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The Dorset Boy #2
The Special Operations Flotilla
Midshipman Martin Stockley is 15 years old and back in the Falcon for another tour at sea. Returning from a trip to the Nordics as part of a prize crew he is unexpectedly summoned to the Admiralty. The following meeting with Admiral Lord Hood and William Wickham twists his career in the Navy in a direction he never expected and his talent for trouble is suddenly in demand. Add to the mix a beautiful widow and you have a story full of adventure, derring do and romance. He ends up back in Toulon with the beautiful French spy Linette where he is tasked with finding out what the hell Napoleon is up to amassing thousands of troops and hundreds of ships on the Mediterranean coast.
229 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 30, 2018
495 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
Christopher C. Tubbs
35 books110 followersBiography
I am descendent of a long line of Dorset clay miners and have chased my family tree back to the 16th century in the Isle of Purbeck. I have been a public speaker at conferences for most of my career in the Aerospace and Automotive industries and was one of the founders of a successful games company back in the 1990’s.
Now in my sixties, and living in the Netherlands Antilles, I finally got to write the stories I had going around in my head for many years. Thanks to inspiration from the great sea authors like Alexander Kent, Dewey Lambdin, Patrick O’Brian and Dudley Pope I was finally able to put digit to keyboard and start writing the Dorset Boy series.
I make no apologies that I write for myself. The stories emerge as I write and I am often surprised by the twists and turns that they take.
I am descendent of a long line of Dorset clay miners and have chased my family tree back to the 16th century in the Isle of Purbeck. I have been a public speaker at conferences for most of my career in the Aerospace and Automotive industries and was one of the founders of a successful games company back in the 1990’s.
Now in my sixties, and living in the Netherlands Antilles, I finally got to write the stories I had going around in my head for many years. Thanks to inspiration from the great sea authors like Alexander Kent, Dewey Lambdin, Patrick O’Brian and Dudley Pope I was finally able to put digit to keyboard and start writing the Dorset Boy series.
I make no apologies that I write for myself. The stories emerge as I write and I am often surprised by the twists and turns that they take.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
January 22, 2019
Series Shaping Up
Things get a little over the top. The story moves along quickly with lots of action. Reading Hornblower type fiction requires more willing suspension of disbelief than listening to politicians' promises. One senior officer remarks that Marty (our 17 year old hero) has gained more prize money in his four years than he (a captain) has in his entire career. To make mere mortals feel even more inadequate, a beautiful rich young widow with a strong sex drive falls in love with him!
Things get a little over the top. The story moves along quickly with lots of action. Reading Hornblower type fiction requires more willing suspension of disbelief than listening to politicians' promises. One senior officer remarks that Marty (our 17 year old hero) has gained more prize money in his four years than he (a captain) has in his entire career. To make mere mortals feel even more inadequate, a beautiful rich young widow with a strong sex drive falls in love with him!
February 28, 2019
I truly appreciate the sailing ship stories
This one has a number of battles that are interesting with the different tactics that were involved. The use of the sails and wind are as much a factor as the armament.
This one has a number of battles that are interesting with the different tactics that were involved. The use of the sails and wind are as much a factor as the armament.
December 14, 2018
Getting better as they come.
Christopher writes in the traditional way,then adds a new touch with his young hero . This series can run and run.
Christopher writes in the traditional way,then adds a new touch with his young hero . This series can run and run.
January 12, 2019
Great follow up to the previous book in the series
This book was riveting an d I only put it down to answer nature's call. I was enthralled by the story. I would recommend that you read the books in series order. Excellent use of major historical events blended in with the fiction of the story. A welcome successor to C. S. Forester and Alexander Kent. Read it you will like it.
This book was riveting an d I only put it down to answer nature's call. I was enthralled by the story. I would recommend that you read the books in series order. Excellent use of major historical events blended in with the fiction of the story. A welcome successor to C. S. Forester and Alexander Kent. Read it you will like it.
January 12, 2019
Original and brilliant.
A most unusual storyline, not the usual tales of the sea. Having read both books one and two twice, all I can say is where is books 3, 4, 5 and 6, get your finger out and work faster.
A most unusual storyline, not the usual tales of the sea. Having read both books one and two twice, all I can say is where is books 3, 4, 5 and 6, get your finger out and work faster.
December 28, 2018
Book 2 as good as book one
Lookin forward to the next book in the series, the characthers are well developed, and the action is about the correct level
Lookin forward to the next book in the series, the characthers are well developed, and the action is about the correct level
April 10, 2023
A pretty good story continuing the adventures of a teenager, now Midshipman in the Royal Navy. This one pushes the boundaries of credibility quite a bit more than the previous one, and it continues the "promoted too quickly" pattern, although at least the young man did his necessary years at sea this time.
This time out, young Martin is recruited as a spy and succeeds quite well at the job, not having to really learn anything and demonstrating exceptional skill at pretty much everything he puts his hands to. He even breaks a guy's neck with his bootlaces.
The series isn't going a direction I'd hoped so I have to cut things loose here, but that doesn't mean they are bad stories. Just not what I was looking for.
This time out, young Martin is recruited as a spy and succeeds quite well at the job, not having to really learn anything and demonstrating exceptional skill at pretty much everything he puts his hands to. He even breaks a guy's neck with his bootlaces.
The series isn't going a direction I'd hoped so I have to cut things loose here, but that doesn't mean they are bad stories. Just not what I was looking for.
August 16, 2024
Marty, who could be designated 001, now a lieutenant and wealthy from his prize money, is sent on a special mission to France. His purpose is to sow discord among the various factions of the Revolution. At sea, he must face three French Corvettes that have set a trap for them. His carronades or "smashers" do their job well and the trappers are sunk or captured.
Attempting to rescue a fellow co-spy, he is captured but turns the tables and escapes after administering a quick death to his horribly wounded colleague. They suitably address their mission with a very loud solution and escape to find that Napoleon's successful coup d'etat has put him in charge. Still not very realistic, but then neither is our current deluge of superheroes.
Attempting to rescue a fellow co-spy, he is captured but turns the tables and escapes after administering a quick death to his horribly wounded colleague. They suitably address their mission with a very loud solution and escape to find that Napoleon's successful coup d'etat has put him in charge. Still not very realistic, but then neither is our current deluge of superheroes.
September 11, 2024
Before you read this one, please realize it is a continuation of a series: you will need to read the series in order or the characters / plot may not make much sense to you. This isn't your typical historical fiction novel as it focuses in on the continued life and travails of a young man. There is good interplay between the characters and the author certainly knows how to tell a story. You will also get a taste of old-fashioned ship battles as well as a little bit of a history lesson. I am reading each of these in order, going to the next one immediately and can’t seem to put them down. I picked this up for “free” with my Kindle Unlimited subscription vs. the regular price of $3.99 – I certainly received more than $3.99 of entertainment value and I am sure you will, also.
July 10, 2019
While this book has an engaging plot, it was written by someone who has little concept of seamanship in the age of sail. There are numerous errors in terminology and the plot seems contrived. The concept, and even the name of the Special Operations Flotilla seem much later, more like WW I time frame. We should recall that Napoleonic era sailors were often illiterate so using an acronym just doesn’t make sense.
I suspect the semiofficial character of that unit should probably be described differently to be appropriate to the time period.
Still, I finished the book and read the next one in the series so I guess it had redeeming qualities.
I suspect the semiofficial character of that unit should probably be described differently to be appropriate to the time period.
Still, I finished the book and read the next one in the series so I guess it had redeeming qualities.
January 26, 2019
Not a bad tale
The editing is horrible. Errors such as spelling Sail as sale, or supply Corp as supply core. The MC fights with a Bowie knife, which is strange considering that the inventor was not born until 2 years after the starting date of the story. (Jim Bowie was born in 1796)
The editing is horrible. Errors such as spelling Sail as sale, or supply Corp as supply core. The MC fights with a Bowie knife, which is strange considering that the inventor was not born until 2 years after the starting date of the story. (Jim Bowie was born in 1796)
February 6, 2020
A mixed bag
A fastpaced tale with lots of action sequences.
The hero is just too super hero like for it to be more than a light read and the lack of a good editor and proofreader distracts from the storytelling.
Still, worth a read and I shall be continuing on with the next book in the series.
A fastpaced tale with lots of action sequences.
The hero is just too super hero like for it to be more than a light read and the lack of a good editor and proofreader distracts from the storytelling.
Still, worth a read and I shall be continuing on with the next book in the series.
February 4, 2019
Another Good Story
This book was better than the first as see Marty as an older and more realistic age for his adventures. The action scenes are well-written and the descriptions are good.
This book was better than the first as see Marty as an older and more realistic age for his adventures. The action scenes are well-written and the descriptions are good.
May 16, 2019
Review two
,Francesca. Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx,xxxxxxxxxx,,,,,xccccccccccccvvvvvvvvvvvbbbbbbbnnnnnnnnnnmmmmmmmmm...........!!!!!!!!!!???????????
Injunctions Bibb Bibb by. F2f. F2f. Bibb. Bibb. Bought. V. The dangerous for the by reading the main b
,Francesca. Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx,xxxxxxxxxx,,,,,xccccccccccccvvvvvvvvvvvbbbbbbbnnnnnnnnnnmmmmmmmmm...........!!!!!!!!!!???????????
Injunctions Bibb Bibb by. F2f. F2f. Bibb. Bibb. Bought. V. The dangerous for the by reading the main b
August 18, 2019
Name changes
4 stars because it is decent story spoiled by the the use of 'chord' for cord, Captain Turner becoming Captain Taylor, once again the use of a proofread a Der would been beneficial. Still, on to book 3!!
4 stars because it is decent story spoiled by the the use of 'chord' for cord, Captain Turner becoming Captain Taylor, once again the use of a proofread a Der would been beneficial. Still, on to book 3!!
December 22, 2019
Well written yarn in what seems to be avery good series. Well developed characters, lots if action a very good look at the British Navy in the early Napoleonic era. So grammatical mistakes & typos but noe-the-less a well constructed yarn!
November 23, 2021
Good storyline that can be quite intriguing
Refreshing change from other books of the era. Some good, if a bit unbelievable, twists but worth the read and I've convinced myself to read further into the series. Good level of detail, in parts.
Refreshing change from other books of the era. Some good, if a bit unbelievable, twists but worth the read and I've convinced myself to read further into the series. Good level of detail, in parts.
April 26, 2022
OTHERS DO IT FAR BETTER
A decent story with all the usual tricks of the trade. My main criticism is the poor use of English which is written with little skill. Eg do we really need all of a sudden when Suddenly is far better?
A decent story with all the usual tricks of the trade. My main criticism is the poor use of English which is written with little skill. Eg do we really need all of a sudden when Suddenly is far better?
October 25, 2023
Lots of action.
Mr. tubs obviously knows the time period very well. His knowledge of the selling ships of that time is also Excellent. Lots of action And character development make for a quick read.
Mr. tubs obviously knows the time period very well. His knowledge of the selling ships of that time is also Excellent. Lots of action And character development make for a quick read.
November 26, 2023
Good Read
I love the comraderie and character development. After reading book 1 I was hooked! I'm one of those people who refuses to read a standalone book, this series is the bees knees!!
I love the comraderie and character development. After reading book 1 I was hooked! I'm one of those people who refuses to read a standalone book, this series is the bees knees!!
January 29, 2024
Lots of action
Mr. Tubbs writes a compelling book. Characters have depth and action is true to life. He is able to craft suspense in a way that surpasses most of his contemporaries in the genre. I look forward to reading more of his books
Mr. Tubbs writes a compelling book. Characters have depth and action is true to life. He is able to craft suspense in a way that surpasses most of his contemporaries in the genre. I look forward to reading more of his books
December 16, 2024
Excellent Continuation
I am very pleased with this second installment which continues a good saga, brings in more interesting characters and leaves me glad another installment is in my possession and about to be read.
I am very pleased with this second installment which continues a good saga, brings in more interesting characters and leaves me glad another installment is in my possession and about to be read.
October 31, 2025
Sooooo gooooooood!!!!!!
My thoughts....if we raised our children like that now....God help us all. But those who were were much more capable, self assured and far handier than our raised on tv now!!!!
My thoughts....if we raised our children like that now....God help us all. But those who were were much more capable, self assured and far handier than our raised on tv now!!!!
March 30, 2019
Thought this series could not get any better, let me tell you, it has.
April 29, 2019
Very entertaining
This is another that you just keep reading until it’s done Great job. I will be reading the third book very soon.
Thanks again.
This is another that you just keep reading until it’s done Great job. I will be reading the third book very soon.
Thanks again.
July 11, 2019
Fun read
Another great book in the series. So far I have really enjoyed each book, and cannot wait to read the next one.
Another great book in the series. So far I have really enjoyed each book, and cannot wait to read the next one.
September 18, 2019
Interesting concept but things are too easy for "our hero". The stories lack credibility -and you cannot become a hereditary lord by marrying the widow of one.
Read
June 10, 2021Easy and fun read.
November 22, 2021
Jolly good read
Just the right mix of blood and guts with lots of intrigue and a good bit of romance throw in.
Just the right mix of blood and guts with lots of intrigue and a good bit of romance throw in.
January 6, 2022
Well written story, easy to follow with numerous actions in the storylines. An exciting and worthwhile read with splendid nautical terminology.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews