What do you think?
Rate this book
Thomas Kydd #22
To the Eastern Seas
'In Stockwin's hands the sea story will continue to entrance readers across the world' - Guardian
With Bonaparte held to a stalemate in Europe, the race to empire is now resumed. Britain's ambitions turn to the Spice Islands, the Dutch East Indies, where Admiral Pellew has been sent to confront the enemy's vastly rich holdings in these tropical islands. Captain Sir Thomas Kydd joins reinforcements to snatch these for the British Crown.
The two colonial masters of India and the East Indies face each other in mortal striving for the region - there can be only one victor to hold all the spoils. The colonial genius, Stamford Raffles, believes Britain should strike at the very centre of Dutch spice production, the Moluccas, rather than the fortresses one by one but is fiercely opposed. Kydd, allying himself to this cause, conspires to lead a tiny force to a triumphant conclusion - however the Dutch, stung by this loss, claim vengeance from the French. A battle for Java and an empire in the East stretches Kydd and Tyger's company to their very limits.
*************
Praise for Julian Stockwin's Kydd series
'Paints a vivid picture of life aboard the mighty ship-of-the-line' Daily Express
'This heady adventure blends fact and fiction in rich, authoritative detail' Nautical Magazine
'Fans of fast-paced adventure will get their fill with this book' Historical Naval Society
With Bonaparte held to a stalemate in Europe, the race to empire is now resumed. Britain's ambitions turn to the Spice Islands, the Dutch East Indies, where Admiral Pellew has been sent to confront the enemy's vastly rich holdings in these tropical islands. Captain Sir Thomas Kydd joins reinforcements to snatch these for the British Crown.
The two colonial masters of India and the East Indies face each other in mortal striving for the region - there can be only one victor to hold all the spoils. The colonial genius, Stamford Raffles, believes Britain should strike at the very centre of Dutch spice production, the Moluccas, rather than the fortresses one by one but is fiercely opposed. Kydd, allying himself to this cause, conspires to lead a tiny force to a triumphant conclusion - however the Dutch, stung by this loss, claim vengeance from the French. A battle for Java and an empire in the East stretches Kydd and Tyger's company to their very limits.
*************
Praise for Julian Stockwin's Kydd series
'Paints a vivid picture of life aboard the mighty ship-of-the-line' Daily Express
'This heady adventure blends fact and fiction in rich, authoritative detail' Nautical Magazine
'Fans of fast-paced adventure will get their fill with this book' Historical Naval Society
400 pages, Paperback
Published September 3, 2020
168 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
About the author
Julian Stockwin
52 books334 followersJulian 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
Series:
* Thomas Kydd
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 5, 2021
This excellent seafaring tale is the 22nd volume of the fantastic "Thomas Kydd" series, from the author, Julian Stockwin.
The book will show us at the beginning two very well-drawn maps, one being of India and China, and the second being the Dutch East Indies, while also a Dramatis Personae is presented to us with real historical, like the awesome Stamford Raffles f.e., and fictional figures, who're appearing in this glorious tale of the seven seas.
At the back of the book a very well documented Glossary, as well as an Author's Note filled with historical details are explained to us in a most superb manner by the author.
It's a story like it says in the title that will mainly establish itself in the seas of the Far East (India, China, Dutch East Indies, etc.), and its there where we find our main protagonist, Thomas Kydd, and his crew on his fighting-ship, the frigate "Tyger".
This great book, like all his other books, is filled with the authentic language of the great seas, making this series original in its own kind, and its a book where the historical details are wonderfully implemented within this outstanding seafaring story.
The story starts in the year, AD 1810, and Thomas Kydd and his crew on board the frigate "Tyger" are ordered east, with a small convoy of other frigates, brig-sloops and store-ships, to help the East India Company in their endeavour to maintain and extend their monopoly in trade and commerce in the Far East, while Europe is quiet at the moment while being fully in the grip by Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte.
What is to follow is a fabulous and moving seafaring story with plenty of engagements, at sea and on land, with the perspective of winning more territory from the Dutch East Indies, especially the Spice Islands for its nutmeg, and so establish a wealth for the East India Company and the British Crown with continuing trade and profit from these same sources.
Very much recommended, for this is another terrific addition to this series, one with plenty of courageous and heroic actions at sea and on land, and with a lifelike interaction between the characters in this great story, and that's why I want to call this episode: "An Amazing Sea & Spicy Kydd Adventure"!
The book will show us at the beginning two very well-drawn maps, one being of India and China, and the second being the Dutch East Indies, while also a Dramatis Personae is presented to us with real historical, like the awesome Stamford Raffles f.e., and fictional figures, who're appearing in this glorious tale of the seven seas.
At the back of the book a very well documented Glossary, as well as an Author's Note filled with historical details are explained to us in a most superb manner by the author.
It's a story like it says in the title that will mainly establish itself in the seas of the Far East (India, China, Dutch East Indies, etc.), and its there where we find our main protagonist, Thomas Kydd, and his crew on his fighting-ship, the frigate "Tyger".
This great book, like all his other books, is filled with the authentic language of the great seas, making this series original in its own kind, and its a book where the historical details are wonderfully implemented within this outstanding seafaring story.
The story starts in the year, AD 1810, and Thomas Kydd and his crew on board the frigate "Tyger" are ordered east, with a small convoy of other frigates, brig-sloops and store-ships, to help the East India Company in their endeavour to maintain and extend their monopoly in trade and commerce in the Far East, while Europe is quiet at the moment while being fully in the grip by Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte.
What is to follow is a fabulous and moving seafaring story with plenty of engagements, at sea and on land, with the perspective of winning more territory from the Dutch East Indies, especially the Spice Islands for its nutmeg, and so establish a wealth for the East India Company and the British Crown with continuing trade and profit from these same sources.
Very much recommended, for this is another terrific addition to this series, one with plenty of courageous and heroic actions at sea and on land, and with a lifelike interaction between the characters in this great story, and that's why I want to call this episode: "An Amazing Sea & Spicy Kydd Adventure"!
January 9, 2020
Another fantastic action-packed adventure in the Kydd series! An excellent combination of a fast-paced plot, nautical authenticity and a deeply fascinating scenario set in the East. The attention to historical detail is meticulous and incredibly well-executed, with the perfect blend of the creative characters of Kydd and his crew, and famous figures from history such as Admiral Pellew.
August 27, 2020
Julian Stockwin is a always fun to read. The British Navy in the days of sail. This tale of the East Indian Company and of pirates and Bonaparte claiming ownership of the Dutch spice islands. Think India, Malaysia, Java and the inner lesser known islands. Home to a spice that was gold. Nutmeg.
Circa, 1800s
For me the fun part is following the tracks of the ships with my Chart of the World. A huge map leftover from an oceanography course I once took. Shows the seas and their depths. Certain currents are also marked.
Stockwin's next book is due in October. I've lost count of the number in the series. Over twenty, I think.
Circa, 1800s
For me the fun part is following the tracks of the ships with my Chart of the World. A huge map leftover from an oceanography course I once took. Shows the seas and their depths. Certain currents are also marked.
Stockwin's next book is due in October. I've lost count of the number in the series. Over twenty, I think.
January 7, 2020
I think I'm all Kydd out. I binged the last 4 books, and can say that I'm happy that I've reached the current end of the series. He states that there will be more Kydd novels in the future. For me I'm looking for that much needed break. I enjoy each novel, geography, and culture each books talks about.
However, now that Kydd is married.....when are the minions coming?
However, now that Kydd is married.....when are the minions coming?
March 30, 2021
Another brilliant book in the Julian Stockwin Kydd series - they are actually getting better as the series goes on! What really interests me is the lovely way he puts fictitious characters into history and brings them alive, coping with everyday situations in one chapter and jumping into momentous events in the next. I recommend this book highly.
October 20, 2019
Julian Stockwin delivers another spellbinding age-of-sail tale, but with a twist. Far from the battle against Napoleon, where Captain Sir Thomas Kydd has tested his metal as a warrior of the sea and land, he now finds himself in strange waters. This time, we find him in India and serving the interests of the East India Company fighting privateers and battling against Dutch control of the spice trade in the East Indies. Also at odds is why he hasn't heard from his dear wife Persephone back in England, as his fondness for a certain local English woman of influence in India grows. Lots of intrigue and romance and Stockwin's always well described battles fill this 22nd in the Thomas Kydd series.
April 8, 2020
I've been a Kydd fan from the beginning. I do wish the ship would face a bit more peril at sea along with the muddy land battles. The whole subplot of lost letters from his wife while fending off advances from a female character who just popped up out of nowhere was just written to fill pages.
Read
November 26, 2019Very disappointing!..It seems that with his last 3 novels his (and Kydd's) prowess is going downhill. There is FAR TOO MUCH going on ashore and far less a'sea, I admit that this might be my last foray into Stockwin's fleet.
August 14, 2020
One of the problems that faces the writer of Napoleonic nautical fiction is that there are a number of times when the scene, so to speak, switches to land. The great Nelsonic battles destroyed the power of the French fleets at sea, and then the constricting blockades prevented their repeat. This was certainly well and good for the nations needing to keep the Corsican tyrant bottled up on the continent, but the author who wants to put his or her hero forth in the proper atmosphere of derring-do is left with refitting a few single-ship actions to be conducted by the novel's characters instead of their actual historical participants.
Author Julian Stockwin, whose stated goal of his Kydd series is to get his hero from pressed man to admiral, finds himself even more constrained as many of those single-ship actions are not the kind that helps a rising and ambitious post-captain keep the notice of those over him who could guide his career towards the hoisting of his own flag. So in several of his more recent Kydd novels we've found our hero spending quite a chunk of narrative without a hint of powder-smoke to be found. The series' 2019 entry, To the Eastern Seas, remedies that a little by making Sir Thomas Kydd the prime mover of the British takeover of the Dutch East Indies, giving him a role in transforming England's commercial empire into the political one that would dominate most of the 19th century.
After a brief reunion with his wife Persephone, Kydd is ordered to India as a means of reinforcing the crown's protection of its East India Company ships. Pirate activity is biting the bottom line and a speedy, deadly frigate with a bold and innovative captain is needed to deter their depredations. But once on station in India, Kydd finds that there are political intrigues aplenty -- between royal officials and Company leaders and even between colonial officers themselves as they try to avoid the kind of overreach that would win them no new ground as well as leave current possessions open to French or Dutch attack. Although Kydd was in these waters before as a common seaman, the additional expectations of a captain in polite society present him with unfamiliar waters that may bring him even more hazard than the enemy.
On the one hand, Eastern Seas doesn't spin its wheels -- Stockwin puts Kydd on the scene of several events connected to England's interests that happened in that place and time where his courage and cleverness help save the day. On the other hand, Kydd seems out of character in more than a couple of places. In one, he takes steps that he should see clearly would be threatening to his own commanders and look like attempts to undermine their authority. In another, his worries about the absence of letters from Persephone and the kind of thoughts it provokes him to seem like a very artificial problem, wrapped up neatly in an almost dismissive paragraph.
Stockwin's writing is as strong as ever. His opening description of the return of Admiral Collingwood's fleet superbly paints both visuals and their emotional impact. The secondary narrative of the Tyger's new first lieutenant and his growth arc as a character is as well-done as anything in the series. But Eastern Seas lacks any real sense of weight as a sequence of events in Kydd's life and career. And it presents a main character curiously unaware of things he's already demonstrated at this point to be able to perceive quite clearly, for what appears to be no reason other than, "Well, otherwise there's nothing going on." It certainly improves on some of the more lackluster recent series entries, but it's still a little too easy to say, "But to what end?"
Also available here.
Author Julian Stockwin, whose stated goal of his Kydd series is to get his hero from pressed man to admiral, finds himself even more constrained as many of those single-ship actions are not the kind that helps a rising and ambitious post-captain keep the notice of those over him who could guide his career towards the hoisting of his own flag. So in several of his more recent Kydd novels we've found our hero spending quite a chunk of narrative without a hint of powder-smoke to be found. The series' 2019 entry, To the Eastern Seas, remedies that a little by making Sir Thomas Kydd the prime mover of the British takeover of the Dutch East Indies, giving him a role in transforming England's commercial empire into the political one that would dominate most of the 19th century.
After a brief reunion with his wife Persephone, Kydd is ordered to India as a means of reinforcing the crown's protection of its East India Company ships. Pirate activity is biting the bottom line and a speedy, deadly frigate with a bold and innovative captain is needed to deter their depredations. But once on station in India, Kydd finds that there are political intrigues aplenty -- between royal officials and Company leaders and even between colonial officers themselves as they try to avoid the kind of overreach that would win them no new ground as well as leave current possessions open to French or Dutch attack. Although Kydd was in these waters before as a common seaman, the additional expectations of a captain in polite society present him with unfamiliar waters that may bring him even more hazard than the enemy.
On the one hand, Eastern Seas doesn't spin its wheels -- Stockwin puts Kydd on the scene of several events connected to England's interests that happened in that place and time where his courage and cleverness help save the day. On the other hand, Kydd seems out of character in more than a couple of places. In one, he takes steps that he should see clearly would be threatening to his own commanders and look like attempts to undermine their authority. In another, his worries about the absence of letters from Persephone and the kind of thoughts it provokes him to seem like a very artificial problem, wrapped up neatly in an almost dismissive paragraph.
Stockwin's writing is as strong as ever. His opening description of the return of Admiral Collingwood's fleet superbly paints both visuals and their emotional impact. The secondary narrative of the Tyger's new first lieutenant and his growth arc as a character is as well-done as anything in the series. But Eastern Seas lacks any real sense of weight as a sequence of events in Kydd's life and career. And it presents a main character curiously unaware of things he's already demonstrated at this point to be able to perceive quite clearly, for what appears to be no reason other than, "Well, otherwise there's nothing going on." It certainly improves on some of the more lackluster recent series entries, but it's still a little too easy to say, "But to what end?"
Also available here.
February 18, 2020
The Joy of Salt!
There are few things that I look forwards to more on Audible than being able to start another epic adventure with Thomas Kydd read to me by that old sea salt himself Christian Rodska! The combination of Stockwin's words with Rodska's fantastic delivery is like standing listening to the waves crash to shore in a stiff and salty breeze. I have to admit that at the very start I did wonder if the voice had lost a little of its rich timbre but as he growled out grumpy admirals, brought to life rough old Jack Tars and purred through unctious nobles I was smartly reminded at just how perfect he is for these books.
Kydd, well he's not changed much, he can fight his way and think his way out of almost any situation except of course with the ladies who seem to circle him with intents every bit as damaging to his career as maneuvering enemy battleships and recalcitrant admirals.
The scenery though has changed as Kydd is dispatched once more to the East Indies, exotic lands and place names abound. As ever the whole fiction is woven in to real historical events displaying great skill and in-depth research by the author. There is quite a lot of action but also a bit more time than usual ashore and I think it's fair to say that some of the action had an anticlimactic air to it but it did fit what history dictated.
That's not to criticise though, I enjoyed every minute of the just over twelve hours including the brief historical notes included after the story. One of the incidents at the end had me eye-rolling a bit until it was explained in those historical notes as a real event . . . I should have known better, of course I should.
In short, this is top quality audio and if you haven't heard of the series before then get the gone to Book One straight away, you are in for a journey that I envy you for!
There are few things that I look forwards to more on Audible than being able to start another epic adventure with Thomas Kydd read to me by that old sea salt himself Christian Rodska! The combination of Stockwin's words with Rodska's fantastic delivery is like standing listening to the waves crash to shore in a stiff and salty breeze. I have to admit that at the very start I did wonder if the voice had lost a little of its rich timbre but as he growled out grumpy admirals, brought to life rough old Jack Tars and purred through unctious nobles I was smartly reminded at just how perfect he is for these books.
Kydd, well he's not changed much, he can fight his way and think his way out of almost any situation except of course with the ladies who seem to circle him with intents every bit as damaging to his career as maneuvering enemy battleships and recalcitrant admirals.
The scenery though has changed as Kydd is dispatched once more to the East Indies, exotic lands and place names abound. As ever the whole fiction is woven in to real historical events displaying great skill and in-depth research by the author. There is quite a lot of action but also a bit more time than usual ashore and I think it's fair to say that some of the action had an anticlimactic air to it but it did fit what history dictated.
That's not to criticise though, I enjoyed every minute of the just over twelve hours including the brief historical notes included after the story. One of the incidents at the end had me eye-rolling a bit until it was explained in those historical notes as a real event . . . I should have known better, of course I should.
In short, this is top quality audio and if you haven't heard of the series before then get the gone to Book One straight away, you are in for a journey that I envy you for!
September 10, 2020
It was good to sail with Thomas Kydd again. This time he is off to the waters of the Indian Ocean and beyond. What I found to be enjoyable was the look at the dealing of the East Indian Company. As for Kydd, he is sent after a French privateer in the first of several assignments. In pursuit of the privateer he comes close to the Andaman Islands and their population known for their harsh behavior toward outsiders. If the name seems familiar it is these islands were just in the news last year. Then next Kydd is involved in the taking of the island of Macao from the Portuguese, an ally to England, but it is for the good of the East Indian Company that it is done. But the real adventure is in the taking of the Dutch East Indies from the Dutch and the French.
Even when Kydd was not saving the world for King and country. There are interesting thing to read about. Whether is dealing with a first officer not up to the job, a lady, who is enamored of the dashing frigate captain, the son of his commanding officer, or the craziness of the East Indian Company Army. So sign on for a voyage to the Eastern Seas and enjoy.
Even when Kydd was not saving the world for King and country. There are interesting thing to read about. Whether is dealing with a first officer not up to the job, a lady, who is enamored of the dashing frigate captain, the son of his commanding officer, or the craziness of the East Indian Company Army. So sign on for a voyage to the Eastern Seas and enjoy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2019
A return to form
I really enjoyed this reading it in one day. Well paced with plenty of action and lots of history to read up on. I really wonder about Kydd as he still seems to make inept decisions in his private affairs but is still excellent under pressure
Thank goodness the plot line flows smoothly in this one and unlike the last which I felt was disjointed and rushed towards the end.
I look forward to the next and future adventures of the Tygers 😃
I really enjoyed this reading it in one day. Well paced with plenty of action and lots of history to read up on. I really wonder about Kydd as he still seems to make inept decisions in his private affairs but is still excellent under pressure
Thank goodness the plot line flows smoothly in this one and unlike the last which I felt was disjointed and rushed towards the end.
I look forward to the next and future adventures of the Tygers 😃
December 12, 2025
Captain Kydd’s latest orders take him to the Far East and India, where the East Indian Trading Company ruled by the British holds sway over local politics. Kydd is assigned to various missions as he tries to navigate the political turmoil. It’s a lonely time for him, months away from home and his lovely wife. As usual, his tactical brilliance and courage lead him to success. Another immersive story in the Kydd adventures.
February 11, 2020
A chance to escape to the past with a story woven into history and embellished with many insights to the time. I find anything related to Napoleonic times interesting and so I often recognise parts or people within the story and can forget the story is fiction. It's great to see Pellow and Raffles "in action."
June 20, 2022
16 Another great adventure yarn starring Captain Kydd. Lots of derring-do and heroic actions with a little bit of luck to boot. It certainly feels so authentic probably due to great research and highlights that history is sometimes made up of a series of fortunate occurrences rather than a Big Bang. Definitely recommended to the normal crew
November 25, 2023
Pretty much fits into the series overall in both form and quality (there are a couple of books which are rubbish, I think because the author was writing a different genre at the same time).
You have to take this series for what it is. It’s neither extremely historically accurate or brilliant literature - it’s a historical based pub fight, so if you accept that it then becomes quite fun to read.
You have to take this series for what it is. It’s neither extremely historically accurate or brilliant literature - it’s a historical based pub fight, so if you accept that it then becomes quite fun to read.
July 26, 2021
I understand that even in wartime there are days and weeks of monotony. But this tale of Kydd in the Dutch East Indies where he promptly goes out of character. In general this is one of the weaker entries in the series and not an enjoyable as others.
November 8, 2019
Temptation
A good read well researched and presented at a good pace.Tempted by a woman and advancement which would ultimately succeed?
A good read well researched and presented at a good pace.Tempted by a woman and advancement which would ultimately succeed?
December 12, 2019
Masterful storytelling. A wothy sucessor to O'Brien and Hornblower
March 20, 2020
Excellent historical research/perspective but Kydd is starting to feel 2-dimensional. The 'almost affair' felt superfluous. Perhaps this series is near its use-by date?
June 11, 2020
It's another good one. Captain Kydd got me nervous a couple times, but scraped by. Also made a couple questionable decisions, but it worked out. Just waiting for Kydd to hoist his flag.
May 8, 2022
I keep writing the same reviews for Mr. Stockwin’s story. A great book and series!!!
January 28, 2020
Julian Stockwin has another winner. 1810 is a year when the Napoleonic Wars centred around Europe. Once Bonaparte had captured most of Europe he set about capturing their overseas colonies and interfering with Britain's trade with her main colony India. This book moves our hero from Europe to India and the East Indies. He deals with privateers, native rebellion, army mutinies, the politics of India and the Honourable East India Company, professional jealousy from other naval and army officers, deals with a first lieutenant with a drink problem, meets Stamford Raffles, defeats the French and the Dutch in the East Indies and manages to almost disgrace himself by sending out the wrong signals to a recently widowed woman.
The historical research of the period is excellent especially as it begins with the death of the Lord Collingwood another of England's great naval leaders. The historical characters are well written and display the attitudes of the times when England believed it had a moral superiority to rule. It also touches on the venality of how trade was both seen and carried out including how tea was traded by the Company with China.
The action never really slows up as Kydd gets himself into all sorts of scrapes even fighting with the son of his commanding officer. The picture of British life in Madras with its servants and completely different lifestyle is well described especially how the cult of celebrity has never really gone away as Sir Thomas Kydd is feted by those who want to be seen in society.
A really good story, well written and researched as well as perfectly believable that holds the reader and makes certain it is never put down. I certainly could not put it down and look forward to where Kydd goes next.
The historical research of the period is excellent especially as it begins with the death of the Lord Collingwood another of England's great naval leaders. The historical characters are well written and display the attitudes of the times when England believed it had a moral superiority to rule. It also touches on the venality of how trade was both seen and carried out including how tea was traded by the Company with China.
The action never really slows up as Kydd gets himself into all sorts of scrapes even fighting with the son of his commanding officer. The picture of British life in Madras with its servants and completely different lifestyle is well described especially how the cult of celebrity has never really gone away as Sir Thomas Kydd is feted by those who want to be seen in society.
A really good story, well written and researched as well as perfectly believable that holds the reader and makes certain it is never put down. I certainly could not put it down and look forward to where Kydd goes next.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews