The Iberian Flame

Thomas Kydd #20

by Julian Stockwin

1808. With the Peninsula in turmoil, Napoleon Bonaparte signs a treaty to dismember Portugal and put his brother, Joseph, on the throne of Spain.

Meanwhile, Nicholas Renzi, the Lord Farndon, undertakes a deadly mission to stir up partisan unrest to disrupt this Napoleonic alliance with Spain.

Thrust into the crucible of the uprising, Captain Sir Thomas Kydd is dismayed to come up against an old foe from his past - now his superior and commander - who is determined to break him. Kydd will soon face the greatest decision of his professional career.

Bonaparte, incensed by the reverses suffered to his honour, gathers together a crushing force and marches at speed into Spain. After several bloody encounters the greatly outnumbered British expedition have no option other than make a fighting retreat to the coast. Only the Navy can save them.

But the flame of insurrection has been lit - and the Peninsular War has begun.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Nautical, Fiction, Adventure, Historical

355 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 14, 2018

About the author

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

Series:
* Thomas Kydd

Reviews

[Clemens Schoonderwoert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This thrilling seafaring story is already the 20th volume of the wonderful nautical "Thomas Kydd" series from the author Julian Stockwin.
At the beginning of the book you'll be presented with two well-drawn maps, one of Iberia with Cadiz included (although the Atlantic and Mediterranean are printed in reverse), and the second one of the Mediterranean including Corunna in Spain, Rochefort in France and Sicily.
Also at the beginning you'll find an imposing Dramatis Personae, with real great historical and wonderful fictional figures, who are featuring in this fascinating tale.
At the end of the book you'll notice a well documented Author's Note concerning this exciting story, as well as an unmissable Glossary explaining various important nautical, military and other general terms.
Story-telling is excellent, just like it has been throughout this series, and once more all characters come splendidly to life within this seafaring tale during this particular time of history, the beginning of the Peninsular War, and also the nautical details and language are wonderfully described and implemented in this story of seamanship, glory and death.
The story is set in the year AD 1808, and it follows once again the exploits of our main fictional character, Captain Sir Thomas Kydd, and his crew on board the ship HMS "Tyger", while now heading to France but in particular Portugal and Spain to join and help the rest of the Navy and Army in the Napoleonic Wars.
What will follow is the start of the Peninsular War with France invading Spain, and where the navy under the leadership of Commander-in-Chief Collingwood of the Mediterranean Fleet is controlling the seas in that area, but when Thomas Kydd and his crew are relocated under the leadership of Admiral Rowley, Kydd's arch enemy during his time in "Artemis" troubles will come to the fore between the two, before finally Kydd and his crew can play an important role in the desperate but also brilliant evacuation of the British Army, who were under the leadership of General Moore, from Corunna in Spain.
Fully recommended, for this volume is one of the best nautical stories of this series, and so what this book is concerned, for me personally, that its: "Another Victorious Thomas Kydd Adventure"!

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent series, but I am a sucker for tales of the British Navy in the days of sail. The last book in this series was released Nov. 1st, so that next and I will be caught up. Onto "A Sea of Gold," by the Stockwin.

Again, I couldn't get the link thingy to work.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are currently 2 books left to the series until Mr. Stockwin writes more. I'm getting a bit bored with this long war that doesn't end until 1815 when he is FINALLY defeated at Waterloo. This book covers 1808, basically we have a long stretch ahead. I plan on reading the whole series. However, I hope that there is a bit less sea action and more home coming in future books.

[Bob Cantrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thomas Kydd has done it again. He has managed to incur the wrath of another higher ranking officer by not failing in his mission. I enjoy the Kydd novels and this one was no exception. This time around Kydd is home on leave when he gets thrust into a prison break by French prisoners 0f war. After that little challenge he is off to join the naval blockade of Cadiz, Spain. While in route he has to tail a French fleet that has broken out for parts unknown. Once he is on station with the blockade, an old enemy shows up in the form of Admiral Rowley, a former officer on the Artemis and the reason for the sinking of the same. Then it becomes a test of which man will come through unscathed by the actions in Spain. One thing that stood out to me in this story was how the main focus is the start of the Peninsular War, but showing the role of the British Navy in a land action specifically the evacuation of Britsh force at Corunna think Dunkirk here. This one to not miss if you are a fan of Thomas Kydd and his ship, the Tyger.

[Viva · Rating 4 out of 5]

As usual a lot happens in this book. As I'm reading this series serially sometimes I don't remember what's part of this book and what was part of the last book.

Spoilers below:

One of the interesting side stories was that of captured French officers breaking their parole. Officers who give their parole are boarded in the countryside with a mile's diameter of freedom. Those who don't give their parole or break it are sentenced to prison hulks. Apparently Napoleon condones running and French officers leave a note on their pillow to "break" their parole. Anyway, Kydd finds out that a French officer who he has befriended is mastermind of regular breakouts and catches him. A very interesting historical story that I had never heard of before. Bravo. The author also adds in the notes that though the French did it all the time, he couldn't find a case of British officers doing so.

There are several other POVs in the book and as usual I skip them. I'm not interested in reading history when I bought a book of historical naval fiction. I can always just pick up a history book on the Spanish Ulcer.

Most of the book has Kydd under Rowley's command. We knew him as the hated and incompetent 3rd(?) lieutenant in the Artemis in the first book in the series. He is now the hated and incompetent rear admiral under Collingwood. As Rowley despises Kydd for his poor beginnings, he always hands him the worst jobs.

One side story similar to Hornblower in the Hotspur had to do with Spanish treasure. Instead of Spanish gold, Kydd accidentally comes upon a shipment of Spanish quicksilver, used to process gold and just as valuable. However, instead of the admiral trying to include Hornblower in the capture, Rowley tries to exclude Kydd from it.

Another story copied from Hornblower in the Ship of the Line had Kydd blasting away at a French formation marching on a coastal road. However CS Forester did a much, much better job than Stockwin. CSF really shows his mastery in writing, his segment on it was much more descriptive, poignant and emotional. A master vs a journeyman. Somewhere I seem to recall that HH's story (and therefore Kydd's) was based on a real life happening.

Another story was Kydd giving arms (muskets and ammo) to a militia in Spain only to have that militia being defeated by another, demonstrating the chaos of Spain. A good segment.

The ultimate story in the book was of Kydd given the unenviable task of coordinating the embarking of Moore's army back to England. This was very well written, both the land part and that of the difficulty of Kydd's part.

Overall a very good book. Stockwin might not be as skilled an artist as CSF in writing but his books are technically very good and the research is 100% excellent. Each book also covers more, has more side stories and include long swathes of historical drama included (to my distress). I look forward to his next book!

[Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kydd's Flame Still Burns Brightly!

When I listened to the first Thomas Kydd novel I had no idea that just over three years later I would be finishing the 20th book all read by that pure salty breeze Mr Christian Rodska. It's been a hell of a ride and I am already looking forwards to the next one

I don't think that this finished as one of my favourites within the series but it has an awful lot to offer all the same. It starts in what now is a familiar format with effectively a Kydd mini-adventure tacked on the front. These are like little windows into Stockwin's wider research which is quite prodigious. This one sees Kydd entangled with French officers in England on parole and opened my eyes to yet another facet and custom of this fascinating period.

There is another face-off with an authority figure meaning that not only England's fate but Kydd's own lies in the balance. A number of adventures follow based around Spanish and Portuguese resistance to Napoleon's armies as Stockwin follows detailed historical events. As a result there's a lot of different adventures and tasks for Kydd meaning that perhaps the novel doesn't quite hit the heights of some previous ones.

There's still plenty of action, enjoyable historical detail, some skullduggery from Renzi and of course the salty spray to the ears that is Christian Rodska making it highly enjoyable.

[Lori Field · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm always looking forward to the next Kydd adventure. The Iberian Flame doesn't disappoint. It's always interesting seeing history come alive through a great storyteller. I liked the "domestic" chapters, though while Stockwin can describe a sea action in minute detail, he seems to skim over chunks of information when Kydd is on land. For example, I'm not sure how Kydd got from one place to the next in all his haste. That's a small criticism though. I'm excited for book 21.

[Adam‘’s book reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stockwin's "The Iberian Flame" ignites the Peninsular War, thrusting Captain Kydd into a crucible of historical intrigue and perilous missions. Amidst Napoleon's Spanish ambitions, Kydd navigates loyalty, duty, and the brutal realities of conflict, facing both familiar foes and pivotal choices. Expertly woven with historical accuracy and pulse-pounding adventure, this nautical thriller is a must-read for fans of Kydd's saga and historical fiction aficionados alike.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captain Sir Thomas Kydd faces Napoleon’s forces in Spain and Portugal while being put under the command of an old foe who seeks to destroy him. British soldiers’ lives are at stake when Kydd must make a critical decision that could land him a court-martial. Always the noble hero, he will no doubt follow the right path even if it’s to his own detriment. History is intertwined with adventure in this exciting seafaring tale.

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

(12) C2018. What can I say? I am enjoying this series and this one dealt with an era of history that I have not read a lot about. I did study it for History but not in any particular detail. Loved the characterisation of the historical men of note and its quite crafty how the author manages to insert the hero into many of the flash points of history. Recommended to the normal crew.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

War is so very complex, but one thing seems to be common ... politics! In this tale of change in the ongoing war, politics lifts its head at so many levels. The thing that seems consistent in the life of Kydd is his "duty". He handles himself as a man of integrity and consistently rises to the occasion. This is a good story and a good addition to the series. Worth the read.

[Karen W · Rating 2 out of 5]

Painful to get through. Incredibly tedious and at time difficult to follow. The terms and use of language, for a non seafarer, were confusing. This is apparently a series, so maybe that contributed to my dislike. I won't be reading the others, nor does this book entice me to read more of this author.

[Shelly Lincoln · Rating 4 out of 5]

This tale of Captain Kydd takes place on the Iberian Peninsula as Napoleon invades Spain and Portugal. It is a strong story, although more concerned with the political battles of the era than Kydd's sailing adventures. It is better than others in the series, but not as strong as some of the earlier entries. Still a good read, if only for the history.

[Kenneth McGregor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful Kydd storie. Keep them coming.

[Fraser Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really sorry that this book is over, I was enjoying it immensely. We are now getting into the world we know from the adventures of Richard Sharp. How long till the next one?

[Les Parsons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining read

[David Slater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stockwin just keeps getting better. A joy to read.

[Charlie Shaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book

[M S Ayers · Rating 3 out of 5]

.

.hmm more words required so I'll keep it sort and sweet, hope you are all doing ok pea out k

[stephen dancer · Rating 5 out of 5]

brilliant

[Marten Wennik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stockwin has done it again for me. I was certainly engaged from start to finish on this new adventure for our hero, Sir Thomas Kydd. In The Iberian Flame, Kydd is stretched to find his way to success while flaunting failure at every turn. I like that while Kidd does not stumble into success like Fraser's Flashman or Inspector Clouseau (Pink Panther Movies), he relies on his expert seamanship and courage to see him through to the end, it is also good that not everything comes easily for Kydd or that he does not end up with riches and fame beyond measure. In certain titles in the series, it seems that Kydd has ruined his fame or loses his earnings and has to rebuild his fortunes.

In this tale, Kydd is at work patrolling the Iberian Peninsula trying to keep both Bonepart and his Spanish compatriots at bay (literally and figuratively). With his crew and his frigate, Kydd masterfully engages his obvious enemies, but also his hidden enemy, an Admiral who had done Kydd an injustice several books earlier and continues to do so now that he has Kydd in his fleet. By assigning Kydd to the furthest reaches of the patrol area and leaving him out of a daring raid, he means to hold Kydd back. Fortunately, Kydd ends up in the right place and begins the advancement by the British into Portugal and earns prominence because he does his duty without a desire to his own financial and political advancement.

This is another fine read by Stockwin and worthy of continued interest in the life of Sir Thomas Kydd.

[Angel Serrano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Las guerras napoleónicas llegan a la península Ibérica. Bajo la promesa de un título real en Portugal, Godoy se deja seducir por Bonaparte y convence al rey para que permita el paso a los franceses. Pero el emperador tiene otras ideas. Sólo la marina inglesa podrá oponerse.

[Oismiffy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Generally enjoyable, but I found my mind wandering off at some points.

I appreciate it’s fiction, but Kydd is becoming a bit too clever at times to stay within the loose realms of reality.