Tyger

Thomas Kydd #16

by Julian Stockwin

Unputdownable naval action from the master of the sea story - 'In Stockwin's hands the sea story will continue to entrance readers across the world' Guardian

The greatest naval trial in the Georgian period is underway at Portsmouth with the court martial of Sir Home Popham, Captain Sir Thomas Kydd's commanding officer in the doomed occupation of Buenos Aires. Kydd has some sympathy for Popham's unauthorised action but his support for his former commander leaves him athwart some very influential people in the Admiralty.

With his frigate L'Aurore unfit for sea, Kydd is given a commission that some hope will destroy his career. Tyger has recently mutinied but instead of having her company dispersed around the fleet as is customary, the ship is pressed into immediate service in the North Sea. Kydd faces a crew still under some malign influence.

Enemies aboard and on the high seas are just the start of the problem. Soon he will have to take his untested and untrustworthy crew into the Baltic and there they will get entangled with Napoleon's invasion of Prussia. The stakes are desperate, the task seemingly impossible and the French implacable. But the only way for Kydd to avoid disgrace is to gamble his reputation and crew on a crazy mission to snatch a Prussian division out of the jaws of Napoleon's advancing army. Will he return home once more a hero, or himself face a court martial?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Nautical, Adventure, Historical, British Literature, Audiobook

385 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2015

About the author

Julian Stockwin was sent at the age of fourteen to Indefatigable, a tough sea-training school. He joined the Royal Navy at fifteen. He now lives in Devon with his wife Kathy. Julian has written 24 books to date in the Kydd series of historical adventure fiction, the story of one man's journey from pressed man to admiral in the age of fighting sail, and a non-fiction book, 'Stockwin's Maritime Miscellany.' His latest Kydd series title is THUNDERER. And, he's also published two historical standalone novels, THE SILK TREE, set in the time of Emperor Justinian and THE POWDER OF DEATH, about the quest for the secret of gunpowder.

Series:
* Thomas Kydd

Reviews

[Mark Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good. Kydd falls victim of the gutter press when he questions some Admiralty decisions over a pint and is punished with command of the unhappy frigate Tyger. He must ferret out the cause of their mutiny, bond the crew, save a Prussian army, salvage the Russian fur trade and then face a monster battle to decide his own fate and that of the troubled Tyger. It benefits from not having Renzi much in the book so the adventures on the sea are to the fore. Really entertaining read and good background about the history of that time and how important Russia was against Bonaparte.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book seventeen Inferno isn't due out until October. My reading voyage has been put in the dockyard for now.

Definitely a five star series, though I wish the books were longer. Three hundred plus pages is a pick it up, read it, put it down in days. Why I give the individual books four stars.

Mr. Stockwin brings two things to this seafaring series that is not found often in such tales. He blends in the foremast folks (common seamen) with their quirks, plights, skills and importantly, language. The vocabulary is the second highlight of the series. Not only the deck hands, but the language of the day. Turn of the century England, late 1700s to early 1800s. Makes you feel you are there. Devil is in the detail, they say, and Julian Stockwin spares none. Excellent descriptions of the workings of ships of sail, the gunnery and life aboard.

It goes without saying, that without the time consuming research by Mr. Stockwin, this series fails. Being sort of an old salt myself, US Navy submarines; MM1 (ss), I followed the antics with a world chart from an oceanography course I took during one of my patrols, way back when. A correspondence course from the U. of Wisconsin at Madison. Made it fun to see the plotted courses and understand the currents and ragged coasts that were a real threat to the age of sail.

If you are into iron men and wooden ships, read The Kydd Sea Adventures.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This nautical novel set in the Napoleonic era was an outstanding example of its genre and a worthy successor to the Hornblower novels. Sir Thomas Kydd, lately captain of the L'Aurore, a French prize, is slated to captain a new frigate being built. An unscrupulous newspaper reporter surreptitiously overhears Kydd in confidential conversation with a friend about the outcome of a court-martial and prints distortions, which outrage the Admiralty. The Admiralty "punishes" Kydd by his transfer instead to the captaincy of a ship on which a mutiny recently had taken place, HMS Tyger. Kydd is tasked with turning the situation around and winning the trust and loyalty of the still-discontented crew. A fifth columnist is rooted out, then Kydd is sent ostensibly to see possible French strength in the Baltic. He determines if Archangel in Russia would be an alternative port if something would happen to St. Petersburg. He deals with a fur-smuggling ring and there is an exciting climactic battle with the French in captured Prussian ships.

The novel's strong points were the story--non-stop action--and a sympathetic and shrewd Kydd. I got a taste of shipboard life; I'm glad there were no floggings. Pacing was excellent and descriptions vivid, especially those of the Arctic. Glossary was valuable for nautical terms and slang but could have been more complete. I wish the novel had included a line drawing of a British frigate of that period, with parts labeled, to help me visualize better. Now I'm eager to read the rest of the series from the beginning.

Highly recommended.

I thank LibraryThing for sending me an ARC. My opinions are my own honest ones.

[Simon Brading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kydd at his best

[Clemens Schoonderwoert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This delightful seafaring story by Julian Stockwin is the 16th volume of the ever wonderful and thrilling "Thomas Kydd" series.
The book contains at the beginning three well-drawn maps concerning this beautiful story, as well as a list of Dramatis Personae of people involved within this tale, while at the end of the book you'll find a wonderful documented Author's Note, which shows how well this period has been researched historically by the author, and not to forget you'll find a very well explained Glossary and Timeline.
As always with the books by this very fine author, they are filled with the authentic language of the great seas, and thus making this series in it's own kind so real and original.
Besides that, the author also has the ability by making his characters, whether they are real or fictional, come vividly to life within this superb seafaring tale.
This story is also set in the year AD 1807, and it follows the exploits of Thomas Kydd which were told in the book Pasha.
The book itself is about Thomas Kydd, who during the naval trial of Sir Home Popham, concerning the failed occupation of Buenos Aires, is sent to a ship called "Tyger", a ship which has recently mutinied, on an immediate mission in the North Sea, a mission some very influential people in the Admiralty hope that Thomas Kydd will fail to perform, just for his supposed support towards Sir Home Popham.
What follows is an entertaining and superb seafaring tale, in which Thomas Kydd has to deliver with an untested and untrustworthy crew against the might of Napoleon, who has invaded Prussia, and in the end he and his crew have to fight very hard to rescue a Prussian division from the clutches of Napoleon's army, and thus bring them to safety.
Fully recommended, for this is a seafaring tale of the highest calibre, and one that I would like to call as "A Gripping Eventful Sea-Way"!

[Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first started reading this series, I thought of it as a poor man's Patrick O'Brian (having read all 20 of those masterpieces). It still fits that category in the sense that it does not have the soaring literary achievement of the latter and bears some resemblance in storytelling. But these books should not be dismissed as such. They are great rollicking tales of naval lore during the Napoleonic wars. This one is one of the best, including some fine writing about the Arctic. Recommended to anyone who likes O'Brian and has an open mind.

[Viva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spoilers ahead.

Summary: As usual a lot goes on in this book.

The book starts with Kydd coming back from Constantinople with honors, having rescued Lord Farndon from the clutches of the Ottomans. However his ship L'Aurore is found to have wood rot and the whole ship needs to be dry docked and out of commission. Sadly, all the crew and officers are let go. He is however on Admiralty's good side and he's to be given a brand new frigate being built. As it will take months for the ship to be commissioned, he decides to spent time in the city living it up. Here we see a description of contemporary gentlemen's life and fashion in the city.

All too soon he is called as a witness to Sir Home Popham's trial (historical). Popham is charged with leaving Cape Town without orders to attack Buenos Aires (a few books ago). Kydd was under his command so he won't be charged with anything but he personally agreed with his superior in that it was better to be pro-active. He keeps mum about it during the trial but while making his views known to his friends, he was eavesdropped by a dastardly reporter and his views were published in a paper. This earned the Earl St. Vincent's enmity (who hated Popham with a passion) and took Kydd off his new ship and instead put him into a newly mutinied ship the Tyger.

The crew of his new ship is deeply unhappy and still mutinous. However Kydd tries his best. They have an initial successful action but it's not enough to make the crew happy. On his second mission, it turns out that the master of the ship is a French undercover agent who attempts to raise mutiny again with French undercover sailors seeded among the crew. But Kydd foils his attempt and the undercover men jump off the ship into the arms of a French frigate.

Now that the nucleus of the bad sailors are gone Kydd can start to transform his crew in earnest. Meanwhile, he's swapped out all 3 lieutenants and in their place he has Bray as a tough no nonsense #1 and Bowden and Brice from his old ship. He also has Stirk, Doud and Pinto back as volunteers and Dillon as secretary.

Here Stockwin goes to his tried and true formula of adding Kydd to historical events. First up is a visit to Archangel where he puts a stop to illegal trading. As it's a boon to the Tsar who is allied to the British, the British Admiralty can no longer censor Kydd.

Next Kydd helps out in the Baltic where he solves transportation problems for the Russian/Prussian army who is backed up by the French. There is a whole chapter on this but I just skimmed over it as I wasn't interested in it. The climax is a 3 on 1 ship to ship action where Kydd destroys 3 French frigates and finally bonds the crew together. He comes home as a hero.

Overall, one of the better/best Kydd books. I really enjoyed the ongoing story of Kydd turning the ship Tyger around and the final battle was the icing on the cake. On to the next book!

[Cindy Vallar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Returning home from the Mediterranean, L’Aurore is discovered to be a rotting ship. Her crew is paid off and Thomas Kydd finds himself on land. He is to command a heavy frigate, but it could be a year before she is finished and ready to man and sail. In the meantime, he must appear as a witness at the court martial of his former commander. He finds himself betwixt wind and water as regards Commodore Popham, who did seize the initiative but also abandoned his post.

A conversation between friends is overheard by a reporter, and the next day Kydd finds himself a pariah. Instead of the promised new frigate, he is ordered to take command of Tyger, a ship recently beset by mutiny. If he declines, his naval career will be at an end. If he accepts, his chances of successfully carrying out his duty are slim to none. But Admiral Russell, whose force is part of the North Sea Fleet, believes in giving opportunities and judging men by their actions. He chooses Kydd and the Tygers for a mission to Archangel, Russia. As an ally, the Royal Navy should be welcomed with open arms; instead, their arrival is anything but. Distrustful of what he sees, Kydd must find a way to uncover the truth while getting his men to trust him and work as a cohesive unit. Tall orders when suspicion, betrayal, and discontent are the current watchwords of his crew, and the Admiralty merely wants to get rid of him.

This sixteenth title in the Thomas Kydd series delves into the notorious and unusual court martial of Sir Home Popham, showcasing both sides of the coin. While interesting, it leaves readers and Kydd feeling like fish out of water. Yet there is purpose in its inclusion, for it provides a stunning look at how a hero can fall from grace in an instant. At the same time, it sets up how Kydd comes to command Tyger and finds himself embroiled in a mutiny once again. The key to this novel is that much lies beneath the surface; nothing is exactly as it appears. Enemies lurk where least expected and this time, readers understand exactly what is meant about the loneliness of command as Kydd sails through treacherous waters from England to the Baltic and the High Arctic.


(This review originally appeared at Pirates and Privateers: http://www.cindyvallar.com/Stockwin.h...)

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captain Sir Thomas Kydd is called as witness in the court-martial trial of his former superior, Sir Home Popham. When his sympathetic views become known to the Admiralty, he’s assigned to a ship with a mutinous crew. They set sail for the North Sea and from there to Prussia, where Napolean and his allies are expanding their conquests. Realizing his political opponents are hoping he’ll fail, Kydd attempts to pull together his crew and inspire them to work as one. They’d better succeed or they may end up in the depths of the sea rather than the next home port. Can he defy the odds and return a hero? Once again, Kydd shows his mettle amid exciting sea battles, daring land exploits, overwhelming enemy forces and an untrustworthy crew. A worthy addition to this gripping naval adventure series!

[Shelly Lincoln · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kydd becomes the victim of an angry admiralty with an overheard conversation about a court martial in the continuing tales of his career in the British Navy during the Napoleonic era. In this chapter, Kydd is handed the task of restoring to service a ship which had recently mutinied and on which the crew is still distrustful and wary.

The book is filled with action showing Kydd at his best - Kydd travels to the Arctic, he becomes involved in an operation to rescue a Prussian batallion, he thwarts an attempt by the French to take over his ship, and somewhere in there also manages to uncover a fur smuggling operation.

A great addition to the series

[James Stein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Books Are Treasures

I find it almost impossible to rate Stockwin's books at anything less than 5 stars. The history, the characters, the action, the descriptions, the plots, the stories - all combine to keep each book in the series fresh and so worth reading. You just don't get close to that "I can't handle another book in this series!" This book is well worth the money in that it takes the reader from underhanded politics to the real wars of Napoleon to the top of the world to sailing ship battles of yesteryear - all seen and experienced by our hero, Captain Kydd.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, I jump into this series wondering if Kydd is going to make it to the next book or not. And will he ever marry? Remember this is the 18th century, were bachelor hood was frowned upon. The librarian wanted to know if it was a series. It is! It's fantastic. I told her that I've run out of books that were available in the county library. And would now have to order through the inter library loan. She assured me that they would be able to find my titles. She doesn't know me, and I read things that the library is not likely to carry.

[John Boyda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, Stockwin as delivered an eminently readable novel. As always, he gives insights to life in the early 19th century and how - even back then - politics directed the lives and destinies of those chosen to fight and implement the policies directed by those who would not have to shed blood. Life on and off seafaring vessels is described in a manner that aids in envisioning the pleasures and rigors. Scenes of battle burn behind the eyelids of those reading the words. Three and a half stars!

[Marten Wennik · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Best Kydd adventure in a stretch

I was so driven to find out what would happen to Sir Thomas when he was chastised for his words against the admiralty that I could not put the book down. His fall from grace was painful to witness and I anxiously read on to see how Kydd could or would win back the favor of his crew, the Admiralty, and the nation. Wonderful tale that is well worth the read.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

The account of the journey to the Arctic and the maneuvers with the Prussians is quite interesting. Kydd seems to be becoming quite a solitary figure as his life marches on. Friends come and go and the sea remains constant. It is an encouraging read in the face of the intentional try and ruining him, yet finishes with overwhelming success. A very good read.

[Brady Tomberlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sir Captain Thomas Kidd stars over

This was another well written story about Captain Kidd. We got to briefly explore a new area of the world, Archangel in Russia, and we see that Admiral Popham is quite resourceful. The best part though, you have to wait for until you get to the last few chapters where you read one of the best battles yet! A definite recommended read!!

[Ashley Warnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant book, up with the best books from this series. Good development of plot with some good naval techniques. The story of the relationship between Kydd and the Tygers is one which you become involved as you read on and takes the main story forwards. Loved it.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my opinion "Tyger" started out slow. I was not really into the courtroom drama. Though once Sir Thomas got ahold of the ship "Tyger" the story picked up and the adventures began. A really good book.

[J.P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily one of my favorites of the series ....

[Paul Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read with interesting detail

[Lexi Dew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic and completed in just 2 sittings

[Lori Field · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of the Kydd Sea Adventures, and Tyger does not disappoint. I really enjoyed this installment. Life isn't simple or easy for Captain Kydd, but he seems to manage to make the best of his situations and thumbs his nose at those who would see him fail while in the process. I really enjoy the history in the Kydd novels. I don't know how much is based on real events during this period in history, so I end up doing a little research to find out. I appreciate the author's notes which explain portions of the story and historical characters. The events Stockwin describes certain could have happened during this period - he gives a very realistic narrative with dramatic flair. As always, I can't wait for the next novel in the series.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I'm usually quick to complain when a Kydd story spends too much time on land, I became quite interested in Sir Thomas's political problems this time. Of course we all know by now that he's sure to triumph in the end, but never before Stockwin treats us to a nail biting sea battle and then the peril continues afterward while the crew just barely manages to stay afloat. If that weren't enough, it's also historical fiction, which challenges the author to place his characters alongside real people and keep everything accurate and believable. I think I'll call Tyger my favorite - at least until the next installment!

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

c2015: Stirring and patriotic. This is only the second book that I have read in the Kydd series (I think) and this one was just as good as the first one. The battle scenes were excellently written. I wish that these books had been around when I was studying this period of the Napoleonic wars - it would have made it a lot easier to remember certain events. Although I really enjoyed this book I have to mention that I though Kydd was a bit up his own ass in this book. Definitely recommended to the history buffs in the normal crew.

[Sally Lindsay-briggs · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this free Goodreads giveaway would be great: Clipper ship battles, the historic Napoleonic era, the adventures of a sea captain and his (scurvy) crew. Yet, there were too many words that were incomprehensible. Towards the middle of the book, I found a Glossary, which should have been put in the beginning. This was a novel made for sailors not teachers. Prepare to send this literary torpedo to Davey Jones Locker!

[Bob Cantrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like all the Thomas Kydd stories I enjoyed this a great deal. It had plenty of action in it, but it gave a view of how a naval court martial was carried out. Then there was the glimpse of office politics that can have an effect on a person's career as Kydd found out the hard way. Sometimes a personal point of view is best kept to one's self. Despite the obstacles that are thrown into Kydd's path he manages to fight through and prove he is an extraordinary sailor and man.

[Lyle Garford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything else takes a backseat when a new Kydd novel arrives. Impossible to put them down. If you have never read this series start at the beginning and consider yourself warned, you will be hooked.

[John]

Review available on Foreword Reviews.

[Fraser Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

this series is if anything getting better! if you have read the previous ones then you know what to expect. historical detail, sea battles, and great characters.

[David Slater · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my books of the year. A wonderful tale.