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The Call of the Sea #15
Sick and Hurt
The war at sea is petering out, the French building for the future but sending very little to sea for the while. Prize money is something of the past. Hungry sailors are rescued by the American declaration of war, their President unwisely responding to British provocation. The opportunity is there to cripple the American merchant marine and provide a last great outpouring of rich prizes.
Nick Turnhouse is at the top of the List and is one of the fortunate captains made in the Blue Squadron and given a command at sea. The bulk of his contemporaries in the Blue Squadron are sent to halfpay with no prospect of future employment, unofficially ‘yellowed’.
As was normal, Nick spends as much time on halfpay as he does afloat until the war ends. King Louis XVIII is restored amid general and justified expectation that he will create another revolution in his first year on the throne.
Napoleon returns and Nick takes a makeshift blockading squadron to the Bordeaux stream and disaster strikes…
Nick Turnhouse is at the top of the List and is one of the fortunate captains made in the Blue Squadron and given a command at sea. The bulk of his contemporaries in the Blue Squadron are sent to halfpay with no prospect of future employment, unofficially ‘yellowed’.
As was normal, Nick spends as much time on halfpay as he does afloat until the war ends. King Louis XVIII is restored amid general and justified expectation that he will create another revolution in his first year on the throne.
Napoleon returns and Nick takes a makeshift blockading squadron to the Bordeaux stream and disaster strikes…
281 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 4, 2025
177 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 9, 2025
Sick & Hurt, but Unbowed
Bloody Nick has become Lord Turnhouse of Bere, his life turning away from the sea, to his family, & their assets, investments. From the “hawshole” to aristocracy through boldness, braveness, strength, integrity, & a fortuitous marriage. I fear this is the end of our Bloody Nick novels, which I will miss immensely, for their birdseye view on British maritime practices in history, the indelible characters, the culture of the times, the thrilling episodes, the losses, the gains, & the lessons learned, often with humor, wit, or asperity, as the case may be. Bloody Nick was a true individual, one to be admired, one with flaws, & one with compassion when called for, he did not look down or denigrate any man or woman of worth.
Bloody Nick has become Lord Turnhouse of Bere, his life turning away from the sea, to his family, & their assets, investments. From the “hawshole” to aristocracy through boldness, braveness, strength, integrity, & a fortuitous marriage. I fear this is the end of our Bloody Nick novels, which I will miss immensely, for their birdseye view on British maritime practices in history, the indelible characters, the culture of the times, the thrilling episodes, the losses, the gains, & the lessons learned, often with humor, wit, or asperity, as the case may be. Bloody Nick was a true individual, one to be admired, one with flaws, & one with compassion when called for, he did not look down or denigrate any man or woman of worth.
August 6, 2025
endings
I have read all books in this series, more than once actually. I have greatly enjoyed following Nick Turnhouse in all his many adventures. One thing I would have liked to see was to have Nick meet his first son and Arabella but they was only a slight mention of his family seeing them in passing. Great Series.
I have read all books in this series, more than once actually. I have greatly enjoyed following Nick Turnhouse in all his many adventures. One thing I would have liked to see was to have Nick meet his first son and Arabella but they was only a slight mention of his family seeing them in passing. Great Series.
January 28, 2026
Admiral Sir Nicholas Turnhouse, former big lug farmer's boy is now a Baronet and Rear Admiral of the Blue in HBMN. He's fairly respected now despite his low origins, having married into an impressive family and earned huge amounts of money. Clever investing by his father in law while away at sea has netted Nick half a million pounds when a hundred pounds a year was an impressive sum.
His future is uncertain. The last book ended with suggesting that Nick would end up at the Admiralty working toward steam ships and innovation in the navy, but that seems to be for the future at this point. Nick goes to sea one more time, briefly, and oversees another fine prize but is put on the Sick and Hurt list at half pay and put ashore -- why, you'll have to read the book to tell but its something from his past finally catching up with him.
Nick ends up with even more lands, and while the book is kind of aimless again, the last third really catches on and has an interesting sequence of events as he explores new lands. The guy owns like a tenth of Britain at this point I think. And he gets another advancement.
The series is a fantasy of someone just stumbling from one greatness to another, and as usual with Wareham characters by the end he's the premier expert on all things even if he hasn't the slightest chance to have learned or even heard of most of it. Nick had to rely on his wife for behavior in polite society and how the important people fit together in previous books, now he's lecturing her on it, despite having been ashore maybe 17 years of his entire life of 40 years.
There could be another book after this but I doubt it, the story seems to wrap things up at the end, and everything is tied up in a nice bow. All his former major enemies are gone or discredited, all his projects well in hand, all his followers well established. He has a family of 5, all healthy and strong.
His future is uncertain. The last book ended with suggesting that Nick would end up at the Admiralty working toward steam ships and innovation in the navy, but that seems to be for the future at this point. Nick goes to sea one more time, briefly, and oversees another fine prize but is put on the Sick and Hurt list at half pay and put ashore -- why, you'll have to read the book to tell but its something from his past finally catching up with him.
Nick ends up with even more lands, and while the book is kind of aimless again, the last third really catches on and has an interesting sequence of events as he explores new lands. The guy owns like a tenth of Britain at this point I think. And he gets another advancement.
The series is a fantasy of someone just stumbling from one greatness to another, and as usual with Wareham characters by the end he's the premier expert on all things even if he hasn't the slightest chance to have learned or even heard of most of it. Nick had to rely on his wife for behavior in polite society and how the important people fit together in previous books, now he's lecturing her on it, despite having been ashore maybe 17 years of his entire life of 40 years.
There could be another book after this but I doubt it, the story seems to wrap things up at the end, and everything is tied up in a nice bow. All his former major enemies are gone or discredited, all his projects well in hand, all his followers well established. He has a family of 5, all healthy and strong.
August 7, 2025
This is the last of the Turnhouse saga. The viewpoint character is a farmboy who went to sea in the early Bonaparte conflict, and by luck and innate intelligence and a willingness to fight was commissioned and raised to a captain and was lucky taking prizes in the Sugar Island and the Med.
A fortunate marriage and a smart and powerful inlaw raises both his fortune and his family into the lower nobility.
In this book the author realized the character's position in the navy and government would lead to a political book rather than a sea and combat saga, so the MC's ongoing vision issue with distance became much worse and forced him into retirement.
It was an interesting saga, and well paced and exciting. The author did go out of his way to portray most of the landed nobility and squire level governance/land owners to appear as willfully stupid in ignoring the important of both cotton mills and the coming industrial age of coal, iron, and machining. So much so I took the book down one star for that, and for the MC's family being too perfect.
A fortunate marriage and a smart and powerful inlaw raises both his fortune and his family into the lower nobility.
In this book the author realized the character's position in the navy and government would lead to a political book rather than a sea and combat saga, so the MC's ongoing vision issue with distance became much worse and forced him into retirement.
It was an interesting saga, and well paced and exciting. The author did go out of his way to portray most of the landed nobility and squire level governance/land owners to appear as willfully stupid in ignoring the important of both cotton mills and the coming industrial age of coal, iron, and machining. So much so I took the book down one star for that, and for the MC's family being too perfect.
September 3, 2025
An interesting way to end (?) the series, if in fact it is the end. Long story short, Bloody Nick retires as a Rear Admiral and a baron- Lord Turnhouse of Bere, due to poor eyesight at age 39. This leaves the door open for the series to continue either as naval action, with Nick being recalled to active duty having gotten a good pair of glasses which improve his vision, or as a political/social conditions story as he enters the worlds of politics and business. Either way, it's a shame to have it end. That being said, I took it down from 5 stars to 4 because of Wareham's overuse of dialogue to tell the story.
August 12, 2025
A Worthy Addition
Just the right mixture of sea action and “swallow the anchor” story. Another wonderful addition to the “Call of The Sea” series. I’m looking forward to the next addition, but know that could be a lengthy wait. I love you Mr. Wareham, but your publish schedule is frustrating.
Just the right mixture of sea action and “swallow the anchor” story. Another wonderful addition to the “Call of The Sea” series. I’m looking forward to the next addition, but know that could be a lengthy wait. I love you Mr. Wareham, but your publish schedule is frustrating.
August 15, 2025
excellent conclusion of the series
Bloody Nick and his final assignments as Admiral at the time of Bonaparte’s abdication and return for the hundred days. Plenty of nautical adventure and then a retired Nick becomes the man of business and a Lord of the realm.
Great conclusion to an outstanding series .
Bloody Nick and his final assignments as Admiral at the time of Bonaparte’s abdication and return for the hundred days. Plenty of nautical adventure and then a retired Nick becomes the man of business and a Lord of the realm.
Great conclusion to an outstanding series .
August 15, 2025
an excellent read for an end of a series
Brings in all the stories with an interesting ending. Has openings for future series as well. Like the “Innocents At War” and “Innocents No More “ series fit together to encompass each into a larger narrative.
Thank you Andrew for another great series.
Brings in all the stories with an interesting ending. Has openings for future series as well. Like the “Innocents At War” and “Innocents No More “ series fit together to encompass each into a larger narrative.
Thank you Andrew for another great series.
August 12, 2025
Sadly, Bloody Nick leaves the sea, and this series could end. However, the author has created an interesting family in a fascinating but seldom found setting in books. With his prolific skills, Andrew Wareham should consider extending this talented family to another generation.
August 11, 2025
Not at all Sick and Hurt
Bloody Nick survives again to the betterment of all. An example of the newly rich in Old England. Right at the point of change. Napoleon to be dealt with and a tremendous inheritance to manage and invest. I’ll await the next chapter.
Bloody Nick survives again to the betterment of all. An example of the newly rich in Old England. Right at the point of change. Napoleon to be dealt with and a tremendous inheritance to manage and invest. I’ll await the next chapter.
August 14, 2025
I learned a lot
I truly enjoyed this book as it explained a lot about the English of that period in time. I doubt I would have done very well back then. I feel constrained now as it is!!
I truly enjoyed this book as it explained a lot about the English of that period in time. I doubt I would have done very well back then. I feel constrained now as it is!!
August 20, 2025
A fine conclusion to a beloved series.
Bloody Nick rounds out his naval career and sets his path for the future. I think the author did a particularly good job of developing his family and his children. It added a bit more to the story that had been in earlier books.
Bloody Nick rounds out his naval career and sets his path for the future. I think the author did a particularly good job of developing his family and his children. It added a bit more to the story that had been in earlier books.
August 23, 2025
Good Read
I have enjoyed the series and will miss Bloody Nick , the journey was fun and well worth the time and enjoyment of diving back in time.
I hope you will enjoy all the characters as I have along with the history and the many characters along the way
I have enjoyed the series and will miss Bloody Nick , the journey was fun and well worth the time and enjoyment of diving back in time.
I hope you will enjoy all the characters as I have along with the history and the many characters along the way
September 1, 2025
Great Ending
I would love to see a story in which the difference characters this author has written about- they meet each other and go on an adventure or something like that. These are great stories. Sorry to see them finish, but at least it was a good ending!
I would love to see a story in which the difference characters this author has written about- they meet each other and go on an adventure or something like that. These are great stories. Sorry to see them finish, but at least it was a good ending!
September 18, 2025
A fitting end...
...to a well written and exciting series. I hope Mr. Wareham has a few more books left in him. Always a pleasure to read his work! Thoroughly recommended for anyone who likes a good sea story.
...to a well written and exciting series. I hope Mr. Wareham has a few more books left in him. Always a pleasure to read his work! Thoroughly recommended for anyone who likes a good sea story.
December 27, 2025
- Overall, a good series. For anyone enjoying this collection, try Patrick O’Brian’s “Aubrey / Maturin” series - also known as “Master and Commander” collection (after the movie starring Russell Crowe).
August 8, 2025
Excellent Book and Series
It's a shame to see it end. Well written, good pace and interesting characters. A book and series to lose yourself in.
It's a shame to see it end. Well written, good pace and interesting characters. A book and series to lose yourself in.
August 9, 2025
Good book
If this is the last in the series it is wrapped up well. I personally hope there is more books to come as I have enjoyed the series .
If this is the last in the series it is wrapped up well. I personally hope there is more books to come as I have enjoyed the series .
August 16, 2025
Excellent I could be followed by following each of the children’s lives from this point as individuals (oldest -part one, the next Part one and so on?…)
August 16, 2025
Great Books, all 15
Andrew wareham is a superb writer, uses logical scenarios, historically accurate with great knowledge of British sailing masters and ships.
Andrew wareham is a superb writer, uses logical scenarios, historically accurate with great knowledge of British sailing masters and ships.
August 17, 2025
The end
What a fantastic series ,bloody nick survived and became a lord thank you Andrew for a fantastic read every book a delight to read
What a fantastic series ,bloody nick survived and became a lord thank you Andrew for a fantastic read every book a delight to read
August 21, 2025
Great series
What a fantastic series of books. Highly recommended to one and all. Very knowledgeable about that time periods culture, politics, and naval warfare.
What a fantastic series of books. Highly recommended to one and all. Very knowledgeable about that time periods culture, politics, and naval warfare.
August 21, 2025
A good ending
An enjoyable read,as our hero climbs the ladder. Plenty to keep him occupied both in land and sea. An interesting retirement bekons.
An enjoyable read,as our hero climbs the ladder. Plenty to keep him occupied both in land and sea. An interesting retirement bekons.
August 24, 2025
A Wonderful Tale
Spellbinding, like all of Andrew Wareham‘s work. Great historical fiction. Highly recommended for those who love tales of the early 19th century British Navy.
Spellbinding, like all of Andrew Wareham‘s work. Great historical fiction. Highly recommended for those who love tales of the early 19th century British Navy.
August 26, 2025
Outstanding Series Ending
Good to see the series ending with the successful sailor pivoting to a vigorous civilian career rather than fading into a quiet retirement.
Good to see the series ending with the successful sailor pivoting to a vigorous civilian career rather than fading into a quiet retirement.
September 2, 2025
Fitting end to the series
September 12, 2025
Although Bloody Nick leaves the service with a bit of a wimper, an enjoyable ending. I would say his future in the industrial revolution might make for a good read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2025
Read them all
This was a thoroughly entertaining series. I read read all 15 and enjoyed them immensely. I recommend then to all readers of this .
This was a thoroughly entertaining series. I read read all 15 and enjoyed them immensely. I recommend then to all readers of this .
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews