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Defiant: The Battle of the Java Sea
Reluctant to fight the Americans in the Naval War of 1812, Captain Sir John Wharton RN opts to accept command of a squadron of the frigates answering the call for help from Stamford Raffles, Lieutenant Governor of the captured Dutch East Indies.
Malay and Chinese pirates are preying on British shipping in the Java Sea and there are fears for the coming autumn’s East India Company China convoy.
Wharton’s ships Defiant and Dauntless sail from Portsmouth to Batavia and discover a host of enemies – European and Asian – on the 8000 mile voyage to the East Indies.
Governor Raffles is keen to bolster the strength of Wharton’s flotilla in the face of the growing number of attacks by privateers and pirates by seconding an East India Company frigate and an old Dutch merchantman to his squadron.
“The Wharton series is one of the most enjoyable set of stories I’ve read in some time. The author’s knowledge of general naval operations and British naval history during the Age of Sail makes for compelling reading.”
“All the books have been a great series of the history of Sir John and the history of the British Navy at its height. It’s written so well you are there are times.”
“If you enjoyed the first 10 books of this series, why wouldn’t you read the 11th. This is another in a line of great sea adventures and interesting people. Edwardson knows how to write Napoleonic Navy.”
“Read all of the Wharton series. Look forward to the next one. Good and easy reading mixed with excitement, thoughtfulness a great naval hero. Enjoyment.”
“Excellent historical novels, I look forward to many more. Keep you fully involved in the story, The historic accuracy is very impressive.”
Malay and Chinese pirates are preying on British shipping in the Java Sea and there are fears for the coming autumn’s East India Company China convoy.
Wharton’s ships Defiant and Dauntless sail from Portsmouth to Batavia and discover a host of enemies – European and Asian – on the 8000 mile voyage to the East Indies.
Governor Raffles is keen to bolster the strength of Wharton’s flotilla in the face of the growing number of attacks by privateers and pirates by seconding an East India Company frigate and an old Dutch merchantman to his squadron.
“The Wharton series is one of the most enjoyable set of stories I’ve read in some time. The author’s knowledge of general naval operations and British naval history during the Age of Sail makes for compelling reading.”
“All the books have been a great series of the history of Sir John and the history of the British Navy at its height. It’s written so well you are there are times.”
“If you enjoyed the first 10 books of this series, why wouldn’t you read the 11th. This is another in a line of great sea adventures and interesting people. Edwardson knows how to write Napoleonic Navy.”
“Read all of the Wharton series. Look forward to the next one. Good and easy reading mixed with excitement, thoughtfulness a great naval hero. Enjoyment.”
“Excellent historical novels, I look forward to many more. Keep you fully involved in the story, The historic accuracy is very impressive.”
159 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 27, 2025
121 people are currently reading
4 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 10, 2026
#12 is as good as #1
I have read all 12 of these books
in order. They make up an excellent look at the life of an officer in a Kings ship during the days of fighting sail. Taken together its a good tale. I enjoyed them. It's the story of one man's life with many well developed characters in supporting roles. His wife's role is also well developed giving a look at the English countryside during this period of time.
I have read all 12 of these books
in order. They make up an excellent look at the life of an officer in a Kings ship during the days of fighting sail. Taken together its a good tale. I enjoyed them. It's the story of one man's life with many well developed characters in supporting roles. His wife's role is also well developed giving a look at the English countryside during this period of time.
January 17, 2026
The End Perhaps
This the twelfth of the series was a close run story. Starts out to fight privateers and pirates in the Far East turns into a fight with two French frigates instead and the action comes fast. One thing that I have noticed in these books is how suddenly tragedy can strike on board a ship during this time period. Still the stories are rewarding for the reader.
This the twelfth of the series was a close run story. Starts out to fight privateers and pirates in the Far East turns into a fight with two French frigates instead and the action comes fast. One thing that I have noticed in these books is how suddenly tragedy can strike on board a ship during this time period. Still the stories are rewarding for the reader.
December 19, 2025
Tiger does it again
Johnnie battles a long cruise, Malay pirates and the French in the battle of the Java Sea. Good plot. Great characters. Wonderful action scenes. Recommend this one while waiting for the next one.
Johnnie battles a long cruise, Malay pirates and the French in the battle of the Java Sea. Good plot. Great characters. Wonderful action scenes. Recommend this one while waiting for the next one.
December 22, 2025
Excellent reading, very well written, as you would expect from this source.
Also a good ratio of action against shipboard detail in too many naval stories .
I sometimes think that I could rin a Man of war.!
Also a good ratio of action against shipboard detail in too many naval stories .
I sometimes think that I could rin a Man of war.!
December 3, 2025
Must read,,
Another outstanding Wharton Naval adventure. I finished it in two days.
You can read it asa standalone novel or even better read them all in sequence.
Another outstanding Wharton Naval adventure. I finished it in two days.
You can read it asa standalone novel or even better read them all in sequence.
December 17, 2025
Commodore Wharton is sent to the Far East to save the merchant fleet from Malay pirates. There are two French frigates also in the mix. No problem for the "Tiger".
January 10, 2026
Good read
Why not send our hero on another adventure in the far corner of the world! A good read for those followers of Tiger.
Why not send our hero on another adventure in the far corner of the world! A good read for those followers of Tiger.
January 22, 2026
Another good sea story. Only this was too short. I wish that these Wharton stories could be a little longer- they go by so quickly !
February 25, 2026
hard to put down
I read all 12 books in a week. If you have responsibilities pending I suggest not reading this series- otherwise it’s about as addicting as it gets.
I read all 12 books in a week. If you have responsibilities pending I suggest not reading this series- otherwise it’s about as addicting as it gets.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews