait for volume two .
Could not put the book down Totally immersed in the story and so realistic .Can't wait for volume two .
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews