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Alexander Clay #2

A Sloop of War

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A Sloop of War, the second novel in the Alexander Clay series is set on the island of Barbados, where the temperature of the politics, prejudices, and amorous ambitions are matched only by the sweltering heat of the climate. After limping into the harbor in the crippled frigate the HMS Agrius, accompanied by his French prize, the equally battered Courageuse, Clay meets with Admiral Caldwell, the Commander in Chief of the island. The admiral is impressed enough by Clay’s engagement with the French man-of-war to give him his own command on the HMS Rush. The Rush is sent to blockade the French island of St Lucia and to support a landing by British troops to attempt to take the island from the French garrison. The crew and officers of the Rush are repeatedly threatened along the way by a singular Spanish ship, in a contest that can only end in destruction or capture. And from the ranks, comes an accusation of murder leveled against Clay by the nephew of his former captain. Philip K. Allan has all the ingredients for a gripping tale of danger, heroism, greed, and sea battles, in a story that is well researched and full of excitement from beginning to end.

230 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 14, 2018

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About the author

Philip K. Allan

18 books406 followers
I 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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Website www.philipkallan.com

I don't pay for book reviews so what you see here is genuine reader feedback.



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5 stars
611 (54%)
4 stars
408 (36%)
3 stars
89 (7%)
2 stars
14 (1%)
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4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
1,042 reviews9 followers
September 14, 2019
While there are some things that are a bit predictable about this 2nd installment in the career of Alexander Clay, there is plenty in it to make it unique in the very specific yet crowded landscape of Napleonic Era naval fiction.

Unlike most that save something like a land siege for a latter installment, Allan goes right to it as the crew of the Rush take part in the British capture of St. Lucia. With the new ship, of course, there's some changes in the cast, and they are good ones. The new purser is a pretty fun character, and while the ex-slave they add to the crew, Able Sedgwick, it a bit too perfect to be a real character, he serves his purpose well in the narrative.

There are, of course, a few lucky co-incidences and a last second rescue, and the only bad thing is practically an after thought, but that's too be expected in this sort of series.

My only complaint is I wish it more known/popular here in the US, but it tells to how much of an enjoyable read it is that I was actually willing to pay list price online to read it.

Profile Image for Christopher Taylor.
Author 10 books78 followers
January 16, 2023
A decent sea novel, with interesting side characters and a better look at below decks than most. Its not particularly fresh if you have read a lot, but the setting is well established and characters are well presented.
Profile Image for Jon Hollihan.
44 reviews13 followers
August 13, 2020
Really enjoyed this second book in the series, maybe more than the first? If the first book builds the house, laying out a solid foundation, then the second helped to furnish each room. New characters, developing story lines, and interesting details earned this novel a 5 star rating. Well-paced and action-filled, expounding on the established story lines, yet giving depth to several new & old characters. A Good Read!
Profile Image for John Grinstead.
356 reviews
May 5, 2020
There is always a danger of the second book in a series not quite living up to the promise of the first but, despite a few minor contrivances, A Sloop of War just about carries it off. A solid 4 stars.

HMS Agrius manages to limp into Barbados where Clay accepts the plaudits and promotion which then speeds us into the next adventure on board the Rush. We are subject to a few reprises as the new reader catches up with characters from the first story but this is but a minor irritant in a good story that rattles along at pace.

Newly introduced characters add colour and only the licence exercised in the accelerated development of runaway slave Able Sedgwick - he appears to pick up both new skills and the disparate regional accents of his shipmates with amazing speed - tests the reader’s suspension of disbelief.

This is another really enjoyable read with a number of good hooks that will carry the reader forward to our next encounter. Even the wounding of Clay - it was a fairly safe bet that our hero would pull through to Book 3 - and his enforced convalescence in Blighty sets us up nicely for a renewal of the romantic interest.

Phillip K Allan is a good story teller and the accuracy of his naval references will satisfy all but the most persnickety of historians. One senses that he is now getting into his stride and has successfully established a number of plot lines that will sustain us through a good number of episodes to come.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
6 reviews1 follower
June 27, 2018
Not worth it

Very uninspiring as the (so called) main character is so boring, lifeless, unremarkable and unimpressive. Captain Clay could be killed off and wouldn't be missed because the other 6 characters have more screen time. This is maybe a .99c book, definitely way over priced at $4.99. But, so is the first book
Profile Image for Todd Gutschow.
336 reviews7 followers
January 31, 2020
Book 2 Continues to Entertain...

The second book in the Alexander Clay series continues to entertain with heroic naval battles and side stories that bring English sailing to life. Good character development and a pleasant writing style adds up to a very enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Cindy Vallar.
Author 5 books20 followers
August 20, 2018
When HM Frigate Agrius limps into Barbados with a larger French warship as her prize, Vice-Admiral Benjamin Caldwell is both dismayed and delighted. Her damage is such that she must undergo immediate repairs rather than allowing the commander of the Windward Islands station to implement his plan to seize the French island of St. Lucia. The saving grace is that First Lieutenant Alexander Clay has acquired some intelligence that will aid in that endeavor, and his actions in battle against a mightier foe and assuming command after the death of his captain earn Clay a promotion to master and commander and a vessel of his own, the sloop of war Rush. Finally, he has climbed the first two rungs of the social ladder that may raise his status as a suitable husband in the eyes of his beloved’s guardian. But Lydia is in far off India and Clay can only dream of the day when they may once again reunite. Until then, he forges a plan with his sister in England. She will hide his letters in her packages to Lydia.

In the meantime, Clay sails the Rush to St. Lucia with orders to blockade one of the island’s ports. The sloop’s sluggish response does not bode well for the assignment, but there’s little he can do to remedy the mass of seaweed and barnacles that foul her hull as long as they are at sea. The lack of speed allows an enemy merchant ship to slip past Rush into the safety of the harbor protected by the guns of the French fort. Clay’s anger at losing a potential prize gives rise to a daring plan to remedy the loss – one that requires him to trust that his men can carry out it, for as captain, he must remain aboard Rush. The night attack proves successful and a prize crew sails the merchant ship back to Barbados. Clay follows at a slower pace, which proves far more dangerous than expected when they encounter a 74-gun Spanish man-of-war whose captain wants the Rush as his prize.

While the main focus of this second book in The Alexander Clay series focuses on the British invasion of St. Lucia in the 18th century, A Sloop of War is entwined with several other tales. Lieutenant Nicholas Windham still blames Clay and his best friend, John Sutton, for the death of his uncle, the captain of the Agrius, and is determined to make them pay one way or the other. Able Sedgwick, a runaway slave, seeks refuge at Spring Hill Plantation, where the enlightened owner has freed his slaves, while making himself and his family pariahs among the plantocracy. To thwart Barbadian law George Robertson arranges for Able to join the Royal Navy and sail aboard the Rush. An ardent abolitionist, Jacob Linfield, the Rush’s surgeon, strikes up a friendship with Robertson and becomes enamored with his younger daughter, who seems more attracted to John Sutton.

A Sloop of War is a fast-paced nautical adventure interwoven with land and sea actions, as well as civilian, political, and historical elements. Alexander Clay may be the main character of this book, but Able Sedgwick is a likable fellow who easily takes center stage more than once. His integration into the crew deftly shows life in the Royal Navy, while at the same time demonstrating both acceptance and prejudice among a cast of characters where each is uniquely drawn and rarely stereotypical. The energy in the confrontation between Windham and Clay feels like being shocked by static electricity. Several scenes are laced with humor, and the wonderfully descriptive comparison in the final engagement perfectly allows readers to imagine what is unfolding. Fans of nautical and naval fiction will enjoy this second entry in the series and will look forward to the next phase in Alexander Clay’s career and love life.
340 reviews15 followers
June 4, 2021

Fans of C.S. Forester, Patrick O’Brien and Alexander Kent, rejoice! You can add PHILIP K. ALLAN to your list of exceptional writers of British naval fiction, circa 1800. Book two in his Alexander Clay series is just as good as book one. A SLOOP OF WAR picks up the story of Clay and the men and boys around him, now in the Caribbean Sea. The time is mid to late 1790s.

The first book ends with Clay in command of the battered 32-gun British frigate Agrius and its prize, the 40-gun French frigate Courageuse, pulling into the harbor of the British island colony of Barbados. Captain Follett of the Agrius had been killed during the battle between the two ships off the harbor of the French colony of Castries, Saint Lucia, which was why command had fallen to 1st Lieutenant Alexander Clay. The two men had been feuding, quietly, over items such as tactics and the preferential treatment of 2nd Lieutenant Windham, the captain’s less than competent nephew. More on that to come. Clay receives a copy of his sister Betsey’s first book that he lends to his new Marine Lieutenant.

Vice Admiral Benjamin Caldwell, chief of the Windward Island fleet, promoted Clay to Master and Commander and assigned him to the 18-gun sloop Rush as the captain. He brings along his best friend Lt. John Sutton with whom he had served for his entire career. He also brought to the Rush, Midshipmen Preston and Croft, Yates his teenage servant, sailors Sean O’Malley, Sam Evans Joshua Rosso and Adam Trevan. A runaway slave, Ablanjaye Sengahore was rescued by George Robertson and sent to Clay’s new command. There his named is changed to Able Sedgwick. He rapidly became one of my favorite characters.

New to the story are Jacob Linfield the Rush’s young surgeon, Ship’s Master Joseph Appleby, George Carver ship’s Boatswain and Lt. Thomas MacPherson head of the Marine contingent. A potential source of conflict arises between Clay and the ship’s purser (oversees ship supplies and finances) Charles Faulkner whose gambling debts were paid by Lt. Windham’s and Captain Follett’s families. Windham uses that leverage to blackmail Faulkner into proving that his uncle was actually murdered by Clay and/or Sutton.

During a brief excursion to St. Lucia, the Rush meets and escapes from a Spanish ship of the line, the 74-gun San Felipe. Clay discovers that Rush needs a thorough cleaning of the submerged part of its hull. While the ship is undergoing its refit, Linfield meets the younger daughter, Emma, of plantation owner George Robertson. Robertson had freed his slaves after reading the classic book on economics by ADAM SMITH, THE WEALTH OF NATIONS. This causes his family great social/political conflict with other plantation slave owners but is a very successful experiment for his plantation. Linfield is also an abolitionist.

Eventually, the British plan an invasion of St. Lucia. Rush and Agrius are to attack and capture the town and fortress known as Vieux Fort on the southern tip of St. Lucia. After the successful venture, during which 17-year-old Preston plays a major role and MacPherson’s life was saved by Betsey’s book, the San Felipe once again shows up forcing the Agrius and Rush into a sea battle in which they are outgunned almost two to one. Once again, Clay et al are victorious but a Spanish sniper seriously wounds Clay. On their return to Barbados, Admiral Caldwell again promotes Clay to Post Captain and sends him back to England to recuperate from his wounds.

Fans of this type of book will surely enjoy reading this one VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

GO! BUY! READ!
Author 31 books78 followers
May 10, 2018
Alexander Clay returns for a second outing – this time as master and commander of his own vessel. His responsibilities have grown, and so have the challenges. Clay is stationed in the Caribbean and he has to support the planned invasion and capture of the French-held island of St Lucia. Complications include a predatory Spanish warship, the dangerous state of his own sloop, and a request to take on a runaway slave as a crew member – and the machinations of his enemies within the Navy.
Allan serves up a great yarn in the finest traditions of wooden ships and iron men. The pace is brisk and the intersecting plot lines run together neatly. There is just enough explanation of the nautical side to satisfy the curious without boring the seasoned old salt, and more than enough action both at land and on sea. Slavery and racism both feature, and if matters turn out a bit more fairly than they did at the time, the modern reader will not be disappointed.
“A Sloop of War “ is an enjoyable read, and the developing story arc suggests there are a good few more to come.
Profile Image for Mar.
340 reviews5 followers
March 15, 2019
A Sloop of War belongs in the historical fiction category and the speech pattern the author uses does strike a resemblance to the books from the 1800’s period. That may be appealing to some readers, but, for me, it does not help the book. Particularly in the dialogue scenes, that tends to make it monotonous and less appealing. It’s a matter of personal choice, of course. But I do wish that the author would focus on other things, rather than putting so much time and effort in following the speech structure.
That structure does not help build a fast-paced story. The storyline seems to be a bit all over the place and would benefit from being more focused. There are also time lapses in the story that seem to happen for no reason. Don’t get me wrong: the author offers a good story, very well-written, but it lacks strength and memorable characters. If you love the 1800’s and have a thing for stories in ships, this is a book for you.
Profile Image for Shanell Meek.
582 reviews5 followers
March 5, 2019
Thinking I’m going to get books 1 and 3 now!

This is the second book in the Alexander Clay series. I missed the first book and think I should probably read it took. But as usual I never start a series with the first book. In fact I’m usually half way through the second or third when I realize it’s a series! I don’t feel like I missed anything by starting with the second book. In this series. I like to think I was able to keep up and stay right with where the author was taking me. While I’m not usually into stories based around war/battles this one kind of pulled me in and I have to admit I really enjoyed it. The characters are interesting and the story seems very well researched and realistic which I really appreciated as well. I’m interested in reading more about Alexander Clay and his adventures!
Profile Image for Julius Blitzy.
476 reviews15 followers
March 9, 2019
An interesting book that immerses you in an amazing and fantastic world. In the world of sea adventures, where are many actions and heroes. It’s as if you are going to sail around the world when you start reading " A Sloop of War". It is interesting to follow all the actions, battles and not only ... Great idea, well described details and landscapes. The story immerses the reader in the 18th century. You can find everything in the book: the romance of that time, battles, wars, heroism, danger - everything that lovers of sea battles and adventures will definitely like and those who like to study ships and sailors. This story is full of intrigue, events. I recommend reading “A Sloop of War” to everyone regardless of gender and age, since you will definitely remain impressed and it will be difficult to forget such a journey. The book deserves your free time.
Profile Image for Payal Sinha.
Author 7 books23 followers
March 15, 2019
A Sloop of War is a historical nautical war story that is predominantly masculine in nature. Here ladies occupy the backstage and in many cases only referred to or remembered. The thing that I loved about the book was its historical angle that included some of the facts and the books that I had read about. For example, in the initial part of the story, I read an interesting discussion on the book 'An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations' by Adam Smith. It was good to know that the book actually had an effect on slave owners who were ready to release their slaves (who provided reluctant labor) and employed them as paid workers. There are many such intellectual discussions and information given by the author that makes reading the book an engaging and stimulating affair. However, I would like a little more romance to make the book more interesting.
3 reviews1 follower
September 28, 2020
I read my first Horatio Hornblower book in the mid-sixties and I've been a fan of the old sailing navies of the 17th and 18th centuries ever since. Retirement brings reading for what-I-want-to-read time. This series is fun - old romance, old manners and language and thick and thin buddies on the lower deck and loyal ship leaders on the quarter deck. There is murder - or is it? and skulduggery and rising up the social ranks and "confusion to the French" and heavy fighting and heavier drinking, odd characters who didn't volunteer for fun, but necessary mysterious reasons and plenty of fun for readers. Get them.
94 reviews
March 2, 2022
So the struggle continues. Finally a mention of flogging by the boatswain (Kissing the Gunner's Daughter). Still no boarding nets yet. Kinda gotta wonder if they exist in this author's mind. As well as Marines in top masts. Clay and crew sound like they are gonna get out of the West Indies with no yellow flag flying. Yup, no fever or loss of life to the common disease.

All in all the struggle carries on and the read is still good for those (fellow) nautical fiction enthusiasts. Keeping up with the series best I can. I hope you are too.
Profile Image for Stephen Kimber.
Author 13 books1 follower
June 7, 2018
Very credible historical naval fiction

This is the 2nd of the Alexander Clay novels in the series. I enjoyed both for their characterisation, plotting and pace. Clay is cut from the same bolts of cloth as protagonists such as Richard Bolitho and Hornblower but more than mere copy; Allan writes well and has - as least so far as this reader can judge it - captured well the tone and moral imperatives of his late 18th century world.
135 reviews1 follower
February 9, 2020
Hugely enjoyable read

The detail of characters from both the officers and men isolated this book from nearly every other naval tale. The author has heroes and villains in both camps and it makes for a hugely enjoyable read from page one to the very last. The novel builds on the story started in "The Captain's Nephew" in a detailed and subtle way and I would recommend this and the first book to fans of Patrick O'Brian and other outstanding authors of his ilk
Profile Image for Leo Moran.
36 reviews
July 8, 2018
I have read the first three novals of Mr. Pipe's travles in his climb through the ranks and can only say I hope they keep on coming. Mr. Allen's attention to details regarding life aboard the various ships upon which Pipe has served has been refreshing. I have enjoyed in particular his use of the language as it was spoken then.
The grapic battle senes are enjoyable as well.
2 reviews1 follower
June 30, 2020
An excellent second book in the series. Allan adds the character of Able Sedgewick, an escaped slave, to the sloop Rush, Master and Commander Alexander Clay's first command. The wardroom has two characters (the surgeon and the purser) that provide deeper insight into the issue of racism and slavery as practiced in Barbados. The storyline that will lead to five more books by Allan continues to explore a society that has much to inform our own issues today. Clay's gifts as a fighting captain make real the expression "Confusion to the French!" A good story that ended all too soon.
12 reviews1 follower
May 24, 2018
Terrific read.

Especially enjoyed the inclusion of the African sailor, and promise of more of his character. Author weaves an excellent sea story with plenty of action and hero’s.
14 reviews
June 26, 2018
Well done

What's interesting to me is the back story of the crew of the Rush. The gunners naming their guns, helping others to learn how to read and write so that they can advance themselves.
Profile Image for Helen Hollick.
Author 59 books525 followers
June 27, 2018
This book has received a Discovering Diamonds Review:
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs

"You can't help but alternately cheer for and scratch your head over Mr. Allan’s protagonist... and I'm confident that's exactly as intended."

Shortlisted for Book of the Month.
3 reviews
January 2, 2019
A great follow up

Enjoyed the first in the Clay series and this one seemed flow even better and really delivered.
I love the addition of Black sailors and their story and following a group of mess-mates also.
I look forward to book 3.
Profile Image for Chaplain Stanley Chapin.
1,978 reviews22 followers
March 26, 2020
Another fine sailing ship adventure

I find this author use of the sea and land action well coordinated. The battle action of a sloop, that is normally used for delivering dispatches was welcome
18 reviews
September 13, 2020
Fooled again! I thought with this book as well as his last that all was predictable.Wrong! I'm thoroughly enjoying the stories and the cast of characters.

If he keeps writing them I'll keep reading them. His descriptions of the ships and crew and all things nautical are great.
3 reviews
September 15, 2020
Fresh Look At The Age of Sail

Very authentic! I thought I couldn’t learn more about the workings of the age of sail, but have been proven wrong. I recommend this series to any who follow the age of sail.
24 reviews12 followers
August 29, 2022
Good story and solid characters. This was my second title from this author, and I found this second effort much more enjoyable than the first book in the series, though looking back, I did give that a very commendable four stars. The next book in the series is a definite.
332 reviews1 follower
April 13, 2019
Well written storyline

Another part of Clay saga,battles on land and sea, intrigue and evil deeds.Our hero and his trusty crew keep you entertained to the final page.
75 reviews1 follower
July 15, 2019
Another great story, filled with action and ongoing character development
23 reviews
October 8, 2020
Fantastic

I absolutely love this series and especially this installment. It was an exciting read and I found myself unable to put it down. Can't wait to begin the next installment
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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