First of June: Book 9 of the Nicholas Cruwys Naval Series

by Adrian Westbrooke

347 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 5, 2026

About the author

Adrian Westbrooke has long been a student of the sea and of the men and ships that sailed it. His interest in the great age of sail led him into naval history — the voyages of discovery and the long wars that set the Royal Navy against the fleets of France, Spain, and Holland. An experienced offshore and cruising sailor, he brings to his work both a lifetime of reading and a sailor's own feel for wind, weather, and the rhythms of life under sail, even if on a far smaller scale than the great ships of the line. His writing pays close attention to seamanship, gunnery, and life ashore, giving readers as clear a picture of that vanished world as we can reasonably hope for today.

Reviews

[J M Knight]

An outstanding book from an exceptional author. If you enjoy books in this genre and haven't yet read any of this series then waste no more time in starting. You will not regret it! They are hugely well written and accurate for the subject and period.
I have read many of the authors covering this area and Adrian Westbrooke stands out as one of the very best.

[i t s mackenzie]

EXCELLENT

Just love Mr Westbrooke’s writing, always a great read with an insight into a time when Britain did Rule the Waves.

[Douglas Paddock]

One of the best in the Nicholas Cruwys series

Well written, great sea story. Good character development and plot, only bad thing is it leaves me hanging, waiting for the next sequel!

[Scott echold]

An awesome story of a fictional hero that we wish were true.

Have read many of this period
A Story that rises above what has come before.
Keep it coming. Dont dissappear as other authors have.

[Steven Toby]

Fleet Action

Capt. Cruwys brings the French frigate he brought out of the siege of Toulon to England while working up the crew brought together from different ships in the Mediterranean Fleet. By this time England and France are at war in earnest and there aren’t enough seamen to make a full complement even though the press gang is busy. He’s assigned to Lord Howe’s fleet for normal frigate duties as the admiral tries to intercept the French fleet assembled under Villaret de Joyeuse, who is to gain fame later in the war. Readers don’t often get fictional characters we’ve been following involved in famous fleet actions that are so easy to look up in James or Clowes, but we get that almost blow by blow here and it works superbly well except for one sequence where HMS invincible, 74, is fighting an 80, Juste, at close range when the latter tries to flee downwind. Invincible has the lee gauge so I would think that would result in a collision but it doesn’t in the author’s text. It’s also a little artificial how Captain Cruwys gets command of Invincible just before the clash of battle lines. But overall an excellent entry in the series with the background of his personal life, his broken marriage and sincere effort to remain on good terms with his son. His continuing romance with Elena adds to a rich and complex story that leaves me looking forward to the next book.

[Alan Dechovitz]

best book of the series w/obquestion

This is the best tale in the series with excellent action, intrigue and personalities. Best description of a fleet action I have ever read. And, it seems to me, the emotions that would impact men in such a struggle. I do find the management of Cruwys’ career puts me in mind of Downton Abby where people started finding Julian Fellows and begging him “ please let Lady Edith” have some happiness. “ Jeeze, the guy is the lunch pin in the Glorious First of June and his reward is 2-3 years as bait for a traitor while is ex wife is trying to bankrupt him. And before that 2 years ashore on half pay and the loss of his personal yacht. Most men in real life would tell these guys to piss up a rope and occupy themselves elsewhere.

[JOHN P]

A Commander Beloved

A use of wit and perception seldom seen. By the protagonist and the author as well. Could not put it down. I have read thousands of books in my eighty years, so believe that this one is worthy. Yes, romantic and heartbreaking but more in its understanding of courage and faith.

[Thomas Meurling]

This book is much better than the previous book in the series. Not as good as the first 3 books, which were amazing, but a step in the right direction. I think I gave the previous book 2 stars, as it was a disappointment. I gave this one 4 stars.
It also ended with a good cliffhanger, so I'm looking forward to the next book.

[Gary Barger]

An excellent continuation of Cruwys' strength.

I thought this book was an excellent continuation of the history of Toulon's failure and the closeminded tactical triumph, but strategic loss of Howe's victory...
I look forward to seeing how Adrian will handle the fleet mutinies, Abu Qir, Trafalgar, and Napoleon's escape...

[09/01]

Westbrooke does it again!

Another brilliantly read, that follows Cruwys escapades in the Mediterranean and beyond . He must overcome,obstacles at home and abroad, and find his feet on new decks.

[David]

a modern hornblower

Lovers of CSForester and Patrick OBrian will definitely enjoy the adventures of Nicholas Cruwys. A really enjoyable series of books about the navy and events of the late 18th century

[Timothy M. McCann]

This is one well written historical novel series.

[Jim Purcell]

Another good entry in this fine seafaring history. Westbrooke tweaks the history deftly to place Nicholas in the key events of this period of English dominance during the "Age of Sail".

[Mitchell Broaddus]

He gets better each novel!

[Steve Fox]

Must Read

For lovers of 18th century naval stories fact and fiction, this series is a must. Start with book number one.

[Ron Hinson]

story gets better

Have read all , can’t put down . Very detailed, historical correct,fantastic storyline. You feel like you on this adventure .

[Gerry Hartman]

A Masterpiece

This volume captures the flavor of the age of sail with the same skill as the first volume in the series. Well done.

[John L.]

thoroughly enjoyed Book 9

The series continues to please any reader of Age of Sail books. I enjoy the variety of plots and sub stories

[Dawn Devitt]

After book 8 which was more like a narrative of the British intervention in Toulon. Book 9 was back to the Nicholas Cruwys series at its best. I await book 10 with bated breath, so we see Edmund Vale come back into the picture. Can't wait...😊🤔😊