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Thomas Kydd #24
Thunderer
1812. Arriving back in England after his successes in the Adriatic, Captain Sir Thomas Kydd is bestowed with honours. In London he's greeted by the Prince Regent who, despite Kydd's protestations that he's happy with his present command, insists he be given a bigger ship - HMS Thunderer, a 74-gun ship of the line. But she's old, and being part of a standing fleet Kydd's chances of further fame and distinction are slim indeed.
Winning over his new command is fraught with challenges. A hostile crew, abysmal levels of gunnery and sail-handling capabilities are intolerable to a fighting captain like Kydd. With the ship short of men and no incentives to attract more, can he ever bring Thunderer to a proper state of fighting preparedness?
Kydd is sent to reinforce the Baltic squadron as Bonaparte's vast army invades Russia. News reaches him of French victory at the Battle of Borodino. The road to Moscow is now open. To avert total French victory, Kydd must lead a vital convoy through battle and tempest to the aid of Britain's last ally.
Winning over his new command is fraught with challenges. A hostile crew, abysmal levels of gunnery and sail-handling capabilities are intolerable to a fighting captain like Kydd. With the ship short of men and no incentives to attract more, can he ever bring Thunderer to a proper state of fighting preparedness?
Kydd is sent to reinforce the Baltic squadron as Bonaparte's vast army invades Russia. News reaches him of French victory at the Battle of Borodino. The road to Moscow is now open. To avert total French victory, Kydd must lead a vital convoy through battle and tempest to the aid of Britain's last ally.
432 pages, Hardcover
Published January 18, 2022
87 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Julian Stockwin
52 books338 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
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 1, 2022
This magnificent seafaring tale is the 24th volume of the brilliant "Thomas Kydd" series.
At the beginning of the book you'll notice a well-drawn map of the Baltic Area, with inserted also the Vendée Coast of France and Lyngor in the south of Norway, where interesting naval actions will take place there, and not to forget there's a Dramatis Personae, with all figures who are featuring in this great tale.
At the end of the book you'll find a superbly defined Glossary, and a very well documented Author's Note, where the historical details are wonderfully explained.
Storytelling is of a tiop-notch quality and with authentic sea-language, all characters come vividly to life in this marvellous seafaring tale, and the warlike atmosphere within the Napoleonic Wars is coming off the pages in a very realistic fashion.
This tale is set in the year AD 1812, and our main protagonist, Captain Sir Thomas Kydd, is taken from his beloved frigate "Tyger" and put at the helm of a 74-gun ship-of-the-line called, "Thunderer".
At first there's hostility between the new Captain Kydd and the old crew on board "Thunderer", when after their first action at the blockade of the Vendée the situation will somewhat improve, but the action at the Norwegian caost at Lyngor Captain Sir Thomas Kydd will make his name as a fighting Captain for than worthy and the crew will take to him from that moment on.
What is to follow are more great sea-actions, as well as Renzi's diplomatic actions at the court of Tsar Alexander of Russia, while at the same time Napoleon Bonaparte is crushing through the north of Europe into Russia, while at the end of the story two famous battle ships-of-the-line, the St George and Defence, will get shipwrecked on the Danish coast of Jutland with the loss of more than a thousand lives, and all this is brought to us with much verve and accuracy by the author.
Highly recommended, for this is another tremendous addition to this excellent series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Glorious Thunderer's Adventure"!
At the beginning of the book you'll notice a well-drawn map of the Baltic Area, with inserted also the Vendée Coast of France and Lyngor in the south of Norway, where interesting naval actions will take place there, and not to forget there's a Dramatis Personae, with all figures who are featuring in this great tale.
At the end of the book you'll find a superbly defined Glossary, and a very well documented Author's Note, where the historical details are wonderfully explained.
Storytelling is of a tiop-notch quality and with authentic sea-language, all characters come vividly to life in this marvellous seafaring tale, and the warlike atmosphere within the Napoleonic Wars is coming off the pages in a very realistic fashion.
This tale is set in the year AD 1812, and our main protagonist, Captain Sir Thomas Kydd, is taken from his beloved frigate "Tyger" and put at the helm of a 74-gun ship-of-the-line called, "Thunderer".
At first there's hostility between the new Captain Kydd and the old crew on board "Thunderer", when after their first action at the blockade of the Vendée the situation will somewhat improve, but the action at the Norwegian caost at Lyngor Captain Sir Thomas Kydd will make his name as a fighting Captain for than worthy and the crew will take to him from that moment on.
What is to follow are more great sea-actions, as well as Renzi's diplomatic actions at the court of Tsar Alexander of Russia, while at the same time Napoleon Bonaparte is crushing through the north of Europe into Russia, while at the end of the story two famous battle ships-of-the-line, the St George and Defence, will get shipwrecked on the Danish coast of Jutland with the loss of more than a thousand lives, and all this is brought to us with much verve and accuracy by the author.
Highly recommended, for this is another tremendous addition to this excellent series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Glorious Thunderer's Adventure"!
October 24, 2021
Yet another of my many seafaring tales of wooden ships and iron men. The British Navy in the days of sail. This one dovetailed nicely with another book I recently finished about champagne of all things. Both books dived into Napoleon's failed attempt in conquering Russia. Napoleon, the antichrist.
"Thunderer" chronicles the rise of our main character from commanding a frigate to a ship of the line. A 74 gun behemoth, along with large ship politics. And sadly this tale recounts the historical loss of almost 1400 men in the wrecks of "St. George" and "Defence" during a wicked storm in the Baltic Sea. Gives added meaning to the terrible threat of a "lee shore."
"Thunderer" chronicles the rise of our main character from commanding a frigate to a ship of the line. A 74 gun behemoth, along with large ship politics. And sadly this tale recounts the historical loss of almost 1400 men in the wrecks of "St. George" and "Defence" during a wicked storm in the Baltic Sea. Gives added meaning to the terrible threat of a "lee shore."
March 14, 2022
In this book Kydd is elevated from frigate captain to the command of a 74 gun ship of the line. Now Kydd is not very happy because now he is part of a squadron that is on blockade duty. Gone now are the days of roving the seas looking for the enemy and sailing into glory. This one is different Kydd has to fight not only the enemy, but the crew of his new command also. Like most of these stories Kydd will play a major role in the big picture of the Napoleonic Wars. Even Nicholas Renzi will have a part to play in this adventure. The adventure involves the invasion of Russia by the forces of Napoleon, which would seem to be a land adventure, but Mr. Stockwin manages to bring the Royal Navy into the fight to stop this invasion in a plausible way. There is a little something for everybody in this book and I can only say for a good time grab a copy and take to the high seas once again.
March 1, 2022
This book was on hold from the publisher for what seemed like forever! I had preordered the book and my order was dropped. Then I had to wait until it became available. Ended up ordering it from a different bookseller and was received in record time!
I found this series in the middle, as usual. Liked enough to backtrack to the beginning. When the library stopped ordering the books, a friend purchased as a gift a few to get me buy til I could purchase my own.
Even though this novel didn't include Kydd's regular crewmates, it was an important story line none the less. I'm excited to find that Kydd will be reunited with his old crew next novel....but with twists and suprises!
I found this series in the middle, as usual. Liked enough to backtrack to the beginning. When the library stopped ordering the books, a friend purchased as a gift a few to get me buy til I could purchase my own.
Even though this novel didn't include Kydd's regular crewmates, it was an important story line none the less. I'm excited to find that Kydd will be reunited with his old crew next novel....but with twists and suprises!
October 18, 2021
Probably my least favourite Kydd novel yet. Nothing of much import seems to go on, and a lot of events seem to be skipped between, as though nothing happens in between. This seems to me to happen to a lot of longer running series and sad to see it here.
Any Strife that seems to happen to Kydd himself (and this is a long running issue now I think about it) is not his fault, or a random stupid descision that Renzi rescues him from, with 0 consequence.
It should also be said that this doesn't live up to the name, as there is barely a sniff of powder in the book.
Any Strife that seems to happen to Kydd himself (and this is a long running issue now I think about it) is not his fault, or a random stupid descision that Renzi rescues him from, with 0 consequence.
It should also be said that this doesn't live up to the name, as there is barely a sniff of powder in the book.
August 23, 2022
Kydd is back in this novel, but, unfortunately, so is Nicholas Renzy. Kydd is now in command of a ship of the line with a disaffected almost mutinous crew, who dislike her captain's beaching so that Kydd has a ship. It was the doings of the Prince Regent who thought he was doing Kydd a favor. Kydd must find a way to endear him to his crew while readying his ship for service in the Baltic where the mission is to support Tsar Akexander against Bonapart. This is where Renzi comes in. sent independently of Kydd. they nevertheless meet up in the Baltic.
April 9, 2022
Thunderer is one of those books that causes me to find an excuse to read a few pages in those moments between everyday tasks. It would have been read more quickly if I had not found myself looking for detail about the events into which Kydd has been written.
The research that goes into these novels is phenomenal and it makes learning about our history both enjoyable and involved.
The story is great too!
The research that goes into these novels is phenomenal and it makes learning about our history both enjoyable and involved.
The story is great too!
December 9, 2021
Although the story gets confusing and difficult to follow at times, this is still a strong addition to the Kydd cycle. I always learn something from these books and this one is no different. But - the end seems to be in sight and I wonder how much longer Kydd will be roaming the seas and fighting Napoleon.
May 2, 2022
another in a great series
This book brings together Kydd and Farndon again for some intrigue and action. It’s a fun tale centered around Bonaparte pushing to Moscow and Kydd getting closer to his admiral promotion. Especially interesting is Stockwin does away with a swath of characters from previous books and still entertains.
This book brings together Kydd and Farndon again for some intrigue and action. It’s a fun tale centered around Bonaparte pushing to Moscow and Kydd getting closer to his admiral promotion. Especially interesting is Stockwin does away with a swath of characters from previous books and still entertains.
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November 13, 2021Absolutely brilliant
Great book and sincerely worth the wait. Fantastic storyline - the author is a master of his art and weaves fact and fiction in a way that makes you want more and more.
Great book and sincerely worth the wait. Fantastic storyline - the author is a master of his art and weaves fact and fiction in a way that makes you want more and more.
October 24, 2022
Great story with a well seasoned Captain Kydd.
A great sea tale. I really felt for Kydd finally getting a 74 but not having the time to bring his crew with him. But still winning over the new crew.
A great sea tale. I really felt for Kydd finally getting a 74 but not having the time to bring his crew with him. But still winning over the new crew.
October 16, 2021
Another Great story
Great story as always. Enjoyed it very much, have read all so far. Waiting anxiously for the next one of the series.
Great story as always. Enjoyed it very much, have read all so far. Waiting anxiously for the next one of the series.
November 2, 2021
Excellent research and writing
Absolutely worth a 5-star rating. I've read every one of the Kydd series and they just keep getting better. Stockwin really knows how to write.
Absolutely worth a 5-star rating. I've read every one of the Kydd series and they just keep getting better. Stockwin really knows how to write.
November 27, 2021
Bringing the saga home.
The end is in sight. Kydd continues his improbable journey along with Renzi, and the family gets bigger. Good stuff!
The end is in sight. Kydd continues his improbable journey along with Renzi, and the family gets bigger. Good stuff!
November 29, 2021
It's another great Kydd novel. There is some repetition from earlier books, but on #24, I guess I expect it. Lots of new characters & good action.
April 19, 2024
If you loved Horatio Hornblower you will love this series as well.
May 20, 2024
Nothing much to say really. Fits in with others in the series and reads well.
March 17, 2025
One of his better books
September 7, 2025
I loved this entry, as I have every book in this series. I highly recommend to anyone who has an interest in the era of wooden sailing ships.
October 20, 2024
Enjoyable naval history novel.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews