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Thomas Kydd #19
The Baltic Prize: Thomas Kydd 19
1808. Parted from his new bride, Captain Sir Thomas Kydd is called away to join the Northern Expedition to Sweden, now Britain's only ally in the Baltic. Following the sudden declaration of war by Russia and with the consequent threat of the czar's great fleet in St Petersburg, the expedition must defend Britain's dearly-won freedom in those waters.
However Kydd finds his popular fame as a frigate captain is a poisoned chalice; in the face of jealousy and envy from his fellow captains, the distrust of the commander-in-chief and the betrayal of friendship by a former brother-in-arms now made his subordinate, can he redeem his reputation?
In an entirely hostile sea Tyger ranges from the frozen north to the deadly confines of the Danish Sound - and plays a pivotal role in the situation ensuing after the czar's sudden attack on Finland. This climaxes in the first clash of fleets between Great Britain and Russia in history. To the victor will be the prize of the Baltic!
******************
PRAISE FOR JULIAN STOCKWIN'S THOMAS KYDD SERIES
'Paints a vivid picture of life aboard the mighty ship-of-the-line' Daily Express
'This heady adventure blends fact and fiction in rich, authoritative detail' Nautical Magazine on VICTORY
'Fans of fast-paced adventure will get their fill with this book' Historical Naval Society on THE ADMIRAL'S DAUGHTER
However Kydd finds his popular fame as a frigate captain is a poisoned chalice; in the face of jealousy and envy from his fellow captains, the distrust of the commander-in-chief and the betrayal of friendship by a former brother-in-arms now made his subordinate, can he redeem his reputation?
In an entirely hostile sea Tyger ranges from the frozen north to the deadly confines of the Danish Sound - and plays a pivotal role in the situation ensuing after the czar's sudden attack on Finland. This climaxes in the first clash of fleets between Great Britain and Russia in history. To the victor will be the prize of the Baltic!
******************
PRAISE FOR JULIAN STOCKWIN'S THOMAS KYDD SERIES
'Paints a vivid picture of life aboard the mighty ship-of-the-line' Daily Express
'This heady adventure blends fact and fiction in rich, authoritative detail' Nautical Magazine on VICTORY
'Fans of fast-paced adventure will get their fill with this book' Historical Naval Society on THE ADMIRAL'S DAUGHTER
400 pages, Hardcover
Published January 16, 2018
193 people are currently reading
165 people want to read
About the author
Julian Stockwin
52 books334 followersJulian 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
Series:
* Thomas Kydd
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 29, 2017
As always this review can also be found on my blog The Tattooed Book Geek: https://thetattooedbookgeek.wordpress...
I received a free copy of this book courtesy of the publisher through bookbridgr in exchange for an honest review.
I think that the blurb does a more than stellar job of outlining the overall story told in The Baltic Prize and that any overview I could write would be poor by comparison.
Although The Baltic Prize is book number nineteen in the Thomas Kydd series, you don’t need to have read the previous eighteen books to enjoy it and I fully believe that it can be read and enjoyed immensely as a standalone. The story itself focusing on the first battle between the Russian and British Navy in the Baltic is self-contained with an easy to pick up beginning and an end that allows Kydd to go off on more adventures.
The Baltic Prize features an interesting story that is told well by Stockwin and includes all the staples that make a book both enjoyable and exciting to read. Decent pacing, quality storytelling, intrigue, politics and plenty of action all against a well depicted historical backdrop. Then, when you also add in the likeable Thomas Kydd as the main character (he has quickly moved through the ranks of the Navy and risen from humble origins to be a Captain of a Frigate) the pages sail by – they don’t fly because ships sail, not fly, get it!😂
The book on a whole is very enjoyable but for me, the best parts were those that took place at sea and aboard the Tyger (Kydd’s ship). Stockwin himself was in the British Navy and his wealth of knowledge shows through in the naval scenes, settings and action (ship on ship battles are extremely cool) giving them all a sense and feeling of authenticity as he brings them to life on the pages.
On a side note: I have to mention the book cover too as I feel that the image doesn’t do it any justice. In real-life, the colours on the cover are vibrant and really pop. It’s a stunning looking cover that draws the eye (beneath the dust jacket the book itself is orange and ties in with the overall colour scheme which is a nice little touch). While it’s only a small thing let’s face it, we all love a good cover and the whole aesthetic makes The Baltic Prize look top quality, if you know a historical fiction fan then, well, with Christmas coming up I’m just saying this book would make a great present.👌
Historical fiction is a genre that I only occasionally dabble in but there is a lot to like about Stockwin’s work and I highly recommend The Baltic Prize.
The Baltic Prize is a captivating read that keeps you interested and has a lot to offer readers. I found it to be a tremendously rousing nautical adventure.
I received a free copy of this book courtesy of the publisher through bookbridgr in exchange for an honest review.
I think that the blurb does a more than stellar job of outlining the overall story told in The Baltic Prize and that any overview I could write would be poor by comparison.
Although The Baltic Prize is book number nineteen in the Thomas Kydd series, you don’t need to have read the previous eighteen books to enjoy it and I fully believe that it can be read and enjoyed immensely as a standalone. The story itself focusing on the first battle between the Russian and British Navy in the Baltic is self-contained with an easy to pick up beginning and an end that allows Kydd to go off on more adventures.
The Baltic Prize features an interesting story that is told well by Stockwin and includes all the staples that make a book both enjoyable and exciting to read. Decent pacing, quality storytelling, intrigue, politics and plenty of action all against a well depicted historical backdrop. Then, when you also add in the likeable Thomas Kydd as the main character (he has quickly moved through the ranks of the Navy and risen from humble origins to be a Captain of a Frigate) the pages sail by – they don’t fly because ships sail, not fly, get it!😂
The book on a whole is very enjoyable but for me, the best parts were those that took place at sea and aboard the Tyger (Kydd’s ship). Stockwin himself was in the British Navy and his wealth of knowledge shows through in the naval scenes, settings and action (ship on ship battles are extremely cool) giving them all a sense and feeling of authenticity as he brings them to life on the pages.
On a side note: I have to mention the book cover too as I feel that the image doesn’t do it any justice. In real-life, the colours on the cover are vibrant and really pop. It’s a stunning looking cover that draws the eye (beneath the dust jacket the book itself is orange and ties in with the overall colour scheme which is a nice little touch). While it’s only a small thing let’s face it, we all love a good cover and the whole aesthetic makes The Baltic Prize look top quality, if you know a historical fiction fan then, well, with Christmas coming up I’m just saying this book would make a great present.👌
Historical fiction is a genre that I only occasionally dabble in but there is a lot to like about Stockwin’s work and I highly recommend The Baltic Prize.
The Baltic Prize is a captivating read that keeps you interested and has a lot to offer readers. I found it to be a tremendously rousing nautical adventure.
September 4, 2018
This picturesque wonderful tale is the 19th volume of the amazing seafaring, Thomas Kydd, series from the author Julian Stockwin.
The book presents us at the beginning, as ever, some very well-drawn maps of the Baltic Sea, the Artic North and Europe, as well as a Dramatis Personae with quite a few great historical persons and also with many delightful fictional figures who are featuring in this fabulous book.
Not to forget, at the end of the book you'll notice a well documented Author's Note, and a Glossary in which the author superbly explains a lot of nautical terms.
As always the books by this fine author are filled with the authentic language of the great seas, and so making this series very original in its own kind, and not to forget the historical details concerning this story are superbly implemented within this seafaring tale.
This book starts in the year AD 1808, and it follows the exploits of our main fictional character, Thomas Kydd, and his crew, when they find themselves, like the title suggests, mainly within the Baltic Sea on their fighting frigate "Tyger".
A very important detail in this story, apart from the war between England and France of Napoleon Bonaparte, is the declaration of war by Russia, and that's why Thomas Kydd and a whole squadron of ships, with soldiers on board, are heading to the Baltic Sea as the Northern Expedition in an attempt to protect British interests over there.
What will follow for Thomas Kydd is not only a clash against the Russians, but also against his own fellow Captains and his Commander-in-Chief, who treat him with distrust and a betrayal of friendship, but even against these odds Thomas Kydd will surely play a pivotal role in the end in the total Victory by winning the Prize of the Baltic.
Very much recommended, for this is a seafaring tale at its very best, and that's why this is for me: "Another Fantastic Priceless Voyage"!
The book presents us at the beginning, as ever, some very well-drawn maps of the Baltic Sea, the Artic North and Europe, as well as a Dramatis Personae with quite a few great historical persons and also with many delightful fictional figures who are featuring in this fabulous book.
Not to forget, at the end of the book you'll notice a well documented Author's Note, and a Glossary in which the author superbly explains a lot of nautical terms.
As always the books by this fine author are filled with the authentic language of the great seas, and so making this series very original in its own kind, and not to forget the historical details concerning this story are superbly implemented within this seafaring tale.
This book starts in the year AD 1808, and it follows the exploits of our main fictional character, Thomas Kydd, and his crew, when they find themselves, like the title suggests, mainly within the Baltic Sea on their fighting frigate "Tyger".
A very important detail in this story, apart from the war between England and France of Napoleon Bonaparte, is the declaration of war by Russia, and that's why Thomas Kydd and a whole squadron of ships, with soldiers on board, are heading to the Baltic Sea as the Northern Expedition in an attempt to protect British interests over there.
What will follow for Thomas Kydd is not only a clash against the Russians, but also against his own fellow Captains and his Commander-in-Chief, who treat him with distrust and a betrayal of friendship, but even against these odds Thomas Kydd will surely play a pivotal role in the end in the total Victory by winning the Prize of the Baltic.
Very much recommended, for this is a seafaring tale at its very best, and that's why this is for me: "Another Fantastic Priceless Voyage"!
November 10, 2017
I feel the Kydd novels have declined in quality recently. Since Inferno in fact. It's Stockwins insistence on using this horde of micro chapters that rather spoils it.
They don't leave any room for character development, they cut short all the interesting scenes and make us miss most of the action. I hate to say it but it's lazy writing.
When I compare this book to some of the earlier reads, like Artemis or Seaflower it just looks weak in comparison
They don't leave any room for character development, they cut short all the interesting scenes and make us miss most of the action. I hate to say it but it's lazy writing.
When I compare this book to some of the earlier reads, like Artemis or Seaflower it just looks weak in comparison
November 29, 2018
Well researched and written just like the previous eighteen books. Onto #20 I go. "The Iberian Flame." Sorry, couldn't get the link thingy to work.
January 6, 2018
While enjoyable the series doesn’t seem to hold the same fascination for me. Nothing really bad in the book but it wasn’t up to the same standard as previous books
July 18, 2021
I've been reading this series sequentially so sometimes it's hard to remember which events occur in which book, especially when I've finished the next book before writing this review. I'm almost at the end of the series now.
I really like this series because it's very well researched and technically very well done. The writing is also very easy to read and follow. The problem I've found with his later books is that he's included a lot of history and different POV's. I got into this series to read the fictional adventures of Thomas Kydd, not history inserted into a fictional book. I took to fast read over those chapters. Now I just completely skip them. My gold standard of historical naval fiction (H. Hornblower) don't really go deeply into history and I like it much better, both on that level and as a written piece.
Spoilers below:
This book is all about Russia, the mad king of Sweden and the Baltics. As usual a lot happens in this book.
One interesting side story was the licensing of trading ships in the Baltic and how the French were cheating and how Kydd did the same for the British traders by printing fake licenses. An enjoyable and illuminating segment.
Another was the capture of Börnholt Island, a place that I could not find on the map. This is an island in the middle of the Kattegat where the Danes had a lighthouse to prevent ships from foundering on reefs. But they had extinguished it so Kydd was sent to capture the fortress.
Another was the capture of privateers using subterfuge (hiding marines and sailors) on a merchant ship. I was actually wondering why they didn't arm a fake merchantman with cannons like the Allies did in WW2 to fight U-boats.
Another was the capture of Sveaborg by the Russians. This is now part of Finland but was part of Sweden then. This led me down to a little rabbit hole of the Nordic country history which made for very interesting reading.
The battle between the Russian fleet and the Swedish/British fleet was a bit of an afterthought, especially since Kydd was in a frigate. This book also had Kydd acting as a commodore (with a post captain under him) and he also had to deal with jealousies which he overcame with his personal bravery.
Overall a very interesting read but the good parts were too few as I skipped over the historical drama POV's that did not contain Kydd.
I really like this series because it's very well researched and technically very well done. The writing is also very easy to read and follow. The problem I've found with his later books is that he's included a lot of history and different POV's. I got into this series to read the fictional adventures of Thomas Kydd, not history inserted into a fictional book. I took to fast read over those chapters. Now I just completely skip them. My gold standard of historical naval fiction (H. Hornblower) don't really go deeply into history and I like it much better, both on that level and as a written piece.
Spoilers below:
This book is all about Russia, the mad king of Sweden and the Baltics. As usual a lot happens in this book.
One interesting side story was the licensing of trading ships in the Baltic and how the French were cheating and how Kydd did the same for the British traders by printing fake licenses. An enjoyable and illuminating segment.
Another was the capture of Börnholt Island, a place that I could not find on the map. This is an island in the middle of the Kattegat where the Danes had a lighthouse to prevent ships from foundering on reefs. But they had extinguished it so Kydd was sent to capture the fortress.
Another was the capture of privateers using subterfuge (hiding marines and sailors) on a merchant ship. I was actually wondering why they didn't arm a fake merchantman with cannons like the Allies did in WW2 to fight U-boats.
Another was the capture of Sveaborg by the Russians. This is now part of Finland but was part of Sweden then. This led me down to a little rabbit hole of the Nordic country history which made for very interesting reading.
The battle between the Russian fleet and the Swedish/British fleet was a bit of an afterthought, especially since Kydd was in a frigate. This book also had Kydd acting as a commodore (with a post captain under him) and he also had to deal with jealousies which he overcame with his personal bravery.
Overall a very interesting read but the good parts were too few as I skipped over the historical drama POV's that did not contain Kydd.
December 27, 2017
Julian Stockwin knows how to tell a stirring sea adventure! After slight departures in Inferno and Persephone, he returns to fine form in The Baltic Prize. This is his nineteenth book in the Thomas Kydd series, and it's an action packed story of Britain's struggle to maintain its economic livelihood under the threat of Napoleon's stranglehold against them on the European continent in league with their newest ally, Russia.
Captain Sir Thomas Kydd and his valiant frigate Tyger join a newly formed squadron to keep the Baltic Sea open to British trade in the hope of joining their only remaining European ally, Sweden. But Sweden turns out not to be very dependable, and the French have not only closed most ports to British goods, but they have encouraged adventuresome privateers to raid British mercantile ships. Meanwhile, after the British burned Copenhagen and seized the Danish Navy, the Danes have a bone or two to pick with the British, too, building more gun boats to attack ships as ships try to round the islands that form a choking point into the Baltic Sea. Of course, Tyger is the frigate best served to investigate and handle these problems and more, as the squadron learns of a growing threat by the Russian Navy and a possible way around French obstacles at ports around the Baltic.
Sir Kydd joins the squadron among a bevy of captains and admirals he has served with before, certain he is in good company. But things have changed between some of them, and he finds himself in new waters and he must navigate personal relationships with care to be successful in all his new assignments. And then there's a certain new midshipman who asks to be assigned to Tyger under Kydd's leadership. Eager to learn, perhaps too eager to join in battle, Kydd finds it a struggle to keep the youngster safe and yet let him learn life and war at sea as he should. As with all of Stockwin's Kydd-series books, The Baltic Prize is full of interesting characters of depth.
I read this as an ebook, but it's being released in the U.S. and Canada in hard cover January 2, 2018. It's already available in all forms in the UK.
Captain Sir Thomas Kydd and his valiant frigate Tyger join a newly formed squadron to keep the Baltic Sea open to British trade in the hope of joining their only remaining European ally, Sweden. But Sweden turns out not to be very dependable, and the French have not only closed most ports to British goods, but they have encouraged adventuresome privateers to raid British mercantile ships. Meanwhile, after the British burned Copenhagen and seized the Danish Navy, the Danes have a bone or two to pick with the British, too, building more gun boats to attack ships as ships try to round the islands that form a choking point into the Baltic Sea. Of course, Tyger is the frigate best served to investigate and handle these problems and more, as the squadron learns of a growing threat by the Russian Navy and a possible way around French obstacles at ports around the Baltic.
Sir Kydd joins the squadron among a bevy of captains and admirals he has served with before, certain he is in good company. But things have changed between some of them, and he finds himself in new waters and he must navigate personal relationships with care to be successful in all his new assignments. And then there's a certain new midshipman who asks to be assigned to Tyger under Kydd's leadership. Eager to learn, perhaps too eager to join in battle, Kydd finds it a struggle to keep the youngster safe and yet let him learn life and war at sea as he should. As with all of Stockwin's Kydd-series books, The Baltic Prize is full of interesting characters of depth.
I read this as an ebook, but it's being released in the U.S. and Canada in hard cover January 2, 2018. It's already available in all forms in the UK.
Read
March 6, 2023he Baltic Prize" by Julian Stockwin is a captivating historical fiction novel that takes the reader on an exciting journey through the treacherous waters of the Baltic Sea during the early 19th century.
The story follows the protagonist, Captain Sir Thomas Kydd, and his loyal crew as they embark on a mission to deliver a diplomatic gift to the Tsar of Russia. However, their journey is not an easy one, as they face numerous challenges, including dangerous storms, hostile enemies, and political intrigue.
Stockwin's writing style is excellent, and he expertly weaves together historical facts with thrilling fictional elements to create a captivating narrative. The characters are well-developed, and readers will find themselves invested in their fates and rooting for their success.
One of the novel's standout features is the attention to detail given to the naval battles and shipboard life. The descriptions of the ship's operations, the naval tactics employed during battles, and the daily routines of the sailors all add to the book's authenticity and make the reader feel as though they are right there on the ship with the characters.
Overall, "The Baltic Prize" is a well-written and engaging historical fiction novel that will appeal to fans of the genre and anyone looking for a thrilling seafaring adventure. Stockwin has once again proven himself to be a master of the genre, and I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an entertaining and informative read.
The story follows the protagonist, Captain Sir Thomas Kydd, and his loyal crew as they embark on a mission to deliver a diplomatic gift to the Tsar of Russia. However, their journey is not an easy one, as they face numerous challenges, including dangerous storms, hostile enemies, and political intrigue.
Stockwin's writing style is excellent, and he expertly weaves together historical facts with thrilling fictional elements to create a captivating narrative. The characters are well-developed, and readers will find themselves invested in their fates and rooting for their success.
One of the novel's standout features is the attention to detail given to the naval battles and shipboard life. The descriptions of the ship's operations, the naval tactics employed during battles, and the daily routines of the sailors all add to the book's authenticity and make the reader feel as though they are right there on the ship with the characters.
Overall, "The Baltic Prize" is a well-written and engaging historical fiction novel that will appeal to fans of the genre and anyone looking for a thrilling seafaring adventure. Stockwin has once again proven himself to be a master of the genre, and I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an entertaining and informative read.
March 7, 2018
After the abysmally bad book 18, titled Persephone, and the plain boring 17, Interno, this one was, while not a masterwork of the genre, entertaining enough.
Stockwin's big weakness is writing social interaction and this book has blessedly little of it, being mostly political maneuvering and sea adventure/action stuff. Stockwin's grasp on writing sea and military action is good and the political stuff well researched, which makes an in parts flawed, but interesting and satisfactory enough reading experience.
Not so speak of smaller faults, like Kydd being portrayed as a competent rider, when, from the amount of experience and lessons he has had in his life he simply CAN NOT be. (as a rider myself, the portrayal of riding and horse based transport in fictional settings is a pet peeve of mine!!)
Oh, and Stockwin could completely drop the POV chapters of the political figures in the background of the action. It's uninteresting and deters from what I want to read about: A sea adventure.
Stockwin's big weakness is writing social interaction and this book has blessedly little of it, being mostly political maneuvering and sea adventure/action stuff. Stockwin's grasp on writing sea and military action is good and the political stuff well researched, which makes an in parts flawed, but interesting and satisfactory enough reading experience.
Not so speak of smaller faults, like Kydd being portrayed as a competent rider, when, from the amount of experience and lessons he has had in his life he simply CAN NOT be. (as a rider myself, the portrayal of riding and horse based transport in fictional settings is a pet peeve of mine!!)
Oh, and Stockwin could completely drop the POV chapters of the political figures in the background of the action. It's uninteresting and deters from what I want to read about: A sea adventure.
February 21, 2018
Thomas Kydd is on the high seas again. This time he has to foes on several fronts. Some of them are within the ranks of the Northern Expedition his fellow ship captains, who see him as a social climbing naval officer too good for the Royal Navy. Then there is the erstwhile ally,Sweden, that has a crazy man for king and unreliable military forces. Lastly there are the real enemies the Danes and the Russians, who plan to shut out the British from the Baltic trade. Kydd will have a full plate before him this time. But does he prevail in all fronts? You will have to read to find out. But a hint it is Thomas Myer we are talking about now.
April 30, 2023
I'm a history buff and like a good nautical yarn (The Horatio Hornblower series for example) so picked the one up. I have not read any of the previous stories in this series.
I just found, as some other reviewers have said, this one leads up to some action but then doesn't deliver. There is much too much technical lingo that disturbs the flow of the story. When you have to consult the glossary in the back after every other page, it's just annoying. He also included maps but many of the places mentioned weren't on them. .
I found myself searching online after reading this to get more info on the actual events, so did end up learning something.
I just found, as some other reviewers have said, this one leads up to some action but then doesn't deliver. There is much too much technical lingo that disturbs the flow of the story. When you have to consult the glossary in the back after every other page, it's just annoying. He also included maps but many of the places mentioned weren't on them. .
I found myself searching online after reading this to get more info on the actual events, so did end up learning something.
January 12, 2025
This story involves the Balkan Trade that England is desperate to retain during the Napoleonic era. Napolean has conquered most of Europe and is allied with Russia. If the emperor gains control of this last route near Scandinavia, he’ll squeeze the last hope from Great Britain. Among the British fleet sent to the region to protect their merchantmen is Captain Sir Thomas Kydd, recently married and deployed once again. In this story, politics and strategies are presented from different key players making this read more like a history lesson than a grand adventure. The sea battles and lingo are still there but I didn’t feel as engaged as with prior novels in this series.
November 26, 2019
It's been a while since I read a Kydd novel. This story line differs a bit from the bulk of the series. There are multiple story lines that add a fuller view of what it was like being in the Royal English Navy. Julian Stockwin does not disappoint. There were moments when my heart pounded, I didn't know if everyone was going to make it to the end! This is the fourth book from the end. Or from the most recent book he has written "To the Eastern Seas" which came out this year.
February 7, 2018
I still very much enjoy the Kydd adventures. I felt like The Baltic Prize was a little more disjointed than most. It seemed like Stockwin wrote a few scenes and then put them together. There didn't seem to be a lead up to some of these scenes and I wasn't quite sure what was going on or how we got there.
December 2, 2018
Another well written story about an historical aspect I was completely unaware of. Again the short, rapidly moving chapters aid the pace and captivation of the book. I particularly liked the involvement of the young midshipman Rowan in the final climactic scenes; it will be interesting to see how his fate pans out in subsequent books.
June 11, 2021
Enjoyable, if unchallenging, Kydd novel as he and the crew of Tyger pit their cannons against the Danes, Swedes, the Russians and anyone else the happen to come across. Pretty much exactly what you would expect to be fair. A few battles, some petty jealousy towards our hero and victories against all the odds - read, enjoy, instantly forget. Still a great series.
January 7, 2025
A riveting blend of Stockwin’s rich characters spun into an unsettling time in history
The book reads as fast and easy as Tyler sails, bringing to light a very desperate time in England’s history that is fascinating. His story telling brings on the anxiety and keeps the reader pushing on to the book’s conclusion. I always want more!
The book reads as fast and easy as Tyler sails, bringing to light a very desperate time in England’s history that is fascinating. His story telling brings on the anxiety and keeps the reader pushing on to the book’s conclusion. I always want more!
November 1, 2023
I find that that use of micro chapters are tending to make the story line wander. There appears nothing to make to want you stay and read the next mini chapter.
All in all a good story line of the RN input into Bonapartes route through Europe, but twisted.
All in all a good story line of the RN input into Bonapartes route through Europe, but twisted.
January 10, 2018
I thought it a good read. Interesting historical significance.
March 4, 2018
Not up to his usual standards. Almost as if it were 'publish or perish".
August 10, 2018
I really like historical Navy
May 24, 2019
I miss Hornblower and Aubrey. Finding Stockwin's Kydd has been a blessing.
June 10, 2019
Another unusual chapter from the Napoleonic wars. The role of the Russian navy was a bit of a surprise to me. A fairly good read.
December 25, 2020
Amazing just as good
March 5, 2021
The series seems to have lost some steam in the last couple of books. I'm generally enjoying them and I continue to learn something from each of them, but the storytelling seems to have stalled.
January 19, 2019
El comercio en el Báltico está en peligro debido al bloqueo continental ordenado por Bonaparte. Además del enemigo francés, sus aliados daneses, prusianos y españoles, la nueva amenaza es Rusia. Solamente Suecia se mantiene del lado inglés. Kydd y la flota tendrán que allanar el camino.
November 28, 2017
Having read a real mix of books recently it was wonderful to get the sea breeze of Christian Rodska’s narration in my face as he delivers another excellent tale of adventure featuring the daring Captain Kydd! The last couple of books in this otherwise fabulous series haven’t been my favourites but this one is right bang in form. Lots of action, lots of intrigue and lots of Kydd himself doing what he does best.
This was a hugely dangerous time for England, another case of the many owing much to the few. So much stood on a knife edge and Stockwin re-creates the tension in fine style. It comes across as a series of mini adventures for Kydd and his crew with land action, sea action, chases and Kydd using that head piece of his to solve complex issues. Of course there is an element of unreality that so much can happen to one man but using it Stockwin gives us some of the classic moments from what was a crazy time in history. Major events were often decided by fantastic bravery, dedication and heroism but at least as often it was blind chance, subterfuge and sadly outright stupidity. We get all of this in one book set in the cold grey tracts of the Baltic Sea.
So, if you’ve loved the Kydd adventures of the past you’ll probably love this one even if Kydd does travel without his greatest friend and confidant. For me I will happily raise a glass to the next nineteen books!
This was a hugely dangerous time for England, another case of the many owing much to the few. So much stood on a knife edge and Stockwin re-creates the tension in fine style. It comes across as a series of mini adventures for Kydd and his crew with land action, sea action, chases and Kydd using that head piece of his to solve complex issues. Of course there is an element of unreality that so much can happen to one man but using it Stockwin gives us some of the classic moments from what was a crazy time in history. Major events were often decided by fantastic bravery, dedication and heroism but at least as often it was blind chance, subterfuge and sadly outright stupidity. We get all of this in one book set in the cold grey tracts of the Baltic Sea.
So, if you’ve loved the Kydd adventures of the past you’ll probably love this one even if Kydd does travel without his greatest friend and confidant. For me I will happily raise a glass to the next nineteen books!
May 10, 2024
The short chapters are still a right pain, and I’ve been putting off reading it as a result, but I was bookless and on holiday, and had it in my kindle so went with it.
I really quite enjoyed this one, much more than the awful previous last instalment.
I really quite enjoyed this one, much more than the awful previous last instalment.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews