Treachery

Thomas Kydd #9

by Julian Stockwin

Thomas Kydd has dragged himself up in the navy from press-ganged seaman to captain of his own ship. Now he faces disgrace. After losing favour with his superiors, and suffering terrible personal tragedy, Kydd and his ship are sent to guard the Channel Islands from Napoleon's forces. When he is brutally betrayed off the Normandy Coast and removed from command, only his old friend Renzi is willing to stick by him. Kydd is determined to clear his name, but soon finds himself fighting yet another battle he seems to have no chance of winning. Can he defeat his enemies on both sides, and win back the glory taken from him?

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

352 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

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!**

Read this book in 2008, and its the 9th volume of the great "Thomas Kydd" series.

Thomas Kydd after offending an Admiral and his daughter, he's disgraced and sent on a mission the guard the Channel Islands.

When Thomas Kydd is brutally betrayed on the Normandy Coast, only one man sticks with him, his best high-born friend, Nicholas Renzi.

By chance Thomas Kydd is given an opportunity to regain his fortunes as a Captain of a privateer, an occupation hated by both the Royal Navy and the French.

To win back the glory he once had, Thomas Kydd and his crew must prowl the high seas of the Atlantic, and try to capture wealthy French traders returning to Bonaparte, and in doing so he can fight the war for his country in his own glorious way and regain the dignity and recognition that he deserves.

What is to follow is an excellent naval adventure which is told and brought to us by the author in his own formidable and authentic fashion.

Highly recommended, for this is another splendid addition to this terrific series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "An Astonishing Treachery"!

[Robin Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book like the story its self seems to dust its self off from the disapointment and loss of the last book, Kydd, has to put the personal loss behind him and try and resurect his career, and we the reader need to put behind us the last book and the fact it didnt resonante, and what a book to do it with, this is stockwin back with a vengence, the power and pace we have come to expect, and the pacey story and wonderful characters

All of this coupled with Julians obvious passion for the sea and all things nautical, this is a series that does rank up there with Forrester and O'Brian, every year i look forward to my new instalment of Kydd...but to get there you have to start at the beginning dont spoil it and come in part way.

Well recommended

(Parm)

[Jake Cooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

treachery! can Kydd survive ? read & find out :)

[Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good addition to the Kydd Sea Adventures, I especially enjoyed the development of the characters and that a harder edge has been added within reason and context! 3.75 Stars!

[Joseph Feldman-Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read. Bro got down and out from plotting against him and has clawed his way back to riches and fame and respectable gentility. Also the first time in a while that Renzie has actually been a good friend and resource for Kydd.

[Duzzlebrarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first part of the book seemed rather unsteady. I think because I'm so used to Kydd always being the upbeat one and Renzi being the one prone to the gloomy fits, that Angsty!Kydd didn't really resonate. That said, after that point the story pulls together and zips along. I didn't so much read it as inhale it.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another one bites the dust onto book ten, Invasion

[Cindy Vallar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neither Kydd nor Renzi are in good places when this latest Kydd Sea Adventure begins. Renzi suffers from guilt for abandoning his friend when he needed him most. Kydd wallows in grief at the sudden loss of his beloved. Renzi makes a new vow to help Kydd, but it takes an encounter with footpads and the press gang to draw Kydd sufficiently out of his anguish to at least do his duty as captain of Teazer.

This Thomas Kydd is not the one that his men admire and willingly follow. This is a harsh, unyielding commander who demands immediate obedience. As a result, unease and possible mutiny ripple through the crew, though Kydd is too blinded to see or listen to Renzi’s warnings. It takes another to turn the tide before it’s too late.

Teazer and her crew have been relegated to the isolated station of the Channel Islands, where Admiral Saumarez is in charge. For Renzi, this provides him with new opportunities to continue his research. For Kydd, he is given a chance to show his mettle; Saumerez judges by deeds and courage instead of hearsay and innuendo. Kydd accepts the chance to prove himself worth; in doing so, he draws the ire of those who have been on station longer than he has. Then Kydd receives secret orders, which he successfully carries out. Upon returning to home port, his ship is boarded and he is accused of smuggling, which is against Admiralty rules. And the admiral denies ever giving him secret orders.

Treachery is the tale of what happens when an officer loses his command and must seek employment on land. It is also about backstabbing and vowing to clear one’s name, as well as following paths that go against one’s beliefs. Privateering and espionage play key roles in these struggles. The machinations behind a plot to kidnap Napoleon Bonaparte show the tenuous scheming between the English government, French émigrés, and French royalists. The action is riveting and the emotions are profound. Internal struggles play out alongside external ones. This ninth title in the series is one that fans will enjoy not only for these reasons but also because it delves further into multi-dimensions of character.


This review was originally published at Pirates and Privateers (http://www.cindyvallar.com/Stockwin.h...)

[Randy · Rating 3 out of 5]

By book #9 a writer has to know he’s got a pretty good thing going. And, who knows where it will end? How do you manage the plots to keep your future options open. As of this writing the series is at 24 books with probably more to come. As a result, an author has to take it slow while still offering good action adventure entertainment. This book uses the rags to riches plot. To make it work Stockwin needs to get Kydd kicked off his command and the set up is just a bit cheesy. This is the treachery part of “Treachery.” Kydd gets bounced for following what he thought were secret orders from the Admiral when, in fact, they were fake. His crime was picking up a small chest of fabric and the charge was using a King’s ship for his own profit. But, Kydd had just saved the Admiral and a grounded frigate through a daring action off the coast of France. Unfortunately, this was not enough to offset the small chest of material. It just doesn’t jibe. However, the rest of the story is pretty good. Kydd gets a job as a stage hand with a traveling theater company and is befriended by the company. The lead actress gets him an interview with a man who organizes investors for privateering and Kydd has a ship again. His first cruise is a failure and he is again put on shore until another character from his past shows up to offer him a bigger ship and better crew and this cruise makes Kydd rich beyond his dreams. Renzi, on the other hand, travels to a different Channel Island and lands a job with the Commodore and is soon up to his neck in a plot to kidnap Napoleon. Renzi goes on a secret mission to France and barely escapes. The plot is foiled and Renzi quits his job and returns to see Kydd who is out on his third profiteering cruise. While he is waiting Renzi deduces who must have delivered the fake secret orders. He uses some of the nefarious contacts he met while doing spy work and has the perp brought to him where he threatens him with his life, gets a confession and when Kydd returns gets him reinstated as Captain of the Teazer.

[Marten Wennik · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has been a while since I read a selection in the Kydd series and I have forgotten how much I loved these tales. While not quite on the level of Patrick O'Brien's series, Stockwin has created a growing set of tales about a unique situation of a foremast hand who, by luck and honest work, earns a chance to become an officer (I guess very rare in those times) and takes full advantage. Thomas Kydd is a very likable character for his honesty and naivete. He takes all on face value but is not ignorant. He does not lack incredible seamanship and loyalty to his learned friend Renzi. Stockwin has a good recipe and now is in need of good storylines.

In this book, he comes up with a fine tale. Kydd is suffering personally, having tragically lost his fiancee to drowning and is being roughed up by an admiral who feels Kydd spurned him. Kydd gets stuck in a new posting in a part of the navy that does not promise much chance to redeem his image and place in the fighting Navy. But he is beset with further challenges and somehow finds a way. The side story in this book, Renzi's dabbling into espionage and the potential capture of Bonaparte is a bit too contrived. I often muttered to Stockwin to just get back to Kydd's story.

I enjoyed the book and despite several years between episodes, I found myself easily tucked back into the lives of Kydd and Renzi. I look forward to the next installment.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Commander Kydd, grieving the loss of his fiancé, is further cast down when he’s accused of smuggling. He escapes being court-martialed due to his exemplary service but is dismissed from his ship. Cast into poverty, he scrabbles for existence in the nearest port until he lands a position as captain of a privateer vessel. Meanwhile, his friend Mr. Renzi faithfully follows him ashore. Mr. Renzi learns clandestine skills that help him determine who might have betrayed Commander Kydd. Together they face adversity and survive the challenges thrown at them.

As a reader, you’re immersed in a world of seamanship, history, and adventure while being educated and entertained at the same time. The hero is a noble and stalwart sort who strives to do what’s right. You can’t help wanting him to salvage his reputation and rise to fortune once again.

[Massanutten Regional Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Butch, Central patron, June 2017, 5 stars:

His career in the Royal Navy in tatters and his happiness destroyed, Commander Kydd is sent to Guernsey in disgrace, consigned to a quiet backwater guarding the Channel Islands. Would he ever escape the exile?

His sense of duty becomes his obsession. Hungering for victories over the French he becomes reckless, ready to sacrifice not just himself but his men. His best friend Nicholas Renzi warns him of the dangers looming but to no avail. Brutally betrayed off the Normandy coast, Kydd loses everything.

Penniless and alone, Kydd refuses to leave Guernsey till he can clear his name. Then he is given an extraordinary opportunity to salvage his fortunes and return to sea: as captain of a hated privateer…

[Terry Steinborn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another exciting episode in the saga of Thomas Kydd of the Royal Navy. Although in this book he spends most of his time as captain of a privateer. Kydd has been removed from his post as Captain of the Teazer by nefarious skulduggery and so must fend for himself. His reputation as a daring captain of British Navy ships has brought him to the attention of the rich merchants of Guernsey who hire him as captain of a privateer. His progress is not without reverses, of course. While this is going on his great friend Renzi must also fend for himself, and he gets involved with a Royalist plot against Napoleon. The two-pronged action and intrigue make this a most enjoyable installation in this remarkably entertaining saga.

(Now back to Lewrie in Dewey Lambdin's series.)

[Kory Klimoski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Treachery
Latest read in the Thomas Kydd series. It does not disappoint! I was
thinking by the title it would be something else, but still enjoyed the book
immensely. It's fun to watch the character grow from book to book and I
can't wait to see where the series takes us. The author definitely took the
time to develop the character and plot line. His attention to detail is
astounding.
The narrator, as always, is phenomenal! His style, tone and cadence make
the book even more captivating.

[Alan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thomas Kydd starts with his own ship and is doing well and welcomed in St. Peter's Port Guernsey. Then he receives sealed orders telling him to stop on a remote coast of France and pick up what he finds there. He was betrayed, stripped of his command and has to sign on as a privateer captain. His best friend and ship's clerk Nicholas Renzi, trying to find work is hired as a clerk to a man running counter-revolutionary plots in France.

[Randy Coble · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Thomas Kydd Nautical novels

This is one of a series of historical nautical books by Julian Stockwin. The series as well as this book are finely written, and although fiction, historically accurate and exciting. I highly recommend them to you as both entertaining and educational.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has an appropriate title. The treachery and betrayal are despicable and heart-breaking. Once again I find the behavior of the characters exaggerated and inconsistent with reality. The story is full of some great high seas adventure, both private and Royal Navy. A good read.

[Michael Combs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was almost a "who-done-it?" and makes me want to add Guernsey to my travel plans. The adventures of Kydd and his friend Renzi are page turning, and the feel for the time and place setting are as good as ever I read. Onward to the "Invasion"!

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back on form again after the last one.

[Jay Stansbury · Rating 4 out of 5]

How Thomas Kidd gets himself into and out of his predicaments is a wonder. I was very entertained with this installment in the series and I can recommend it to anyone who enjoys the genre.

[Shelly Lincoln · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great addition to the series as Stockwin returns to form and Kydd again takes to the seas - this time as a privateer.

[Sam Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. The second half was excellent, although the first half was a bit challenging to get into due to the swashbuckling language used.

[Nancy Hoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting!

The detailed descriptions place in the time and place of the era, The Kydd adventures hold you to the story.

[Kim Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

every book of this series has been very good.

[Susan Berg · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit slow going at first but finished with a flourish once Kydd got back at sea

[Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another so so Kydd book on the outs with Admiral Lockwood. He finds himself in Jersey on escort and guard duty. He ends up out of the Navy and working as a Privateer.

[Earl Rose]

Not yet...this is an error. I will report upon completion.

[Oraklet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compared with the previous installment, this one has more intrigue. The character development is also nicely written.

[MR R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very much enjoyed this novel.

[Erik · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t buy many hardbacks when they’re released. Instead, I typically put it on hold first through my neighborhood public library or – failing that – wait until it comes out in paperback a year or so later. However, Julian Stockwin’s Napoleonic-era British naval series about rising star Thomas Kydd is one that I pre-order immediately through Amazon the moment I hear it will be out in the next new release season. Which, I proudly admit, is exactly what I did with this, the ninth book in the series, way back in the summer when I found out it was to roll off the presses this October. And, yes, it is worth paying for it in hardback.

After a long string of successes in both his personal and professional sea-faring lives for many books, The Privateer’s Revenge begins where the last book, The Admiral’s Daughter, left off: Having just taken the hand of a woman of lesser social rank by turning away the titular daughter of a high-ranking naval admiral, Kydd loses his new bride in a freak accident. And it is this nadir in his life that opens this latest book as our hero lies sullen in the deepest and most morose of glooms.

Just when you think that the situation cannot possibly get worse, it does. First Kydd falls into a trap laid by an unknown enemy – and trust me, the suspected perp is merely a classic red herring – which causes him to lose not just his Letter of Marque, but his standing as an acting naval commander. Then when he tries his hand at earning a prize or two as a privateer, he is fired after bringing in the slimmest of pickings. Meanwhile, his friend, confidant, and ship’s clerk (and once first lieutenant, even) Nicholas Renzi goes off in search of a new job, only to be hired by Commodore d’Auvergne to aide in the abduction of the Tyrant – alias Napoleon – by French loyalists.

Naval fiction set in the late eighteenth/early nineteenth is clearly having a run in recent times – as evidenced by many bookstores devoting an entire section to this growing and increasingly popular literary sub-genre. But Stockwin is clearly a cut above the rest. Truly is he the torch-bearer of the late Patrick O’Brian and, before him, the indomitable C. S. Forester.

Oh, and I honestly don’t know what is up with this book’s icon on Facebook’s Virtual Bookshelf with its cover-title reading Treachery. Perhaps this is the UK version? Odd – and just a bit annoying -- when we change book titles here in the U.S. with a foreign book. Particularly when it is already written in English.