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Pellew: So It Begins
April 1778. England is at war, and the Navy wants boys.
Gerry Pellew is twelve years old, raised soft in Bath, and terrified. His father, the legendary Admiral Lord Pellew, has one instruction for the captain of the seventy-four-gun train him, and show him no slackness. His brother has one piece of never show your feelings, and for God's sake do not cry.
The sea will test both within the year.
From the smoke and slaughter of Ushant, where Gerry must perform a last terrible kindness for his dearest friend, to lee shores and fevers, fog duels and night boardings, the youngest midshipman in the ship learns his trade the only way the sea teaches it. By thirteen he has stood his watch through gales that kill, taken a prize crew's parole, and brought a captured brig home through an enemy-haunted Channel as the most irregular prize-master in the fleet.
Then the great Combined Fleet of France and Spain enters the Channel, sixty-six sail of the line against England's thirty-eight, and the beacons burn along the coast of Cornwall. And far away in Bath, in a curtained room, a dying admiral follows his son's war on a chart spread across his counterpane, waiting for one last letter, while the boy at sea obeys the hardest order of his life.
*An admiral's son comes home with his ship.*
A story of friendship and loss, duty and devotion, and the words a father and son could only ever say between the lines.
Gerry Pellew is twelve years old, raised soft in Bath, and terrified. His father, the legendary Admiral Lord Pellew, has one instruction for the captain of the seventy-four-gun train him, and show him no slackness. His brother has one piece of never show your feelings, and for God's sake do not cry.
The sea will test both within the year.
From the smoke and slaughter of Ushant, where Gerry must perform a last terrible kindness for his dearest friend, to lee shores and fevers, fog duels and night boardings, the youngest midshipman in the ship learns his trade the only way the sea teaches it. By thirteen he has stood his watch through gales that kill, taken a prize crew's parole, and brought a captured brig home through an enemy-haunted Channel as the most irregular prize-master in the fleet.
Then the great Combined Fleet of France and Spain enters the Channel, sixty-six sail of the line against England's thirty-eight, and the beacons burn along the coast of Cornwall. And far away in Bath, in a curtained room, a dying admiral follows his son's war on a chart spread across his counterpane, waiting for one last letter, while the boy at sea obeys the hardest order of his life.
*An admiral's son comes home with his ship.*
A story of friendship and loss, duty and devotion, and the words a father and son could only ever say between the lines.
225 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 7, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 21, 2026
This is a fictional account of a child of Admiral Pellew. You'll likely know that name if you know British naval history or read books such as the Hornblower series; this is not that story. It is a story of a man somewhat based on Pellew, but set further back in history, and focused on his youngest child starting in the British Navy as a 12-year-old midshipman.
Coddled and protected by his mother Gerry Pellew nonetheless shows courage and is clever for his age, demonstrating future greatness. However, he's not excessively great: he learns, stumbles, is largely ignorant, and impresses mostly by keeping his mouth shut, not crying, and getting up to try again. And thankfully, he is not shot up the ranks by excessive promotion and circumstance: he ends a nearly 14 year old Midshipman with 4 more years to go.
However this book is less about Gerry Pellew than it is a depiction of forgotten stoic masculinity, a worldview and approach to life that is honored and respected. A masculinity of little said, but much done, much unstated but understood by fellow men, and an expectation of strength, determination, courage, and selfless service.
This is the best book that I have read from Perry Comer, and not by a small margin. I suspect that Comer is mostly technical advisor and editor for this, and the real writing was done by Amy Carlile who is listed as the other author in other editions of this book. It is superb, feels very much steeped in the 17th century, and very accurate.
As a result, some readers might find the book to have peculiar language, or at least unfamiliar phrases, and the method of writing everything more as a journal than prose (no quotation marks are used, it is not a typical story structure) but it is worth digging through whatever your reaction.
Coddled and protected by his mother Gerry Pellew nonetheless shows courage and is clever for his age, demonstrating future greatness. However, he's not excessively great: he learns, stumbles, is largely ignorant, and impresses mostly by keeping his mouth shut, not crying, and getting up to try again. And thankfully, he is not shot up the ranks by excessive promotion and circumstance: he ends a nearly 14 year old Midshipman with 4 more years to go.
However this book is less about Gerry Pellew than it is a depiction of forgotten stoic masculinity, a worldview and approach to life that is honored and respected. A masculinity of little said, but much done, much unstated but understood by fellow men, and an expectation of strength, determination, courage, and selfless service.
This is the best book that I have read from Perry Comer, and not by a small margin. I suspect that Comer is mostly technical advisor and editor for this, and the real writing was done by Amy Carlile who is listed as the other author in other editions of this book. It is superb, feels very much steeped in the 17th century, and very accurate.
As a result, some readers might find the book to have peculiar language, or at least unfamiliar phrases, and the method of writing everything more as a journal than prose (no quotation marks are used, it is not a typical story structure) but it is worth digging through whatever your reaction.
July 29, 2026
A good read
This was the most sentimental period novel of its type I have read but I found it deeply moving and not maudlin as many probably will. It is a story of a young boy, scion of a Nobel mariner, growing up at a distance from his father but always communicating with him between the lines of their mutual correspondence. I was deeply moved, as I said, recognizing parallels with my own familial relationships and unspoken thoughts. The general plot was not novel and the episodes familiar to any of us who enjoy the genre but the emotional content make s unforgettable, for me.
This was the most sentimental period novel of its type I have read but I found it deeply moving and not maudlin as many probably will. It is a story of a young boy, scion of a Nobel mariner, growing up at a distance from his father but always communicating with him between the lines of their mutual correspondence. I was deeply moved, as I said, recognizing parallels with my own familial relationships and unspoken thoughts. The general plot was not novel and the episodes familiar to any of us who enjoy the genre but the emotional content make s unforgettable, for me.
September 27, 2026
Possibly the best book of men and the sea ever written.
I have read books for over 50 years, read voraciously every book I possibly found interesting. There are good books and bad books, some mediocre books and some truly awful books, but occasionally, you find a book that strikes a chord within you. Mr Comer is a very talented author, but this book is beyond extraordinary, he captures the struggle between youth and maturity, between fathers and sons, with exquisite precision. Well done Mr.Comer, very well done. I have no idea how you can equal this, but I am absolutely going to find out.
I have read books for over 50 years, read voraciously every book I possibly found interesting. There are good books and bad books, some mediocre books and some truly awful books, but occasionally, you find a book that strikes a chord within you. Mr Comer is a very talented author, but this book is beyond extraordinary, he captures the struggle between youth and maturity, between fathers and sons, with exquisite precision. Well done Mr.Comer, very well done. I have no idea how you can equal this, but I am absolutely going to find out.
September 28, 2026
One of the best sea.an stories I have read
I appreciate the author's attention to detail about the ships and people, as well as the successful attempt to brighten them and British naval service to life as it was. Great Britain is a small place to have ruled the large amount of the world she once held and her Navy was absolutely critical for this achievement. The author does an excellent job of providing detail on what Naval officer service entailed both in the physical and emotional sense.
I appreciate the author's attention to detail about the ships and people, as well as the successful attempt to brighten them and British naval service to life as it was. Great Britain is a small place to have ruled the large amount of the world she once held and her Navy was absolutely critical for this achievement. The author does an excellent job of providing detail on what Naval officer service entailed both in the physical and emotional sense.
August 14, 2026
A novel meant to be read and enjoyed
A historical fiction book that follows a boy joining the British navy and over a relatively short period of time grows into a young man who has earned the respect of his shipmates. I found this to be a novel that should be read in a quiet place under the sun or in your easy chair in front of the fire. It is very hard to put down for it is so captivating.
If you enjoy of this type put it on your must read list.
A historical fiction book that follows a boy joining the British navy and over a relatively short period of time grows into a young man who has earned the respect of his shipmates. I found this to be a novel that should be read in a quiet place under the sun or in your easy chair in front of the fire. It is very hard to put down for it is so captivating.
If you enjoy of this type put it on your must read list.
September 28, 2026
Very, very good.
I very rarely given any book 5 stars so you can already tell how impressed I am.I
There are no incredible heroics in this book, just a quiet, hard earned competence which counts for so much more. I like a book which can teach me things I didn't know, and this book delivers that in spades. Things about life aboard a ship in the age of sail, and relationships framed around duty.
I am very much looking forward to further aquaintance with young Mr. Pellew.
I very rarely given any book 5 stars so you can already tell how impressed I am.I
There are no incredible heroics in this book, just a quiet, hard earned competence which counts for so much more. I like a book which can teach me things I didn't know, and this book delivers that in spades. Things about life aboard a ship in the age of sail, and relationships framed around duty.
I am very much looking forward to further aquaintance with young Mr. Pellew.
August 2, 2026
Great read. You get invested in the life of a very young boy as he becomes a man in a very tough environment of a 1800s Royal Navy ship. Outstanding. I have read the next Pellew book and I am anxiously waiting for many more in the series Mr. comer please write more books following the life of This Midshipman. I am very hopeful more will come. A big fan of all your novels-Ron Hendler, Gettysburg PA
August 3, 2026
the aging of a youth
What a wonderful telling of a great story. We follow the progress of a boy becoming a man. All the trials and actions which his father had passed on to him. Great writing. Wonderful characters. Full of emotions. Friendships made and ended. Memories carried forward. Recommend this book very strongly. Enjoy it.
What a wonderful telling of a great story. We follow the progress of a boy becoming a man. All the trials and actions which his father had passed on to him. Great writing. Wonderful characters. Full of emotions. Friendships made and ended. Memories carried forward. Recommend this book very strongly. Enjoy it.
September 8, 2026
Coming of age…the hard way.
Comer and Carlile tell the story of a young boy becoming an experienced sailor with grace. The terminology and language can be tough to follow. You’ll do just fine. I even highlighted a qoute I’ll be using for my son’s pinning ceremony as a Chief Petty Officer, USN. Bravo Zulu.
Comer and Carlile tell the story of a young boy becoming an experienced sailor with grace. The terminology and language can be tough to follow. You’ll do just fine. I even highlighted a qoute I’ll be using for my son’s pinning ceremony as a Chief Petty Officer, USN. Bravo Zulu.
October 22, 2026
So it Begins
I found this to be a book truly worth the reading. I have given a five star rating to a minimum number of the possibly thousand or so books that I have read. This book, in my opinion, deserves it. The style of writing is engrossing and the storyline credible. A book to be read and enjoyed.
I found this to be a book truly worth the reading. I have given a five star rating to a minimum number of the possibly thousand or so books that I have read. This book, in my opinion, deserves it. The style of writing is engrossing and the storyline credible. A book to be read and enjoyed.
October 28, 2026
Admiral’s son, Midshipman at 12, faces life & death
FASCINATING reading.
I enjoyed the details of ship maintenance, terms I have not read in other naval historical novels, & the structure of life aboard a naval vessel.
Pellew was tested, found solid, found & lost friends & mentors.
Learned his father & family in deeper knowledge.
FASCINATING reading.
I enjoyed the details of ship maintenance, terms I have not read in other naval historical novels, & the structure of life aboard a naval vessel.
Pellew was tested, found solid, found & lost friends & mentors.
Learned his father & family in deeper knowledge.
July 16, 2026
Saltwater poetry
Observing the midshipman’s white tabs grow grey has been an honor. I feel unworthy to criticize this work and hope that its tenth rere-reading may yield more of the cipher.
Observing the midshipman’s white tabs grow grey has been an honor. I feel unworthy to criticize this work and hope that its tenth rere-reading may yield more of the cipher.
September 7, 2026
Worth the read!
I picked this based solely on the author who is absolutely one of my favourites. The content is well written and has depth. I have already started to hope that there is a book 3 and beyond!
I picked this based solely on the author who is absolutely one of my favourites. The content is well written and has depth. I have already started to hope that there is a book 3 and beyond!
October 12, 2026
As good as it gets
The author of this was unknown to me until the end...the entire length of the book I was comparing the author to Patrick O'Brian..and not finding fault..God, lady but you can carry a yarn...hopefully more to come...
The author of this was unknown to me until the end...the entire length of the book I was comparing the author to Patrick O'Brian..and not finding fault..God, lady but you can carry a yarn...hopefully more to come...
October 18, 2026
Comer has done it again. What an exciting story. One of my favourite authors due to the fact the research involved ,the feeling of actually being on board the action is palpable . Finland is enthralling now I have Pellew. Brilliant action looking for more.
October 28, 2026
GreatRead
From time to time this author amazed me with his phrase. I had to catch my breath and pause, so much did it go deeply into that character. I give it four stars because I wanted more guns-lore, but that’s just me. Excellent !
From time to time this author amazed me with his phrase. I had to catch my breath and pause, so much did it go deeply into that character. I give it four stars because I wanted more guns-lore, but that’s just me. Excellent !
July 28, 2026
Best book yet
August 16, 2026
Worthy of the Genre
I wish I had the words for a proper review, so this will have to suffice. Worthy of the genre, in league with Alexander Kent.
I wish I had the words for a proper review, so this will have to suffice. Worthy of the genre, in league with Alexander Kent.
August 24, 2026
Great Story ! Ending was super, expected but telling.
August 26, 2026
well! done
Patrick O’Brien would approve. Do not know why they require a certain number of words. Sometimes the less said is the Most.
Patrick O’Brien would approve. Do not know why they require a certain number of words. Sometimes the less said is the Most.
October 18, 2026
the structure needed to bring sea power to bear.
Well, I liked it—could use a glossary.
Yet, I found myself caught in spirit of that time and order of that life.
Well, I liked it—could use a glossary.
Yet, I found myself caught in spirit of that time and order of that life.
October 20, 2026
Close to fine literature
Best written of all the contemporary naval fiction. O'Brian and Forrester would be proud to read it. Looking forward to the next.I
Best written of all the contemporary naval fiction. O'Brian and Forrester would be proud to read it. Looking forward to the next.I
October 22, 2026
watch the tides
Excellent sea story of the christening of a Midshipman in the kings service. All sea, no romance—loved it and am anxious for the next volume.
Excellent sea story of the christening of a Midshipman in the kings service. All sea, no romance—loved it and am anxious for the next volume.
October 25, 2026
Excellent
Very good read, thoroughly enjoyable and captivating, I have read many books on this time period and this one is one of the best
Very good read, thoroughly enjoyable and captivating, I have read many books on this time period and this one is one of the best
October 30, 2026
A different yet very addictive style
To me, this book stands head and shoulders above other books that try to tell the story of life on the sea. Will be grabbing the next.
To me, this book stands head and shoulders above other books that try to tell the story of life on the sea. Will be grabbing the next.
October 30, 2026
Best sea book I have read.
Outstanding book. Felt like I was reading the sailors log and that I was witnessing the story as it happened.
Outstanding book. Felt like I was reading the sailors log and that I was witnessing the story as it happened.
July 24, 2026
An excellent start for another fine series from Perry Comer.
A tradition sustained, a boy becomes a man, and the HMS gains a new officer. Looking forward to the next installment.
A tradition sustained, a boy becomes a man, and the HMS gains a new officer. Looking forward to the next installment.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews