What do you think?
Rate this book
Thomas Kydd #15
Pasha: Thomas Kydd 15
An Admiralty summons to England cuts short Thomas Kydd's service in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. While the crew of L'Aurore can look forward to liberty and prize money, a shadow hangs
over their captain: the impending court martial of his one-time commander, Commodore Popham, who led a doomed attack on South America.
Following Nelson's death two years earlier, England is in desperate need of heroes and Kydd's Caribbean exploits are the talk of London. Feted by the king and a grateful country, Kydd is soon on detachment in a new and dangerous sphere of interest: the Dardanelles, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Black Sea and providing a route to India. The French have long coveted this route, knowing that it could be the key to toppling the British Empire in India. When they successfully whip up such strong anti-English sentiment that the British ambassador to Constantinople has to flee to L'Aurore, a deadly stand-off ensues.
Meanwhile Kydd's closest friend, Nicholas Renzi, has assumed a new role that he can never make public. Sent under alias on a mission to Constantinople, Renzi must engineer a coup that will turn the tables on the French. But when he's taken prisoner, only Kydd's superb seamanship and sheer bravado can save the day.
over their captain: the impending court martial of his one-time commander, Commodore Popham, who led a doomed attack on South America.
Following Nelson's death two years earlier, England is in desperate need of heroes and Kydd's Caribbean exploits are the talk of London. Feted by the king and a grateful country, Kydd is soon on detachment in a new and dangerous sphere of interest: the Dardanelles, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Black Sea and providing a route to India. The French have long coveted this route, knowing that it could be the key to toppling the British Empire in India. When they successfully whip up such strong anti-English sentiment that the British ambassador to Constantinople has to flee to L'Aurore, a deadly stand-off ensues.
Meanwhile Kydd's closest friend, Nicholas Renzi, has assumed a new role that he can never make public. Sent under alias on a mission to Constantinople, Renzi must engineer a coup that will turn the tables on the French. But when he's taken prisoner, only Kydd's superb seamanship and sheer bravado can save the day.
309 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 9, 2014
83 people are currently reading
335 people want to read
About the author
Julian Stockwin
52 books339 followersJulian Stockwin was sent at the age of fourteen to Indefatigable, a tough sea-training school. He joined the Royal Navy at fifteen. He now lives in Devon with his wife Kathy. Julian has written 24 books to date in the Kydd series of historical adventure fiction, the story of one man's journey from pressed man to admiral in the age of fighting sail, and a non-fiction book, 'Stockwin's Maritime Miscellany.' His latest Kydd series title is THUNDERER. And, he's also published two historical standalone novels, THE SILK TREE, set in the time of Emperor Justinian and THE POWDER OF DEATH, about the quest for the secret of gunpowder.
Series:
* Thomas Kydd
Series:
* Thomas Kydd
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
December 29, 2018
This very exciting sea-faring story by Julian Stockwin is the 15th volume of the wonderful Thomas Kydd series.
As ever the book is again full with the authentic language of the great seas which makes this whole series so unique and original.
At the same time the author has the great ability in making his characters, whether real or fictional, come vividly to life within this story.
This story begins, I think in my humble opinion, in the year AD 1807, when Thomas Kydd is feted by his King and country because of his Caribbean exploits, but not before after having giving evidence against his one-time commander, Commodore Popham.
After that experience he is sent with his crew and their ship L'Aurore on a secret mission to Constantinople and to a new sphere of interest, the Dardanelles, and these Dardanelles connect the route from the Mediterranean Sea to the Black Sea and thus providing a route to India.
The only big problem is that the French has long coveted this route and they will stop at nothing to halt the British from conquering this important route, for they will even go as far as by taking Renzi their prisoner.
And so Thomas Kydd will once again show his superb seamanship and cunning to save Renzi, who in the meantime has become Thomas's brother-in-law and also obtained the title of Lord Farndon, and thus to bring victory to the British in this fight with the French.
Very much recommended, for this is a Seafaring tale at it's very best!
As ever the book is again full with the authentic language of the great seas which makes this whole series so unique and original.
At the same time the author has the great ability in making his characters, whether real or fictional, come vividly to life within this story.
This story begins, I think in my humble opinion, in the year AD 1807, when Thomas Kydd is feted by his King and country because of his Caribbean exploits, but not before after having giving evidence against his one-time commander, Commodore Popham.
After that experience he is sent with his crew and their ship L'Aurore on a secret mission to Constantinople and to a new sphere of interest, the Dardanelles, and these Dardanelles connect the route from the Mediterranean Sea to the Black Sea and thus providing a route to India.
The only big problem is that the French has long coveted this route and they will stop at nothing to halt the British from conquering this important route, for they will even go as far as by taking Renzi their prisoner.
And so Thomas Kydd will once again show his superb seamanship and cunning to save Renzi, who in the meantime has become Thomas's brother-in-law and also obtained the title of Lord Farndon, and thus to bring victory to the British in this fight with the French.
Very much recommended, for this is a Seafaring tale at it's very best!
January 10, 2015
The Kydd series has been a favorite of mine right from the first book. Pasha spends more time following Kydd's dear friend Renzi as he enters a new phase of his life. While the sea allowed him to escape much of the responsibilities of his noble birth, everything comes to a head as he returns home.
This is a solid addition to the narrative, and I'm intrigued as to where our heroes will be lead to next.
This is a solid addition to the narrative, and I'm intrigued as to where our heroes will be lead to next.
March 25, 2015
A thoroughly enjoyable adventure! I look forward to reading them all!
July 12, 2021
Spoilers ahead:
This book is all about Selim III and the Dardanelles operation. First, Kydd is summoned back to England. Stockwin is spending too much time trying to copy Hornblower's self doubt (when Kydd is a totally different person) and Kydd thinks he's in trouble, instead he's knighted and invested into the Order of the Bath. Second, Renzi finally accepts his title (becomes the Earl of Farndon) and marries Cecelia. This takes up about a quarter of the book.
Next are parallel stories. The Marquess of Bloomsbury reveals himself to be a special agent of the crown working undercover. He's too old and wants to pass the job on to Renzi or Lord Farndon as he's now known. He vacillates but decides to accept the job for the country. He is then sent to Constantinople as an eccentric and bumbling English scholar/historian aristocrat. The French have been getting too close to the British allies, the Ottomans. The French want to ally with them so that they have a clear road to India to destroy the British economy. Sadge dreams, amirite? Anyway, Renzi's job is to kick the French advisors out.
Meanwhile Kydd is attached to Admiral Duckworth who has orders to show British power in the form of warships to Selim III and try to get the French general Sébastiani kicked out. The French dude has been palling around with Selim III and getting his ear and helping him modernize his army. The British ambassador there Arbuthnot seems to be an a**, wanting to parlay one day or destroying the city the next day and giving contradictory orders. Duckworth is supposedly under his orders but finally decides to shell the city. But the delay has given the Turks time to reinforce the city with cannons and there's nothing more that they can do and they leave. (Initially they had shelled forts when coming in and destroyed a small Turkish fleet.) So this part has been a fiasco, mainly due to the wishy-washy decisions of the admiral and the ambassador. This is the historic part of the book. In the fictional part, Renzi had almost made Selim III come to terms with him and kick the French out.
In fact, Selim III had been in the midst of modernizing Turkey but the traditionalists won out, reversed his modernizations and killed him. This too is part of history though Renzi takes the credit for starting the plot to get Selim III killed as the British threat had failed.
The Russian fleet appears. They were enemies of the Turks and would be for a long time because of the situation in the Crimea (which Russian annexes) and the fact that the Russian fleet would always be strangled by the single entryway of the Dardanelles controlled by the Turks. Kydd spends some time with the Russians and make an interesting observation that the relationship between the sailors and the officers for the British were like English squires and their yeomen whereas the Russians were like their landowners and their serfs. Both would fight but the Englishmen had pride and spirit whereas the Russians only had dumb obedience.
Lastly Kydd takes his ship back to Constantinople where he bluffs the new Sultan to release Renzi, who has been imprisoned. I disagree with the part where Kydd asks for the entire ship's company to agree to go with him, otherwise they could stay with the Russians. I think in reality the real Kydd would just have made the order (told or not told the men) and gone. Just some heart string tugging writing here. Unrealistic and unnecessary, what kind of audience does Stockwin think he's writing for?
Overall, another long book where Stockwin aligns Kydd with history. This series has become true historical fiction. As I have said in another review, it's ok, but restricts the plot to true events.
This book is all about Selim III and the Dardanelles operation. First, Kydd is summoned back to England. Stockwin is spending too much time trying to copy Hornblower's self doubt (when Kydd is a totally different person) and Kydd thinks he's in trouble, instead he's knighted and invested into the Order of the Bath. Second, Renzi finally accepts his title (becomes the Earl of Farndon) and marries Cecelia. This takes up about a quarter of the book.
Next are parallel stories. The Marquess of Bloomsbury reveals himself to be a special agent of the crown working undercover. He's too old and wants to pass the job on to Renzi or Lord Farndon as he's now known. He vacillates but decides to accept the job for the country. He is then sent to Constantinople as an eccentric and bumbling English scholar/historian aristocrat. The French have been getting too close to the British allies, the Ottomans. The French want to ally with them so that they have a clear road to India to destroy the British economy. Sadge dreams, amirite? Anyway, Renzi's job is to kick the French advisors out.
Meanwhile Kydd is attached to Admiral Duckworth who has orders to show British power in the form of warships to Selim III and try to get the French general Sébastiani kicked out. The French dude has been palling around with Selim III and getting his ear and helping him modernize his army. The British ambassador there Arbuthnot seems to be an a**, wanting to parlay one day or destroying the city the next day and giving contradictory orders. Duckworth is supposedly under his orders but finally decides to shell the city. But the delay has given the Turks time to reinforce the city with cannons and there's nothing more that they can do and they leave. (Initially they had shelled forts when coming in and destroyed a small Turkish fleet.) So this part has been a fiasco, mainly due to the wishy-washy decisions of the admiral and the ambassador. This is the historic part of the book. In the fictional part, Renzi had almost made Selim III come to terms with him and kick the French out.
In fact, Selim III had been in the midst of modernizing Turkey but the traditionalists won out, reversed his modernizations and killed him. This too is part of history though Renzi takes the credit for starting the plot to get Selim III killed as the British threat had failed.
The Russian fleet appears. They were enemies of the Turks and would be for a long time because of the situation in the Crimea (which Russian annexes) and the fact that the Russian fleet would always be strangled by the single entryway of the Dardanelles controlled by the Turks. Kydd spends some time with the Russians and make an interesting observation that the relationship between the sailors and the officers for the British were like English squires and their yeomen whereas the Russians were like their landowners and their serfs. Both would fight but the Englishmen had pride and spirit whereas the Russians only had dumb obedience.
Lastly Kydd takes his ship back to Constantinople where he bluffs the new Sultan to release Renzi, who has been imprisoned. I disagree with the part where Kydd asks for the entire ship's company to agree to go with him, otherwise they could stay with the Russians. I think in reality the real Kydd would just have made the order (told or not told the men) and gone. Just some heart string tugging writing here. Unrealistic and unnecessary, what kind of audience does Stockwin think he's writing for?
Overall, another long book where Stockwin aligns Kydd with history. This series has become true historical fiction. As I have said in another review, it's ok, but restricts the plot to true events.
March 21, 2024
The summons from the Admiralty is not unexpected. The court-martial is inevitable; Thomas Kydd just doesn’t know whether he will stand as a witness or join his former commander as a defendant. He no sooner arrives than finds himself in front of the king and honored in a way he never expects.
His friend, Nicholas Renzi, encounters his own share of surprises. He must fulfill his promise to Thomas to propose to Cecilia Kydd, but how can he do so without the means to support her? He’s had no word as to whether his first novel has met with success or failure. Then a family death leaves him with a dilemma that opens a door he thought long closed. It also requires him to confess a truth to Cecilia, one which may turn her against him once and for all.
The return home means that the friends’ paths in life must finally diverge. Renzi does not leave Kydd emptyhanded. He recommends a young man named Dillon, who is both loyal and determined to see the world. That wish is granted when Kydd and his men are sent to join the Mediterranean squadron. Currently Admiral Collingwood blockades the port of Cádiz, but he has a different assignment for Kydd, one that will take him and Dillon to Constantinople. It’s essential that the French not gain a foothold there. Sailing to and from the city is fraught with danger, and upon arrival, Kydd discovers not only civil unrest but also that the British ambassador is determined to destroy the Ottoman city.
Renzi’s new station in life offers him a unique opportunity, one that also takes him to Constantinople. Whereas Kydd sails right in, Renzi’s path there is more clandestine. How he accomplishes his mission is totally at his discretion, but he will be on his own and at the mercy of the sultan and his advisers, which include French agitators determined to win Constantinople for Napolean.
Pasha is the fifteenth title in the Thomas Kydd series. Stockwin deftly recreates time and place so readers become immersed in the intrigue and adventure that unfolds from two different perspectives. Although Kydd has some unique experiences that showcase new aspects of sailing and command because of the setting, it is Renzi who plays a more prominent role this time around. His story is reminiscent of television’s Mission Impossible exploits, just set in the first decade of the 19th century. This book showcases international intrigue and the domino effect. Maps and a glossary provide readers with orienting information, while the list of Dramatis Personae offers a handy reference as to who’s who. Stalwart fans of Stockwyn and the Kydd series will find this an engrossing tale rife with unusual encounters and noteworthy action. As always, each book in the series can stand alone, so newcomers will soon find themselves entangled in the lives of both Kydd and Renzi.
(This review originally appeared at Pirates and Privateers: http://www.cindyvallar.com/Stockwin.h...)
His friend, Nicholas Renzi, encounters his own share of surprises. He must fulfill his promise to Thomas to propose to Cecilia Kydd, but how can he do so without the means to support her? He’s had no word as to whether his first novel has met with success or failure. Then a family death leaves him with a dilemma that opens a door he thought long closed. It also requires him to confess a truth to Cecilia, one which may turn her against him once and for all.
The return home means that the friends’ paths in life must finally diverge. Renzi does not leave Kydd emptyhanded. He recommends a young man named Dillon, who is both loyal and determined to see the world. That wish is granted when Kydd and his men are sent to join the Mediterranean squadron. Currently Admiral Collingwood blockades the port of Cádiz, but he has a different assignment for Kydd, one that will take him and Dillon to Constantinople. It’s essential that the French not gain a foothold there. Sailing to and from the city is fraught with danger, and upon arrival, Kydd discovers not only civil unrest but also that the British ambassador is determined to destroy the Ottoman city.
Renzi’s new station in life offers him a unique opportunity, one that also takes him to Constantinople. Whereas Kydd sails right in, Renzi’s path there is more clandestine. How he accomplishes his mission is totally at his discretion, but he will be on his own and at the mercy of the sultan and his advisers, which include French agitators determined to win Constantinople for Napolean.
Pasha is the fifteenth title in the Thomas Kydd series. Stockwin deftly recreates time and place so readers become immersed in the intrigue and adventure that unfolds from two different perspectives. Although Kydd has some unique experiences that showcase new aspects of sailing and command because of the setting, it is Renzi who plays a more prominent role this time around. His story is reminiscent of television’s Mission Impossible exploits, just set in the first decade of the 19th century. This book showcases international intrigue and the domino effect. Maps and a glossary provide readers with orienting information, while the list of Dramatis Personae offers a handy reference as to who’s who. Stalwart fans of Stockwyn and the Kydd series will find this an engrossing tale rife with unusual encounters and noteworthy action. As always, each book in the series can stand alone, so newcomers will soon find themselves entangled in the lives of both Kydd and Renzi.
(This review originally appeared at Pirates and Privateers: http://www.cindyvallar.com/Stockwin.h...)
September 4, 2024
As promised upon their return home to English shores, Nicholas Renzi sets out to declare his love for Captain Thomas Kydd’s sister, Cecelia. But when he stops at home to inform his family, he receives a shock. Big changes are in store for him on several fronts. Meanwhile, Kydd has an audience with the king who bestows honors upon him as one of the ship captains who defeated the enemy in the Caribbean. But as their fortunes rise, Renzi and Kydd find themselves on different paths. Renzi accepts his noble status, gets married, and receives a clandestine offer while Kydd heads off for another adventure among the Turkish Dardanelles. I enjoyed the deeper emotional resonance of this story, the fruition of Renzi’s labors, and the culmination of his suit for Cecelia. Now if only Captain Kydd would find romance. He’s married to his duty, but finding a lady love would round him out as a realistic character. Otherwise, the action is as gripping as always with endearing characters.
October 11, 2022
I've been a long-time fan of these books - reading all 15 (so far) in order. I was rather disappointed in this one. The saga has reached a major turning point - or has it? Renzi has returned to England after the death of his father to take on the role of country squire and peer of the realm, and Kydd has been knighted and is now referred to as Sir Thomas. He is then asked by the admiralty to travel to Turkey where trouble is brewing. Unfortunately, the book gets bogged down in Turkish court complexity and in the usual admiralty interference with naval vessels in remote seas. Things of course pick up toward the end of the book, but it took way too long to get there.
April 9, 2020
For some reason, I enjoy books about the British navy in the time of the Napoleonic war. When I finished the Patrick O'Brian series, I was fortunate to find the Kydd series, which I have enjoyed. Kydd has gone from being pressed into service to rise to Captain and now a Knight in this book. His close friend Renzi is now a lord and married to Kydd's sister. They both end up in Turkey by different routes. Their adventures continue and this is a good read.
January 27, 2018
Después de sus aventuras caribeñas, Renzi vuelve a Inglaterra a pedir la mano de la hermana de Kydd y a reconciliarse con su familia. Pero la próxima aventura les espera inmediatamente en los Dardanelos. Estambul se encuentra en un cruce de caminos entre su aliada inglesa, su guerra con Rusia y la presión de Bonaparte para cambiar de bando.
September 2, 2018
A good summer read
At the end of this summer, I have traveled with Kydd and Renzi on some wonderful trips. This might be the most entertaining. I have little knowledge of the Ottoman Empire in this time, so it was rather interesting to read this tale. I am glad that Renzi, in his rise to nobility is still connected to Sir Thomas Kydd and the L’aroure.
At the end of this summer, I have traveled with Kydd and Renzi on some wonderful trips. This might be the most entertaining. I have little knowledge of the Ottoman Empire in this time, so it was rather interesting to read this tale. I am glad that Renzi, in his rise to nobility is still connected to Sir Thomas Kydd and the L’aroure.
April 5, 2019
This handles a story of the overthrow of a nation by colonial England. A bit shocking. The accounts of the attack on Constantinople and the turn of events that ensued is quite interesting. There is a very interesting episode that pits politics and military in a complicated arrangement that is difficult to appreciate without experience. This is a good installment in the series. Recommend.
January 4, 2020
Author at the top of his game
All the familiar characters are here and none the worse for it, reading Stockwin is like pulling on a comfortable jumper, it makes you feel warm, cosy and in good hands. Excellent series of books, looking forward to the next one....
All the familiar characters are here and none the worse for it, reading Stockwin is like pulling on a comfortable jumper, it makes you feel warm, cosy and in good hands. Excellent series of books, looking forward to the next one....
November 8, 2020
A good entry in the series - not only do we see the characters continuing to develop and mature in the series, but we also get a good introduction to the English-Turkish relations during the Napoleonic era. As always, Christian Rodska does an excellent job on the narration.
April 24, 2018
Always a good read. Sir Thomas and The Earl are off on another adventure.
December 26, 2019
Turkey and ships
Nice turn of the story. Sorry to say I’m becoming addicted to the lives of Renzi and Kydd. Fascinating way to learn the history the Napoleonic wars.
Nice turn of the story. Sorry to say I’m becoming addicted to the lives of Renzi and Kydd. Fascinating way to learn the history the Napoleonic wars.
November 7, 2014
I cannot tell you what a pleasure it is to be back at sea once again with Captain Thomas Kydd. Though the majority of my reading is of novels set in the ancient world or at most in the high medieval era, every now and then I like to dip into another era for a change, and Stockwin is fast becoming one of my absolute favourites.
If you’ve not read any of the Kydd series, I’d best warn you that you might not want to start with this volume, Pasha being the fifteenth book in the series. Of course, the bright side of that is that if you haven’t read any of them, I’m switching you onto not just one book, but 15.
Set in the late 18th to early 19th century, the series follows the nautical adventures of one Thomas Kydd, a low born southern Englishman who rises through the ranks of the British Navy, as well as those of his confidential secretary Nicholas Renzi. The first volume begins in 1793, meaning – those of you familiar with the era will probably already have thought of this – the reader has some of the most amazing and world-changing events to come.
So on to Pasha – Volume 15 – which takes place in 1807. After the disastrous debacle in South America from book 13 and the brief sojourn in the Caribbean in book 14, Kydd is called back to England. Fearing for his career and even legal repercussions after South America, our hero returns with his ship l’Aurore to face his doom. What he is returning to is far from what he expected.
More than any other book in the Kydd series I am fearful of giving anything away with Pasha. It is a book far too easy to spoil for the prospective reader, and so I shall attempt to tempt you without detailing too much plot.
As you might guess from the title, this book takes place in the Eastern Mediterranean – the domain of the Ottoman Empire. Sent east from the coast of Spain with orders to put himself at the disposal of the British ambassador in Constantinople, Captain Kydd finds himself at a critical moment in Ottoman history. Allied with both Britain and Russia, the Ottoman sultan is in the unenviable situation of being attacked by their Russian ‘friends’ while being wooed by their enemy the French. The British ambassador is desperate and nervous and on the verge of something precipitous, and Kydd is unable to do much more than do as he is told.
Throw into the mix a British nobleman acting as a spy and intriguer in the court of the Sultan, and things can only become more complex. At stake in this mess is the potential for Napoleon Bonaparte to secure an alliance with the Ottoman Empire and with it, a route for his forces into the wide world without having to break out past the British Navy. So no pressure, then?
Cue intrigue, races under fire, sea battles, imprisonment, escape, trickery, panic, land assaults and so much more in a switchback tale that is easily the best in the series and stands to be one of my top books of the year.
Incidentally, there is one scene in the book that will stay with me for a long time, because it reminds me very closely of one of my favourite movie moments of all time. Remember that scene in Das Boot, where the sub has been stuck on the bottom of the sea and manages to resurface but has to make a run through the Straits of Gibraltar on diesels, with the captain in the conning tower, yelling ‘Verdammt’ as he pounds his fist on the sub while guns blast from both sides? You don’t? Well now go out and watch that movie too! But there is a comparable scene in Pasha that held me with the same power.
Finally, I will say once again that Stockwin’s writing is among the most authentic in the field. Not only has he managed to get the feel of the era in his speech and descriptive, but his own history in the Royal Navy informs everything he writes and lends it an air of authority. Moreover, in addition to that wonderful prose and conversation, in this particular volume, he manages to add in the exotic heady culture of Ottoman Istanbul. It is a win, quite simply.
Kydd is back, and volume 15 is the best yet, full of surprises and excitement.
If you’ve not read any of the Kydd series, I’d best warn you that you might not want to start with this volume, Pasha being the fifteenth book in the series. Of course, the bright side of that is that if you haven’t read any of them, I’m switching you onto not just one book, but 15.
Set in the late 18th to early 19th century, the series follows the nautical adventures of one Thomas Kydd, a low born southern Englishman who rises through the ranks of the British Navy, as well as those of his confidential secretary Nicholas Renzi. The first volume begins in 1793, meaning – those of you familiar with the era will probably already have thought of this – the reader has some of the most amazing and world-changing events to come.
So on to Pasha – Volume 15 – which takes place in 1807. After the disastrous debacle in South America from book 13 and the brief sojourn in the Caribbean in book 14, Kydd is called back to England. Fearing for his career and even legal repercussions after South America, our hero returns with his ship l’Aurore to face his doom. What he is returning to is far from what he expected.
More than any other book in the Kydd series I am fearful of giving anything away with Pasha. It is a book far too easy to spoil for the prospective reader, and so I shall attempt to tempt you without detailing too much plot.
As you might guess from the title, this book takes place in the Eastern Mediterranean – the domain of the Ottoman Empire. Sent east from the coast of Spain with orders to put himself at the disposal of the British ambassador in Constantinople, Captain Kydd finds himself at a critical moment in Ottoman history. Allied with both Britain and Russia, the Ottoman sultan is in the unenviable situation of being attacked by their Russian ‘friends’ while being wooed by their enemy the French. The British ambassador is desperate and nervous and on the verge of something precipitous, and Kydd is unable to do much more than do as he is told.
Throw into the mix a British nobleman acting as a spy and intriguer in the court of the Sultan, and things can only become more complex. At stake in this mess is the potential for Napoleon Bonaparte to secure an alliance with the Ottoman Empire and with it, a route for his forces into the wide world without having to break out past the British Navy. So no pressure, then?
Cue intrigue, races under fire, sea battles, imprisonment, escape, trickery, panic, land assaults and so much more in a switchback tale that is easily the best in the series and stands to be one of my top books of the year.
Incidentally, there is one scene in the book that will stay with me for a long time, because it reminds me very closely of one of my favourite movie moments of all time. Remember that scene in Das Boot, where the sub has been stuck on the bottom of the sea and manages to resurface but has to make a run through the Straits of Gibraltar on diesels, with the captain in the conning tower, yelling ‘Verdammt’ as he pounds his fist on the sub while guns blast from both sides? You don’t? Well now go out and watch that movie too! But there is a comparable scene in Pasha that held me with the same power.
Finally, I will say once again that Stockwin’s writing is among the most authentic in the field. Not only has he managed to get the feel of the era in his speech and descriptive, but his own history in the Royal Navy informs everything he writes and lends it an air of authority. Moreover, in addition to that wonderful prose and conversation, in this particular volume, he manages to add in the exotic heady culture of Ottoman Istanbul. It is a win, quite simply.
Kydd is back, and volume 15 is the best yet, full of surprises and excitement.
November 12, 2014
This was a give-away copy that I was awarded and asked to give an honest review.
I rarely fail to complete a book, but this one made the short list. I just couldn't connect with the story at all. I gave up just about 1/4 of the way in. Perhaps if I had been familiar with the series and the characters it might have been different.
The first few chapters of this book are all about political and social events in England. No action, no intrigue, nothing really interesting at all. Nothing like what I expected.
But I could have gotten through all that for the light at the end of the tunnel if the writing to that point hadn't been so strange and disjointed.
The writing lacked description and detail in some places, and was overly detailed in others; and both were wrong. I would have preferred more descriptive detail about the ship and the landscape and less about what the footmen next to the coach were wearing. Also, the story jumped setting with very little transition -- left me saying "Huh?" and going back to re-read more than once. I hate having to do that! Again, maybe if I was familiar with the characters and storyline, and was accustomed to the author's writing style, I might have been able to keep up.
The author also left several sentences unfinished, trailing off with an ellipsis. This happened at least 1/2 dozen times in the portion I did read. With half of those occasions, I had no idea what was being implied.
Another editorial pet-peeve is that "Mr" and "Mrs" were not punctuated -- ever. Strange choice there.
I'm sure this will nix my chances of ever getting another giveaway to review, but that's alright. I have to be honest. This just wasn't for me.
I rarely fail to complete a book, but this one made the short list. I just couldn't connect with the story at all. I gave up just about 1/4 of the way in. Perhaps if I had been familiar with the series and the characters it might have been different.
The first few chapters of this book are all about political and social events in England. No action, no intrigue, nothing really interesting at all. Nothing like what I expected.
But I could have gotten through all that for the light at the end of the tunnel if the writing to that point hadn't been so strange and disjointed.
The writing lacked description and detail in some places, and was overly detailed in others; and both were wrong. I would have preferred more descriptive detail about the ship and the landscape and less about what the footmen next to the coach were wearing. Also, the story jumped setting with very little transition -- left me saying "Huh?" and going back to re-read more than once. I hate having to do that! Again, maybe if I was familiar with the characters and storyline, and was accustomed to the author's writing style, I might have been able to keep up.
The author also left several sentences unfinished, trailing off with an ellipsis. This happened at least 1/2 dozen times in the portion I did read. With half of those occasions, I had no idea what was being implied.
Another editorial pet-peeve is that "Mr" and "Mrs" were not punctuated -- ever. Strange choice there.
I'm sure this will nix my chances of ever getting another giveaway to review, but that's alright. I have to be honest. This just wasn't for me.
November 12, 2014
PASHA was my first book as an Early Reviewer and I appreciate being able to read a pre-release copy from the publisher. My expectations were high after reading glowing comments on the Historical Naval Fiction web site (http://historicnavalfiction.com/) and in the publisher's Quarterdeck newsletter (http://www.mcbooks.com/newsletter.php) Unfortunately for me, and this is no criticism of the author or the publisher, I read Julian Stockwin's PASHA for the first time starting with the 15th book in the Kidd series. I've read everything written by Patrick O'Brian and C. S. Forester and so expected rousing sea battles, decks awash with blood, clever nautical ruses, and a background of intrigue. PASHA is mostly about Nicholas Renzi and his exploits on land in England and Constantinople.
Accounts of Captain Kidd sailing through the Dardanelles several times (once in daytime and another harrowing passage at night) did not disappoint for sailing tension. Slick maneuvers of nautical lore were fun to read as was the principal character's time in Constantinople. A couple sea skirmishes received brief mention.
Picking up Stockwin's 15th book in the series left me craving for more adventure, excitement on the high seas, and insight into the characters of Captain Thomas Kidd and Nicholas Renzi. I must read the book that describes his part in the Battle of Trafalgar! By all means, I recommend PASHA. But please read a few of Stockwin's other books first (start with KIDD, first in the series, if you can) so you more fully appreciate the characters and allusions to past adventures. You won't be disappointed!
Accounts of Captain Kidd sailing through the Dardanelles several times (once in daytime and another harrowing passage at night) did not disappoint for sailing tension. Slick maneuvers of nautical lore were fun to read as was the principal character's time in Constantinople. A couple sea skirmishes received brief mention.
Picking up Stockwin's 15th book in the series left me craving for more adventure, excitement on the high seas, and insight into the characters of Captain Thomas Kidd and Nicholas Renzi. I must read the book that describes his part in the Battle of Trafalgar! By all means, I recommend PASHA. But please read a few of Stockwin's other books first (start with KIDD, first in the series, if you can) so you more fully appreciate the characters and allusions to past adventures. You won't be disappointed!
October 12, 2014
This is the fifteenth volume in the Kydd series. Any of these can stand alone, but of course they're so much better if read in order.
Pasha sees our heroes through a few transitions. First we finally find out if Renzi will ever marry Kydd's sister. She has been waiting for him to make up his mind and so have we. Both Thomas Kydd and Mr. Renzi gain new titles which force them to part company as Renzi takes on new roles both at home and abroad. In fact, Pasha may seem to be more about Renzi than Captain Kydd. Never fear. Stockwin doesn't let him have the whole book. There is plenty of excitement aboard ship. We get the usual battles and fires and the conversation between sailors we've come to know as well as a few new characters.
Historical fiction blends real events with fictional characters. There is a very interesting note from the author that tells of his trip to Turkey, the people, the buildings, and the history that inspired him to write such an intriguing cloak and dagger adventure.
I was delighted to win a copy from Goodreads Giveaways and would have gladly given it one more star for just a little more time at sea.
Pasha sees our heroes through a few transitions. First we finally find out if Renzi will ever marry Kydd's sister. She has been waiting for him to make up his mind and so have we. Both Thomas Kydd and Mr. Renzi gain new titles which force them to part company as Renzi takes on new roles both at home and abroad. In fact, Pasha may seem to be more about Renzi than Captain Kydd. Never fear. Stockwin doesn't let him have the whole book. There is plenty of excitement aboard ship. We get the usual battles and fires and the conversation between sailors we've come to know as well as a few new characters.
Historical fiction blends real events with fictional characters. There is a very interesting note from the author that tells of his trip to Turkey, the people, the buildings, and the history that inspired him to write such an intriguing cloak and dagger adventure.
I was delighted to win a copy from Goodreads Giveaways and would have gladly given it one more star for just a little more time at sea.
November 23, 2014
I won this advance readers copy from Goodreads. I'm not much into sailing stories so this was an unusual read for me, but still quite enjoyable. It is part of a series of books about a British ship, the L'Aurore, and its captain, Thomas Kydd.
The story takes place during the Napoleonic era and involves a little known incident during that period in Constantinople involving the Ottoman Sultan Selim III, the French, the English navy, and the Russian navy. The book was well written but the better focus was always on the sailing parts; the part of the story taking place at the Sultan's court was good, but not as sharp a picture. The book had a glossary of terms at the end, but there were many more used that I was completely unfamiliar with. The only one, though, that I felt compelled to look up was foul bottom - which has absolutely nothing to do with diapers that need to be changed!
If you like sailing stories, or military stories from the Napoleonic era, this might be the book for you.
The story takes place during the Napoleonic era and involves a little known incident during that period in Constantinople involving the Ottoman Sultan Selim III, the French, the English navy, and the Russian navy. The book was well written but the better focus was always on the sailing parts; the part of the story taking place at the Sultan's court was good, but not as sharp a picture. The book had a glossary of terms at the end, but there were many more used that I was completely unfamiliar with. The only one, though, that I felt compelled to look up was foul bottom - which has absolutely nothing to do with diapers that need to be changed!
If you like sailing stories, or military stories from the Napoleonic era, this might be the book for you.
May 12, 2015
Stockwin is a master storyteller, giving us plots that in the context of the age of sail period, work well, whilst he gives his main character the chance to remain at sea. He however has begun to suffer because of his buddy sidekick subplot. The Nicholas Renzi plots stopped working many novels ago, and yet Stockwin continues to beat this dead horse.
Kydd is a wonderful 'Tar' hero. But Renzi who has been a morose anchor for so many books looked like he could be written out. But no, he returns against all logic and reason to be on seen again. In the author notes Stockwin even tells us he moved around events in history so that his Renzi, spy, character could be witness to them.
Sorry Julian, a first rate book loses a star because you need to either give plausible credence for the character, or let him stay at home in England making heirs with Kydd's sister. There is plenty of intrigue in Parliament during this period that Nicholas could be involved in while Kydd sails the seas making them safe for England.
Kydd is a wonderful 'Tar' hero. But Renzi who has been a morose anchor for so many books looked like he could be written out. But no, he returns against all logic and reason to be on seen again. In the author notes Stockwin even tells us he moved around events in history so that his Renzi, spy, character could be witness to them.
Sorry Julian, a first rate book loses a star because you need to either give plausible credence for the character, or let him stay at home in England making heirs with Kydd's sister. There is plenty of intrigue in Parliament during this period that Nicholas could be involved in while Kydd sails the seas making them safe for England.
Read
June 18, 2022I listened to the Audible version of the book and certainly my rating has been influenced by the narrator - Christian Rodska. Seriously, I think he could make the telephone directory sound exciting. I do have a soft spot in my heart for ships and sailing and this component was superbly handled by the author. I haven't read any of the previous books in the series but it didn't really matter. This next passage sums up the plot and the character rather nicely Standing braced on the quarterdeck, Captain Thomas Kydd tried to take pleasure in the seething onrush of his fine command but he couldn’t shake a feeling of foreboding. . Definitely recommended to the normal crew.
December 12, 2014
I have really enjoyed the Kydd Sea Adventures by Julian Stockwin. Some books, though, are definitely better than others. I probably tend to enjoy more the books where Kydd is doing well versus those where nothing seems to be going right for him. Things are definitely going well for Kydd in Pasha. He's an undisputed success in his career. Pasha, though, follows Renzi at least as much if not more than Kydd. While Renzi is having success of his own, it doesn't seem to be of his own making. He's more of an accidental success. I enjoy the Kydd stories and look forward to what comes next.
November 8, 2014
While sea adventures are not my usual cup of tea, I found this to be rather exciting once I got used to the seafaring language. I believe it was more actual than the usual poshed or pirated up verbage a reader or movie watcher sees or hears and it took a little bit of getting used to.
Once enmeshed, I enjoyed the story of Captain Kydd and his friends, family and fellow sailors. Fabulously researched, this could have been a dry treatise, but was actually a well-written adventure. I can recommend it and I look forward to finding the rest of this series and start at the beginning.
Once enmeshed, I enjoyed the story of Captain Kydd and his friends, family and fellow sailors. Fabulously researched, this could have been a dry treatise, but was actually a well-written adventure. I can recommend it and I look forward to finding the rest of this series and start at the beginning.
August 21, 2016
Already into number sixteen Tyger
and
s i g h ... book seventeen will not be released until October. I may actually have to write a review. :)
ands i g h ... book seventeen will not be released until October. I may actually have to write a review. :)
January 11, 2015
Julian Stockwin has served up a truly rip-roaring swashbuckling yarn in the latest Kydd adventure & taken the reader to sunnier, warmer climbs. He has also developed a twist in Renzi's role as His Majesty's spy. I think the relationship between Kydd & his best friend compliment each other very well. I've enjoyed all the Kydd series so far but this is a stand-out for me. A great read!
February 16, 2015
The continuing adventures of Kydd as a frigate captain. Kydd is rising meteorically up the social and professional ladder. At times it becomes a bit unbelievable but still a relaxing and interesting tale.
June 19, 2017
A different Kydd adventure
Two plot stories that merge into one. One involving Kydd and the second involving his friend Renzi. A new setting as the story takes place in the Ottoman Empire.
Two plot stories that merge into one. One involving Kydd and the second involving his friend Renzi. A new setting as the story takes place in the Ottoman Empire.
July 16, 2015
Tom Kydd is a great fictional sea captain. It was nice to see Kydd and Renzi in action again. This time it is Kydd to the rescue.
January 15, 2015
Another rip roaring story from a first class series of adventures. I think I have said it before but will say it again, " even better than Patrick O'Brian'
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews