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Jack Pembroke Naval Thrillers #1
The Cape Raider
A fight to the death in foreign seas…
1940
Scarred – physically and emotionally – by the brutal warfare at Dunkirk, Jack Pembroke decides to leave his home in England to join his father, Admiral Pembroke, in the South African Cape.
A fledgling naval force is preparing to fight the coming onslaught of German raiders, and Jack is soon thrust back into action when he is appointed commander of a minesweeping flotilla.
Unknown to Jack, a Nazi commerce raider has left Germany for the Cape intending to wreak havoc on Allied shipping.
And it’s heading straight for him…
Under Jack’s command are an eclectic bunch of men who are unsure of their foreign captain. But he must unite them into a powerful fighting unit if he has any chance of defeating the dangerous enemy.
Can Jack overcome his demons and lead his men to victory?
Or will his first battle off the South African coast be his last…?
1940
Scarred – physically and emotionally – by the brutal warfare at Dunkirk, Jack Pembroke decides to leave his home in England to join his father, Admiral Pembroke, in the South African Cape.
A fledgling naval force is preparing to fight the coming onslaught of German raiders, and Jack is soon thrust back into action when he is appointed commander of a minesweeping flotilla.
Unknown to Jack, a Nazi commerce raider has left Germany for the Cape intending to wreak havoc on Allied shipping.
And it’s heading straight for him…
Under Jack’s command are an eclectic bunch of men who are unsure of their foreign captain. But he must unite them into a powerful fighting unit if he has any chance of defeating the dangerous enemy.
Can Jack overcome his demons and lead his men to victory?
Or will his first battle off the South African coast be his last…?
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 23, 2021
671 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
About the author
Justin Fox
35 books80 followersFox is a novelist, travel writer and photographer based in Cape Town, South Africa, and is the former editor of Getaway travel magazine. He was a Rhodes Scholar and received a doctorate in English literature from Oxford University after which he was a research fellow at the University of Cape Town, where he taught part time for 20 years. His articles and photographs have appeared internationally in a number of publications and on a wide range of topics, while his short stories and poems have appeared in numerous anthologies. He has written scripts and directed award-winning documentaries and is a two-time Mondi journalism award winner (1999 and 2004). Recent books include The Marginal Safari (Umuzi), The Impossible Five (Tafelberg), Beat Routes (Karavan), Place (Umuzi) and, most recently, a World War II series of novels, starting with The Cape Raider (Penguin and Sapere) and The Wolf Hunt (Sapere). Justin was longlisted for the 2011 Alan Paton Award for non-fiction, the 2012 Olive Schreiner Prize for Literature, and his debut novel, Whoever Fears the Sea (Umuzi 2014), was longlisted for the Etisalat Prize for African literature.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
January 4, 2022
This is a book I liked, but did not love reading. The character development is not good, and throughout the book the reader is introduced to many characters who only gets a few words and this does not contribute to the story for me personally. The story is also a bit predictable, except for a few characters who gets killed whom I thought would have been great characters for the future of this series. There are also too much mention of political and social issues of the time which takes some of the flow of the book away. The author must be commended though for his research into the history of German raiders and of the SA Navy of the time, and he took quite a few anecdotes and put it in the pages from books I have also read about the subjects. Hope the follow up books in the series gets better as it has potential.
May 15, 2021
Very good WW II sea warfare novel, with a twist. This one involves South African Naval minesweepers off Cape Town and the surrounding seas. The antagonist is a German raider set to lay mines and do as much damage to British shipping as possible.
For those readers who like sea battles, ala P.T. Deutermann's fine work, will enjoy this story. Title indicates there will be more to follow.
For those readers who like sea battles, ala P.T. Deutermann's fine work, will enjoy this story. Title indicates there will be more to follow.
January 26, 2022
Outstanding
This is a great book about an aspect of the Second World War that I had never heard anything about. I never knew that South Africa was involved in WW2. The author told a great story and kept me very interested. Thank Justin Fox for the book. I look forward to reading more books in this series.
This is a great book about an aspect of the Second World War that I had never heard anything about. I never knew that South Africa was involved in WW2. The author told a great story and kept me very interested. Thank Justin Fox for the book. I look forward to reading more books in this series.
March 28, 2021
Terrific story as we follow Lieutenant Jack Pembroke from the horrors of Dunkirk to his first command of a flotilla of minesweepers in South Africa. Such a well written book – the suspense of the German raider heading for the Cape, to wreak havoc for shipping, against Jack, trying to bring his men and ships together to create a defence against the enemy, is nerve wracking and the description of the savage weather in the southern ocean makes you feel like you are experiencing it. Good to see touches of normal life and fun for the crews in their downtime.
If you have an interest in the naval history of WWII then I really recommend this book – I learnt so much about an area of the war I hadn’t come across before. Looking forward to reading more about Jack’s war.
Thanks to Sapere Books for a copy to review.
If you have an interest in the naval history of WWII then I really recommend this book – I learnt so much about an area of the war I hadn’t come across before. Looking forward to reading more about Jack’s war.
Thanks to Sapere Books for a copy to review.
April 18, 2021
A good solid read!
A good story about a little known area of operations in WW II. A skipper with PTSD trying to find his way. Good writing ! I look forward to more, I hope this becomes a long series!
A good story about a little known area of operations in WW II. A skipper with PTSD trying to find his way. Good writing ! I look forward to more, I hope this becomes a long series!
January 17, 2023
The Cape Raider
A good read and authorities of a sweeper, especially in bad weather. Small and nowhere to hide. But also fast and nippy enough to take on the big guys in a bust up.
A good read and authorities of a sweeper, especially in bad weather. Small and nowhere to hide. But also fast and nippy enough to take on the big guys in a bust up.
June 30, 2021
Naval Story
A different theatre of naval warfare , really enjoyed the authenticity and graphic story telling, recommend this to everyone who likes fast moving action
A different theatre of naval warfare , really enjoyed the authenticity and graphic story telling, recommend this to everyone who likes fast moving action
June 26, 2021
Outstanding Read
Well researched, great characters, fast paced storyline, all in all a great read. I found myself reading this in around two days, not often a book lives up to its "Hard to put down" tag.
Looking forward to the second instalment.
Well researched, great characters, fast paced storyline, all in all a great read. I found myself reading this in around two days, not often a book lives up to its "Hard to put down" tag.
Looking forward to the second instalment.
August 4, 2021
A well written novel of a little known theater of war, South Africa. Mr. Fox takes us into the story of a Lieutenant in charge of a mine sweeper. It is very descriptive in the war scenes. A very well done Novel.
August 3, 2021
Quick read action packed
July 30, 2021
A good tale
A livid picture of war at sea. The battle scenes are realistically horrifying, but with plenty of characters to give the story humanity, this includes both German and Allied characters. The only drawback is the story about this part of Jack Pembroke 's career could have been longer to give even more detail
A livid picture of war at sea. The battle scenes are realistically horrifying, but with plenty of characters to give the story humanity, this includes both German and Allied characters. The only drawback is the story about this part of Jack Pembroke 's career could have been longer to give even more detail
June 6, 2021
Gritty
Perhaps gritty is not technically correct for a book based at sea but grit is the core of this story.I hate leading characters who walk with easy feline grace suggesting the hidden power of a muscular frame and have steely eyes that women swoon uncontrollably over.the lead here is subject to the doubts and moments of panic we all feel,at least I do,that's what makes him human and believable and that is the basis of a good story somebody believable.
Perhaps gritty is not technically correct for a book based at sea but grit is the core of this story.I hate leading characters who walk with easy feline grace suggesting the hidden power of a muscular frame and have steely eyes that women swoon uncontrollably over.the lead here is subject to the doubts and moments of panic we all feel,at least I do,that's what makes him human and believable and that is the basis of a good story somebody believable.
July 22, 2021
The cape Raider
If you like Douglas Reeman than you will enjoy this novel. The setting of South Africa and the Cape during WWII is an area of which I know little about. Kudos for delving into a different geography.
If you like Douglas Reeman than you will enjoy this novel. The setting of South Africa and the Cape during WWII is an area of which I know little about. Kudos for delving into a different geography.
May 17, 2021
It is 1940 and Jack Pembroke decides to leave his home in England to join his father, Admiral Pembroke, in the Cape, South Africa. The brutal warfare at Dunkirk, has left him wounded in every way and it seems as if his naval days are over.
Back home, a fledgling naval force is preparing to fight the imminent onslaught of German raiders. Against all odds, the vulnerable Jack finds himself back in action and forced to face his own demons, when he is made commander of a minesweeping flotilla.
Unknown to the newly appointed Captain Pembroke, a Nazi commerce raider has left Germany for the Cape, with the sole purpose of wreaking havoc on Allied shipping. It’s heading in his direction.
Under Jack’s command are a motley crew who do not yet trust their ‘foreign’ captain. And rightly so. But he needs to unite them into a powerful fighting team if he has any chance of defeating the dangerous enemy. Jack’s strength and courage manage to break through his wounded psyche and we are witness to a formidable transformation at sea.
The Cape Raider is an unusual choice of novel for me but I was totally absorbed in the story, from page one. Justin Fox immerses us in this brutal, warring world. His superb use of language, meticulous attention to detail and well placed touches of humour, captured my imagination completely. Jack is an unlikely hero and not one to fall in love with easily. But his reserves of courage and superior intelligence come into play. He grows into his heroism. And I did fall in love, immediately.
Fox is a rising star in the literary world and I’ll be first in the queue for book two of the series, especially if there’s the promise of the gentle romance blossoming even more…
A five star read!
.
July 14, 2021
Terrific book, one of the best naval adventures I've read in a while. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
May 29, 2021
Uncommon Valor at sea
As much a psychological drama as a war drama. The characters were developed in a narrative that was gripping. It’s a well-spun sea tale.
As much a psychological drama as a war drama. The characters were developed in a narrative that was gripping. It’s a well-spun sea tale.
July 5, 2021
This story gripped me!!
Well written! Characters had personality and felt like real people . An amazing tale of war at sea! I couldn't put it down.
Well written! Characters had personality and felt like real people . An amazing tale of war at sea! I couldn't put it down.
May 17, 2021
Mine Sweepers first time
I had a neighbor that served on an Mine Sweeper in ww 2. He never mentioned anything about it. In fact this is the first book I have ever read about sweepers. The story was very interesting and exciting. Anyone who likes navel battles will enjoy this book. I would definitely recommend this book.
I had a neighbor that served on an Mine Sweeper in ww 2. He never mentioned anything about it. In fact this is the first book I have ever read about sweepers. The story was very interesting and exciting. Anyone who likes navel battles will enjoy this book. I would definitely recommend this book.
March 9, 2021
Lieutenant Jack Pembroke had his ship sunk at Dunkirk, spent months in hospital with a badly broken leg, has PTSD, lost his mother to a bombing in London, and now is under his father the admiral's thumb commanding a group of minesweepers off the South African coast. To top it all off, too many of the locals hate the British and favor Hitler. What a mess! Good character development, plot, and outstanding depictions of the beauty of the area. I learned a lot while enjoying this tale!
I requested and received a free temporary ebook copy from Sapere Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
I requested and received a free temporary ebook copy from Sapere Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
March 25, 2021
A Good Look Back
Naval historical fiction is a passion of mine and I am always looking for new naval adventure authors to read. This has been a find. I was sort of discouraged by the main characters depressive moods but then found that to be an important part of the story. Looking forward to hearing more about Jack Pembroke in the future.
Naval historical fiction is a passion of mine and I am always looking for new naval adventure authors to read. This has been a find. I was sort of discouraged by the main characters depressive moods but then found that to be an important part of the story. Looking forward to hearing more about Jack Pembroke in the future.
May 22, 2021
Very good
I am an hobby military historian and in addition read at least two military fiction books a week .This is very good in its detail accuracy ,its characterisations and ,particularly its descriptive prose--all of which means its very enjoyable so do read it .I look to Mr Fox to produce the next instalment as soon as possible --this is my first ever review!
I am an hobby military historian and in addition read at least two military fiction books a week .This is very good in its detail accuracy ,its characterisations and ,particularly its descriptive prose--all of which means its very enjoyable so do read it .I look to Mr Fox to produce the next instalment as soon as possible --this is my first ever review!
March 6, 2021
A great new book in I hope the first of a new series. The characters were great and life like and the story was full of action. This book kept me entertained and it was hard to put down.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 24, 2021
What a superb novel, one which I thoroughly enjoyed reading. At last a hero who is a human being, not a superman who will save the world, but a person with all his failings and emotions who learns to be a hero. Superbly written, I could almost believe the author was there. Great.
March 31, 2021
A really great read.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Great description of action on board small shops that were the workhorses of the various fleets during WW2, but very rarely received the credit they deserve. Very well written and highly recommended.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Great description of action on board small shops that were the workhorses of the various fleets during WW2, but very rarely received the credit they deserve. Very well written and highly recommended.
April 10, 2021
Interesting story
The coming of age story during a fierce battle. I admit to wondering if the main character was ever going to make it. A bit melancholy in the writing., kept it from being as hard bitten as it should have been.
The coming of age story during a fierce battle. I admit to wondering if the main character was ever going to make it. A bit melancholy in the writing., kept it from being as hard bitten as it should have been.
May 4, 2021
Well Done
All the small ships, sweepers and trawlers alike endured horrific danger and hardships and provided vital services to the war effort. Good to read about how they fought and worked without glamour.
All the small ships, sweepers and trawlers alike endured horrific danger and hardships and provided vital services to the war effort. Good to read about how they fought and worked without glamour.
March 25, 2021
One of the best
Real good read. Romantic situations kept to a minimum. I really wish this story didn't end. Want more by Fox.
Real good read. Romantic situations kept to a minimum. I really wish this story didn't end. Want more by Fox.
April 20, 2021
I’m ready for the next book in this series! A very entertaining read.
April 28, 2021
Outstanding!
This book was extremely well written. A very realistic portrayal of war a sea. Characters were well developed. The historic context was accurate. A very good read.
This book was extremely well written. A very realistic portrayal of war a sea. Characters were well developed. The historic context was accurate. A very good read.
May 8, 2021
Exceptional! One of the best written WW11 novels I've read. In an area of the war that's been overlooked by almost everyone else.
Looking forward to reading the next Jack Pembroke novel, Bravo!
Looking forward to reading the next Jack Pembroke novel, Bravo!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews