What do you think?
Rate this book
Soundings Edge: Book 1 of the Nicholas Cruwys Naval Series
Book One of the Nicholas Cruwys Naval Series
In the spring of 1774, fourteen-year-old Nicholas Cruwys leaves behind the stone halls of Exeter and the ancestral pride of a faded Devonshire line to join His Majesty's Navy. Quiet, observant, and untested, he enters a world where the rigid structures of Georgian society meet the harsh meritocracy of wooden ships and iron discipline.
As a young gentleman at sea, Nicholas must navigate not only wind and tide but the intricate social currents of a naval service where worth is measured in equal parts by birth, connection, and ability. The ship becomes his academy, the quarterdeck his testing ground, and the diverse company of officers and men his most demanding instructors.
When Nicholas is posted to HMS Resolution under Captain James Cook, he joins an expedition to the far reaches of the Pacific—a voyage of scientific inquiry and imperial ambition. Among the islands of the South Seas, he encounters societies that challenge everything he has been taught about rank, propriety, and human connection. As he moves between the ordered world of the naval vessel and the complex social fabric of Tahiti and the surrounding archipelagos, Nicholas finds himself questioning the certainties of his upbringing and the nature of civilization itself.
Soundings Edge weaves together the precision of maritime detail with the delicate threads of human sentiment and societal constraint. It is a portrait of an age in transition, where Enlightenment ideals clash with ancient traditions, and where a young man's understanding of himself—and his place in an expanding world—evolves with each new horizon. More than a tale of naval adventure, it is an exploration of the heart's uncharted territories and the quiet revolutions of the mind that shape a life's course.
In the spring of 1774, fourteen-year-old Nicholas Cruwys leaves behind the stone halls of Exeter and the ancestral pride of a faded Devonshire line to join His Majesty's Navy. Quiet, observant, and untested, he enters a world where the rigid structures of Georgian society meet the harsh meritocracy of wooden ships and iron discipline.
As a young gentleman at sea, Nicholas must navigate not only wind and tide but the intricate social currents of a naval service where worth is measured in equal parts by birth, connection, and ability. The ship becomes his academy, the quarterdeck his testing ground, and the diverse company of officers and men his most demanding instructors.
When Nicholas is posted to HMS Resolution under Captain James Cook, he joins an expedition to the far reaches of the Pacific—a voyage of scientific inquiry and imperial ambition. Among the islands of the South Seas, he encounters societies that challenge everything he has been taught about rank, propriety, and human connection. As he moves between the ordered world of the naval vessel and the complex social fabric of Tahiti and the surrounding archipelagos, Nicholas finds himself questioning the certainties of his upbringing and the nature of civilization itself.
Soundings Edge weaves together the precision of maritime detail with the delicate threads of human sentiment and societal constraint. It is a portrait of an age in transition, where Enlightenment ideals clash with ancient traditions, and where a young man's understanding of himself—and his place in an expanding world—evolves with each new horizon. More than a tale of naval adventure, it is an exploration of the heart's uncharted territories and the quiet revolutions of the mind that shape a life's course.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
498 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 17, 2025
About the author
Adrian Westbrooke
21 books26 followersAdrian Westbrooke has long been a student of the sea, its history, and the men and ships who contended upon it. His fascination with the great age of sail was first kindled by an early immersion in naval history and has since been deepened by years of wide and exacting reading from the voyages of discovery to the wars that set the Royal Navy against the fleets of France, Spain, Holland and others. An experienced offshore and cruising sailor, he brings to his work not only that lifetime of reading but also a sailor’s own feel for wind, weather, and the rhythms of life under canvas. His writing is grounded in a close attention to the detail of period seamanship, gunnery, and society ashore, while always aiming to draw the reader into the lived experience of that world. His Nicholas Cruwys Naval Series reflects this enduring passion, ranging across the maritime powers of the age from the Royal Navy to its adversaries and allies, and to the global reach of the East India Company. He continues to develop the series, exploring the shifting fortunes of war, trade, and empire across the oceans of the late eighteenth century.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
November 15, 2025
a naval historical book with depth
After many series written at a grammar school level Mr Westbrook gives us a story based on history with an engrossing story line. I'm looking forward to book 2
After many series written at a grammar school level Mr Westbrook gives us a story based on history with an engrossing story line. I'm looking forward to book 2
September 30, 2025
Excellent!
This was a surprisingly good book. I started unintended days before the release of another from a series I have following. Put the other on hold now. The characters came alive quickly as the storylines developed - so many twists and turns. Definitely not annick you could read and then put down for a while. Into the next one now which is probably the best recommendation
This was a surprisingly good book. I started unintended days before the release of another from a series I have following. Put the other on hold now. The characters came alive quickly as the storylines developed - so many twists and turns. Definitely not annick you could read and then put down for a while. Into the next one now which is probably the best recommendation
February 13, 2026
Adventure at Sea
In an exciting beginning to a promising series, we meet Nick Cruwys as he embarks on a grand naval adventure. This journey takes us to exotic locations in the South Pacific, where our hero encounters unfamiliar societal practices and unique cultural norms.
I found this book difficult to put down. Each page introduced new locations and characters, keeping my interest piqued throughout the story. I look forward to the second installment in this series.
In an exciting beginning to a promising series, we meet Nick Cruwys as he embarks on a grand naval adventure. This journey takes us to exotic locations in the South Pacific, where our hero encounters unfamiliar societal practices and unique cultural norms.
I found this book difficult to put down. Each page introduced new locations and characters, keeping my interest piqued throughout the story. I look forward to the second installment in this series.
November 19, 2025
A New O'Brien
Based on the first book in the series, the author rises far above the norm for this genre with characters, plot lines and descriptive prose like no other seen for many years. The quality of writing is exceptional and I cannot recommend it too highly for those with an interest in 18th century/Napoleanic naval fiction.
Based on the first book in the series, the author rises far above the norm for this genre with characters, plot lines and descriptive prose like no other seen for many years. The quality of writing is exceptional and I cannot recommend it too highly for those with an interest in 18th century/Napoleanic naval fiction.
November 19, 2025
A wonderful cocktail of British naval, social, and political threads: Jane Austen meets Chris Durbin.
The author blends the Polynesian culture, 18th century Royal Navy, and British social and political considerations into a story with believable and likable people.
The author blends the Polynesian culture, 18th century Royal Navy, and British social and political considerations into a story with believable and likable people.
November 4, 2025
Excellent read
This novel stands out in the genre because the main protagonist is given a deeper perspective and an intelligence to understand his unique voyage in the 18th century world.
This novel stands out in the genre because the main protagonist is given a deeper perspective and an intelligence to understand his unique voyage in the 18th century world.
October 30, 2025
Maturely conceived and gratifying well written. A joy to read though not as swashbuckling as the best of the genre. I mention the latter not as a criticism. Perhaps a bit hyperbole in the characters of the characters.
October 5, 2025
Excellent
Rich descriptions and characters amid a worthwhile understanding of naval history and affairs. A good read to the end
Looking for more.
Rich descriptions and characters amid a worthwhile understanding of naval history and affairs. A good read to the end
Looking for more.
April 4, 2026
I’m halfway through. May come back to change my rating later. Coincidentally, I just finished “Desolation Island” by Patrick O’ Brien (for the second time) before starting this book. I realize what an immense amount of work it is to write a book like this so don’t want to be too critical. Most self published books are that way because a commercial publisher couldn’t be found. This is the third self published book I have read, and found that they are self published for a reason…they are just not of the necessary quality to get published. I’ve read all of Hornblower, Bolitho, Drinkwater, and of course Aubrey/Maturin, all of which I found very engrossing, absorbing, worthy books. This book, while well written, is sadly in need of a good editor. It is very predictable, the characters are shallow, there is very little intrigue or drama. For example, the sexual liaisons of young Nicholas, they are just not done very well. I’m certainly not sitting on the edge of my seat reading about them. Everything about Nicholas is just too perfect. He doesn’t seem to have any flaws or weaknesses. In other words, he’s not really human. Anyway, that’s it for now. Maybe more later. Maybe it will get better….
I was going to let my prior review stand, but have now finished the book and add the following. The ending, especially the relationship between Nicholas and Caroline, was very ambiguous and unsatisfactory. I couldn’t figure out exactly what it meant. Also, the timing and spacing of events seemed very irregular. One minute we were in London before Nicholas’ next assignment to the Channel fleet, and the next minute that assignment was over….what? I know this is all supposed to set up the next book, but, it wasn’t handled very well. Again I say, Nicholas is too perfect, too plastic, no internal or external conflicts, quite uninteresting….
I was going to let my prior review stand, but have now finished the book and add the following. The ending, especially the relationship between Nicholas and Caroline, was very ambiguous and unsatisfactory. I couldn’t figure out exactly what it meant. Also, the timing and spacing of events seemed very irregular. One minute we were in London before Nicholas’ next assignment to the Channel fleet, and the next minute that assignment was over….what? I know this is all supposed to set up the next book, but, it wasn’t handled very well. Again I say, Nicholas is too perfect, too plastic, no internal or external conflicts, quite uninteresting….
April 17, 2026
A Modern Age of Sail Triumph
As a lifelong fan of the Aubrey/Maturin, Hornblower, Ramage and Lowrie series, I’m literally stunned by how pitch-perfect Soundings Edge is. Historical flavor and absolutely riveting plot. Westbrooke delivers a fresh take on an officer’s rise by following the young Nicholas Cruwys through England’s early naval academy and on assignment to Cook’s 3rd Voyage with a number of plausible yet incredible adventures - and the result is absolutely riveting! The cliche’ is correct for this book - you won’t want to put it down.
The prose is tight and confident, the characters feel real and the maturation of Nicholas is handled with rare skill. And at last we have an author able to capture the essence of a full blooded sea officer who is not celibate and where the intimacy is handled with rare skill. The characters are well written, including the female characters, which is itself rare, and the action - especially Nicholas’ boarding adventure - had my heart pounding.
A few typos and missing sentences, but all in all, this is one of the most engaging age of sail novels I’ve ever read. I look forward eagerly to the next volume, and I already hope the series has a long run!
As a lifelong fan of the Aubrey/Maturin, Hornblower, Ramage and Lowrie series, I’m literally stunned by how pitch-perfect Soundings Edge is. Historical flavor and absolutely riveting plot. Westbrooke delivers a fresh take on an officer’s rise by following the young Nicholas Cruwys through England’s early naval academy and on assignment to Cook’s 3rd Voyage with a number of plausible yet incredible adventures - and the result is absolutely riveting! The cliche’ is correct for this book - you won’t want to put it down.
The prose is tight and confident, the characters feel real and the maturation of Nicholas is handled with rare skill. And at last we have an author able to capture the essence of a full blooded sea officer who is not celibate and where the intimacy is handled with rare skill. The characters are well written, including the female characters, which is itself rare, and the action - especially Nicholas’ boarding adventure - had my heart pounding.
A few typos and missing sentences, but all in all, this is one of the most engaging age of sail novels I’ve ever read. I look forward eagerly to the next volume, and I already hope the series has a long run!
December 10, 2025
A New Naval Hero
This is another entry in the crowded field of Age of Sail novels, following in the wake of Forester, Marryat, and O’Brian. The author has taken pains to differentiate himself from those well known genre names. The story opens with Midshipman Cruwys joining Capt. Cook’s ship on a voyage of exploration in peacetime. He visits Tahiti where we see echoes of Nordhoff & Hall, then is shipwrecked and has to make his way across half the world to return to duty. This first third of the book is as good as anything in print, but after that the tale becomes somewhat too tedious and psychological. Too much character development gets in the way of the plot, which is the main thing in this genre.
There’s also a politically correct flirtation with feminism that is in my view unwelcome. It’s escapist fiction and I prefer that it be true to the period. However, I consider this book a worthwhile read and would like to continue with the series and see how the author handles the challenge.
This is another entry in the crowded field of Age of Sail novels, following in the wake of Forester, Marryat, and O’Brian. The author has taken pains to differentiate himself from those well known genre names. The story opens with Midshipman Cruwys joining Capt. Cook’s ship on a voyage of exploration in peacetime. He visits Tahiti where we see echoes of Nordhoff & Hall, then is shipwrecked and has to make his way across half the world to return to duty. This first third of the book is as good as anything in print, but after that the tale becomes somewhat too tedious and psychological. Too much character development gets in the way of the plot, which is the main thing in this genre.
There’s also a politically correct flirtation with feminism that is in my view unwelcome. It’s escapist fiction and I prefer that it be true to the period. However, I consider this book a worthwhile read and would like to continue with the series and see how the author handles the challenge.
February 22, 2026
Excellent nautical fiction
I have read a lot of this genre, maybe even most of it. This book stands apart, and in my opinion above, many of the others. A lot of “age of sail” fiction are simple accounts that alternate between battle action and drudgery/misery/cruelty of the Royal Navy. That’s realistic because it was many a sailor’s life. This book is about a very exceptional case that while potentially less realistic is much more fun to read. The relationships the main character has with various women are more varied and interesting than this genre typically explores and would make it a terrific movie. The main character’s shifting world view is also an enjoyable journey. I hope the rest of the books maintain this level of quality and variety.
I have read a lot of this genre, maybe even most of it. This book stands apart, and in my opinion above, many of the others. A lot of “age of sail” fiction are simple accounts that alternate between battle action and drudgery/misery/cruelty of the Royal Navy. That’s realistic because it was many a sailor’s life. This book is about a very exceptional case that while potentially less realistic is much more fun to read. The relationships the main character has with various women are more varied and interesting than this genre typically explores and would make it a terrific movie. The main character’s shifting world view is also an enjoyable journey. I hope the rest of the books maintain this level of quality and variety.
March 13, 2026
In the end, another sell out to P C agenda
A well done and elaborate screen to slip an ideal of morality through an imaginary stone wall of society's unfairness. Like almost all political correct agendas, it's false. Not necessarily untrue. The entire representation of correct and fair identification of a moral issue. Then the subsequent consequence that cause would be evil or something other than a naturally expected condition. In this case truth is likely closing the barn doors after the horses are out. The root of why, is like people who are not poor trying to fix the problems of poverty. Not for the actual true care and empathy for the hopeless agony of human suffering from poverty, but rather the appearance of caring and subsequent value of that appearing to care.
A well done and elaborate screen to slip an ideal of morality through an imaginary stone wall of society's unfairness. Like almost all political correct agendas, it's false. Not necessarily untrue. The entire representation of correct and fair identification of a moral issue. Then the subsequent consequence that cause would be evil or something other than a naturally expected condition. In this case truth is likely closing the barn doors after the horses are out. The root of why, is like people who are not poor trying to fix the problems of poverty. Not for the actual true care and empathy for the hopeless agony of human suffering from poverty, but rather the appearance of caring and subsequent value of that appearing to care.
December 7, 2025
So close to being a fantastic historical novel
I loved reading about all of Nicholas' adventures and the details about the different cultures he encountered. Also all the political considerations. But this story needs more conflicts and flawed characters. Too many references to our hero's thoughtfulness, and everyone is so reasonable, and so ready to recognizehis worth. I will still at least start the next book in the series, maybe the characters will be more well-rounded.
I loved reading about all of Nicholas' adventures and the details about the different cultures he encountered. Also all the political considerations. But this story needs more conflicts and flawed characters. Too many references to our hero's thoughtfulness, and everyone is so reasonable, and so ready to recognizehis worth. I will still at least start the next book in the series, maybe the characters will be more well-rounded.
January 26, 2026
Profoundly entertaining
This work, so well written, clearly chronicles the growth of a teen to a man and the turning of the empire into something else. The action excites, the life at sea enthralled as it always has. But more than that, the interplay of the different cultures and the slow broadening of the view of the world by the British still dyed in the wool of their accustomed ways opens 21rst century American eyes.
This work, so well written, clearly chronicles the growth of a teen to a man and the turning of the empire into something else. The action excites, the life at sea enthralled as it always has. But more than that, the interplay of the different cultures and the slow broadening of the view of the world by the British still dyed in the wool of their accustomed ways opens 21rst century American eyes.
February 21, 2026
Outstanding story telling
I found Soundings Edge unputdownable, a truly excellent book. Having spent over 20 years serving in the Royal Navy/Merchant Navy I have spent a fair amount of time at sea and with my main interest out work being sailing in yachts, I rate this story very highly. The story touches upon affairs of the heart, and deals with this subject with a light, but rewarding touch. A very rewarding book indeed
I found Soundings Edge unputdownable, a truly excellent book. Having spent over 20 years serving in the Royal Navy/Merchant Navy I have spent a fair amount of time at sea and with my main interest out work being sailing in yachts, I rate this story very highly. The story touches upon affairs of the heart, and deals with this subject with a light, but rewarding touch. A very rewarding book indeed
February 24, 2026
An excellent beginning to the series about Nicholas Cruwys, a British sailing officer in the late 1700's. See if you can find the few editing errors - a woman's gown changes color in the middle of a society dinner, and Nicholas transforms from sitting to standing in mid-meeting. There are a few other word errors, but that didn't diminish the interesting story. Great read - I carried it around until I finished.
November 12, 2025
The initial episode of this very promising series has Nicholas Cruwys off on his midshipman cruise with Captain Cook. His separation while charting an island in Polynesia sets him on quite a different adventure for several years. He emerges well-trained and qualified for service with the HMS, but unattached. His return to service is varied, interesting, and the focus of this well-told tale.
December 3, 2025
Fighting Sail Navigator
This is far more than I expected. The tale of a midshipman working his way to lieutenant has been told many times But this one is less about fighting than about professional advancement through extraordinary events. Readers who admired the Novels of Patrick O’Brian for the personalities and social situations will probably like this author.
This is far more than I expected. The tale of a midshipman working his way to lieutenant has been told many times But this one is less about fighting than about professional advancement through extraordinary events. Readers who admired the Novels of Patrick O’Brian for the personalities and social situations will probably like this author.
February 27, 2026
Outstanding! Very well written, and intelligent story telling.
This book is a breath of fresh air from the more typical age of sail fare. The story unfolds slowly and carefully revealing a deeper story line... More than just wooden walls and cannons. Dive in, you'll be glad you did.
This book is a breath of fresh air from the more typical age of sail fare. The story unfolds slowly and carefully revealing a deeper story line... More than just wooden walls and cannons. Dive in, you'll be glad you did.
March 31, 2026
Best I,'ve read in a long while!
When I started out on Nicholas's story I though it was going to follow like so many of the other navel series I've read .But the wrist takes us on a wild diverse and educational journey across a wide Oceans and cultural minefields .hard to buy down.
When I started out on Nicholas's story I though it was going to follow like so many of the other navel series I've read .But the wrist takes us on a wild diverse and educational journey across a wide Oceans and cultural minefields .hard to buy down.
April 15, 2026
Soundings Edge
Very good story line but slow moving for my taste. The adventures in the South Pacific and India were attention getting. The end of the book seemed to leave the reader up in the air. I would have hoped for a more conclusive ending but maybe there is a sequel in the plans.
Very good story line but slow moving for my taste. The adventures in the South Pacific and India were attention getting. The end of the book seemed to leave the reader up in the air. I would have hoped for a more conclusive ending but maybe there is a sequel in the plans.
April 16, 2026
great book!
Very good read, the main character joins the British navy around the time of the revolution. The historical and nautical details are fascinating and are woven into his story. It has it all, romance. Duels, battles etc. highly recommend if you enjoy good historical fiction!
Very good read, the main character joins the British navy around the time of the revolution. The historical and nautical details are fascinating and are woven into his story. It has it all, romance. Duels, battles etc. highly recommend if you enjoy good historical fiction!
April 16, 2026
An undemanding read, but riddled with tropes and heavy on exposition. If I was a teenager again, I'd probably enjoy it. But Patrick O'Bryan is a hard act to follow.
I might try the next one of the series as debut novels try to please as much as they can. Westbrooke needs to work on his voice rather than throw every ball up into the air.
I might try the next one of the series as debut novels try to please as much as they can. Westbrooke needs to work on his voice rather than throw every ball up into the air.
September 6, 2025
I absolutely loved Soundings Edge - the story telling was
Just amazing - I could not put the book down
As I wanted to find out more - very well done
Adrian - would like to know more about the
Author !
Looking forward to reading Latitudes Edge
Just amazing - I could not put the book down
As I wanted to find out more - very well done
Adrian - would like to know more about the
Author !
Looking forward to reading Latitudes Edge
November 30, 2025
So well written it is an addiction
I'm so intertwined with this book that i dream of it.
The sentence composition is beyond admirable. This book transmits every
Emotion desired. And i feel them...each and everyone.
I'm so intertwined with this book that i dream of it.
The sentence composition is beyond admirable. This book transmits every
Emotion desired. And i feel them...each and everyone.
December 7, 2025
Worth the read
The age of sail, sometimes referred to as the age of discovery is my favorite theme for a good storyline. This one has a little too much of the romance novel for me but worth the read
The age of sail, sometimes referred to as the age of discovery is my favorite theme for a good storyline. This one has a little too much of the romance novel for me but worth the read
January 8, 2026
Cerebral Sea Story
Interesting book. Almost literature and close to Patrick O'Brian. Cerebral attempts to get inside the people in the story. Sea fights well done. Looking forward to reading more volumes.
Interesting book. Almost literature and close to Patrick O'Brian. Cerebral attempts to get inside the people in the story. Sea fights well done. Looking forward to reading more volumes.
February 8, 2026
The kind of book to read
The author has a way of writing around feelings and emotions to let the reader pull their own understandings about the relationships between his characters. He also gives you enough action to hold your interest.
The author has a way of writing around feelings and emotions to let the reader pull their own understandings about the relationships between his characters. He also gives you enough action to hold your interest.
March 4, 2026
a cut above the rest
Westbrook has created a captivating account of a period of time of great importance. Amazing character development and an ability to describe social and physical settings in flowing detail. As an avid historical fiction reader this book blew me away.
Westbrook has created a captivating account of a period of time of great importance. Amazing character development and an ability to describe social and physical settings in flowing detail. As an avid historical fiction reader this book blew me away.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews