A Darker Sea: Master Commandant Putnam and the War of 1812

Bliven Putnam Naval Adventure #2

by James L. Haley

The second installment of the gripping naval saga by award-winning historian James L. Haley, featuring Commander Bliven Putnam, chronicling the build up to the biggest military conflict between the United States and Britain after the Revolution—the War of 1812.At the opening of the War of 1812, the British control the most powerful navy on earth, and Americans are again victims of piracy. Bliven Putnam, late of the Battle of Tripoli, is dispatched to Charleston to outfit and take command of a new 20-gun brig, the USS Tempest. Later, aboard the Constitution, he sails into the furious early fighting of the war. Prowling the South Atlantic in the Tempest, Bliven takes prizes and disrupts British merchant shipping, until he is overhauled, overmatched, and disastrously defeated by the frigate HMS Java. Its captain proves to be Lord Arthur Kington, whom Bliven had so disastrously met in Naples. On board he also finds his old friend Sam Bandy, one of the Java's pressed American seamen kidnapped into British service. Their whispered plans to foment a mutiny among the captives may see them hang, when the Constitution looms over the horizon for one of the most famous battles of the War of 1812 in a gripping, high-wire conclusion. With exquisite detail and guns-blazing action, A Darker Sea illuminates an unforgettable period in American history.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, American History, Adventure, War, North American History

399 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 14, 2017

Reviews

[Eli - Bookworm & Vine · Rating 2 out of 5]

After reading The Shores of Tripoli I was looking forward to this book. Very disappointed. Only a handful of the chapters actually involved the War of 1812. I know there was much more fighting in the war than 2 sea battles which lasted all of a few pages each.

[Blaine DeSantis · Rating 4 out of 5]

2nd book in this series and I am left with a rather blah taste in my mouth. The story is good, but we have a lot of loose ends. What happened with Bliven Putnam for the remainder of the War of 1812; what was Chapter 9 all about (I understand but it makes no sense in the course of this book and while it may foreshadow Book 3, that is a stretch). The ending should have been more definitive and I wish we would have read a bit more about his friend Sam Bandy. I thought the first book was fantastic and was well on the way to feeling that about this book until Chapter 9 hit and to me the entire ending fell apart. I do not want to say more due to spoilers but I believe this story had more in it than what we are left with.

[Chris Sanford · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me this was an outstanding historical fiction. I am looking forward to the third book in this Naval Saga. This book is basically a humanized build up to the Naval War of 1812 between the United States and Great Britain. The characters and story developed through them is what made this book for me. There was some action in the Naval battles but the real story was that of Naval Strategy, arrogant Naval Officers as well as proper Officers and true gentlemen who only wanted a simpler life. When Sam Brandy is illegally pressed into the British Naval service after being kidnapped it becomes not only a chance for mutiny but rescue and a lead into how and why the United States declared war on Great Britain. Ending in one of the most famous battles of the war the Tempest shows in great detail the horrors, honor, pride, regret and culture of the time while delivering an amazing conclusion. I recommend this book to anyone who likes historical fiction, War and Naval books. Great read, Well rounded.

[Rena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book. A perfect combination between robust, well-developed characters, complex historical examinations, and naval jargon.
This book discusses slavery in one of the most unique, well rounded perspective I have ever come across. It also incorporates many interesting historical events and aspects that were entirely new to me, without it feeling out of place in the story.
Overall, I recommend this book highly!

[Rachel Svendsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This book detailed the experiences of Putnam during the war of 1812. Not knowing much about this time period prior to reading this book, I found portions of the narrative very interesting. The author also made a point of adding additional historical information during the course of the narrative such as the invention of the pencil, abolition, and federal vs. state currency. It was clearly well researched, especially in regards to sailing and life at sea during this time. I personally found it a little light on the novel end, and was not enthralled by the characters or plot, but the historical end was very interesting and taught me a great deal about what it looked like to battle at sea.

I personally did not enjoy reading this book. The writing style was not to my liking, and I felt the historical information was at times disconnected from the plot, almost as if the author thought, "OH! this might be interesting. How can I manipulate the characters so I can let the readers know that the pencil was invented around this time." However, I can see why someone who loves American history or history in general would devour this book, so it's probably just that the style wasn't to my personal liking.

I would recommend this book to people who enjoy historical fiction, American history, and who love to read about ships, sailing, and life at sea.

[Tony Moisan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoying the Putnam story. If you like the Jack Aubrey character. Putnam is a fantastic character to enjoy and follow his adventures. Mr. Haley is a fantastic story teller. He expertly mixes actual history and historical people with the fictional. The walk through of operations of a ship of war as well as the early American experience is fantastic. The desperation of a young nation facing off against the super powerful British empire really comes through in a excellent manner.

[Bruce Mcgregor · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed it and learned about the War of 1812. Old Ironsides was the ship that cannonballs bounced off of because she had three layers of oak on her hull. She is still afloat I think. Good but not great book.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like historical novels especially the 1812 era British and USA.

[Ruby Bibi · Rating 3 out of 5]

-The continuing story of Blivey Putnam, who was a primary figure in the previous book of this series, which depicted the Naval battles against the Barbary Pirates, is recounted here. The year is 1812, and the American merchant ships are being stopped and appropriated by British ships so that the British can kidnap men who they could pretend were British deserters so that they could force them into servitude on the British warships. The British were involved in a lengthy war with Napoleon and needed as many men as they could find to operate the ships in their vast Navy.
-In the prologue of the story, another character from the previous book appears, Sam Bandy. Sam had served in the Navy alongside Putnam, and though they started out at odds with each other, they became the best of friends. Sam decided to leave the Navy after the Barbary Coast War and became a merchant seaman on a ship which he partially owned. It was a very good living and one he considered relatively safe. But the British were continuing to commandeer American merchant ships on a larger scale. It was serving their need for funds as they now kept both the ship and goods on it, in addition to forcing the crew into service on a British warship. It was early in 1812 that Sam had just picked up a load of merchandise from a northern American port and was on his way to the Carolinas, where he lived, when his ship was stopped by a British frigate. He was accused of being a Canadian deserter by the Captain, and when he showed the British Captain his official papers which proved who he was, the commander looked at the papers and then tossed them overboard and continued to declare that Bandy was a deserter in order to force him into working on his ship or be hanged.
-After the Barbary Coast War, Putnam settled down to work on his family’s farm in Connecticut and married Clarity Marsh, a woman from a wealthy family. To show his wife that he cared for her and that her money didn’t matter to him, he signed a document which allowed his wife to retain full control of any money bequeathed to her, showing he was a man of fine character. Clarity, in turn, is deeply in love with Putnam. The couple are only recently wed and so, do not yet have children. Putnam has proven to be enterprising with his money, and has invested in a tavern, so that he now has an outside income apart from the money coming in from their farm.
-He remained a Naval officer in reserve, but without pay, all the while he worked his farm. But it was on a day in 1812 that he was called upon by a previous commander, who ushered him into the offices of President Madison. It was revealed that the President was considering declaring war on England because of the attacks on our ships which was greatly affecting trade both between the states and the Caribbean. He was now preparing for war and wanted Putnam to command his own ship, based on the high recommendations of those commanders who had served with him. Where before, Putnam was a Lt. Commander, he was elevated to the rank of Master Commander.
-We now follow Putnam as he joins Commander Hull, an officer who he greatly respected, aboard the vessel, the Constitution, where Putnam would serve until his own ship was made ready. We witness the maneuvering and strategy that Hull teaches Putnam as 5 ships close in the single Constitution, and Hull manages to evade them all.
-Putnam now gets his own vessel, but that is a separate ordeal, as the shortage of funds experienced by the country is not allowing the ship to be loaded with canons and powder, until a lucky break occurs. Because the ship given to him to command is relatively small, he must venture out and search for smaller ships which are flying the flag of England, so that he can commandeer them as a prize, but, at the same time, he must avoid being attacked by a larger British frigate.
-The battle scenes and the description of the parts of the ships are explained in great detail. Strategy, which centers so much on the strength and direction of the wind and the limitations which that produces on movement of the ship, is much to be admired. The complete understanding of what’s being done is not fully appreciated, but there’s still a very good idea of what battle and running a ship entails which is imparted to the reader.
-Many characters from the first book return here. They all fit very well within the story, though the story itself doesn’t have as strong a conflict as in the first book. The bulk of the book seems to focus on the several battle scenes that take place, but because we only see the beginning of the War of 1812, and we don’t see the conclusion, there’s a feeling of being left hanging. This is in contrast with the first book, where we witness the attack against the Barbary Pirates from the beginning to the final treaty.
-I realized after the fact that the book really centers around the capture of Sam Bandy rather than the war. Also, it seems that this story was preparation for the subject of the next novel which will involve a new character who is currently being introduced to us.
-There is a great deal of information which the author must have researched in order to prepare for this book. The actions that are taken on board ship in the normal course of sailing as well as during a battle are described in exacting detail but the prose never seems dry. There was a great deal of skill required for the captain of a ship of that era and for those that manned those ships, a fact that is very well conveyed. My only issue is that the story line seemed very short. The battles were sub plots of a story that should have been called “The capture of Sam Bandy”. The War of 1812, which one would think would be a major story line which would be followed to a better conclusion, is given only an introductory stage entrance to what Putnam must go through to save his friend.
-This is still a worthwhile book, for the education it gives of the ships of that era and the mindset which must have occupied the citizens of the young United States. The action scenes are gripping and well described, and the evolution of the characters is well done.

[Francesco · Rating 5 out of 5]

James L. Haley's "A Darker Sea" is an incredible and extraordinary book that compels you to never stop reading it until you reach the end. Bliven Putnam is the main character of a story that takes place in 1812. This was a period when France and Britain were extending their dominions overseas and reinforcing their trade routes, even in the Caribbean. Imposing their force and strength and practicing the slavery, France and Britain were becoming a clear hindrance to the U.S. economy. The American trading vessels are frequently seized by both France and England. Their cargos are confiscated and the American sailors are impressed. Sam Bandy's ships, Big Althea, is also stopped by Lord Kington's sloop-of-war and taken as a prisoner because he's suspected of being a wanted Mr. Lively, a Canadian deserter. Kington’s aim was to seize all ships carrying contraband bound for French ports, with whom they are at war. This endless war between the British and the French was fought but disregarding the American rights by both sides. This Sam Bandy was a merchant mariner and also an intimate friend of Bliven Putnam, a retired merchant that is waiting to be back in service. Because so many American ships are seized by the British, the US President is put in command of a new ship, The Tempest. On June 21, 1812, the US declared war to Britain. Bliven’s principal occupation is raiding the enemy’s commerce. It was a war that might have been averted. After the assassination of the Tory Prime Minister, Mr. Percival, chief proponent of this policy that authorized the British Navy to stop neutral vessels, including Americans, the situation changed. The new Prime Minister, Lord Liverpool, that has long advocated a more moderate policy towards the US, canceled that policy. At the beginning we are taken aboard the Constitution, a magnificent warship, and the narrator describes, with a narration full of suspense and tension, how this well-equipped ship is able to destroy whatever British ship. In the second part of this novel, we see Bliven in command of his The Tempest, a name that probably predicts the end of this ship. In fact, he is miserably defeated by Kington’s Java and pressed as a prisoner. Aboard, Bliven finds that Sam was also there. Bliven and Sam save their life only when the Constitution defeats the Java and Kington is finally killed in the battle. I think that the main theme of this novel is the idea that everything has a dark side, even the sea. There is a great critique against slavery in itself and this innately superiority that was attributed to the British, the French and the Americans. Haley criticizes, through the voice of Clarity, Bliven’s wife, the darker side of humanity extended across all races, each capable of unspeakable cruelty and depravity. Definitely, each race has a dark side to be reproached. Each man can be attracted to this deep abyss, that darkness to which we are all vulnerable. There is also a veiled critique to the image of the US as a mere projection of Britain. This idea of America as a place to be retaken by the British is no longer tangible, but in the years after the American Revolution this idea was, for sure, shared by the vast majority of British people, especially those more conservative and traditionalist. From the point of view of the structure, I think it is too linear and chronological. I respect the author’s intention but maybe a more complicated structure would have made the novel a real masterpiece.

[Marty Reeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

So it is no secret that I was a pre-fan of this work in particular and this series in general simply with the premise: American Horatio Hornblower/Naval Historical Fiction (read my review of the first book in the series to get more on that).

And with A Darker Sea, I’m going to pillage even a little bit more from my prior review since it is spot on to the sequel:

“[James Haley] takes the history first and foremost and then provides a character and loose plot to fit that. This makes sense, especially seeing as how Haley comes into novel writing as an historian rather than novelist.

“With this in mind, the results are surprisingly effective. Haley is not satisfied with just checking off all the proper historical moments. He includes some deliberate descriptive details that take both setting-relevant research and sensory writing awareness. He manages to make dialogue topics, comparisons, and general language fit the time period and characters he has created. And most of all, he really hits a home run on the historical writing—he understands in layered degrees not just the events, but the politics behind these moments, the details of the equipment of the time and its usage, and the philosophical and religious culture of the characters and era.”

In this adventure, (now) Master and Commandant Putnam is a participant in the War of 1812, and we get to see up front the injustice and bullying from Great Britain that led to the war. Once again, Haley finds a plausible way to get Putnam onto the U.S.S. Constitution at just the right moments, but still extends the story to its own adventures and technical details.

Last time I had very small qualms with a character that seemed to be just a vessel (pardon the pun) for a story. There seemed to be very little genuine character development, and he and his love interest both were a bit too conveniently connected to modern hindsight when it comes to ethics, religion, politics, and social norms. But, truly, just small qualms, and while those are still present in this novel, the qualms remain minimal.

Not only that, but as I reached the end of this novel, I found an unexpected depth reached by the Commandant Putnam in a scene with another character that broke the previous barrier of the conveniently flawless paladin and the entirely too simplistic sanctimonious character. That transition away from tropes and into insightful complexity is a big step in an already advanced series. Mr. Haley, are you managing to trim the small weaknesses of your impressively talented narrative writing? Uh-oh. Stand by for the next book to deliver a heavy broadside!

[Christopher Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book in a series about an American navy officer during the age of sail. The first book was about the attack on Tripoli by the American marines and navy (The Shores of Tripoli). This continues the story with the hero Bliven Putnam now involved with the War of 1812.

Like the first book, this focuses more on the background politics and is filled with historic figures such as Harriet Beecher (later Stowe, author of Uncle Tom's Cabin), President Madison, and William Bainbridge. It focuses on the events surrounding sea encounters and sail, more than simply the actions of a captain and crew of a ship.

Putnam who rocketed through ranks and was implausibly pushed into every major event in the previous book has a bit more plausible and sedate pace of life in this book,

Putnam is promoted to the US equivalent of Master & Commander in British naval terms, and given the Tempest, a small brig with 10-12 pound cannons and flush deck. He uses it to harass British merchant shipping, becomes involved in several major encounters during the war, and finally is a part of the taking of the HMS Java by the USS Constitution (old Ironsides).

The odd thing to me was the general tone of acceptance of slavery -- not that it would be so odd at the time for people living there and then -- because it is heavily contrasted with Putnam's great distaste and confusion at the attitude of Carolinians. Several times the author has him disgusted and annoyed with the locals not because of their treatment of slaves or blacks, but because of their strong independent nature and distrust of the federal government.

Yet, Putnam comes from Connecticut, which would be a place where the same strong independence of spirit and resistance to strong federal power would be shared. And, at the time, was the overall general public view of life: states were sovereign and the less and more local the government, the better. It felt more like the author's dislike of the concept than anything reasonable for the character to believe, at least not that strongly.

Overall its a fairly interesting and entertaining book, particularly for the flavor of culture and events a seen through the eyes of ordinary people. Some of the characters aren't very fleshed out beyond a basic thumbnail sketch, but overall a decent addition to sea adventures from a US perspective.

[Patty Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so glad I discovered this author and this series. American history is my favorite subject. The books are so readable and hard to put down. Mr. Haley is a master at weaving endless detail into the stories without is seeming like the reader is getting a tutorial in ships and seamanship, it's just a fascinating part of the story. Reading an enjoyable book while learning something is precious.

Bliven Putnam is an unusual hero. He grew up in a family of stiff-necked Connecticut Yankee farmers. He has a conscious that makes it difficult for him to be a strong midshipman, lieutenant and eventually captain. The war of 1812 was an extension of the Revolution. It's glossed over in schools. The main feature I remember from my elective American history class in high school was Dolly Madison rescuing the portrait of Geo. Washington while the British were burning down the White House. There was so much more revealed by the author. He keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Different from most of the books I typically read and not necessarily my cup of tea. Nevertheless, this was an enjoyable and fast read. The author does a pretty good job of immersing you into a historical setting that seems accurate and plausible. The battle scenes are exciting. I was not sure if I bought into some of the events and encounters- in the course of the book the lead character, Captain Bliven, meets the president, Secretary of War, some other navel and historical characters, and winds up being on several of the key engagements of the USS Constitution. Nevertheless, despite my feeling of improbability over some of these events, the book was entertaining and for those who enjoy the niche of sailing ship novels, I believe you would find this book enjoyable and exciting. There are other books in the series that I have not read- and this is not the first in the series, but I did not find this a problem... the book works fine as a standalone.

[Thomas Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Shores of Tripoli, I was very eager to continue the adventures of Bliven Putman and his sailing expeditions. I was very impressed by the way the author had entwined the events from his past experiences with the Barbary pirates, getting married to Clarity, and then transitioning to what would become the War of 1812.

The reality of the build up of the War of 1812 was very slow. This book does a good job of speeding it up, inviting characters such as the president and Admiral Hull is very cool to read. The book did a phenomenal job with telling the tale of the USS Constitution with kedging and fleeing the British fleet, fighting in the Caribbean and then the politics, tactics, and logistics that come along with it.

If you want to read the shores of Tripoli, have read it, or want to read about a historical fiction account through the naval encounters of the War of 1812, I highly recommend this book!

[Mark Kloha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book somewhat disappointing. The dialogue at times didn't flow well. I've also read the entire Master and Commander series along with the entire Richard Sharpe series. I am unable to decide if the author was borrowing various snippets from these books, or if the author was giving a nod to these other series, or if the events described in the book were just so ubiquitous at the time that any author would recount such events. Perhaps a little bit of each. I would have like a little more originality. It's also unlikely that he would have been meeting President Madison and getting the promotion that he did. I wasn't so disappointed that I am giving up on the series. I'll read the next book and hope its better. If not, then I'm moving on to a new series.

[Steele Wotkyns · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the opening pages of the prologue the author sets part of the watery stage well while giving readers a chance to familiarize with sailing terminology and he introduces colorful main characters. Then early chapters brilliantly set the stage on land while introducing and fleshing out other main characters. Early on the novel shines and shows excellence as a historical novel shaded towards the history side, accurately setting the scene of the time in a young America. The author's use of lettres is timely, informative and endearing and employs the language and sensibilities of the time period. The action is well-paced, the romantic love stories are realistic. I heartily recommend A Darker Sea, even for those who are not overtly interested in U.S. and British naval history.

[Geary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This, the second in the Putnam series, was also excellent in every way. The so-called 'novel structure' was much better than the first book - likely pleasing readers who complained about aspects of fiction 'missing' in 'Shores of Tripoli'. But make no mistake, the author once again provides many layers of factual history while telling the story of Putnam's experiences during the War of 1812 period. Once again I was aware that an historian was writing, not a traditional novelist. This was also 'historical fiction', not the vastly more common 'fictitous history'. I am looking forward to the third installment very soon followed by a wait before #4.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Man's naval adventure during the early 1800s full of history, adventure and treachery of the time .
Bliven Putman , naval man and gentlemen farmer, is called to return to sea service again to help stop the pirating and forced servitude of American sailors. He discovers his friend Sam Bandy, is among those , and is determined to bring him and others home safely while stopping the miscreants along the way. While he loves his seafaring ways, he misses his wife and family along with the peace of his quiet farm.
Cannot wait to read the other novels of Putnam's adventures.
Note their is graffic violence during battle scenes .

[Patrick SG · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is part of a series but can largely stand alone if you’ve not read the previous one.

It follows the career of an American naval officer in the early days of the Republic, specifically the events leading up to the War of 1812. Unlike some similar nautical series that are largely water-bound and focused on events aboard the ships, this one spends a good amount of time in family life and shore-based naval activity and politics. It provides a detailed overview of events leading to war, which I enjoyed but some might prefer more action and less political maneuvers.

Those who stick with it will be rewarded by detailed shipboard action and exchange of cannon fire.

[Miki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book through the publisher and am honestly and voluntarily reviewing it.

I didn't read the first book in this series prior to getting a copy of this, but I chose to before delving into this one.

This book revolves around Putnam and the war of 1812. I didn't know much about that period of time but the books in this series are interesting and informative. It probably isn't for people who aren't into historical fiction or naval based stories.

Overall, I definitely enjoyed reading the books in this series.

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bliven Putnam has been on leave for several years from the Navy and has married Clarity. He has been recalled to Washington D.C. as part of a new kind of warfare: politics. He has been asked his view on the British Navy's taking of American ships and pressing their captives into service for the the English.

What will happen when his is given command of his own vessel made a captain and finds his old friend Sam Bandy has been taken captive of an English ship commandeered by his old nemesis Lord Arthur Kington.

[Evan · Rating 4 out of 5]

James Haley again vividly and with intense detail tells a gripping story with Bliven Putnam as the lead, and his heroic, and tragic, efforts during the War of 1812. Mr. Haley's mastery of his subject is beyond compare. Haley also deftly creates multiple plots -- at home, and at sea, while seamlessly integrating into the life of Master Commandant Putnam actual historic figures (e.g., Lyman Beecher, and his daughter, Harriet Beecher even makes a cameo). If you are a student of American history, then this series is for you.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
I received a free e-reader ARC of this book through the Random First to Read program.

The book is exactly as what you think it will be based on the title, detailing Putnam's adventures at sea. It has quite a bit of detail about sea life and some of the things that were going on at that time in the altercations between Britain and America. I wish I had known it was the 2nd in the series before I started it, but it was fine to read as a stand-alone book as well.

[Sean Meade · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gets five stars (unlike his last one because of a stupid, non-essential plot point that I hated).

Haley does a great job of weaving history together without it seeming forced. This novel includes James Madison, Lyman Beecher, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and two historical ship captains (William Bainbridge and Isaac Hull).

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a remarkably good book if you like historical fiction

the jacket compares his writing to the master and commander books - you can't compare them like that - they are different in their historical accuracy somehow

while the book is about a naval commander, there is a big story about religion and abolition in New England that I've never read about before

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

Putnam is now a Commander in the War 0f 1812. Gets a new command in Charleston, USS Tempest but is sunk in first battle. Escapes British with bff Sam Bandy to USS Constitution.
Bliven seems more complex this book. Thinks about putting men in harms way and killing the enemy. Liked it better than 1st.
You could read and enjoy this book without reading the first in the series.

[Dwayne Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page turning enjoyment

What a delightful read! Not sure how technically accurate it is but it really doesn’t matter. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and being taken to the high sea in the days of sailing ships!
That coupled with the authors ability to share the complete store of the sailors family left behind and the reunion.
Can’t wait for the next book about Captain Putnam!!

[Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

American historical character in the mold of Horatio Hornblower,, and Captain Aubrey sailing the sea during the Napoleonic War.
This episode was filled with suspenseful naval battles upon Old Ironsides and commentary on the influence of slavery in colonial society not present in the dramas with a British point of view

[Jonny Gaunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Certainly one of the more forgotten wars in American history. Putnam’s story provides both the strong purpose for the war and the internal fight between the states that existed from the country’s origin. An interesting perspective of life at sea in the early days of the country where the British continued to pester a land they still deemed their own after the revolution.