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Providence and The Fortunate
FROM STREET ORPHAN TO NAVAL OFFICER—
ONE BOY'S EXTRAORDINARY RISE THROUGH THE RANKS OF NELSON'S NAVY
Portsmouth, 1801. Thirteen-year-old Asher Blake is dying on the streets—homeless, starving, and desperate. When he stumbles upon a beaten naval captain in a cemetery, he makes a choice that will change his life forever.
Captain James Goodwin of HMS Fortunate offers the desperate boy a join the ship's company as a cabin boy. It's a gamble—but Asher Blake has nothing left to lose.
What follows is a baptism by fire.
Ash must learn the brutal ways of a warship while Fortunate patrols the dangerous waters of the Mediterranean. Storm-tossed seas test his courage. Prize-taking raids against French and Spanish vessels teach him the art of naval warfare. And when a devastating storm nearly claims the ship, Ash makes a split-second decision that saves a drowning officer—and earns him a place among the ranks.
But the greatest test awaits when the French fleet breaks out from Toulon. In the crucible of fleet battle—with Admiral Nelson's famous signal flying and hundreds of guns thundering—Ash will discover what it truly means to be a naval officer.
From cabin boy to midshipman in less than a year, Ash Blake's rise is nothing short of extraordinary. But in the age of sail, survival itself is an achievement—and the price of glory is measured in blood.
A gripping tale of courage, loyalty, and transformation set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars, PROVIDENCE AND THE FORTUNATE brings to life the brutal reality and soaring triumph of service in Nelson's Royal Navy.
Perfect for fans of Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey-Maturin series, C.S. Forester's Horatio Hornblower novels and Perry Comer’s Donland Series.
ONE BOY'S EXTRAORDINARY RISE THROUGH THE RANKS OF NELSON'S NAVY
Portsmouth, 1801. Thirteen-year-old Asher Blake is dying on the streets—homeless, starving, and desperate. When he stumbles upon a beaten naval captain in a cemetery, he makes a choice that will change his life forever.
Captain James Goodwin of HMS Fortunate offers the desperate boy a join the ship's company as a cabin boy. It's a gamble—but Asher Blake has nothing left to lose.
What follows is a baptism by fire.
Ash must learn the brutal ways of a warship while Fortunate patrols the dangerous waters of the Mediterranean. Storm-tossed seas test his courage. Prize-taking raids against French and Spanish vessels teach him the art of naval warfare. And when a devastating storm nearly claims the ship, Ash makes a split-second decision that saves a drowning officer—and earns him a place among the ranks.
But the greatest test awaits when the French fleet breaks out from Toulon. In the crucible of fleet battle—with Admiral Nelson's famous signal flying and hundreds of guns thundering—Ash will discover what it truly means to be a naval officer.
From cabin boy to midshipman in less than a year, Ash Blake's rise is nothing short of extraordinary. But in the age of sail, survival itself is an achievement—and the price of glory is measured in blood.
A gripping tale of courage, loyalty, and transformation set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars, PROVIDENCE AND THE FORTUNATE brings to life the brutal reality and soaring triumph of service in Nelson's Royal Navy.
Perfect for fans of Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey-Maturin series, C.S. Forester's Horatio Hornblower novels and Perry Comer’s Donland Series.
127 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 9, 2026
14 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 22, 2026
First off allow me to say that I read historical fiction as just that, historical fiction. Others have critiqued this book for its accuracy in part. I don't; its "close enough for" fiction. I found the story rather rapid moving not overburdened with character development. I found that I have the basic facts concerning the characters which to me, was sufficient for the plot development for stories of that era and subject matter. If one has a serious interest in this period of English history and is looking for a good read and not a detailed history book, I am of the opinion that this book feeds nicely into it. Sadly, the next segment of the saga is not yet published so I have to wait.
January 18, 2026
A good story but it doesn’t follow the historical facts. It includes the outline of the battle of Trafalgar but at the wrong time and the. Wrong number of ships. The Spanish aren’t even included. Better research is required and Mr. Comer should know better.
February 2, 2026
resurrection
An interesting story to begin a new series(I hope). Ash is saved by a good deed when he discovered the beaten Capt Godwin. An orphan found a new family. And a new life.
An interesting story to begin a new series(I hope). Ash is saved by a good deed when he discovered the beaten Capt Godwin. An orphan found a new family. And a new life.
January 19, 2026
A good start to what hopefully will be a new series.
The main characters possess good skills and are reasonably portrayed as capable leaders. Comer has a good grasp of the life and times in the “Age of Sail”. I look forward to his next episode.
The main characters possess good skills and are reasonably portrayed as capable leaders. Comer has a good grasp of the life and times in the “Age of Sail”. I look forward to his next episode.
January 28, 2026
EXCELLENT BOOK
Excellent book well written
Shows how the navy was at that time
Look forward too more I've the same
I thank the author
Excellent book well written
Shows how the navy was at that time
Look forward too more I've the same
I thank the author
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews