A Sea of Gold: Thomas Kydd 21

Thomas Kydd #21

by Julian Stockwin

This will be the twenty-first novel in Julian Stockwin's acclaimed Thomas Kydd series - perfect for fans of Patrick O'Brian, Bernard Cornwell, and swashbuckling adventure during the great Age of Sail.

'Paints a vivid picture of life aboard the mighty ship-of-the-line' - Daily Express

'In Stockwin's hands the sea story will continue to entrance readers across the world' - Guardian

Genres: Historical Fiction, Nautical, Adventure

400 pages, Paperback

Published October 15, 2019

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 4 out of 5]

** Should read as 4.5 STARS**

This fast-paced eventful story is the 21st volume of the very impressive "Thomas Kydd" series, from the author, Julian Stockwin.

The book presents us at the beginning with an anon Naval Chronicle 1801, followed by four well-drawn maps, ending with a great list of Dramatis Personae.

At the back of the book you'll notice a very well documented Author's Note, as well as a Glossary, where the historical details concerning this story and nautical terms are superbly explained by the author.

Storytelling is as ever of a top-notch quality, all characters, whether they are real historical or great fictional, come splendidly to life within this nautical historical tale, and the living and economic conditions in England as well as naval warfare are wonderfully pictured by the author, and the last especially with its authentic language at sea.

This book starts off in the Spring of the year AD 1809, and once again we follow the exploits of our main protagonist of this series, Sir Thomas Kydd.

The book contains several sea and land skirmishes in Northeast Spain, Catalonia, as well as on the French coast at the Basque Roads, with Thomas Kydd alongside the Lone Wolf of the Sea, Lord Cochrane, against the forces of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, while the British Government is trying to make some shady deals with some big Banking Houses in an attempt to finance their war efforts in a coalition with Austria, with Nicholas Renzi, now Lord Farndon, in the heat of things during the negotiations, while the sensible and clearheaded Sir Kydd is making some gambling shambles in an effort to be too greedy too quickly.

What is to come is a very entertaining and delightful story, told with passion and verve by the author, in which Sir Thomas Kydd must do anything he can to restore his wealth and fame, while his particular friend, Nicholas Renzi, now Lord Farndon, will help him to restore his senses and determination, and so to return to a life of standing and prestige.

Highly recommended, for this is another great addition to this series, but I have to say that I miss the real fearsome great sea-engagements, with battleships-of-the-line or frigates one-on-one, that's why I regrettably can't give the full 5 stars, but instead it will have to be 4.5 Stars, and what this episode is concerned my headline will be: "A Golden Seastory With Silver Edging"!

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another well written and well researched tale of the British days of sail. Spot on with the good old boy club of the naval officer core and the battle of Basque Roads. Arrogance and snootiness. Just like today's politicians and people of power.

[Bob Cantrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a lot of things going on in it. Kydd is teamed up with Lord Cochrane to bring confusion to the French in the Med. Then Kydd's brother-in-law and friend, Lord Farndon is involved with a government plan to help finance the war against France. Kydd get to spend some time a shore in England and manages to get himself into bad financial straits. I will say this that it is a close run ending to this book. I can't wait for the next adventure and see what devilment Kydd is up to against the French.

[Finn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel claps on all sail from the very start: a flying voyage filled with action and intrigue. Excellent attention to historical detail, a well crafted plot and characters with depth. I only wish it had been longer. Certainly one of my favourite Kydd novels.

[Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here be Treasure!

Julian Stockwin is like the gift that just keeps giving. This is an excellent series that I suspect will just never grow tired of listening to and this is one of the very best of the recent books. There is lots of action, intrigue and for me no little learning about the period in which it is set. Including a welcome adventure for Kydd's oldest shipmate Renzi, now known as Lord Farndon, in the world of high finance. We finally get the two in harness once more with some classic lines and situations.

The book contains an absolute panoply of connected story lines. Oddly the one that fascinated me the most concerned Kydd foraying into the world of maritime insurance. In today's connected world it seems incredible how information of such huge import would take so long to arrive. A world of hand-written notes, great ledgers and gentlemanly agreement and probably none the worse for it.

It's hard to believe that this series has been going so long but when Stockwin can keep the like of Kydd, Renzi, Sturk and co so fresh and introduce new and vibrant characters like the somehow dourly swashbuckling Cochrane to the scene and Rodska can bring them all to life so authentically a prognosis for a long and happy life for the series seems sound.

[Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

A ship in need of trimming

I did enjoy this latest in the Kydd series but is it just me or are they becoming overly bow heavy? Don’t get me wrong I love the series and will keep reading but wish the book was more evenly trimmed so that the bow skimmed the waves instead of plunging deep.

The story starts well and is nicely paced but the short chapters seem to be a tool to cover lots of small events which is fine at the start but as the story progresses with different locations being mixed together there is no idea of timings to give the lay of the land. I don’t want to spoil things but Renzi appears at home but just before he’s overseas and with what’s happening to Kydd I found it disjointed.

Also gone are the gripping sea engagements of earlier books and now it’s done and dusted in a couple of paragraphs and this leads to a story which although pleasing rapidly comes to a conclusion in only a few pages that has taken most of the book to setup and to be honest is a tad far fetched and not what I expect from Mr Stockwin. This led to me feeling it just seemed to stop as if it had run aground abruptly and left me unfulfilled even if the outcome is what we’d want for the characters, hence four and not five stars.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Standing solidly on the back of the 20 previous books in this series, I'm not sure how this book would come across if read by itself. As usual for a historical novel, it exposes to the reader some some interesting facets of history, in this case high the workings of international banking houses, Lloyds of London insurance brokers, the purchase, use, and problems with moving enormous amounts of 'specie' (coins or bullion instead of notes or bonds) during the Nepolionic Wars, the enigmatic character of Lord Cochrane, and of course a few relevant British naval battles - which us afterall yhe whole point of the series. I've pre-orded book no.22 nearly a year in advance so I don't miss a minute of the action!

Trivia: A milestone achieved by the author with this book is that this series is now longer than the 20.5 book Aubrey-Maturin Series from which the film Master and Commander was derived - all of which I've read 2 or 3 times.

[Chris Oswald · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most gripping of the Kydd series. What I like about Julian Stockwin's writing is his ability to bring the ordinary, everyday matters into his stories - fears, experiences, social scenes, temptations, while also giving a rattling good naval yarn. For instance, the insight into the early working of Lloyds of London insurance is fascinating, while also building fantastic suspense.

Merged review:

What a great book, probably the best in the series so far. It combines the usual maritime adventures with a look at early nineteenth century politics, society and the emergence of Lloyds of London insurance, with an enthralling end you hope will work out in Kydd's favour. Definitely a good read!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fire ships, treasure, blockades and battles pepper this exciting tale that has Captain Sir Thomas Kydd risk everything to save his property from being devalued. All he wants is to put his beloved’s mind at ease about their neighbors, but he ends up making things worse. To redeem himself, he has only one last chance with all he holds dear at stake if he fails. Even his friend Nicholas Renzi, aka Lord Farndon, gets involved. Meanwhile, the British fleet attempts to reign in Napoleon's forces. With its blend of personal crises and danger on the high seas, this is one of the best in recent installments.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The FINAL book of 2019. I didn't reach my goal of 100, 2020 is tomorrow and who know? I may get there in the new year.

The adage "It's lonely at the top" is true for this series. Kydd is at the top of his game, the war is still on going. (Will it ever end?) And things are changing and not always for the better. I'm starting to get fatigue from the series, its a good thing that there is only one more and then there will be a break. Kydd faces a lot of challenges and doesn't necessarily come away unscathed. However, he does live to sail again.

[Shelly Lincoln · Rating 4 out of 5]

Compared with other books in the series, this does not stand out - if this were book 1 in the collection I'm not certain I would keep going. On the other hand though, the life of a sea captain on land iw worth exploring. Kydd finds himself gambling his fortune at Lloyds of London without really having sufficient knowledge of how it works and what his exposure might be. On the other hand, there are fewer moments at sea which makes this more of a historical novel than a tale of life on the seas during the Napoleonic era.

[Adam‘’s book reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stockwin's "A Sea of Gold" sails on a sea of vivid prose, propelled by meticulous historical detail that ignites the senses. Each sentence crackles with the tension of Napoleonic intrigue, as Kydd navigates treacherous alliances and hidden agendas on his quest for mythical gold. Dialogue rings with wit and veiled intent, while descriptions of battles and candlelit cabins alike are rendered with an immersive, cinematic flair. This is historical adventure elevated to an art form, leaving readers spellbound and breathless until the final anchor drops.

[allan smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant outing for Kidd

As usual for Julian Stockwins protege, Kydd does not disappoint.

The great characterisations of Gambier, Harvey and of course Cochrane combine into a fantastic tale taking Kydd to the peaks and troughs of fortune.

Looking forward to Kydds' next exploits

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I suppose that no Captain's tale would be complete without a turn of fortunes. This story seemed to feel "thrown together", as if an editor's deadline loomed. A little confusing at times, with regard to where and when things were taking place. A few intriguing turns, and a happy ending. A pretty good contribution to the group. Recommend.

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good heavens. The 21st in the series. Unusually, I felt this was a tad overlong. Still great descriptions and sense of time and place but it did seem to go on and on. It did all come together so I can see the authors reasoning but phew! Recommended to the normal crew.

[David Slater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always a joy to read a Julian Stockwin novel

[Fraser Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another cracker!

[Lori Field · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Kydd adventure. Too bad he can't have anything come too easily though. He has to come to the brink of ruin before the master stroke. Still entertaining. Glad to see the old crew.

[Charlie Shaw · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't think I'll read anymore of his!

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story. I cannot wait to read the others.

[stephen dancer · Rating 5 out of 5]

can't wait for the next book

[Oismiffy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been putting off reading this one, as despite loving the series the previous two instalments have been woeful. So glad things seem to be back on track.

[olive · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5 bc i would’ve known what was going on if i had the brain cells to read the first 20 books. some sentences popped off but i retained barely anything

[Viva · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've lost my initial enthusiasm with this series in the second dozen of the books in the series. That's because Stockwin started including history in the books. History via long boring dialogs, pages and pages of historical statesmen talking to each other as they determined the course of the war. Something I could have read in the wikipedia or from books. I read this series to read the fictional naval adventures of Thomas Kydd, not Castlereagh or Pitt or whoever. I started to fast read those chapters then I just skipped them entirely and it made no difference. The worst book was the Inferno where there were only 2 chapters on Kydd.

Spoilers ahead:

Anyway I digress. To get back to this book, Kydd is sent back to the Mediterranean with amorphous orders (I guess so he can be better fit into history). I think the main story here was the attack of Basque Roads where Lord Cochrane (Kydd second in command) was sent in with fireships to destroy the French ships under French Admiral Willaumez.

Most of the French ships became grounded as they sought to escape but only half the job was done because the British Admiral Gambier refused to send in ships to finish the job. Apparently this was a big deal in the day and Gambier even called his own court martial where he was discharged by his own cronies in a set up court.

We also got to meet Cochrane who was a larger than life figure during the war. Apparently a hothead, an intelligent and courageous hero who invented a lot of devices but made a lot of enemies. Another one of the stories in the book was where Cochrane tried to prevent the French from assaulting Rosas but ultimately failed.

One thing that Stockwin does well though is include interesting side-stories in his books. One was how fireships worked. Until I read this book I only had vague ideas that the whole ship would be filled with combustibles and then sent in with a secured helm but Stockwin goes into quite a bit of detail of how the fireships were set up by the firemasters and actually how the attack on Basque Roads occurred.

Another interesting story was how Lloyd's of London worked. Kydd needed a vast amount of money to prevent his neighbor's property from being sold for clay mining. He needed to get this money quickly so he decided to be an underwriter. If the ship delivered, he'd get his money back multiplied, otherwise he lost it. He made money at first, then sunk his entire savings into a "sure thing" but the unimaginable happened (captain got a seizure) and lost everything. He then decided to use his estate as security to buy stocks and lost that too (and I'm sure a warning to all of us to only invest/gamble what you can afford to lose each time).

The final action is the fight with 2 French escorting frigates and the capture of a French treasure ship that was escaping with the Spanish royal treasure. I'm not sure how the Admiralty would have treated this prize but the book ends when Kydd captures the ship and discovers the treasure.

Overall I still give it 4 stars for the action sequences and the two segments on Lloyd's and fireships. I completely skipped over the historical parts.

I'm going to stop at this book and try some other series.

[Tom Humphries · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Stockwin Classic

I have been a big fan of this series for some time now and shaky anticipate each book. This has to be one of the best yet.
Overall I have found this title to be one of the best and fresh having found some of the previous novels mundane at times.
For me defiantly worth the read and i will egaly anticipate the next novel.