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Carlisle & Holbrooke Naval Adventures #6
Perilous Shore
Amphibious warfare was in its infancy in the mid-eighteenth century – it was the poor relation of the great fleet actions that the navy so loved…That all changed in 1758 when the British government demanded a campaign of raids on the French Channel ports. Command arrangements were hastily devised and a whole new class of vessels was produced at breakneck flatboats, the ancestors of the landing craft that put the allied forces ashore on D-Day.Commander George Holbrooke’s sloop Kestrel is in the thick of the scouting landing beaches, duelling with shore batteries and battling the French Navy.In a twist of fate, Holbrooke finds himself unexpectedly committed to this new style of amphibious warfare as he is ordered to lead a division of flatboats onto the beaches of Normandy and Brittany. He meets his greatest test yet when a weary and beaten British army retreats from a second failed attempt at Saint-Malo with the French close on their heels.Perilous Shore is the sixth of the Carlisle & Holbrooke naval adventures. The series follows Holbrooke and his mentor, Captain Carlisle, through the Seven Years War and into the period of turbulent relations between Britain and her American colonies in the 1760s.
335 pages, Paperback
Published December 27, 2019
About the author
Chris Durbin
15 books73 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.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 6, 2020
A interesting series
I have followed the two main characters, Carlisle and Holbrook through the series and await the next book with great anticipation
I have followed the two main characters, Carlisle and Holbrook through the series and await the next book with great anticipation
March 16, 2020
Historically accurate & insightful window into command capability
My father introduced me to age of sail fiction: adolescents can relate to young Hornblower. Then Patrick O’Brien’s brilliant almost picaresque captivated me with his vivid recreation of life at sea.
I like Carlisle & Holbrooke novels. The storyline revolves around two linked commanders. I found the descriptions of their growth of character and command capability educational.
Fascinating to read about the political, military & economic strategies of the seven year war era . Also enriched by inclusion of the actual commanders & other historical characters such as Pitt the Elder and a variety of Leeward Islands admirals and governors.
By reading on line, I was able to easily access detailed information.
Pitt’s insistence that a very reluctant & insular Army & Navy Establishment learn combined operational skills for his “descents” into mainland France. A reminder human nature remains the same, regardless of the era.
My father introduced me to age of sail fiction: adolescents can relate to young Hornblower. Then Patrick O’Brien’s brilliant almost picaresque captivated me with his vivid recreation of life at sea.
I like Carlisle & Holbrooke novels. The storyline revolves around two linked commanders. I found the descriptions of their growth of character and command capability educational.
Fascinating to read about the political, military & economic strategies of the seven year war era . Also enriched by inclusion of the actual commanders & other historical characters such as Pitt the Elder and a variety of Leeward Islands admirals and governors.
By reading on line, I was able to easily access detailed information.
Pitt’s insistence that a very reluctant & insular Army & Navy Establishment learn combined operational skills for his “descents” into mainland France. A reminder human nature remains the same, regardless of the era.
January 8, 2020
Origins of Amphibious Warfare
It seems to be accurate that amphibious warfare was introduced by the British in the Seven Years’ War (French and Indian War in American terminology). This was news to me, seeming to contradict some of the Gallipoli experience even though it was in a much later time period. But the author clearly knows the 18th century well and the historical note suggests this was historical with the minimum of fiction.
The fact is it’s also a good story with believable characters, a lively plot, and a more pre modern outlook compared to the “total war” idea which has ruled history since Napoleon. So people could be captured and exchanged with prisoners from the other side. This is an entertaining read that will teach even regular readers of naval fiction something about the period.
It seems to be accurate that amphibious warfare was introduced by the British in the Seven Years’ War (French and Indian War in American terminology). This was news to me, seeming to contradict some of the Gallipoli experience even though it was in a much later time period. But the author clearly knows the 18th century well and the historical note suggests this was historical with the minimum of fiction.
The fact is it’s also a good story with believable characters, a lively plot, and a more pre modern outlook compared to the “total war” idea which has ruled history since Napoleon. So people could be captured and exchanged with prisoners from the other side. This is an entertaining read that will teach even regular readers of naval fiction something about the period.
July 8, 2023
If you're read the previous five books in this series about Captain Carlisle and Lieutenant Holbrooke, officers in the Royal Navy during the Seven Years' War, then you'll know what to expect in the sixth instalment: convincing naval action (the author was naval officer), just enough interpersonal intrigue to keep matters interesting without anything getting too out of hand, and a cast of characters that are, generally, thoroughly good eggs, although with sufficent personal quirks to render them individuals. It's not challenging historical fiction but it is extremely good historical fiction: perhaps one step down from the top rate but story shape and read worthy.
September 17, 2020
Best installment yet
Durban tells a great multi-layered story well. In addition to lots of naval action there thrums Holbrooke’s underlying worries and ambitions. He deeply desires promotion to post-captain for a number of reasons, not least in order to obtain the permission of Ann’s father for her hand. On the other hand he is ever mindful that the alternative to promotion is losing his ship and being put on shore at half-pay—a washed up, though wealthy, has been at the age of 20. There is so much to like about this series!
Durban tells a great multi-layered story well. In addition to lots of naval action there thrums Holbrooke’s underlying worries and ambitions. He deeply desires promotion to post-captain for a number of reasons, not least in order to obtain the permission of Ann’s father for her hand. On the other hand he is ever mindful that the alternative to promotion is losing his ship and being put on shore at half-pay—a washed up, though wealthy, has been at the age of 20. There is so much to like about this series!
May 10, 2023
What I enjoy about Durbin's Holbrooke series is his commitment to accuracy, both in the sites and ships, and what appears to be a reasonable facsimile of the men who commanded and served. (However, very little of foc'sl life.) I read through these books pretty quickly, and Durbin's pace of action encourages my habit of quick reading. And he doesn't let me down...the story fairly bounds forth from the pages. Fun!
March 23, 2020
Excellent series that I read back to back!
Really good characterisation and fast moving plot. I've found the another series of novels becoming rather sentimental with increasingly annoying and cloying story lines. These adventures with switching focus every other novel keeps it fresh.
Really good characterisation and fast moving plot. I've found the another series of novels becoming rather sentimental with increasingly annoying and cloying story lines. These adventures with switching focus every other novel keeps it fresh.
May 2, 2020
Must read for naval historical novels!
Have read literally scores of sailing historical novels. Durban's characters are awesome and his research strengthens his unmatched personal career experiences. He possesses highly polished writing skills employed by only the most successful authors.
I impatiently await his next book.
Have read literally scores of sailing historical novels. Durban's characters are awesome and his research strengthens his unmatched personal career experiences. He possesses highly polished writing skills employed by only the most successful authors.
I impatiently await his next book.
April 28, 2021
Landing Craft History
My grandfathers and the Paste who performed our wedding all landed in Normandy on Dday. Heck, my birthday was on June 6th too. With the English navy history of landing craft in the mid 18th century as the main theme in this story; I was completely captivated throughout the entire book. Well done Mr Durbin.
My grandfathers and the Paste who performed our wedding all landed in Normandy on Dday. Heck, my birthday was on June 6th too. With the English navy history of landing craft in the mid 18th century as the main theme in this story; I was completely captivated throughout the entire book. Well done Mr Durbin.
October 7, 2022
historical novels at their best
These are great books of adventure, patriotism and sailing. The descriptions of weather systems, wind patterns and sailing are terrific. I think it would be well worth having your own charts to follow the action, unless you are as good as those seamen of old at visualizing the whole scene.
These are great books of adventure, patriotism and sailing. The descriptions of weather systems, wind patterns and sailing are terrific. I think it would be well worth having your own charts to follow the action, unless you are as good as those seamen of old at visualizing the whole scene.
February 7, 2020
Very readable
There's less blood and gore in this the latest in the series, but it doesn't lack of entirely. There's excitement a plenty and there's a!so some romantic interext . All in all it a very readable book and very similar to Patrick O'Brian's classic sea tales
There's less blood and gore in this the latest in the series, but it doesn't lack of entirely. There's excitement a plenty and there's a!so some romantic interext . All in all it a very readable book and very similar to Patrick O'Brian's classic sea tales
March 15, 2020
Very Good
Another very interesting and engrossing read from Chris Durbin. I find his work difficult to put down. Great story, great characters and the epilogue brings the factual history to the reader. I’m on to the next in the series.
Another very interesting and engrossing read from Chris Durbin. I find his work difficult to put down. Great story, great characters and the epilogue brings the factual history to the reader. I’m on to the next in the series.
January 3, 2021
A global war
The Seven Years War was fought all over the globe and this story is a very interesting account of the Royal Navy's first landing of soldiers on shore using flat boats. Lots of excitement and intrigue and a touch of romance.
The Seven Years War was fought all over the globe and this story is a very interesting account of the Royal Navy's first landing of soldiers on shore using flat boats. Lots of excitement and intrigue and a touch of romance.
September 5, 2021
Good read
Durbin’s books continue to please. He has a good knowledge of the technology and history of the times and presents it in an eminently readable novel. I look forward to more of the same.
Durbin’s books continue to please. He has a good knowledge of the technology and history of the times and presents it in an eminently readable novel. I look forward to more of the same.
October 27, 2022
Another stirring adventure for Commander George Holbrooke
More excellent and thrilling action from Chris Durbin. Feel, attention to detail and historical perspective raise this above the average. Well written, a real page turner. Always enjoyable.
More excellent and thrilling action from Chris Durbin. Feel, attention to detail and historical perspective raise this above the average. Well written, a real page turner. Always enjoyable.
March 17, 2023
recounting history
This was a good dive into history in 1759. The first land sea transports. Durban is a great writer weaving history with fiction. Enjoyed the books and bought the next 5 in the series.
This was a good dive into history in 1759. The first land sea transports. Durban is a great writer weaving history with fiction. Enjoyed the books and bought the next 5 in the series.
January 19, 2020
Too much land and not enough water.
February 11, 2022
Excellent
July 13, 2024
4.3 stars.
January 23, 2026
perilous shore.
Even though I can’t understand a word of the sailing terms, the story line & characters are great. Bring on the next one
Even though I can’t understand a word of the sailing terms, the story line & characters are great. Bring on the next one
November 18, 2023
Danger Ashore
This is the 6th edition of this series that follows both Carlisle and Holbrooke during the period of the Seven Years' War.
Spirited action continues, however, the action here is primarily on land. This action leads to disastrous consequences for the British and our hero. This series delivers with plenty of action at sea and land. The key attraction for me is the mastery of the author to carry this series forward, and, continue to deliver intricate details about wood sailing ships at war. All of the details on strategy, tactics, and navigation are here to entertain and inform.
This is the work of a master storyteller at the top of his game.
This is the 6th edition of this series that follows both Carlisle and Holbrooke during the period of the Seven Years' War.
Spirited action continues, however, the action here is primarily on land. This action leads to disastrous consequences for the British and our hero. This series delivers with plenty of action at sea and land. The key attraction for me is the mastery of the author to carry this series forward, and, continue to deliver intricate details about wood sailing ships at war. All of the details on strategy, tactics, and navigation are here to entertain and inform.
This is the work of a master storyteller at the top of his game.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews