What do you think?
Alexander Clay #1
The Captain's Nephew
The Royal Navy battles to protect England’s coastline with its ships of oak.
After a century of war, revolutions, and Imperial conquests, 1790s Britain is still embroiled in a battle for control of the sea and of colonies, with France, led by Napoleon Bonaparte, the leading contender.
Tall ships navigate familiar and foreign waters, and ambitious young men without rank or status seek their futures in Naval commands.
First Lieutenant Alexander Clay of HMS Agrius is self-made, clever, and ready for the new age. But the old world, dominated by patronage, retains a tight hold on advancement. Though Clay has proven himself many times over, Captain Percy Follett is determined to ignore his obvious talents and promote his own nephew.
Before Clay finds a way to receive due credit for his exploits, he’ll first need to survive them.
Ill-conceived expeditions ashore, hunts for privateers in treacherous fog, and a desperate chase across the Atlantic are only some of the challenges he faces. He brings his ship and crew through a series of adventures stretching from the bleak coast of Flanders to the warm waters of the Caribbean.
Only then might high society recognize his achievements—and allow him to ask for the hand of Lydia Browning, the woman who loves him regardless of his station.
After a century of war, revolutions, and Imperial conquests, 1790s Britain is still embroiled in a battle for control of the sea and of colonies, with France, led by Napoleon Bonaparte, the leading contender.
Tall ships navigate familiar and foreign waters, and ambitious young men without rank or status seek their futures in Naval commands.
First Lieutenant Alexander Clay of HMS Agrius is self-made, clever, and ready for the new age. But the old world, dominated by patronage, retains a tight hold on advancement. Though Clay has proven himself many times over, Captain Percy Follett is determined to ignore his obvious talents and promote his own nephew.
Before Clay finds a way to receive due credit for his exploits, he’ll first need to survive them.
Ill-conceived expeditions ashore, hunts for privateers in treacherous fog, and a desperate chase across the Atlantic are only some of the challenges he faces. He brings his ship and crew through a series of adventures stretching from the bleak coast of Flanders to the warm waters of the Caribbean.
Only then might high society recognize his achievements—and allow him to ask for the hand of Lydia Browning, the woman who loves him regardless of his station.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 11, 2018
About the author
Philip K. Allan
21 books409 followersI am from the UK where I live with my wife and daughters. My writing combines my passion for ships and the sea, with intelligent writing and pacey plots.
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I don't pay for book reviews so what you see here is genuine reader feedback.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
March 28, 2019
I love stories about the naval wars of the Napoleonic era. I discovered Philip K. Allan via Goodreads.com. This is my first book by Allan.
This is book one in the Alexander Clay Series. Clay obtained his rank of First Lieutenant in the British Navy by skill. This was the era when promotion was beginning to change from patronage to merit. Promotion by merit was instituted by Napoleon. Clay is attempting to get himself promoted.
The book is well written and researched. Allan obviously knows about the sailing techniques of the period. The characters are interesting. There is lots of action, suspense and some humor tossed in to round out an exciting story. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and am looking forward to more books by Allan.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is eight hours and forty-one minutes. Jonathan Bunce does a good job narrating the story. Bunce is a British audiobook narrator. This is my first experience listening to Bunch. I enjoyed listening to his voice, British accent and style of narration. I am looking forward to listening to more books by Bunce.
This is book one in the Alexander Clay Series. Clay obtained his rank of First Lieutenant in the British Navy by skill. This was the era when promotion was beginning to change from patronage to merit. Promotion by merit was instituted by Napoleon. Clay is attempting to get himself promoted.
The book is well written and researched. Allan obviously knows about the sailing techniques of the period. The characters are interesting. There is lots of action, suspense and some humor tossed in to round out an exciting story. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and am looking forward to more books by Allan.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is eight hours and forty-one minutes. Jonathan Bunce does a good job narrating the story. Bunce is a British audiobook narrator. This is my first experience listening to Bunch. I enjoyed listening to his voice, British accent and style of narration. I am looking forward to listening to more books by Bunce.
May 20, 2021
I first read the Horatio Hornblower series more than 60 years ago when I was in junior high school. Ever since, I have been a big fan and consumer of books about the British Navy, both fiction and nonfiction. I can happily report that I found a new source/writer to add to my collection. PHILIP K. ALLAN has created The Alexander Clay Series. I just finished book one, THE CAPTAIN’S NEPHEW in which Alexander Clay and his world are introduced.
It is the year 1796. The book opens dramatically with a man drowning. Who is it? The reader does not know until almost the end of the story.
Clay is the First Lieutenant (second in command) of HMS Agrius a 32-gun frigate of the British Navy. His father is deceased, his mother is alive, and his sister Betsey is a nanny. Not at all well connected.
The commanding officer is Captain Percy Follett from a well to do Nottinghamshire family. In those days, it was not so much how much you knew but whom you knew that advanced your career.
Serving with Clay and Follett are the captain’s nephew, 2nd Lieutenant Nicholas Windham. He seemingly, in the eyes of Clay, is always getting credit, from the captain for actions that Clay actually performed.
Other officers serving on the frigate include 3rd Lieutenant John Sutton, Clay’s best friend on the ship. Lieutenant William Munro head of the Royal Marine contingent on board the ship is another friend. There is an assortment of other key ship personnel including teenage midshipmen, the doctor, the Ship’s Master, etc.
Among the crew is Sam Evans who is a former prizefighter who is on the run from gangsters in London. Joshua Rosso, another seaman, also has a hidden past that will be exposed in the story. Adam Trevan and Sean O’Malley round out the important foursome of the crew.
There are two major action sequences. The first one takes place early in the story and is set on land (near Ostend, Belgium) where Clay’s leadership saves the day. The other, near the end, is a sea battle between the 40-gun French frigate Courageuse and the Agrius near Castries, Saint Lucia in the Caribbean.
In between the military actions, Clay meets Lydia Browning who is on the way to India with her aunt and uncle. They are wealthy and from a minor noble family. Thus, she is way out of Alexander’s class unless his career prospers. They fall in love. Betsey is a friend of Lydia.
Throughout the story, the tension mounts between Follett and Clay as the former keeps withholding praise for Clay and instead, gives it to his nephew. By the time of the climactic sea battle, Clay has decided it is in his best interest to ask for a transfer.
If you have read C.S. Forester, Patrick O’Brien, Alexander Kent or any other of the great British naval fiction writers, you will enjoy this series. I look forward reading the rest of the books. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
GO! BUY! READ!
It is the year 1796. The book opens dramatically with a man drowning. Who is it? The reader does not know until almost the end of the story.
Clay is the First Lieutenant (second in command) of HMS Agrius a 32-gun frigate of the British Navy. His father is deceased, his mother is alive, and his sister Betsey is a nanny. Not at all well connected.
The commanding officer is Captain Percy Follett from a well to do Nottinghamshire family. In those days, it was not so much how much you knew but whom you knew that advanced your career.
Serving with Clay and Follett are the captain’s nephew, 2nd Lieutenant Nicholas Windham. He seemingly, in the eyes of Clay, is always getting credit, from the captain for actions that Clay actually performed.
Other officers serving on the frigate include 3rd Lieutenant John Sutton, Clay’s best friend on the ship. Lieutenant William Munro head of the Royal Marine contingent on board the ship is another friend. There is an assortment of other key ship personnel including teenage midshipmen, the doctor, the Ship’s Master, etc.
Among the crew is Sam Evans who is a former prizefighter who is on the run from gangsters in London. Joshua Rosso, another seaman, also has a hidden past that will be exposed in the story. Adam Trevan and Sean O’Malley round out the important foursome of the crew.
There are two major action sequences. The first one takes place early in the story and is set on land (near Ostend, Belgium) where Clay’s leadership saves the day. The other, near the end, is a sea battle between the 40-gun French frigate Courageuse and the Agrius near Castries, Saint Lucia in the Caribbean.
In between the military actions, Clay meets Lydia Browning who is on the way to India with her aunt and uncle. They are wealthy and from a minor noble family. Thus, she is way out of Alexander’s class unless his career prospers. They fall in love. Betsey is a friend of Lydia.
Throughout the story, the tension mounts between Follett and Clay as the former keeps withholding praise for Clay and instead, gives it to his nephew. By the time of the climactic sea battle, Clay has decided it is in his best interest to ask for a transfer.
If you have read C.S. Forester, Patrick O’Brien, Alexander Kent or any other of the great British naval fiction writers, you will enjoy this series. I look forward reading the rest of the books. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
GO! BUY! READ!
March 10, 2019
I was hoping for more as I like Napoleonic era sea stories. C.S. Forester is my favorite. The problem I had with this book is that I couldn't develop much sympathy for the main character. There was some as he was a good seaman but it seemed really unrealistic to me that a 1st Lt. could get into heated arguments with his captain and manage not to be confined, much less retain his position. You would think he would learn but he didn't. I did have some sympathy for the Captain. I do wish he could have been more honest with Clay but that part was believable enough. Clay was not believable. The best developed character was the Master. I want to hear from him more. Why did he do what he did?
The story was episodic and predictable but I will probably give the series one more book just to see if the protagonist develops any.
I listened to the audio book. The reader was excellent.
The story was episodic and predictable but I will probably give the series one more book just to see if the protagonist develops any.
I listened to the audio book. The reader was excellent.
June 1, 2019
I hadn't read any naval fiction in a while, and this one caught my eye in my good reads feed... it was a bit long in coming (remarkably, there is no copy available in any library anywhere, or so said my local librarian who attempted to get a copy for me), so I had to actually pay full price from Amazon to purchase it.
It was well worth it. While there are certain things that are common to all naval fiction that are in full effect here, Allan starts his main character, Alexander Clay, as a 20-something first lieutenant, so no 2-3 books of being a bullied midshipman.. then a low lieutenant and a first prize command, etc. (There was a brief mention of such an adventure, but the one paragraph it contained was plenty).
The crew was extremely well developed, and had an 'upstairs/downstairs' feel, with every few chapters focusing on a group of 4 able seaman, rather than the main character and the command crew.
The book has a nice balance of action (both a ground battle to start the book and ship to ship combat to end it) and character development, and did a great job of both telling a complete story yet making one want to get to the next one again. While I have been trying to limit my purchases until I get more caught up on stuff I already have, this will probably end up being an exception.
It was well worth it. While there are certain things that are common to all naval fiction that are in full effect here, Allan starts his main character, Alexander Clay, as a 20-something first lieutenant, so no 2-3 books of being a bullied midshipman.. then a low lieutenant and a first prize command, etc. (There was a brief mention of such an adventure, but the one paragraph it contained was plenty).
The crew was extremely well developed, and had an 'upstairs/downstairs' feel, with every few chapters focusing on a group of 4 able seaman, rather than the main character and the command crew.
The book has a nice balance of action (both a ground battle to start the book and ship to ship combat to end it) and character development, and did a great job of both telling a complete story yet making one want to get to the next one again. While I have been trying to limit my purchases until I get more caught up on stuff I already have, this will probably end up being an exception.
May 20, 2019
I am a fan of the Aubrey–Maturin series by Patrick O'Brian, and in naval adventure in general from all time periods, so I was intrigued with this series when I read the description. I was not disappointed. The story was written well, and the action is well paced. The author does a fantastic job of of capturing the feel of a ship during that time period. It is obvious that he knows this era well, and has done the research, to craft a believable story that kept me interested and involved while reading. In some ways I enjoyed this novel more that the O'Brian series because I found it to be more "readable". In my opinion, O'Brian will sometimes go too far with the nautical terms and dialect to the point that I need to stop and look up definitions so I can understand what I am reading. I didn't have to do this at all while reading this book because the author did a great job of making sure nautical terms and period colloquialisms were understandable through their context. I don't know if he did that on purpose or if it was a happy accident, but it made for easier reading.
*** Deck there! Spoilers dead ahead ***
The author developed some interesting secondary characters that added nice depth to the story. However, in some cases characters were introduced but not used at all, such as the captain's wife, or were barely explored, such as the ship's master Booth. As a result it was hard to understand why some of the character's acted like they did, such as Booth betraying Clay's confidence to the captain. However, I expect that those characters will be further explored in later books. While that is not uncommon, it is a little frustrating as a reader. I tend to prefer novels that are a little more self-contained without too many dangling threads to be left to succeeding books to tie up. I also thought that, considering the title of the book, the character of the captain's nephew Windham was not filled in more than it was. In the beginning he seemed almost a sympathetic character, someone who was promoted out of his depth but was trying to learn. Then later he seemed less sympathetic, and almost conspiratorial, since he knew he was going to get away with minimal effort. The story never really explored his motivations or true character, so I am unsure if his character evolved this way, or if he was unwilling to put forth the effort from the beginning. While I understand that the main conflict was between Captain Follett and First Lieutenant Clay, I think there could have been more character development with Windham as well.
Overall, however, the book was an enjoyable read, and I look forward to reading more in the series.
*** Deck there! Spoilers dead ahead ***
The author developed some interesting secondary characters that added nice depth to the story. However, in some cases characters were introduced but not used at all, such as the captain's wife, or were barely explored, such as the ship's master Booth. As a result it was hard to understand why some of the character's acted like they did, such as Booth betraying Clay's confidence to the captain. However, I expect that those characters will be further explored in later books. While that is not uncommon, it is a little frustrating as a reader. I tend to prefer novels that are a little more self-contained without too many dangling threads to be left to succeeding books to tie up. I also thought that, considering the title of the book, the character of the captain's nephew Windham was not filled in more than it was. In the beginning he seemed almost a sympathetic character, someone who was promoted out of his depth but was trying to learn. Then later he seemed less sympathetic, and almost conspiratorial, since he knew he was going to get away with minimal effort. The story never really explored his motivations or true character, so I am unsure if his character evolved this way, or if he was unwilling to put forth the effort from the beginning. While I understand that the main conflict was between Captain Follett and First Lieutenant Clay, I think there could have been more character development with Windham as well.
Overall, however, the book was an enjoyable read, and I look forward to reading more in the series.
March 3, 2018
We have no sooner set sail with Alexander Clay, first lieutenant on the frigate HMS Argrius, before we are plunged headlong into smoke and thunder of Napoleonic naval warfare. As well as a varied company of well-drawn characters -- not all of whom are as brave and resourceful as Clay himself – we have plenty of action at land and on sea, clever plotting, and impeccable historical research down to the last polished button and weevil-infested ship’s biscuit. The battles with the elements are hard-fought as those against the French, and Clay’s career is complicated by a difficult relationship with his overbearing captain, and the dangerous rivalry of the nephew of the title. And a romantic interlude with a female passenger throws up further difficulties…
Very much in the great tradition of Patrick O’Brien, The Captain’s Nephew is a strong and highly readable start in what promises to be a new favourite with many readers. A wealth of fascinating detail about 19th century life and Allan’s solid grasp of the glorious and bloody reality of warfare in the great age of sail should make this an unmissable series for fans of the genre.
Very much in the great tradition of Patrick O’Brien, The Captain’s Nephew is a strong and highly readable start in what promises to be a new favourite with many readers. A wealth of fascinating detail about 19th century life and Allan’s solid grasp of the glorious and bloody reality of warfare in the great age of sail should make this an unmissable series for fans of the genre.
May 2, 2018
This book has received a Discovering Diamonds Review:
Shortlisted for Book of the Month
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
"Philip K. Allan launches his “Alexander Clay Series” with a cracking good sea tale, "
Shortlisted for Book of the Month
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
"Philip K. Allan launches his “Alexander Clay Series” with a cracking good sea tale, "
March 24, 2018
During the Royal Navy’s assault on Ostend, First Lieutenant Alexander Clay is tasked with leading a shore mission to prevent the garrison of French troops at Nieuwpoort from reinforcing Ostend. The straightforward plan is to land, blow up a bridge, and wait for HM Frigate Agrius to return to retrieve them, but the plan goes awry almost from the start. Not only must he play nursemaid to his captain’s inexperienced nephew, but getting to their objective is fraught with complications no one expects, their arrival is noticed, and the uncooperative weather and water conditions prevent an easy recovery. Clay’s ingenious idea for getting his men back to their ship saves them from capture and they return to England to await their next assignment.
Captain Percy Follet’s report of the incident, which soon finds its way into the newspaper, gives credit for the incident not to Clay, but to his nephew, Lieutenant Windham. Lacking an influential mentor and not coming from a wealthy family, Clay fumes at the injustice done him. His only hope of advancement and gaining his own command is through his initiative and accomplishments. It grates that the undeserving-of-his-rank second lieutenant should garner the accolades that rightfully belong to him. When he questions Captain Follet about this injustice, a rift develops between the two men.
The Agrius’s next assignment is to escort a convoy of East Indiamen part of the way to India. The commander of the merchant ships invites all the navy officers aboard his vessel for a formal dinner, much to the chagrin of Clay. He much prefers the regimented wooden world in which he lives and he never knows what to say to women. He is pleasantly surprised to find that one of the ladies, Lydia Browning, is a friend of his sister and, by evening’s end, he’s captivated by Lydia. In the days that follow they become closer, but on the night he decides to declare his intentions, Captain Follet orders him to remain on Agrius. A marriage between Clay and Miss Browning would be totally unsuitable, and her uncle has asked the captain to intervene. Thus the rift between Clay and his commanding officer widens, and soon the crew becomes aware of it. The majority support Clay.
Once the Agrius bids farewell to the merchant convoy, she heads west to take up her new station in the West Indies. She is also tasked with finding and destroying a larger, more powerful French frigate bound for the island of St. Lucia and carrying much-needed stores and troops. In spite of his anger, Clay efficiently carries out his duties, but Follet’s resentment of his first officer leads to complications that endanger the ship and their mission.
The Captain’s Nephew opens with a mesmerizing and vivid portrayal of a man drowning and then regresses six months to show the events that culminate in this tragic incident. From first page to last, Allan bewitches and transports readers back to 1796 to walk the decks of a wooden ship and engage the enemy all the while experiencing what the characters endure. Equally compelling is that this is not just a tale of the officers of the Royal Navy. Interludes are woven into the story to personalize and recreate life on the lower decks, as well as to provide glimpses of what it was like for loved ones left behind. This first book in the Alexander Clay series offers a satisfying resolution of who dies, while only hinting at how it happens – an intriguing and perfect enticement for readers who will eagerly await the next chapter in Clay’s pursuit of his naval career and the woman he loves.
Captain Percy Follet’s report of the incident, which soon finds its way into the newspaper, gives credit for the incident not to Clay, but to his nephew, Lieutenant Windham. Lacking an influential mentor and not coming from a wealthy family, Clay fumes at the injustice done him. His only hope of advancement and gaining his own command is through his initiative and accomplishments. It grates that the undeserving-of-his-rank second lieutenant should garner the accolades that rightfully belong to him. When he questions Captain Follet about this injustice, a rift develops between the two men.
The Agrius’s next assignment is to escort a convoy of East Indiamen part of the way to India. The commander of the merchant ships invites all the navy officers aboard his vessel for a formal dinner, much to the chagrin of Clay. He much prefers the regimented wooden world in which he lives and he never knows what to say to women. He is pleasantly surprised to find that one of the ladies, Lydia Browning, is a friend of his sister and, by evening’s end, he’s captivated by Lydia. In the days that follow they become closer, but on the night he decides to declare his intentions, Captain Follet orders him to remain on Agrius. A marriage between Clay and Miss Browning would be totally unsuitable, and her uncle has asked the captain to intervene. Thus the rift between Clay and his commanding officer widens, and soon the crew becomes aware of it. The majority support Clay.
Once the Agrius bids farewell to the merchant convoy, she heads west to take up her new station in the West Indies. She is also tasked with finding and destroying a larger, more powerful French frigate bound for the island of St. Lucia and carrying much-needed stores and troops. In spite of his anger, Clay efficiently carries out his duties, but Follet’s resentment of his first officer leads to complications that endanger the ship and their mission.
The Captain’s Nephew opens with a mesmerizing and vivid portrayal of a man drowning and then regresses six months to show the events that culminate in this tragic incident. From first page to last, Allan bewitches and transports readers back to 1796 to walk the decks of a wooden ship and engage the enemy all the while experiencing what the characters endure. Equally compelling is that this is not just a tale of the officers of the Royal Navy. Interludes are woven into the story to personalize and recreate life on the lower decks, as well as to provide glimpses of what it was like for loved ones left behind. This first book in the Alexander Clay series offers a satisfying resolution of who dies, while only hinting at how it happens – an intriguing and perfect enticement for readers who will eagerly await the next chapter in Clay’s pursuit of his naval career and the woman he loves.
May 1, 2020
This is a thoroughly enjoyable historical novel that combines a good yarn with some well-researched naval history, delivered in an easy to read style and at pace. The first story in this series, it introduces the reader to some well-developed, likeable characters that draws one in and creates interest and empathy.
The plot is nicely constructed - the Prologue works well as a conceit - and whilst one is rooting for our protagonist, there’s sufficient suspense created to maintain the uncertainty of the outcome until the closing pages, setting the reader up nicely for the next instalment.
I’m already looking forward to reading more and to follow the fortunes of Clay and the crew as they head to sea in pursuit of the French and whatever else lays in wait...
The plot is nicely constructed - the Prologue works well as a conceit - and whilst one is rooting for our protagonist, there’s sufficient suspense created to maintain the uncertainty of the outcome until the closing pages, setting the reader up nicely for the next instalment.
I’m already looking forward to reading more and to follow the fortunes of Clay and the crew as they head to sea in pursuit of the French and whatever else lays in wait...
May 2, 2019
I consider this Patrick O'Brian Lite. Some of the ship action rivals O'Brian's writing, but the characters seem more romanticized and simplified. In particular, the romantic storyline did not feel very believable. I did like the balance the author showed in depicting the conflict between the captain and Lt. Clay, making both sides seem reasonable in their way. The Kindle version is sadly full of misspellings and other typographical errors, which I found distracting from an otherwise engaging story.
June 9, 2020
A little disjointed. Seems that the page count had been set before writing. Character depth a bit undeveloped. As with many historical novels unless you have some pre-knowledge of the time and in this case the Royal Navy there are actions and situations that you may not understand. I plan on continuing into the series as often a series is much like a single very large book and you learn more about characters etc. I expect that many of my minor criticisms will go away with reading further. Recommend to readers who like this period fiction.
February 28, 2018
Excellent
I have read literally hundreds of the Age if Sail genre, starting with O’Brien. I was tired of it. But this author has reawakened my interest. Yes, have heard much before but his storytelling is wonderful and I finished this book in a day. Looking forward to the next!
I have read literally hundreds of the Age if Sail genre, starting with O’Brien. I was tired of it. But this author has reawakened my interest. Yes, have heard much before but his storytelling is wonderful and I finished this book in a day. Looking forward to the next!
July 2, 2018
A great read for fans of Napoleonic War naval fiction. The characters are well drawn, the story has action, drama and romance and the addition of lower deck protagonists adds depth. I am looking forward to reading the second and third instalments.
September 17, 2020
Have you devoured C.S. Forester's 'Hornblower' novels? Torn through Patrick O'Brian's 'Aubrey / Maturin' series? Feeling forlorn, thinking your armchair evenings battling the French on the high seas are behind you?
Well, you're in luck. Philip K. Allan is here for you with his 'Alexander Clay' novels (of which there are eight, so far). They have all the action, romance, quarterdeck politics, below-deck camaraderie, and nautical terminology you could wish for. I honestly didn't know that "age of sail adventure" was a genre. I'm glad to learn of it, and this is a fine successor to the giants of the field.
So, why three stars? Three reasons, really. First, narrator Jonathan Bunce has a style if, not soporific, doesn't exactly abound with enthusiasm. Further, his diction is sufficiently muddy that I couldn't listen to the audiobook at faster than 1.5x speed, which is agonizingly slow to my 2.5x ears. Second, Allan ends the novel on something of a cliffhanger, with a character sure to be the series' villain staring daggers at our hero. I want more closure in my novels, of a feeling that I've completed a chapter while hungering for the next. I don't want to feel compelled to pick up the next novel immediately: it feels like a trick. Third, the protagonist is a little too perfect. Sure, he's a bit chubby and not the best at parties, but he's a great mariner, and amazing leader, a decent guy, and an all-around hero. That's nice, but it's also a little dull. I like to feel a touch more ambivalent about my protagonists.
Nevertheless, these are quibbles. If you, too, are delighted to learn that "age of sail" is an actual genre, you're sure to enjoy this novel. And, probably, the next seven ones, too.
Well, you're in luck. Philip K. Allan is here for you with his 'Alexander Clay' novels (of which there are eight, so far). They have all the action, romance, quarterdeck politics, below-deck camaraderie, and nautical terminology you could wish for. I honestly didn't know that "age of sail adventure" was a genre. I'm glad to learn of it, and this is a fine successor to the giants of the field.
So, why three stars? Three reasons, really. First, narrator Jonathan Bunce has a style if, not soporific, doesn't exactly abound with enthusiasm. Further, his diction is sufficiently muddy that I couldn't listen to the audiobook at faster than 1.5x speed, which is agonizingly slow to my 2.5x ears. Second, Allan ends the novel on something of a cliffhanger, with a character sure to be the series' villain staring daggers at our hero. I want more closure in my novels, of a feeling that I've completed a chapter while hungering for the next. I don't want to feel compelled to pick up the next novel immediately: it feels like a trick. Third, the protagonist is a little too perfect. Sure, he's a bit chubby and not the best at parties, but he's a great mariner, and amazing leader, a decent guy, and an all-around hero. That's nice, but it's also a little dull. I like to feel a touch more ambivalent about my protagonists.
Nevertheless, these are quibbles. If you, too, are delighted to learn that "age of sail" is an actual genre, you're sure to enjoy this novel. And, probably, the next seven ones, too.
June 12, 2018
Excellent naval adventure right up there with Horatio Hornblower, Patrick O'Brien and Alexander Kent. It is the 1790s and England is at war with France. Alexander Clay is first lieutenant of the frigate HMS Agrius. While Clay is the main character and his stormy relationship with his captain is the main story, I do like the addition of a sub story involving a small group of regular sailors, which provides a naval version of Upstairs, Downstairs as we have the opportunity to follow not only the day to day lives of the officers, but also the crew. The story begins with an action along the French coast as the HMS Agrius is sent to blow up a bridge to prevent French troops from reinforcing a garrison under attack by the main British fleet. That is followed by an action with a French privateer. It is in the action involving the bridge that things begin to go downhill fast between Lt. Clay and his captain. It seems that Clay comes from a poor family without influence to speed his promotion, while the captain comes from a wealthy family and he chooses to use his influence to unfairly aid his nephew, the ships 2nd lieutenant. The main action occurs in the Caribbean where the HMS Agrius is dispatched to prevent a much larger French frigate from delivering troops and supplies to St. Lucia. The author gives us an excellent cast of characters and very realistic period details, in addition to an interesting plot.
June 24, 2020
An excellent first novel situated in one of my favorite settings: The Royal Navy fighting the French in the 1790's through the time of Napoleon. The opening chapter presents a drowning the also makes his novel a bit of mystery. The characters and plot points are worthy of Hornblower and Aubrey/Maturin. Knowing that there are six more novels in the series as of this writing is a delight. The below deck characters as well as those of the officers reflect the tensions that were part of the Royal Navy at that time. Allan makes mention of a patronage culture that also assumes winning is the natural outcome of the Royal Navy and uses that to build appropriate interplay among the main characters while serving the mystery of who drowned. This genre also demands an author who appeals to the romantics in the room (which would include me). Allan handles this well and uses the romance to further an exposition of the English class structure. I'm looking forward to my immersion in his writing and the challenges placed before his main character, Alexander Clay, and his crew of followers.
July 15, 2019
This was a well written and authentic account of the age of sail, although it had definite limitations. While admirably free of the common errors in seamanship often obvious in this form of literature, the story was of exaggerated and possibly poorly dramatized conflict between the Captain and second in command of a British frigate. The dramatic tension seemed exaggerated for the time period.
In addition there’s a plot twist where it’s not clear if the captain might have been murdered. This is a device that dates back to one of the classic Forester plots that the author actually reviewed. I wonder where it’s headed and maybe it’s worth reading another of mr. Allan’s novels to find out. Anyway, an entertaining but somewhat flawed read.
In addition there’s a plot twist where it’s not clear if the captain might have been murdered. This is a device that dates back to one of the classic Forester plots that the author actually reviewed. I wonder where it’s headed and maybe it’s worth reading another of mr. Allan’s novels to find out. Anyway, an entertaining but somewhat flawed read.
January 24, 2020
Excellent English Sailing Adventure
In the vein of CS Forester and the Hornblower series comes the adventures of Alexander Clay. This first book was an immersive tale of an English sailing vessel in the Napoleonic years. The author’s writing style offers beautiful and accurate descriptions of the age with fast-paced action that added perfectly to the overall story. A great beginning to this English sailing series.
In the vein of CS Forester and the Hornblower series comes the adventures of Alexander Clay. This first book was an immersive tale of an English sailing vessel in the Napoleonic years. The author’s writing style offers beautiful and accurate descriptions of the age with fast-paced action that added perfectly to the overall story. A great beginning to this English sailing series.
March 30, 2020
Good sea story; characters you can relate to.
At first I had a hard time with the beginning, since the story started out on land; but then I see it was setting the scene for the rest of the book, namely the character of the captain's nephew. All along I kept thinking that the captain would change his mind about Lt. Clay, but no such luck. I am ready to read the next book in the series.y
At first I had a hard time with the beginning, since the story started out on land; but then I see it was setting the scene for the rest of the book, namely the character of the captain's nephew. All along I kept thinking that the captain would change his mind about Lt. Clay, but no such luck. I am ready to read the next book in the series.y
August 24, 2020
Phillip K Allan and Alexander Clay are my new obsession!
I was very surprised to find this series. I would strongly recommend reading. I mostly enjoyed the author taking the time to, not only describing the scenes in great detail, but to also define many of the naval terms of the time. It seems however many authors I follow there is a newer and very accomplished one coming along.
I was very surprised to find this series. I would strongly recommend reading. I mostly enjoyed the author taking the time to, not only describing the scenes in great detail, but to also define many of the naval terms of the time. It seems however many authors I follow there is a newer and very accomplished one coming along.
December 29, 2020
A solid naval story. You can tell there's Hornblower influences in here, especially the beginning mission, but unlike Hornblower Clay actually has a personality. All the characters are very well fleshed out and feel like individuals.
I read a lot of naval fiction and this book taught me a thing or two, so I'm grateful for that.
My only nitpick would be the ending comes out of nowhere.
Looking forward to getting into this series.
I read a lot of naval fiction and this book taught me a thing or two, so I'm grateful for that.
My only nitpick would be the ending comes out of nowhere.
Looking forward to getting into this series.
March 25, 2019
Finally
Over time I have read the masters of the 18 and 19th century naval fiction. I was concerned that there were no quality new series' left. Thank to Mr. Allan, I think I have found that new series. I had been disappointed by my last few books but after finishing this one my I am excited to see what happens to Lt. Clay.
Over time I have read the masters of the 18 and 19th century naval fiction. I was concerned that there were no quality new series' left. Thank to Mr. Allan, I think I have found that new series. I had been disappointed by my last few books but after finishing this one my I am excited to see what happens to Lt. Clay.
January 25, 2021
Only Middling
Truthfully, I am looking for another series to take the place of Patrick O’Brian’s. This has Ben billed as its successor. It did not fill the bill.
Clay, the protagonist, feels hard done by. Without connections, his rise in the Navy is slowed. This is the theme throughout. I don’t think I will be pursuing this series.
Not as well written as O’Brian.
Truthfully, I am looking for another series to take the place of Patrick O’Brian’s. This has Ben billed as its successor. It did not fill the bill.
Clay, the protagonist, feels hard done by. Without connections, his rise in the Navy is slowed. This is the theme throughout. I don’t think I will be pursuing this series.
Not as well written as O’Brian.
October 24, 2023
Book One of the Alexander Clay historical fiction series.
The entirety of this story takes place aboard an English frigate. It's the 18th century, and England is at war with France. The main character, Alexander Clay, is a First Lieutenant. He also comes from a destitute family. As we all know from tales in this time period, the unlanded officers were habitually wronged by the gentrified superiors, and this book is no exception. The captain had ambitions for his inexperienced nephew, another lieutenant on the ship, usually at Clay's expense. The nephew received credit for Clay's accomplishments.
There is terrific ambiance in this book. The claustrophobic feel of the ship, especially when hostility rears its head, was well done. The scene in the Doldrums was very good. The sights and sounds were also quite vividly described. An example of this:
"‘I will add the post script now,’ said Clay, returning to his sister’s letter before continuing to write to his mother. His pen nib scratched onwards, but he found it hard to concentrate, now that he was not alone. Sutton quietly drummed his fingers on the tabletop for a moment, before getting up to stare out through one of the gun ports. Other shipboard sounds came to Clay as he ploughed on. The slop of water against the rudder, a burst of laughter from somewhere forward, the clank of the chain pump being worked. Then he suddenly jumped back with a cry, as he felt a warm pressure against his leg. A pair of venomous green eyes stared back at him from under the table."
The eyes, by the way, were those of Robespierre the cat. He needs more stage time! The entire crew was given personality, too. I enjoyed the conversations with Clay, Munro, Sutton, Evans, Fleming and Booth in the ward room. The crewmembers weren't a faceless presence at all and I really liked that. I hope that there is some more development of Clay's character in the future installments.
I'll be continuing this series.
The entirety of this story takes place aboard an English frigate. It's the 18th century, and England is at war with France. The main character, Alexander Clay, is a First Lieutenant. He also comes from a destitute family. As we all know from tales in this time period, the unlanded officers were habitually wronged by the gentrified superiors, and this book is no exception. The captain had ambitions for his inexperienced nephew, another lieutenant on the ship, usually at Clay's expense. The nephew received credit for Clay's accomplishments.
There is terrific ambiance in this book. The claustrophobic feel of the ship, especially when hostility rears its head, was well done. The scene in the Doldrums was very good. The sights and sounds were also quite vividly described. An example of this:
"‘I will add the post script now,’ said Clay, returning to his sister’s letter before continuing to write to his mother. His pen nib scratched onwards, but he found it hard to concentrate, now that he was not alone. Sutton quietly drummed his fingers on the tabletop for a moment, before getting up to stare out through one of the gun ports. Other shipboard sounds came to Clay as he ploughed on. The slop of water against the rudder, a burst of laughter from somewhere forward, the clank of the chain pump being worked. Then he suddenly jumped back with a cry, as he felt a warm pressure against his leg. A pair of venomous green eyes stared back at him from under the table."
The eyes, by the way, were those of Robespierre the cat. He needs more stage time! The entire crew was given personality, too. I enjoyed the conversations with Clay, Munro, Sutton, Evans, Fleming and Booth in the ward room. The crewmembers weren't a faceless presence at all and I really liked that. I hope that there is some more development of Clay's character in the future installments.
I'll be continuing this series.
March 10, 2024
I'm on a mission to read all the Napoleonic Royal Navy series.
This one is pretty good except for some glaring issues. At the beginning the author leaves it entirely unclear what year it is, where they are, and what size ship they're on. Finally I googled Ostend, which is mentioned, to learn it's presumably May 18th 1798, off the coast of Belgium. The size of the ship (having read the other series one will appreciate there's a world of difference between a sloop and first rate) we don't learn until finally three quarters of the way through the book it's mentioned (32 gun frigate). On the plus side there's a number of POV characters among the crew, which is unusual for the genre and a nice change, but the author needs to work on dialogue. Generally people speak with as few words as necessary to get to the point of a sentence unless they're particularly pompous, every man jack of this book seems very pompous the way they talk. And characters are often selectively extreme idiots needing things that should be very basic to them explained (latitude, the fact the ships can primarily only fire out the sides, captain not realizing the painfully obvious ruse of enemy ship tacking south just before sunset is an obvious misdirection). OTHER than these things it's a fairly alright book though.
This one is pretty good except for some glaring issues. At the beginning the author leaves it entirely unclear what year it is, where they are, and what size ship they're on. Finally I googled Ostend, which is mentioned, to learn it's presumably May 18th 1798, off the coast of Belgium. The size of the ship (having read the other series one will appreciate there's a world of difference between a sloop and first rate) we don't learn until finally three quarters of the way through the book it's mentioned (32 gun frigate). On the plus side there's a number of POV characters among the crew, which is unusual for the genre and a nice change, but the author needs to work on dialogue. Generally people speak with as few words as necessary to get to the point of a sentence unless they're particularly pompous, every man jack of this book seems very pompous the way they talk. And characters are often selectively extreme idiots needing things that should be very basic to them explained (latitude, the fact the ships can primarily only fire out the sides, captain not realizing the painfully obvious ruse of enemy ship tacking south just before sunset is an obvious misdirection). OTHER than these things it's a fairly alright book though.
February 28, 2022
A solid four stars. Depleted of any more nautical fiction to read, up pops this series. Kismet.
Lt. Clay and Philip K. Allan make a good couple I think. Not unlike the other many nautical fictions I have read. A different tilt in some ways but in many ways the same..... Always the same: Incompetent (or drunkard or old and senile or envious or free with the whip) senior, political discord between them, usually (but not in this case) a sympathetic admiral. Lower decks behaving, or not. And of course a love interest, or as in some cases-two. The usual armed shore party attack (cutting out I think they call it). And of course the David versus Goliath showdown. Took quite awhile to get there, but very well worth the trip. Let me repeat that, well worth the trip.
Different: not much "in port" junk. No coming up from third lt. to second lt. to first. Nope starts off as first lieutenant of a frigate. This first lieutenant seems to be well rested, for a change. Nothing about fever on the ship but the series is early. Waiting for the prize courts to free up some silver in the next book. Ah, the next book- can't wait to read it.
Lt. Clay and Philip K. Allan make a good couple I think. Not unlike the other many nautical fictions I have read. A different tilt in some ways but in many ways the same..... Always the same: Incompetent (or drunkard or old and senile or envious or free with the whip) senior, political discord between them, usually (but not in this case) a sympathetic admiral. Lower decks behaving, or not. And of course a love interest, or as in some cases-two. The usual armed shore party attack (cutting out I think they call it). And of course the David versus Goliath showdown. Took quite awhile to get there, but very well worth the trip. Let me repeat that, well worth the trip.
Different: not much "in port" junk. No coming up from third lt. to second lt. to first. Nope starts off as first lieutenant of a frigate. This first lieutenant seems to be well rested, for a change. Nothing about fever on the ship but the series is early. Waiting for the prize courts to free up some silver in the next book. Ah, the next book- can't wait to read it.
December 5, 2022
I love the 19th century age of sail genre, but I struggled to get into this book. Despite the author's attempts, the descriptions and language still feel quite modern to me, unlike Patrick O'Brian's and C.S. Forester's work (I particularly love the former one's writing)- though of course that is an extremely tough comparison which extremely few authors could live up to. But people who are more into page-turners than into O'Brian's very dense, very sophisticated work might enjoy this book. I bought it because of the comparisons made to O'Brian and Forester, and for me that didn't come off. I'd say it's an age-of-sail novel written in a Richard Ludlum style.
December 23, 2021
I was not expecting the opening scene in a historical fiction but it definitely made me want to keep reading. I can hear my beloved Forester in the writing style and am tempted to read O'Brian to see how it compares. Historical fiction is just not my preferred genre but I actually enjoyed this one. I got a bit lost in the more technical aspects but I became invested in the characters and the evolution of the story. Plus I simply had to find out who was in that opening scene! I'm game for another book in the series :-)
April 14, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to continuing the series. The author manages to do what few can do in capturing the feel of life at sea. His descriptive words had me feeling like I was on the deck at sea again. Character development and nautical references are top notch. Now, on to book two.
June 9, 2018
Slice of naval life.
Good easy read that gives a good image of naval life of the times. Perhaps somewhat sanitised and at times a little like a soap opera but nevertheless has exciting passages and is an enjoyable experience of the period.
Good easy read that gives a good image of naval life of the times. Perhaps somewhat sanitised and at times a little like a soap opera but nevertheless has exciting passages and is an enjoyable experience of the period.
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