The King's Commission

Alan Lewrie #3

by Dewey Lambdin

A Royal Navy midshipman, Alan Lewrie, comes of age on the high seas, in the Caribbean, and in Florida, as he becomes his ship's first officer and falls in love, in an adventure set in the late eighteenth century

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Nautical, Historical, Adventure, War, Military Fiction

400 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1991

About the author

Dewey Lambdin (1945-2021 ) was an American nautical historical novelist. He was best known for his Alan Lewrie naval adventure series, set during the Napoleonic Wars. Besides the Alan Lewrie series, he was also the author of What Lies Buried: a novel of Old Cape Fear.

A self-proclaimed "Navy Brat," Lambdin spent a good deal of his early days on both coasts of the U.S.A., and overseas duty stations, with his father. His father enlisted as a Seaman Recruit in 1930, was "mustanged" from the lower deck (from Yeoman chief Petty Officer) at Notre Dame in '42, and was career Navy until May of 1954, when he was killed at sea aboard the USS Bennington CVA-20 (see below), on which he served as Administrative Officer, 5th in line-of-command (posthumous Lieutenant Commander).

Lambdin himself attended Castle Heights Military Academy, graduated in 1962, and was destined to be the family's first "ring-knocker" from the U.S. Naval Academy, "... until he realised that physics, calculus, and counting higher than ten were bigger than he was."[1] He studied at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, majoring in Liberal arts and Theatre, where he was published in The Theme Vault in 1963, also reprinted in a national textbook, which whetted his appetite for writing. However, he failed his degree. He finally graduated with a degree in Film & TV Production from Montana State University, Bozeman, in 1969. This was considered at the time to be the McHale's Navy of the academic set, so the nautical influence was still at work. He has worked for a network affiliate TV station as a producer/director for twelve years, an independent station as production manager and senior director/writer/ producer for three years, all in Memphis, and as a writer/producer with a Nashville advertising/production facility, or in free-lance camera, lighting and writing.

He has been a sailor since 1976 and spends his free time working and sailing on his beloved sloop Wind Dancer, with a special taste for cruising the Gulf of Mexico. Mr. Lambdin has thus far resisted the temptation to trade his beloved typewriter for a computer. He lived in Nashville, Tennessee.

He was a member of the U.S. Naval Institute, a Friend of the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, England; Cousteau Society; the former American Film Institute; and the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.
-Wikipedia

Mr Lambdin passed away on July 26, 2021 at the age of 76.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/deweyl...

Reviews

[Malum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like most of Lambdin's Lewrie novels, there is a ton packed into this book. Lewrie messes around on his ship, gets a promotion and a transfer to another ship, gets embroiled in a scandal after falling in love, attends a diplomatic summit with some native Americans, falls in love again and immediately falls into another scandal, and fights a mess of battles through it all.

While I wish that there was a bit more sea action in some of these books (Lewrie is as likely to be found getting into scrapes on land as he is aboard a ship), the Alan Lewrie books are a fantastic historical military series, and this entry is no exception.

[Sunhawk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Third in the series, and I'm stubbornly reading them in order. Wonderful tales. I'm delighted by the way the American Dewey Lambdin can manage the dialects and bafflegab of these 19th Century British Tars. The characterization, and in particular that of the main characters -- Lewrie of course, but this time the Shrike's ca[tain, Lt. Lilycrop -- is spot on, and evolves from chapter to chapter and (with Lewrie) book to book. I am looking forward to the next 23 (!) books.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in the naval adventures of Alan Lewrie series. They just keep getting better!

[Lois Baron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Allen remains bawdy, funny, ingenious, and lucky. And the scene at the end with the cat and the new captain made me laugh so hard!

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably the best of the Alan Lewrie books so far. He's still mischevious whilst developing a proper character and becoming a likeable rogue.
I loved the seen when the hard-nosed looking, favourite from the flag-ship, replacement captain falls overboard before even making it onto his new boat courtesy of the cat's anticks - obviously it just wasn't meant to be!

[Simon Brading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back on land again. Still good, though.

[Don Casto · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the third of a series of Mr. Lamblin's books about sailing ships and life in the late 1700s. It stood up to the most stringent test I have . . .maintaining my interest after picking it up and putting down for over a month.

[Doc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not an good as Bolitho or Hornblower--and the F-bombing doesn't make it any better.

[Randy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wonder how much of Alan Lewrie’s life was sketched out ahead of time by the author?
This is book 3 of a 26 book series and we are already at a point where he surprisingly earns a Lieutenant’s rank and is, through a clerical error made first officer of a tiny brig of war captained by a 50 year navy veteran, the cat loving Lieutenant Lilycrop. Lilycrop is a good character and a well written one, a man who entered the navy before age ten and worked his way up from powder monkey to master and commander. It’s quite incredible to think of these young boys who were aboard British war ships. Really, quite incredible to imagine one’s own grandsons shipping off to god knows what adventure at that age. But Lilycrop turns out to be the perfect mentor for Alan whose sailing skills are improved immensely. Lambdin has created three interesting ships captains already in this series with Captain Treghues being well drawn in book 2. As fans of Alan Lewrie learned from the opening pages of book 1, the young man is a hound with a penchant for seduction and being seduced. Some of the sex seems gratuitous but it’s apparently not too off-putting as I have already started book 4. I guess I should start keeping track of his encounters as well as the number of men he kills which he listed at around 13 when asked by a part Indian character who Alan is supporting on a land mission in Florida to try and win the support of the Seminoles and Muskogees. The mission fails but Alan gains an Indian wife, the ardent “Soft Rabbit” who Alan leaves pregnant but wealthy. This expedition was, frankly, a bit boring. Alan was apparently bored as well because he spends most of his time in a corn crib with his native squeeze. I have to say that the sex writing is a bit like the testimonials that one used to read in the Penthouse Forum. Mostly kind of unbelievable with Alan producing orgasms pretty much on demand and repeatedly. I find myself a bit dubious of Alan’s skills and with that level of testosterone wonder how he could be happy for months of abstinence aboard ship. There are now three women in Alan’s life: Lucy Bowman—well, scratch Lucy as Alan screwed that up by romancing the middle aged Betty Hillwood who then successfully ruined Alan’s suit through some well placed gossip. Don’t forget Carolyn, the loyalist whose brothers Alan saved at Yorktown. I’m sure she comes back into the picture at some point. Finally, there is Dolly, a young, nubile widow forced into prostitution through poor economics. Alan saves her from her fate by showing her that her late husband’s commission was salable for enough money to lift her out of poverty. We believe that she is still waiting in Antigua. At the end of the King’s Commission Alan is sailing that way. He may never reunite with Dolly as the war is over and naval officers with be put on the beach at half pay. I don’t rate this book as high as the first tow because it is sort of like three novellas jammed together. We do meet Captain Nelson, the future Lord Nelson. I expect to see him again as well. It is now 1783 and the American Revolution is over. Napoleon doesn’t come to power and threaten Britain for sixteen more years. The interim period should be a challenge for a historical fiction author with a long series to write.

[Viva · Rating 3 out of 5]

So far this is the only historical naval action series I can read apart from Hornblower. I didn't like Kent, Pope or O'Brian. Unfortunately this series seems to be getting worse. This is my 3rd book. I gave 5 stars to the first, 4 stars to the second and this book gets 3 stars.

Spoilers below:
What I don't like. Heh, there's a lot. For starters, anything strategic is horribly written, too long and difficult to understand. I pretty much have to fast read through those sections because they are so boring. Same goes with the author trying to preach about something. Sorry but I'm not interested in your interpretation of history.

Secondly the dialogue is inane, stilted and unnatural. Officers did not talk to other officers or enlisted men that way, not in history or currently in real life. The author doesn't do a good job of making the characters real.

Lastly, the navy doesn't work the way that he says it does. An acting commander/first lieutenant (Lewrie) cannot promote a sailing master (Caldwell) to acting lieutenant. First off, he doesn't have the power to do it. Second, Caldwell is a senior warrant officer, and commissioned officer not always >>> warrant officer. Thirdly, the sailing master already has an important job that only he can fill, it would be a downgrade to be lieutenant - Lambdin, please read more about this subject to get it right! The WO would probably have to start from midshipman.

Also, I'm sure that Nelson as commodore (a rank not mentioned at all) would have needed to confirm Lewrie or at least mentioned it when Lilycrop was incapacitated. Being the commander of any ship was such an important position that probably all the commanders would have remarked on it at the meeting. And unless the Shrike was on detached duty, the commanding admiral would not have allowed the commander position to be vacant so long.

Lastly, a lot happens in the book and it all runs together. If I don't write the review right away, it's hard to remember what happens. To be honest, I'm not really sure why I'm continuing to read the series. Probably just inertia and hope the writing gets better. Just a terrible book overall but I'm still going to continue.

[Michael Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alan Lewrie, now an experienced seaman and junior watch-stander despite only a couple of years in the Royal Navy, is a refreshingly Corinthian young rake, dividing his attentions pretty much evenly between increasing his growing competence in his profession and topping every female he can find. Here he parts company from the unpredictable Capt. Treghues and from his friend and mentor, Lt. Railsford. Then he receives, as a reward for bravery and demonstrated abilities, an early appointment as 1st Lieutenant into a small brig commanded by the superannuated Lt. Lilycrop -- one of the most delightful and fully developed supporting characters Lambdin has yet come up with. Of course, Alan later learns his being given such a post was a clerical error, . . . but he manages to keep his job nevertheless. (As a more senior officer later remarks, sheer luck and the ability to land on one’s feet is probably as important a factor in naval success as seamanship.) Then comes a galloping adventure among the Creeks of the West Florida coast -- including Lewrie’s temporary acquisition of a lovely young Indian wife. The character of Desmond McGilliveray is based on the real Alexander McGillivray, a Creek-Scot half-breed raised white but still well-connected among the tribes. Lambdin paints him as a superior, rather prim sort, which doesn’t really fit with the historical McGillivray’s character (with which I am familiar from rersearch on the Panton and Leslie trading companies during that period). Nothing really goes quite right for Our Hero in this volume, but that’s the way real life often is. An increasingly enjoyable series.

[Ray Theron · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first few pages had me wondering whether I was going to actually enjoy this book. Lambdin's hero, Alan Lewrie, is very far removed from Horatio Hornblower, Richard Bolitho or Thomas Kydd; he is something of an anti-hero, and his flaws (like insatiable womanising, a tendency at one point to malinger a bit and and his inability to keep his thoughts to himself at times) are not hidden from us, neither is his basic goodness of heart. But the plot soon captivated me and I thoroughly enjoyed the book as a whole.

There were a few places where certain characters were perhaps given too much leeway when it comes to expounding their views, and I admit to being tempted to skim through a few parts. On the whole, however, the narrative flows well and we find ourselves swept along in the action.

The characters are believeable and Lambdin's handling of the technicalities of sail is, on the whole, good. He has clearly done his homework.

This is the first book I've read in this series. My collection thus far contains a few gaps (I have 15 of the 25 volumes on my bookshelf), but I will no doubt finish the series eventually. And, if this one sets the tone, I will enjoy them!

[Patrick SG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another rousing, raunchy sea story

This is not your father’s Horatio Hornblower. Alan Lewrie shares the same Navy and career path from midshipman onward as his literary shipmate, but there comparisons end.

Lewrie is much more earthy and these tales are more (likely) true to the rough and tumble life of the 18th century English sailor. The language and shore activities are also more likely true to what they really were. The characters who inhabit these books are real flesh and blood and full of foibles and charms.

This book, like the previous volumes are set in the time of the American Revolution and the larger conflict between the British, French and Spanish. Set mostly in the Caribbean, this volume contains a foray into the Big Bend region of Florida for a lengthy episode of trying to win over the native tribes to take the region back from the Spanish. Along the way the reader gets a healthy introduction to the various Florida tribes, their cultures, mores and interactions with Europeans.

[Mike Stewart · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you enjoy novels of this genre, you'll certainly enjoy this series. Lambdin's hero, Alan Lewrie is part Tom Jones minus the innocence and part Harry Flashman minus the cowardice and bullying and is all in all an engaging hero. This volume is considerably better than the last and does not lack for the usual bedroom shenanigans and nautical action. Lambdin tells his tales in colorful and what I suppose is authentic late 18th century language. This volume finds Lewrie serving under the command of a Lieutenant Lilycock, a vivid and sympathetic character whom Lewrie comes to revere and admire.. There's an expedition into West Florida, sea battles, sex and an appearance by a young Horatio Nelson. After re-introducing Lewrie's nemesis, Lt. Kenyon, and setting up a plot line in which our hero is forced to serve under an officer who has vowed to ruin him, Lambdin abruptly chucks this confrontation by having Lewrie transferred to another ship. Of course, without this shift, we would have been denied an introduction to the memorable Lilycock. Great fun.

[Marten Wennik · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I continue reading the Alan Lewrie series, I am still hoping that the author found a way to make this story, The King's Commission, more about the about the naval action and sailing than the stereotyped habits of a sailor in port. This story does seem to further the connections with the Chiswick family, about which I am pleased, for I really like the characters in this family and feel that Caroline would be a wonderful match for Alan.

This particular story, particularly the battles off the coast of Cuba and Florida, are energizing and exciting to read. If Lambdin were still writing today, and my opinion mattered at all to him (I am a nobody, after all), I would encourage him to spend more time on this type of writing and action. I do think that there is a lot of latitude and I still look forward to his next book, as I listen on audible and log my steps.

I do recommend this book, but note that it is still not quite as scintillating or as intelligent as theHornblower series or the Patrick O'Brien series.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tales of adventure that cast a different light on the Revolutionary period of the United States from a British(ish) perspective. Once again, the after-hours conduct of Lewrie occupies quite a bit of the story and doesn't do anything to contribute to the story. I suppose that it is supposed to be a "coming of age" story, but it's shallow. The naval information is lacking and seems inaccurate to a degree. I like the story in that it contributes to the series, but I hope that they get better. Anyone that sees this series as comparable to the "Aubrey/Maturin" series by Patrick O'Brian would make me doubt that they have ever read O'Brian. A bit more like Hornblower, but earthier. I would recommend it to a select audience. Certainly not teenagers.

[Warren S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good to see Lewrie rising in the ranks as he makes lieutenant. As others have said there is a lot going on in the book on land more than at sea which is where events take you. However, i prefer the naval side of things as that is what has drawn most readers to the series.

I do like how Lambdin places a British naval officer in events that are uniquely American in nature. It certainly sets this series apart from similar Napoleonic series. I also like how Lewrie ends up meeting the ultimate naval hero of the age, Nelson at the end.

I feel this book is better than than those that preceded it and continue to enjoy the series.

[Studebhawk · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Commission at Last
Dewey Lambdin recovers his stride with a better edition to this series. The weakness of the previous release was along much much too slowly and lacked little action of any kind, and was in need of a better editor.
The King’s Commission picks up the action in the Caribbean with our anti-hero acquiring additional lessons in tactics on land and at sea and important leadership skills. This story moves along with better pacing avoiding the boring passages of the previous edition.
Although the author could still use the talents of a skilled editor, this story should please any armchair reader of military history on land or sea.

[Ian McGrigor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a avid but discerning reader of nautical genre, whilst not knocking other fantastic authors that I have read of late, Dewey Lambdin has, in my opinion, researched more deeply into terminology, both of language of the day and sailing ship descriptions.
It takes me a few days to read a book as time is my master, however my Kindle goes with me at all times and whenever I get a moment pages are read. The Kings Commission is my third in the Alan Lewrie series and would suggest readers to start with The Kings Coat as the point to jump right in to the best stories you will read in a long time.

[Glenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although the previous offering in this series bored me a little, the action in this one was unrelenting, but the thing I noticed most about it was the author's knack for character development. Two new characters were introduced that likely were temporary, but I find myself hoping that I'll encounter them again in upcoming books of the series. This one was thoroughly enjoyable, and I sensed that the author really begins to hit his stride. Looking forward to the next one!

[Frank Mullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good yarn

Another good yarn from Dewey Lambdin.
This story covers Lewrie's adventures in the Carribbean on the brig Shrike. It includes an expedition to meet the Creek and Seminole to try and get them to ally with Britain against the rebellious American colonists.
Full of interesting details of Native American life before contact with the colonists changed things for ever.
Well worth reading.

[john temple · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read

Of you are of a prudish nature then I don't think this novel is for you. However who said the 18th century sailor was a choirboy? The author preamble is well worth reading on its own, and sets the stall out for the nature of the tale.. Some of the happenstance stretches your incredulity, but it's not impossible. I thoroughly enjoyed the authors tale and look forward to Alan Lewries next romp

[Alan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alan Lewrie has been in the British Navy for only two years. Now an acting master's mate, he stands before the promotion board and is awarded his Lieutenancy. He is given a commission as the only lieutenant on an unrated brig, the Shrike, and there learns his craft. Some good naval action and a bit of sexual escapes make a good read. Interesting change from Hornblower or Jack Aubry.

[Tonya DeLargy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A masterpiece.

As far as this series goes there are not enough words in the English language for me to describe how much I love this series. This instalment is one of my favorites. It is hilarious, exciting, and is fast paced. I vow to own this whole series before I'm gone. Thank you Mr. Lambdin

[JodiP · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had read the first book in the series, and thought it was so so. There was far was and Commander but of course that is never available. However it was a great distraction from the awful reality we're living in these days so I might continue to read the series.

[sean hartney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alan Lewrie, lovable rogue.

His attention to detail is as good as any I have read, the character is perhaps a bit larger than life but I love it. The events I have little knowledge of so was informative.
I gave four stars with the hope of five by the time I finish the series.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

The action and adventure in this series are great, only 3 stars, as I found the sex scenes crude and belabored. I get that Lewrie is a rogue, but after reading the 2 previous books I don't need all the salacious details to convince me of the fact.

[John DeLargy Jr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

Dewey Lambdin has done it again. My hero Allen Lewrie is fantastic to follow and easy to cheer for. I am well on my way to owning the whole series and it is totally worth it.

[Uwe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series gets better and better, so I had to rate it a 4. One of the best late American Rev War depictions I had read from the English side. And the nautical battles are fantastic!
Highly recommended.

[George Mills · Rating 3 out of 5]

Keep to the sea and out of the bedroom.

A little too much bedding and not enough bedlam. Great adventure when you get into the fighting but too much of a good thing makes you wonder if the author is looking sensationalism instead of a good yarn.