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Carlisle & Holbrooke Naval Adventures #2
The Leeward Islands Squadron
In late 1756, as the British government collapses in the aftermath of the loss of Minorca and the country and navy are thrown into political chaos, a small force of ships is sent to the West Indies to reinforce the Leeward Islands Squadron. Captain Edward Carlisle, a native of Virginia, and his first lieutenant George Holbrooke are fresh from the Mediterranean and their capture of a powerful French man-of-war. Their new frigate Medina has orders to join a squadron commanded by a terminally ill commodore. Their a near-suicidal assault on a strong Caribbean island fortress. Carlisle must confront the challenges of higher command as he leads the squadron back into battle to accomplish the Admiralty’s orders. Join Carlisle and Holbrooke as they attack shore fortifications, engage in ship-on-ship duels and deal with mutiny in the West Indies. The Leeward Islands Squadron follows The Colonial Post-Captain as the second of the Carlisle and Holbrooke novels. The series will record the exploits of the two men through the Seven Years War and into the period of turbulent relations between Britain and her American colonies in the 1760s.
331 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 23, 2018
500 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
Chris Durbin
15 books70 followersChris Durbin grew up in the seaside town of Porthcawl in South Wales. His first experience of sailing was as a sea cadet in the treacherous tideway of the Bristol Channel, and at the age of sixteen, he spent a week in a topsail schooner in the Southwest Approaches. He was a crew member on the Porthcawl lifeboat before joining the navy.
Chris spent twenty-four years as a warfare officer in the Royal Navy, serving in all classes of ship from aircraft carriers through destroyers and frigates to the smallest minesweepers. He took part in operational campaigns in the Falkland Islands, the Middle East and the Adriatic. As a personnel exchange officer, he spent two years teaching tactics at a US Navy training centre in San Diego.
On his retirement from the Royal Navy, Chris joined a large American company and spent eighteen years in the aerospace, defence and security industry, including two years on the design team for the Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers.
Chris is a graduate of the Britannia Royal Naval College at Dartmouth, the British Army Command and Staff College, the United States Navy War College (where he gained a postgraduate diploma in national security decision-making) and Cambridge University (where he was awarded an MPhil in International Relations).
With a lifelong interest in naval history and a long-standing ambition to write historical fiction, Chris has embarked upon creating the Carlisle & Holbrooke series, in which a colonial Virginian commands a British navy frigate during the middle years of the eighteenth century.
The series will follow its principal characters through the Seven Years War and into the period of turbulent relations between Britain and her American Colonies in the 1760s. They’ll negotiate some thought-provoking loyalty issues when British policy and colonial restlessness lead inexorably to the American Revolution.
Chris now lives on the south coast of England, surrounded by hundreds of years of naval history. His three children are all busy growing their own families and careers while Chris and his wife (US Navy, retired) of thirty-seven years enjoy sailing their classic dayboat.
Chris spent twenty-four years as a warfare officer in the Royal Navy, serving in all classes of ship from aircraft carriers through destroyers and frigates to the smallest minesweepers. He took part in operational campaigns in the Falkland Islands, the Middle East and the Adriatic. As a personnel exchange officer, he spent two years teaching tactics at a US Navy training centre in San Diego.
On his retirement from the Royal Navy, Chris joined a large American company and spent eighteen years in the aerospace, defence and security industry, including two years on the design team for the Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers.
Chris is a graduate of the Britannia Royal Naval College at Dartmouth, the British Army Command and Staff College, the United States Navy War College (where he gained a postgraduate diploma in national security decision-making) and Cambridge University (where he was awarded an MPhil in International Relations).
With a lifelong interest in naval history and a long-standing ambition to write historical fiction, Chris has embarked upon creating the Carlisle & Holbrooke series, in which a colonial Virginian commands a British navy frigate during the middle years of the eighteenth century.
The series will follow its principal characters through the Seven Years War and into the period of turbulent relations between Britain and her American Colonies in the 1760s. They’ll negotiate some thought-provoking loyalty issues when British policy and colonial restlessness lead inexorably to the American Revolution.
Chris now lives on the south coast of England, surrounded by hundreds of years of naval history. His three children are all busy growing their own families and careers while Chris and his wife (US Navy, retired) of thirty-seven years enjoy sailing their classic dayboat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
September 11, 2023
The Leeward Island Squadron is the second book in a series by Chris Durbin. This historical novel takes place in 1758 during the Seven Year War between England and France. Chris Durbin is a historian so the book is full of historical information. This is an interesting story about the Royal Navy fighting the French Navy in the Caribbean.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is ten hours and fifty-seven minutes. Steven Crossley does a good job narrating the story.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is ten hours and fifty-seven minutes. Steven Crossley does a good job narrating the story.
November 12, 2019
Excellent continuation of the naval adventures begun in The Colonial Post-Captain. While it doesn't have the depth and colour of O'Brian's Aubrey/Maturin novels, it does have the advantage of a writer who served in the Navy himself and who understands the sea and sailing in a way that no landlubber author can match. Captain Carlisle and Lieutenant Holbrooke are engaging characters, the setting (in this case the Caribbean) is vivid and the story, drawing on the real-life exploits of 18th-century frigate commanders, is as extraordinary as the exploits of those naval commanders. Thoroughly recommended to fans of naval adventures.
August 20, 2024
Ratline Climbing
The Leeward Islands Squadron continues its unique portrayal of Age of Sail stories as if it were modern military science-fiction, teaching readers the limitations of real-world sailing technologies and their cascading impacts on grand strategy. As Captain Carlisle sails to the Carribean, we’re ensconced in rich worldbuilding. Natural currents and trade winds define the geography and dictate the positioning of historical forts. It explains the Admiralty’s broad goals and sets boundaries for a captain’s extensive mandate. We dive into sailing minutiae, analyzing natural harbours, tidal interactions, and the cost of maintaining blockades windward or leeward. These formerly well-known real-world concepts add nuance to fleet orders.
While the author maintains high standards for his technical narrative, there is an unfortunate episodic quality to The Leeward Islands Squadron. One expects an ominous threat looming over the horizon that justifies a series of adventures. The Seven Years’ War doesn’t provide the requisite tension. War is an economic backdrop that makes or breaks careers. British sailors worry about the French and the Spanish, but in equal measures, they worry about privateers, pirates and hurricanes. Similarly, Carlisle’s social prospects and personal fortune are vague notions that won’t motivate readers to pick up the sequel.
On the other hand, internal politics drove me to finish this novel in record time. Carlisle’s commander and his peers never forget that he’s an upstart Colonial. Reporting to a superior who detests him, our protagonist has to navigate organizational waters. Prejudice is an infuriating and unexpected antagonist. It’s also wonderful to see the returning Chaplain teach our Captain the art of upward management. Carlisle is a born leader, as demonstrated by his ability to nurture talent and accept advice. And despite a reduced role, Holbrooke still has to find a place amongst former colleagues who are now subordinates. The Leeward Islands Squadron is never a tense affair. But extensive research, careful attention to detail, and compelling character arcs are reason enough to pick up this modern take on the Age of Sail.
Recommended.
The Leeward Islands Squadron continues its unique portrayal of Age of Sail stories as if it were modern military science-fiction, teaching readers the limitations of real-world sailing technologies and their cascading impacts on grand strategy. As Captain Carlisle sails to the Carribean, we’re ensconced in rich worldbuilding. Natural currents and trade winds define the geography and dictate the positioning of historical forts. It explains the Admiralty’s broad goals and sets boundaries for a captain’s extensive mandate. We dive into sailing minutiae, analyzing natural harbours, tidal interactions, and the cost of maintaining blockades windward or leeward. These formerly well-known real-world concepts add nuance to fleet orders.
While the author maintains high standards for his technical narrative, there is an unfortunate episodic quality to The Leeward Islands Squadron. One expects an ominous threat looming over the horizon that justifies a series of adventures. The Seven Years’ War doesn’t provide the requisite tension. War is an economic backdrop that makes or breaks careers. British sailors worry about the French and the Spanish, but in equal measures, they worry about privateers, pirates and hurricanes. Similarly, Carlisle’s social prospects and personal fortune are vague notions that won’t motivate readers to pick up the sequel.
On the other hand, internal politics drove me to finish this novel in record time. Carlisle’s commander and his peers never forget that he’s an upstart Colonial. Reporting to a superior who detests him, our protagonist has to navigate organizational waters. Prejudice is an infuriating and unexpected antagonist. It’s also wonderful to see the returning Chaplain teach our Captain the art of upward management. Carlisle is a born leader, as demonstrated by his ability to nurture talent and accept advice. And despite a reduced role, Holbrooke still has to find a place amongst former colleagues who are now subordinates. The Leeward Islands Squadron is never a tense affair. But extensive research, careful attention to detail, and compelling character arcs are reason enough to pick up this modern take on the Age of Sail.
Recommended.
May 18, 2022
In this novel, Captain Carlisle and his 1st Lieutenant Holbrooke are sent to the Caribbean to fight the French and protect English commerce. There's no larger overarching storyline here, only a few adventures strung together covering a time in history. Carlisle is an interesting character, capable but not excessively so, with some oddities that set him apart.
Overall I'd class these around the same quality level as the Ramage series, somewhat entertaining but with more historical information. Durbin is a historian and the books feel more like a chance to cover historical events than a real attempt to craft tales and do any careful plotting. Characterization is minimal, with nearly every person in the book feeling basically the same. Holbrooke in particuar lacks any distinction, where he was much more interesting in the first book.
The author has a disturbing habit of starting something interesting ,then breaking into a long dissertation on the feelings of the character and analyzing their situation, often with some historical data dumped in -- sometimes telling about what will happen in the future in this place!
Particularly frustrating is how repeatedly he'll start a conversation with one line of dialog, then break off to a very long passage, sometimes over two pages, of narration and background, before the next line of dialog. This is not only disruptive to flow, but it ruins any sense of interaction. There's a lot of tell rather than show here as well: people's conversations are condensed to a bit of narration explaining what happened, events are described rather than shown.
Overall I'd class these around the same quality level as the Ramage series, somewhat entertaining but with more historical information. Durbin is a historian and the books feel more like a chance to cover historical events than a real attempt to craft tales and do any careful plotting. Characterization is minimal, with nearly every person in the book feeling basically the same. Holbrooke in particuar lacks any distinction, where he was much more interesting in the first book.
The author has a disturbing habit of starting something interesting ,then breaking into a long dissertation on the feelings of the character and analyzing their situation, often with some historical data dumped in -- sometimes telling about what will happen in the future in this place!
Particularly frustrating is how repeatedly he'll start a conversation with one line of dialog, then break off to a very long passage, sometimes over two pages, of narration and background, before the next line of dialog. This is not only disruptive to flow, but it ruins any sense of interaction. There's a lot of tell rather than show here as well: people's conversations are condensed to a bit of narration explaining what happened, events are described rather than shown.
June 10, 2018
REALLY ENJOYING THIS SERIES!
I'm through the first two books of what I hope is a LONG relationship between Carlisle (and Chiara) and Holbrooke. The character development is excellent, the plots plausible and fast-moving, and the stories reflect a true appreciation for historical accuracy.
I have really been hooked by Mr. Durbin's re-creation of life in a mid-eighteenth century British frigate. I am impressed with not only his descriptions of the workaday world on board, but with his portraits of the majesty of a Caribbean sunset, or starry night. All these images help put me "in the picture", which is as good a complement as a storyteller can get, in my opinion. I can't wait for Book Three!
I'm through the first two books of what I hope is a LONG relationship between Carlisle (and Chiara) and Holbrooke. The character development is excellent, the plots plausible and fast-moving, and the stories reflect a true appreciation for historical accuracy.
I have really been hooked by Mr. Durbin's re-creation of life in a mid-eighteenth century British frigate. I am impressed with not only his descriptions of the workaday world on board, but with his portraits of the majesty of a Caribbean sunset, or starry night. All these images help put me "in the picture", which is as good a complement as a storyteller can get, in my opinion. I can't wait for Book Three!
June 6, 2023
This was the second book in thos series set in the Caribbean during the Seven Years War. I was a little slow getting into it. The author kept repeatedly referring to the same incidents from the first book. But once the action picked up I was hooked and very much enjoyed the book. The author does a good job of creating realistic characters and I liked that he demonstrated how naval politics influenced decisions. He also did a fine job of discussing how national politics affected the navy and operations, but without spending a lot of time on it. His descriptions of naval movements were clear to this land lover and his descriptions of battle was vivid and suspenseful. I found his command of history and naval operations of the period to be well researched and provided a very realistic atmosphere throughout. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in the age of sail and British naval action tales.
June 14, 2020
For those of you that are fans of 18th and early 19th century naval fiction this series deserves your attention. The series covers the periods of the Seven Years War as well as the American Revolution, which in itself is unusual. The author devotes appropriate effort to the technical aspects of sailing and fighting warships of this era without getting too far into the weeds. He also devotes adequate time the the larger geopolitical factors at play in the world which provides context for this relatively unknown period. . His character development is appealing. While not quite at Patrick O’Brian level, this series is better than most and well worth your time
March 20, 2021
Excellent history explaining the Seven Years War and a well told story
The second story in the series which sets the background for the rest of the series. The series bring Shelly Foote’s article in Naval History that history should be written telling a good story. Like Foot,s Civil War series there are maps appropriate for the text. Anyone taking a course covering naval history or the French and Indian War would find the series a useful and enjoyable supplement.
The second story in the series which sets the background for the rest of the series. The series bring Shelly Foote’s article in Naval History that history should be written telling a good story. Like Foot,s Civil War series there are maps appropriate for the text. Anyone taking a course covering naval history or the French and Indian War would find the series a useful and enjoyable supplement.
May 11, 2018
Enjoyable read.
I look forward to reading more of this series. The author is a better writer than many of his contemporaries but he should not let the interesting history of future events spoil the flow of his narrative, these points should be made in notes at the end of the book perhaps, otherwise an interesting novel.
I look forward to reading more of this series. The author is a better writer than many of his contemporaries but he should not let the interesting history of future events spoil the flow of his narrative, these points should be made in notes at the end of the book perhaps, otherwise an interesting novel.
May 16, 2018
A winning team
Enjoyed this book. Good character development continued. Interesting locale for all the action. Even in this time period it was difficult to deal with personnel issues tainted by politics. Mr. Chalmers provides an excellent sounding board for the Captain's loneliness of command. Can't wait for the next volume.
Enjoyed this book. Good character development continued. Interesting locale for all the action. Even in this time period it was difficult to deal with personnel issues tainted by politics. Mr. Chalmers provides an excellent sounding board for the Captain's loneliness of command. Can't wait for the next volume.
December 24, 2020
The intrigue of war at sea during the Mic 1700s
As a non-sailor, I was so happy to find the glossary of naval terms that Mr. Durbin has on his website because I don't know a frigate from a cruiser. But even without the glossary, the story is exciting and the personal dynamics present challenges that many of us can identify with in our current lives..
As a non-sailor, I was so happy to find the glossary of naval terms that Mr. Durbin has on his website because I don't know a frigate from a cruiser. But even without the glossary, the story is exciting and the personal dynamics present challenges that many of us can identify with in our current lives..
November 15, 2021
Captain Carlisle has been sheparding a reluctant young Lt. Holbrooke is the art of making war from the sea. He's rewarded by Holbrooke's coming of age. Carlisle is wounded in a battle and, as first Lt., forced to take command of the ship. Holbrooke does well in hie first command and is recognized by the commanding Admiral and given command of a sloop.
July 10, 2018
Great story set in the French and Indian War
The story follows a Virginian born Captain in the Royal Navy. The story follows the war in the Caribbean Sea and the challenges and exploits of the Captain.
The story follows a Virginian born Captain in the Royal Navy. The story follows the war in the Caribbean Sea and the challenges and exploits of the Captain.
August 15, 2018
Great tale
looking forward to more in this series. It was a believable tale, and i like the fact it is pre=revolutionary war... too many have taken the time of the Napoleonic War, skipping even the battle of Saintes
looking forward to more in this series. It was a believable tale, and i like the fact it is pre=revolutionary war... too many have taken the time of the Napoleonic War, skipping even the battle of Saintes
November 7, 2018
Well written
I enjoyed reading this series . as an American I find the concept of a colonial American Captain in the Royal navy very intriguing.I wonder if it ever happened? Looking forward to more adventures for Carlisle and Holbrooke
I enjoyed reading this series . as an American I find the concept of a colonial American Captain in the Royal navy very intriguing.I wonder if it ever happened? Looking forward to more adventures for Carlisle and Holbrooke
November 11, 2018
For Hornblower fans
Enjoyed the historical and technical accuracy. Having cruised the area as charter boat captain for five years I could see the areas of action in my minds eye
Looking forward to the next book
Enjoyed the historical and technical accuracy. Having cruised the area as charter boat captain for five years I could see the areas of action in my minds eye
Looking forward to the next book
January 7, 2019
Well once again this was a page turner and the characters leapt off the pages! I was so busy reading this I did not stop! I read this in 24 hrs! I was so involved with the action and wanted to know what would happen next- roll on book 3! Well done Chris Durbin-you have a disciple!
February 1, 2020
Another terrific yarn
Thoroughly enjoyed the second in the series. Well Written and researched, Carlisle and Holbrook battle on through all sorts of scrapes, even a bit of love interest. Onwards to the next adventure.
Thoroughly enjoyed the second in the series. Well Written and researched, Carlisle and Holbrook battle on through all sorts of scrapes, even a bit of love interest. Onwards to the next adventure.
May 19, 2020
Position held...
I think I said it before when reviewing the first book in the series... but I'm happy to say it again... It's a demanding position to hold but I think Chris Durbin is doing it and is debatably the natural successor to Patrick O'Brien.
I think I said it before when reviewing the first book in the series... but I'm happy to say it again... It's a demanding position to hold but I think Chris Durbin is doing it and is debatably the natural successor to Patrick O'Brien.
June 3, 2020
Great book
This is a fun stirring
Historical account of naval officers during the seven year was that includes sailing and naval war tactics that that keeps you captive page after page,
This is a fun stirring
Historical account of naval officers during the seven year was that includes sailing and naval war tactics that that keeps you captive page after page,
July 26, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading the next episode.
Well paved adventure. With believable characters in keeping g with the age in which it is set. A good read
Well paved adventure. With believable characters in keeping g with the age in which it is set. A good read
July 27, 2020
As an avid reader (and re-reader) of Patrick O’brians see-faring series, I very much enjoyed this second in a series featuring ANOTHER duo. I found the characters well-drawn and the technical sailing aspects convincing. Highly recommended.
September 9, 2020
A good read
This book gives an insight into life at sea as it would have
been, hard and uncompromising, together with some insights into peoples minds, and actions , with some
action and a little romance, really enjoyed reading.
This book gives an insight into life at sea as it would have
been, hard and uncompromising, together with some insights into peoples minds, and actions , with some
action and a little romance, really enjoyed reading.
September 17, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyable historical Naval novel
A real page turner that manages to be an easy read without being at all lightweight. The tale is fast paced and filled with both historical detail and insight into naval practice of the day. Fascinating, engaging and thrilling. An excellent read.
A real page turner that manages to be an easy read without being at all lightweight. The tale is fast paced and filled with both historical detail and insight into naval practice of the day. Fascinating, engaging and thrilling. An excellent read.
May 24, 2018
Great book
I enjoyed both of these books and the history they followed. Great research and as important great writing by this aythor
I enjoyed both of these books and the history they followed. Great research and as important great writing by this aythor
July 3, 2018
Another good one
The life and times of the old sailing vessels and their crews are fascinating reading for me. This was a good one.
The life and times of the old sailing vessels and their crews are fascinating reading for me. This was a good one.
July 5, 2018
Avast lubbers
Sail wing n wing with Carlisle through battle strategy for square rigged frigates.. 18th century adventure as real as lubbers and sailors can expect.
Sail wing n wing with Carlisle through battle strategy for square rigged frigates.. 18th century adventure as real as lubbers and sailors can expect.
July 11, 2018
Now Awaiting The Third Installment
Bought the first and second books, was not disappointed. Will certainly buy the third. Very satisfied, Mr. Durbin. Keep them sailing.
Bought the first and second books, was not disappointed. Will certainly buy the third. Very satisfied, Mr. Durbin. Keep them sailing.
August 19, 2018
Great sailing adventure! I'll be reading them all.
February 27, 2019
Go Navy beat Army
What a fantastic navel history book love dick from beginning to end Reddit only two and a half days very fast read
What a fantastic navel history book love dick from beginning to end Reddit only two and a half days very fast read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews