The Torrid Zone

Fighting Sail #6

by Alaric Bond

A tired ship with a worn out crew, but HMS Scylla has one more trip to make before her much postponed re-fit. Bound for St Helena, she is to deliver the island's next governor; a simple enough mission and, as peace looks likely to be declared, no one is expecting difficulties. Except, perhaps, the commander of a powerful French battle squadron, who has other ideas. With conflict and intrigue at sea and ashore, The Torrid Zone is filled to the gunnels with action, excitement and fascinating historical detail; a truly engaging read.

Genres: Nautical, Historical Fiction

302 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 23, 2014

About the author

Alaric Bond has written for television, radio and the stage but now focuses on historical nautical fiction with twenty published novels, fifteen of which are in his acclaimed ‘Fighting Sail’ series.
Set in ‘Nelson’s Navy’ of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars, these have no central hero but feature characters from all ranks and stations; an innovative approach that gives an exciting and realistic impression of life aboard a warship of the period.
Hellfire Corner is the first in an intended new series and marks a change in emphasis, although future ‘Fighting Sail’ instalments are planned.

Reviews

[V.E. Ulett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captain Banks, Lieutenant King, Master Fraiser, and the crew of H.M.S. Scylla are tasked with carrying a new governor to the south Atlantic island of St. Helena. The mission is complicated when a French squadron is encountered en route. After a fierce and exciting sea battle when Scylla meets a superior French force, the ship reaches St. Helena, but there are consequences to be faced as a result of the battle. Captain Banks and his men encounter treacherous enemies both ashore and at sea, and even a most deadly one disguised in their midst.

This sixth book in the popular Napoleonic age Fighting Sail series is an entertaining adventure in a remote and exotic locale, featuring two sea actions and the finest combined land and sea battle I have ever read. Neither is the story lacking in suspense, intrigue, and romantic entanglements for the diverse set of officers and crew of Scylla. Sailing into the Torrid Zone with author Alaric Bond will be a treat for fans of the Fighting Sail series, and a real find for those new to the books.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Rich, Deep Story

I am always impressed with Alaric Bond’s work. He gets deep into his characters and the story is always rich in detail. He is not your average nautical storyteller in that he immerses you into history without even you knowing it.

[Chaplain Stanley Chapin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent story

One that I particularly enjoy being the location of Napoleon s exile imprisonment a d subsequent death. Plus a sailing ship action novel.

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, but not as good as the others.

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, but preceding books were better

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best contemporary historical fiction

I just couldn't resist that oxymoron. But seriously folks, Alaric Bond is without a doubt the best contemporary author of that glorious genre of naval fiction, "The Age of Fighting Sail." And I've read them all, living and dead. Lady Hatcher may be the weakest link in a cast of strong characters. And the inclusion of a serial killer is brilliant. This one is a page turner.