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Alexis Carew #3
The Little Ships
Newly commissioned lieutenant, Alexis Carew is appointed into HMS Shrewsbury, a 74-gun ship of the line in New London’s space navy. She expects Shrewsbury will be sent into action in the war against Hanover, but instead she finds that she and her new ship are pivotal in a Foreign Office plot to bring the star systems of the French Republic into the war and end the threat of Hanover forever.
411 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 8, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
February 8, 2017
Avanture super poručnice se nastavljaju. Ko god je stigao odvde zna šta da očekuje tako da nema potrebe da ulazin u sitne detalje. Ako bi smo ulazili u neku dublju analizu knjiga ima hiljadu i jednu manu ali stil pisanja i konstantna akcija drže pažnju do kraja tako da mane uopšte ni ne prmetim. Jednostavno ovaj serijal mi je savršeno legao.
Plus pošto je sada prošlo par godina lakše mi je da je prihvatim kao vunderkinda :)
Plus pošto je sada prošlo par godina lakše mi je da je prihvatim kao vunderkinda :)
November 5, 2017
I've mentioned on numerous occasions how much I love J.A. Sutherland's Alexis Carew series. I've already reviewed the first two books in the series but had to take a brief break before working on the third. I'm glad I did as it allowed me to read it with a fresh mind to absorbing the character's latest adventures. Given the book takes Alexis to her seventeenth year, it also prevented me from being too confused if I'd read them back-to-back-to-back.
The premise for The Little Ships is Alexis Carew has been recruited for a clandestine meeting with the Grand Republic of France (in SPACE). Being forced to learn dancing, polite conversation, and etiquette--she is also educated in the history of the setting. It turns out that the present state of the galaxy is due to a revolt by Deutchland (In SPACE) losing its Hanover colonies, followed by said colonies becoming an aggressive military dictatorship. Now New London, France, and Deutchland struggle to keep Hanover's ambitions in check. In the current war, New London fights alone and they're hoping to bring the Grand Republic in on their side against the Hanover. Alexis will be critical to this as she has, however briefly, had contact with the locals on the Hanover-aligned but culturally French Berry March worlds.
I must confess to a certain amount of disappointment to Hanover's portrayal and the use of them as the central antagonists in this story. It seems virtually all science-fiction invariably turns to some variant of Space Nazis as the enemy. In this case, the Hanover are stated to believe they wish to rule all of the galaxy and I wouldn't be surprised if they were meant to believe themselves superior. I say this is a disappointment, really, because I rather like the idea of the Napoleonic Wars in Space and would have been interested in seeing the Grand Republic or its allies as the enemy.
Despite this, I actually enjoyed watching poor Alexis struggle to keep her dignity despite the fact she was wholly unsuited for court life. It's also nice to see her deal with situations that she's out of her depth with but still trying to understand. The straightforward Lawful Good Alexis is a poor fit for a story which is fundamentally about realpolitc, espionage, and propaganda. Yet, that's precisely what makes the story intriguing as it forces Alexis to confront, again, New London society is not all that great.
I liked the depiction of French culture in the book even if it tended to veer a tad into the stereotypical (was it really necessary to make the ambassador smell bad as well as be a lecherous old man?). Still, there were quite a few interesting characters and the return to the Berry Marches is something I was actually looking forward to after their introduction in Mutineer. We also get a return of the characters there and knowing what happens as a result of Alexis' actions was poignant to say the least.
The book is roughly divided between two different sections with the first being Alexis' political nightmare in New Paris and the latter being a disastrous military campaign in the Berry Marches. The book adapts the Dunkirk evacuation but goes beyond to show just what happens in places where overconfidence outstrips planning. We also get to deal with some other interesting elements of war like pregnancies (not Alexis') as well as vengeance killings against those even tangentially connected to the enemy. I appreciate this Gray and Gray Morality and wonder if we'll get to see any "good" Hanover characters.
In conclusion, this is an excellent continuation of the series. Despite being YA novels, Alexis Carew deals with many serious issues and I'm intrigued by their mix of sci-fi as well as historical fiction. I hope J.A. Sutherland will continue to adapt famous naval battles and events as they make the series all the better.
9/10
The premise for The Little Ships is Alexis Carew has been recruited for a clandestine meeting with the Grand Republic of France (in SPACE). Being forced to learn dancing, polite conversation, and etiquette--she is also educated in the history of the setting. It turns out that the present state of the galaxy is due to a revolt by Deutchland (In SPACE) losing its Hanover colonies, followed by said colonies becoming an aggressive military dictatorship. Now New London, France, and Deutchland struggle to keep Hanover's ambitions in check. In the current war, New London fights alone and they're hoping to bring the Grand Republic in on their side against the Hanover. Alexis will be critical to this as she has, however briefly, had contact with the locals on the Hanover-aligned but culturally French Berry March worlds.
I must confess to a certain amount of disappointment to Hanover's portrayal and the use of them as the central antagonists in this story. It seems virtually all science-fiction invariably turns to some variant of Space Nazis as the enemy. In this case, the Hanover are stated to believe they wish to rule all of the galaxy and I wouldn't be surprised if they were meant to believe themselves superior. I say this is a disappointment, really, because I rather like the idea of the Napoleonic Wars in Space and would have been interested in seeing the Grand Republic or its allies as the enemy.
Despite this, I actually enjoyed watching poor Alexis struggle to keep her dignity despite the fact she was wholly unsuited for court life. It's also nice to see her deal with situations that she's out of her depth with but still trying to understand. The straightforward Lawful Good Alexis is a poor fit for a story which is fundamentally about realpolitc, espionage, and propaganda. Yet, that's precisely what makes the story intriguing as it forces Alexis to confront, again, New London society is not all that great.
I liked the depiction of French culture in the book even if it tended to veer a tad into the stereotypical (was it really necessary to make the ambassador smell bad as well as be a lecherous old man?). Still, there were quite a few interesting characters and the return to the Berry Marches is something I was actually looking forward to after their introduction in Mutineer. We also get a return of the characters there and knowing what happens as a result of Alexis' actions was poignant to say the least.
The book is roughly divided between two different sections with the first being Alexis' political nightmare in New Paris and the latter being a disastrous military campaign in the Berry Marches. The book adapts the Dunkirk evacuation but goes beyond to show just what happens in places where overconfidence outstrips planning. We also get to deal with some other interesting elements of war like pregnancies (not Alexis') as well as vengeance killings against those even tangentially connected to the enemy. I appreciate this Gray and Gray Morality and wonder if we'll get to see any "good" Hanover characters.
In conclusion, this is an excellent continuation of the series. Despite being YA novels, Alexis Carew deals with many serious issues and I'm intrigued by their mix of sci-fi as well as historical fiction. I hope J.A. Sutherland will continue to adapt famous naval battles and events as they make the series all the better.
9/10
December 4, 2016
I am enjoying this series. Quite a lot.
August 24, 2018
This is a wonderful series combining Age of Sail techniques with science fiction coming of age adventure. Alexis Carew is a strong character who is tougher on herself than her peers. Because she is a woman in a man's world, she has many hurdles to overcome, but her pluck, resolve, and competence set her up for advancement and success. Very much in the style of Horatio Hornblower, she meets a wide range of characters who help mold her to become a tough, but caring officer. This series is a satisfying read (I read the first four books in a week) which incorporates many strands ranging from traditions (and clarity) of the British Navy to hypothetical travel through dark matter. The dialogue and humour are witty and gratifying. The second book in the series is the strongest involving an antipathetic antagonist (is there any other kind?) and a harrowing moment of brutality which forever changes Alexis. Overall, an engaging series which I highly recommend.
February 15, 2017
Third novel in the series 3.5 stars
Third book and a third ship to start on. Alexis Carew has been posted on the HMS Shrewsbury to fulfill a secret military/ diplomatic mission: get the great republic of France to enter the war. What this means for her is: etiquette lessons, dance lessons and maintaining a cover in enemy territory.
Sutherland continues his trend to use real world military actions as inspiration for his novel and it work. This was an entertaining novel. Alexis grows a little and slowly starts to mature, without losing her innocence completely.
Yet again a novel well worth reading.
Third book and a third ship to start on. Alexis Carew has been posted on the HMS Shrewsbury to fulfill a secret military/ diplomatic mission: get the great republic of France to enter the war. What this means for her is: etiquette lessons, dance lessons and maintaining a cover in enemy territory.
Sutherland continues his trend to use real world military actions as inspiration for his novel and it work. This was an entertaining novel. Alexis grows a little and slowly starts to mature, without losing her innocence completely.
Yet again a novel well worth reading.
February 4, 2016
This is book three in the Alexis Carew series. Alexis, now a lieutenant, is assigned to the HMS Shrewsbury, a 74 gun ship in the New London’s Space Navy. The author has attempted to make this an “age of sail” type of story except instead of on the sea in the 1800’s it is in space, sailing the solar winds. The story has the British and Germans at war with the French undecided.
The story is well written, the characters are interesting and the plot twist and turns. Overall it is a fun adventure story that makes a great get away story. This is a different type of space opera. I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. Elizabeth Klett has done a good job narrating the story; enjoyed her British accent.
The story is well written, the characters are interesting and the plot twist and turns. Overall it is a fun adventure story that makes a great get away story. This is a different type of space opera. I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. Elizabeth Klett has done a good job narrating the story; enjoyed her British accent.
November 12, 2015
This third book in the series is so far his best work. I am typically not a sci-fi fan, but I enjoy this series and I love the heroine, Alexis Carew. The science fiction does not over-take the book and it is an easy read for anyone that wants a typical sci-fi story line or someone who wants a character-driven story line. I sat and read most of this book in one day. His words captured my imagination and I couldn't put the book down. The character development within this story captivated me and pulled me in as if I felt Alexis' emotions right along with her. The plot twists and turns kept me engaged and I cannot wait for the fourth book now. This is a must read for any reader!
March 5, 2019
Horatio Hornblower. In space. And female.
I read books 1-6 in quick succession so this is a combined review of them all.
The author creates a believable universe in which FTL travel occurs in a manner that, through necessity, replicates the feel of the age of sail of the early 19th century. While this might seem contrived at first glance, this reality is so interwoven into the characters and the universe that you quickly just accept it as (fictional) fact and enjoy the story. The technology levels of developed worlds hits all of the expected high notes; it is really just the FTL travel that morphs into a different era.
The tale of Alexis Carew mirrors that of Horatio Hornblower to a great extent. Born into a star-spanning nation modeled politically and culturally on the British Empire of the early 19th century, Alexis joins the Navy as a midshipman and faces a series of trials and adventures that certainly pay homage to, and remind the reader of Hornblower's travails. Carew's tale includes more of her home life than Hornblowers, which adds to and deepens her journey, rather than distracting from it.
As one would expect, her gender is an area of conflict on multiple occasions, but is not overdone or used as a blunt instrument.
The books are PG-13, with occasional detailed violence, some allusions to sexual activity, and some language, though most of that uses 19th century terms. If you are proficient in German or French, the language does get more explicit. Overall, though, the reader is protected by a veneer of class that keeps the story from being overly gritty and is in keeping with a series that, at its core, starts with the journey of a 15 year old girl.
Overall, I highly recommend the series. At its core, it is a YA/NA series with a strong female lead, strong character growth and a plot that includes not only adventure, but intrigue and romance as well.
I read books 1-6 in quick succession so this is a combined review of them all.
The author creates a believable universe in which FTL travel occurs in a manner that, through necessity, replicates the feel of the age of sail of the early 19th century. While this might seem contrived at first glance, this reality is so interwoven into the characters and the universe that you quickly just accept it as (fictional) fact and enjoy the story. The technology levels of developed worlds hits all of the expected high notes; it is really just the FTL travel that morphs into a different era.
The tale of Alexis Carew mirrors that of Horatio Hornblower to a great extent. Born into a star-spanning nation modeled politically and culturally on the British Empire of the early 19th century, Alexis joins the Navy as a midshipman and faces a series of trials and adventures that certainly pay homage to, and remind the reader of Hornblower's travails. Carew's tale includes more of her home life than Hornblowers, which adds to and deepens her journey, rather than distracting from it.
As one would expect, her gender is an area of conflict on multiple occasions, but is not overdone or used as a blunt instrument.
The books are PG-13, with occasional detailed violence, some allusions to sexual activity, and some language, though most of that uses 19th century terms. If you are proficient in German or French, the language does get more explicit. Overall, though, the reader is protected by a veneer of class that keeps the story from being overly gritty and is in keeping with a series that, at its core, starts with the journey of a 15 year old girl.
Overall, I highly recommend the series. At its core, it is a YA/NA series with a strong female lead, strong character growth and a plot that includes not only adventure, but intrigue and romance as well.
April 5, 2018
Some very brutal fights
The roles that several of the characters assume were jarring because of their age. The story is still true to the naval adventure books set in the eighteenth and early nineteenth century but it was difficult to picture characters as young as twelve in those roles. In the naval adventures these were a reflection of the era, it seems harder to credit them hundreds of years in the future.
This reminded me that certain fiction doesn't translate well. There were several French comedy films that were faithfully remade about thirty years ago with American actors that had elements that didn't fit the American experience. The story still works of you like the series, it just threw me a little.
Still like the series and the writer. Will try the next one.
I am amending my review above. I turned a blind eye to the justification of the misogyny on planet, on station and in the navy. The casual mention of "religious culture" as a reasonable explanation for face veiled women is bad. If you want to show extreme reactions, write in the very possible execution of the young girl accused of making eyes at a foreign sailor. The power of women in the ruling class on the main character's planet being stripped away was not done to consolidate male dominance but to protect women from the rigors of childbirth? (they carved out estates, built buildings, carved out mines and managed serfs/slaves but owning property was/is too taxing). A thing can be ugly but explaining that it's a cultural quirk or demonstrates care and concern is bad. I'm angry at myself just for reading it. The writer has a bigger fault here, I think.
The treatment of indentured workers is justified throughout the series. Characters say that the ancestors of these indentured workers chose to come to their planet, so the owners aren't at fault (and it's assumed that they hoped that their grandchildren would be lucky enough to be the property of their employer). They can always leave, can't they? (Not unless they can meet up with a naval recruiter, and they lose their families, sounds like slavery doesn't it). The writer tried to have it every way. At best he doesn't know what this universe is. More likely he does and likes to pretty it up as best as he can. It reinforces some common ugly distortions of the history of slavery in the U.S., which are now socially acceptable to repeat in school, press conferences, etc
Compared to the above the weakness of the Dunkirk scenario clashing with the whole age of Sail theme, is pretty minor. I did go on to read the next one. That was wrong of me and to me.
The roles that several of the characters assume were jarring because of their age. The story is still true to the naval adventure books set in the eighteenth and early nineteenth century but it was difficult to picture characters as young as twelve in those roles. In the naval adventures these were a reflection of the era, it seems harder to credit them hundreds of years in the future.
This reminded me that certain fiction doesn't translate well. There were several French comedy films that were faithfully remade about thirty years ago with American actors that had elements that didn't fit the American experience. The story still works of you like the series, it just threw me a little.
Still like the series and the writer. Will try the next one.
I am amending my review above. I turned a blind eye to the justification of the misogyny on planet, on station and in the navy. The casual mention of "religious culture" as a reasonable explanation for face veiled women is bad. If you want to show extreme reactions, write in the very possible execution of the young girl accused of making eyes at a foreign sailor. The power of women in the ruling class on the main character's planet being stripped away was not done to consolidate male dominance but to protect women from the rigors of childbirth? (they carved out estates, built buildings, carved out mines and managed serfs/slaves but owning property was/is too taxing). A thing can be ugly but explaining that it's a cultural quirk or demonstrates care and concern is bad. I'm angry at myself just for reading it. The writer has a bigger fault here, I think.
The treatment of indentured workers is justified throughout the series. Characters say that the ancestors of these indentured workers chose to come to their planet, so the owners aren't at fault (and it's assumed that they hoped that their grandchildren would be lucky enough to be the property of their employer). They can always leave, can't they? (Not unless they can meet up with a naval recruiter, and they lose their families, sounds like slavery doesn't it). The writer tried to have it every way. At best he doesn't know what this universe is. More likely he does and likes to pretty it up as best as he can. It reinforces some common ugly distortions of the history of slavery in the U.S., which are now socially acceptable to repeat in school, press conferences, etc
Compared to the above the weakness of the Dunkirk scenario clashing with the whole age of Sail theme, is pretty minor. I did go on to read the next one. That was wrong of me and to me.
August 26, 2017
This is never going to be a heavy weight sci fi series, but that doesn't mean it isn't mighty enjoyable. A kind of naval warfare in space means that you can often see the action in your mind as it goes on. A lot of the imagery is already well known and so its inclusion in a space setting makes it odd but enjoyable.
This novel is slower than the previous two and I found myself enjoying it even more because of it. Characters are expanded, certain interactions are included not for plot as much as for character development or just interesting story telling.
I think the only thing to make this series perfect for me now would be a heartier return of some of the characters from the very first novel. That continuity would stand this series well as each novel relies on so many completely new characters.
This novel is slower than the previous two and I found myself enjoying it even more because of it. Characters are expanded, certain interactions are included not for plot as much as for character development or just interesting story telling.
I think the only thing to make this series perfect for me now would be a heartier return of some of the characters from the very first novel. That continuity would stand this series well as each novel relies on so many completely new characters.
June 22, 2022
A new ship and a new mission await Alexis, now a lieutenant, after the misery she experienced in the previous book. Dispatched by the Foreign Office as a secret envoy tasked with bringing the French Republic into the war on New London's side, she needs to acquire a whole new skill set and face new dangers.
Hands down the best book in the series so far - had me glued to the page all the way through and flipping pages at a feverish pace during the thrilling climax. While I'm not overly enamoured of the stereotypical space Nazis Hanover is presented as thus far (ah yes, the good old evil Germans cliché), I do greatly enjoy the way the author adapts easily recognizable inspiration from historical events into this sci-fi series. Would love to see a little more nuance given to the enemy in this war, though.
Hands down the best book in the series so far - had me glued to the page all the way through and flipping pages at a feverish pace during the thrilling climax. While I'm not overly enamoured of the stereotypical space Nazis Hanover is presented as thus far (ah yes, the good old evil Germans cliché), I do greatly enjoy the way the author adapts easily recognizable inspiration from historical events into this sci-fi series. Would love to see a little more nuance given to the enemy in this war, though.
June 11, 2018
At great cost, a courageous and glorious war.
Never has our heroine Lt. Alexis Carew had to face such intolerable odds. Her brief was to promote and enable a disenfranchised French people to join another silly war to defend honour and do the right thing despite the inevitable cost.
In this book 3 of an enormously exciting story of great achievement and against unacceptable odds, somehow Lt. Carew went above and beyond. The bigwigs of the navy were astounded at her achievements which seem to beggar belief and were puzzled just what to do with her; after all she was just a girl?
Read this book to learn how there is no limit to the well of bravery inherent in the human soul. Her reward, unasked for but greatly desired, at last a ship of her own!
Never has our heroine Lt. Alexis Carew had to face such intolerable odds. Her brief was to promote and enable a disenfranchised French people to join another silly war to defend honour and do the right thing despite the inevitable cost.
In this book 3 of an enormously exciting story of great achievement and against unacceptable odds, somehow Lt. Carew went above and beyond. The bigwigs of the navy were astounded at her achievements which seem to beggar belief and were puzzled just what to do with her; after all she was just a girl?
Read this book to learn how there is no limit to the well of bravery inherent in the human soul. Her reward, unasked for but greatly desired, at last a ship of her own!
October 13, 2018
Book three
Mistakes: I found only one, but honestly I got so wrapped up in the story that I stopped looking.
Plot: When a writer can bring a tear to your eye and make your chest swell with pride, you can call it a job well done. The fact that the plot is loosely based on factual battles of our shared human history makes it even grander by making sure the actions of last true life heros isn't forgotten.
Characters: The burden she bares in her soul and the fact that she keeps going back out on the sharp end and knowing that some, most, or all those she leads may never make it home, makes me love the MC even more. It also makes me wonder if I was in such a position, could I live up to my fictional heros? I would hope so.
9.8/10 only because I did find that one mistake.
Mistakes: I found only one, but honestly I got so wrapped up in the story that I stopped looking.
Plot: When a writer can bring a tear to your eye and make your chest swell with pride, you can call it a job well done. The fact that the plot is loosely based on factual battles of our shared human history makes it even grander by making sure the actions of last true life heros isn't forgotten.
Characters: The burden she bares in her soul and the fact that she keeps going back out on the sharp end and knowing that some, most, or all those she leads may never make it home, makes me love the MC even more. It also makes me wonder if I was in such a position, could I live up to my fictional heros? I would hope so.
9.8/10 only because I did find that one mistake.
November 15, 2018
In this one, Alexis does a few things that she was against in the previous books. It may be “growth” it may be the stress of all the action (but given that there are sometimes years of time between engagements, it more likely that she’s ignoring things that shouldn’t be ignored- let bygones be bygones thpe mindset- pile up until it’ll burst.) not to mention one particular incident that makes her no better than her host and she still judges him later on what he was in the past.
Yes, she’s just 18 now but she is still incredibly naïf and only after someone’s mentions a few times how ignorant of something she is, will she bother to fix it. I tend to like heroines that are more proactive than reactionary but the story is good so I’ll read more.
Yes, she’s just 18 now but she is still incredibly naïf and only after someone’s mentions a few times how ignorant of something she is, will she bother to fix it. I tend to like heroines that are more proactive than reactionary but the story is good so I’ll read more.
August 14, 2019
I've come to appreciate this author's choice to only show us Alexis Carew's point of view (POV).
It makes these books quite intense since we only know what Alexis knows, when she knows. Most books I read do multiple POVs, including from enemy/adversary characters.
Of course, Alexis had number of hard decisions to make, once again, in Little Ships, with little information to go by. On the other hand, in real life one only knows one’s own POV.
I also appreciate the historical fiction aspect in the last two books. I had not seen this in my other space opera series before. I enjoy historical fiction so this is just an added plus.
All in all, I highly recommend these Alexis Carew books and am eager to read book four! Well done, J.A. Sutherland!
It makes these books quite intense since we only know what Alexis knows, when she knows. Most books I read do multiple POVs, including from enemy/adversary characters.
Of course, Alexis had number of hard decisions to make, once again, in Little Ships, with little information to go by. On the other hand, in real life one only knows one’s own POV.
I also appreciate the historical fiction aspect in the last two books. I had not seen this in my other space opera series before. I enjoy historical fiction so this is just an added plus.
All in all, I highly recommend these Alexis Carew books and am eager to read book four! Well done, J.A. Sutherland!
December 12, 2016
This story reminded me of the Dunkirk and the rescue of all those British and French soldiers from the beaches of that small beach resort as the German Army continually attacked them...
Alexis once again showed great bravery and poise in the face of tremendous adversity for one so very young and through superior leadership, managed to fight her ship so well as to get a more heavily armed enemy to strike his colors rather than continue the fight all just to save civilian. I am looking forward to the next installment very much!!
Alexis once again showed great bravery and poise in the face of tremendous adversity for one so very young and through superior leadership, managed to fight her ship so well as to get a more heavily armed enemy to strike his colors rather than continue the fight all just to save civilian. I am looking forward to the next installment very much!!
September 20, 2017
Newly commissioned Naval Lieutenant Alexis Carew is assigned a mission deep into enemy territory. She’s to contact a fleet commodore sympathetic to a rebellion. The star systems of the French Republic have never been happy about their occupation by Hanover forces. Can Alexis turn the tide in New London’s favor? Space battles, spycraft, and a desperate escape from invasion troops make this another exciting entry into the Alexis Carew series. A touch of romance adds a softer side to this rising young officer.
February 5, 2019
READ THIS IF YOU HAVE EVER ENJOYED HORNBLOWER, HARRINGTON, etc TRY THIS SERIES
Historical references, Dunkirk and the little ships, St. Crispin's day speech by Henry V(?).
Tons of good story in here, references to military fighting for their buddies, not necessarily for king or country. A fish out of water, but doing her best to keep her head above water.
One of the better and more enjoyable low cost series I've found on kindle unlimited, to which I truly do feel I do get my money's worth monthly.😸🐈😀
Historical references, Dunkirk and the little ships, St. Crispin's day speech by Henry V(?).
Tons of good story in here, references to military fighting for their buddies, not necessarily for king or country. A fish out of water, but doing her best to keep her head above water.
One of the better and more enjoyable low cost series I've found on kindle unlimited, to which I truly do feel I do get my money's worth monthly.😸🐈😀
April 24, 2019
The Alexis Carew Series contains all that is best in military science fiction. It takes as inspiration bits of history from England's most notable military adventures. This particular volume, "The Little Ships," draws parallels to the evacuation of the British and French armies from Dunkirk during WWII. It is a well-told tale full of heroism, hardship, and comradery. Mind you, it is not to be read as a stand-alone novel, you would be missing too much of Carew's story with all its passion, humanity and grand schemes.
November 18, 2020
9/10: Fantastic, left me wanting more.
It’s a feud they want? Can ye nae hear the pipes, lass? They call the clan.
We get some answers to background questions in this one, which was good. And it certainly held my attention to the end. I'm really loving these. But this instalment didn't do quite as well as the last, IMO.
Still, it was pretty darn good.
"It is the trying which echoes most loudly through the ages. The striving against odds. For in that striving, no matter the losses, comes hope.
I fear, our 'Lil Bit is heading for dangerous waters.
It’s a feud they want? Can ye nae hear the pipes, lass? They call the clan.
We get some answers to background questions in this one, which was good. And it certainly held my attention to the end. I'm really loving these. But this instalment didn't do quite as well as the last, IMO.
Still, it was pretty darn good.
"It is the trying which echoes most loudly through the ages. The striving against odds. For in that striving, no matter the losses, comes hope.
I fear, our 'Lil Bit is heading for dangerous waters.
October 16, 2018
More political intrigue this time
This started off with confusion of what was happening and why both by me and the captain of the Shrewberry. The foreign office is plotting a revolution but keeping the information under wraps from everyone. The Journey up to the excitement is slow and meanders about but I like Alexis's interaction with smugglers, romance, and politicians. My favourite is the reference to Rikki-Tikki-Tavi by Kipling.
This started off with confusion of what was happening and why both by me and the captain of the Shrewberry. The foreign office is plotting a revolution but keeping the information under wraps from everyone. The Journey up to the excitement is slow and meanders about but I like Alexis's interaction with smugglers, romance, and politicians. My favourite is the reference to Rikki-Tikki-Tavi by Kipling.
November 19, 2018
Stirring stories taken from history
This series continues to entertain it's readers with its unusual formula. Based upon historical events of a military/navel nature reimagined as occurring in space in the future.Often aboard hybrid tall sailing ships crewed by the type of crew common to 1700s sea going ships of Great Britain. All this with a young woman officer as the main character.
This series continues to entertain it's readers with its unusual formula. Based upon historical events of a military/navel nature reimagined as occurring in space in the future.Often aboard hybrid tall sailing ships crewed by the type of crew common to 1700s sea going ships of Great Britain. All this with a young woman officer as the main character.
December 5, 2018
An easily read exciting read as Lieutenant Carew is assigned to a new ship but then seconded to a different government agency. Her experiences that happened in The Mutineer cause her to be a logical choice for a special mission. During this special mission she also finds out a little more about her family history. Gosh I'm getting sucked into this series like I got sucked into the Miles Vorkosigan series of Lois MacMaster Bujold.
December 28, 2018
Loving these
As a woman who enjoyed sailing books Douglas reman Horatio horn blower etc and sifi these are perfect . Who knew. There are some typos but not enough to annoy and a few word choices I would change but I am British and I ENJOY those (makes me feel clever) I will be reading all of these. The best of Christmas presents.. a new author to read. Thank you J A Sutherland.
As a woman who enjoyed sailing books Douglas reman Horatio horn blower etc and sifi these are perfect . Who knew. There are some typos but not enough to annoy and a few word choices I would change but I am British and I ENJOY those (makes me feel clever) I will be reading all of these. The best of Christmas presents.. a new author to read. Thank you J A Sutherland.
July 19, 2017
This has been a really good series. All of the books have been well written and very interesting. This book places now-Lieutenant Alexis Carew in events based on the historical Little Ships in Dunkirk with a few twists. Only it takes place in space and on spaceships. Definitely a real page turner. I WILL be looking for the next book to find out what happens next.
October 1, 2017
It won’t come as any surprise to find The Little Ships storyline has echoes of Dunkirk, but this time with Alexis Carew left to defend a planet exposed by poor military planning and lack of resources. This one is a real page-turner, tense and action-packed. But the author also doesn’t forget that we need characters to care about as well as wartime exploits.
April 8, 2018
Good follow up novel in the ALexis Carew series. I like the interaction between the characters Mr. Sutherland has created. There is a bit of over the top British attitudes within Her Majesty's navy that I doubt would be maintained in this far flung empire set in the distant future but it's kind of fun nevertheless.
April 11, 2018
At first I was wondering just where the story was going, and as it moved on it was as if even the writter wasn't sure. The concepts of history being sort of applied here are interesting. There were more characters to follow and think about. More loose ends that, we can assume, will be seen again. A fairly good read.
August 8, 2018
The Series Sails On
Alexis is involved in foreign intrigue much to her discomfort. Learning the mores of the French court is humorous. Her nightmares prove prophetic as She takes a turn to the dark side. I like the action, humor, strategy, and romance. Alexis is a compelling, strong character. Will She be broken? I look forward to the next book.
Alexis is involved in foreign intrigue much to her discomfort. Learning the mores of the French court is humorous. Her nightmares prove prophetic as She takes a turn to the dark side. I like the action, humor, strategy, and romance. Alexis is a compelling, strong character. Will She be broken? I look forward to the next book.
October 21, 2018
Excellent characters, plot and storytelling
While the assumption of continuing with classes and educated versus uneducated spacers seems a bit questionable, there is no denying the power of the storytelling, the character development, and the plot lines that make this a really good read!
While the assumption of continuing with classes and educated versus uneducated spacers seems a bit questionable, there is no denying the power of the storytelling, the character development, and the plot lines that make this a really good read!
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