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Fletcher #6
Fletcher and the Blue Star
It is 1800 and Jacob Fletcher’s plans for a career in trade are once again dashed by the allure of ocean adventures.
Sent to America as a roving ambassador, Fletcher finds himself caught up in one of his most demanding challenges yet, fighting against the robust French Navy. It is during this epic battle that Fletcher first sees the Blue Star, a diamond to surpass all others.
Determined to find the source of the diamond, Fletcher embarks on a journey through Africa, where he finds himself entangled in a new and dangerous enterprise: providing weaponry, and fighting side by side with Prince Inyathi, the Buffalo, a Zulu leader, who is battling against the Arabs. Fearsome Zulus, witchcraft and even love stands in Fletcher’s way as he navigates the diamond mines and works to secure safe passage back to England.
This action-packed adventure is the sixth book in the Fletcher series.
Sent to America as a roving ambassador, Fletcher finds himself caught up in one of his most demanding challenges yet, fighting against the robust French Navy. It is during this epic battle that Fletcher first sees the Blue Star, a diamond to surpass all others.
Determined to find the source of the diamond, Fletcher embarks on a journey through Africa, where he finds himself entangled in a new and dangerous enterprise: providing weaponry, and fighting side by side with Prince Inyathi, the Buffalo, a Zulu leader, who is battling against the Arabs. Fearsome Zulus, witchcraft and even love stands in Fletcher’s way as he navigates the diamond mines and works to secure safe passage back to England.
This action-packed adventure is the sixth book in the Fletcher series.
376 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 9, 2021
About the author
John Drake
27 books166 followersJust in case anyone's interested ... my latest Fletcher (Flying Machine) is up and running and selling well. Happy days.
I have just finished the third of my Londinium books (that's Roman London AD 100) and it should be out later this year: 'Gods in Londium'. My usual mixture of bloodstained savagery, plus authentic period detail.
Moving further on ...
'The Fletcher Companion' (all you need to know about Fletcher and his world), will also be available some time this year.
Beyond that, the next Fletcher for March 2023 (if the Lord spares me) will be 'Fletcher and the Constitution'. That's the US Constitution, and it's in deadly peril.
Mind how you go.
John Drake
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 28, 2022
Jacky Flash returns
After some naval adventures and combat in American and Canadian waters, Fletcher ends up in Africa, specifically Zululand. There is at the beginning of this novel reference to H. Rider Haggard. The tale of African adventures and exploits which makes up the later part of this book owes quite a lot to Haggard, Edgar Rice Burroughs and even the old Bomba the Jungle Boy series. I haven't seen the old eclipse ploy in a long time. Very entertaining adventure, treasure hunt, combat, romance, etc.
After some naval adventures and combat in American and Canadian waters, Fletcher ends up in Africa, specifically Zululand. There is at the beginning of this novel reference to H. Rider Haggard. The tale of African adventures and exploits which makes up the later part of this book owes quite a lot to Haggard, Edgar Rice Burroughs and even the old Bomba the Jungle Boy series. I haven't seen the old eclipse ploy in a long time. Very entertaining adventure, treasure hunt, combat, romance, etc.
November 24, 2021
The sixth Fletcher book is a welcome addition to this series. Although he resigned his Royal Navy commission in the previous book, a way has been contrived to see him back in command of a king’s ship again in 1801.
And what a ship! Tromenderon is a new 90-gun ship of the line with the speed of a frigate and 32-pounders on every deck. A special ship that needs a special captain: Captain Jacob “Jacky Flash” Fletcher. To the Admiralty, he is respected as a master at his craft whose ships always have the best rate of fire and most accurate gunnery. His men love him with almost religious fervor as the captain who takes the most prizes and loses the fewest men.
The reason the British government wants Fletcher as Tromenderon’s captain is because the wonderful ship is not the only one like it afloat. Fletcher needs to take his ship to Boston to find and face three new French ships that are armed and sail like his. The resulting battle takes chapters of intense action to tell.
After Fletcher boards the last captured vessel, he retrieves the Blue Star from the hands of his enemy. This large and wondrous diamond may have come from a mine in Africa.
This author’s books often have a second story that runs parallel to the first, with most chapters starting with this second thread. In this case, the book begins with a negotiation between an Arab and an unknown individual about capturing fifty virgin Zulu women. As the tale progresses, we are introduced to the Zulu nation, their religion, and their rituals. Even though this portion of the book is interesting – if a bit tedious at times – it’s very different from what’s happening on Tromenderon. This second story is not why I’m reading this book, but the disparate stories finally merge about two-thirds through the book.
In England, Fletcher takes the Blue Star to the foreign secretary and tells him about the mine. Astronomers want to view a solar eclipse, but it won’t be visible in England. The secretary and Fletcher hatch a plan to use the eclipse as an excuse to send a king’s ship to Africa and the expedition sets sail aboard Tromenderon. While the astronomers wait for the eclipse, he searches for the mine in hopes of bringing the rest of the diamonds home to England.
Fletcher cooperates with the village leader and helps him be victorious in battle against a rival neighbor. Fletcher also intends to use the eclipse as great magic to remove the influence of the local witches. If all goes well, his reward will be the diamonds. Dealing with the Zulus and their rituals, however, proves challenging for him and his men, especially since the lovely women are naked.
Some traditionalists may think to pass up this story since there never was a 90-gun ship of the line with the speed of a frigate, but they would be doing themselves a disservice. Tromenderon only battles the similar French ships so there is no advantage, and the battle is a great read.
This is a fun, rousing book with plenty of action, humor, and characters that come to life on these pages. The exotic descriptions of Africa make it seem as if you are there. If you are looking for an exciting book or a light-hearted page turner, Fletcher and the Blue Star is for you.
Review Copyright ©2021 by Irwin Bryan
April 14, 2026
Fletcher and the Blue Star
Another fine yarn from our Uncle Jacob, my jolly boys and girls!
…A yarn made up from many threads: A lost Roman legion, an affair with a married woman, Arab slave traders, a rogue French squadron, an African succession crisis, a scientific expedition, a princess, a witch, and a priceless jewel men will die for.
Honestly, I was bewildered by how many threads were introduced and wondered how everything would come together. But Author John Drake is a master weaver, and Fletcher and the Blue Star is a wonderful tapestry of high sea, swashbuckling adventure.
Fletcher and the Blue Star is book six of the Fletcher Naval Adventures. The series brings a fresh approach to the found memoir trope. Author John Drake claims to have won the memoirs of the forgotten Admiral Sir Jacob Fletcher, and then filled in the other parts of the story through a collection of news articles and letters to write these novels, switching from Fletcher’s first-person narrative to third-person perspectives of the other characters.
Fletcher’s narrative voice is absolutely delicious. He’s a vain, cantankerous, but lovable old sea dog reliving his glory as he bullies his poor clerk, Rev. Dr Samuel Pettit, who is taking his dictation. Pettit then annotates some of the passages after Fletcher’s death to contradict him and point out some of his bullheaded hypocrisy. This is very funny at times and adds another layer of perspective and character development.
Author John Drake has an impeccable ear for the voice of Fletcher and the dialogue of Napoleonic seafaring folk. He also has an immense knowledge of sailing and naval tactics of the time, but is able to translate such complex things so that a landlubber like me can easily understand. I bought the box set of the first seven novels on discount, thinking I might read just one to get a feel of the genre. Now I’m completely hooked! Every one of these has been an absolute delight, and I’m probably going to buy Book Eight when I’m done.
If you’re a fan of sea adventures and authors like C.S. Forrester and O’Brian, you will love the Fletcher series!
Another fine yarn from our Uncle Jacob, my jolly boys and girls!
…A yarn made up from many threads: A lost Roman legion, an affair with a married woman, Arab slave traders, a rogue French squadron, an African succession crisis, a scientific expedition, a princess, a witch, and a priceless jewel men will die for.
Honestly, I was bewildered by how many threads were introduced and wondered how everything would come together. But Author John Drake is a master weaver, and Fletcher and the Blue Star is a wonderful tapestry of high sea, swashbuckling adventure.
Fletcher and the Blue Star is book six of the Fletcher Naval Adventures. The series brings a fresh approach to the found memoir trope. Author John Drake claims to have won the memoirs of the forgotten Admiral Sir Jacob Fletcher, and then filled in the other parts of the story through a collection of news articles and letters to write these novels, switching from Fletcher’s first-person narrative to third-person perspectives of the other characters.
Fletcher’s narrative voice is absolutely delicious. He’s a vain, cantankerous, but lovable old sea dog reliving his glory as he bullies his poor clerk, Rev. Dr Samuel Pettit, who is taking his dictation. Pettit then annotates some of the passages after Fletcher’s death to contradict him and point out some of his bullheaded hypocrisy. This is very funny at times and adds another layer of perspective and character development.
Author John Drake has an impeccable ear for the voice of Fletcher and the dialogue of Napoleonic seafaring folk. He also has an immense knowledge of sailing and naval tactics of the time, but is able to translate such complex things so that a landlubber like me can easily understand. I bought the box set of the first seven novels on discount, thinking I might read just one to get a feel of the genre. Now I’m completely hooked! Every one of these has been an absolute delight, and I’m probably going to buy Book Eight when I’m done.
If you’re a fan of sea adventures and authors like C.S. Forrester and O’Brian, you will love the Fletcher series!
December 3, 2021
Read his full review on Rosepoint Publishing.
Late 1700’s and early 1800’s were turbulent times. English cities are overcrowded and dreary. The royalty and nobility owned everything and controlled all. The only way for a person to get ahead was to join the military and put themselves in danger. Fletcher had joined the navy and risen quickly in the ranks. He is commissioned with a very fine vessel and is to take her on her maiden voyage down the coast of Africa.
The French are trying to blockade English ports and ships and the Spanish also pose a serious threat to England’s world exploration. The French had an additional advantage in that their ships were faster and their guns bigger.
The crew loved to sail with Admiral Fletcher. He was lucky to have a pilot who knew some of the more treacherous areas of the waters off Africa. Admiral Fletcher is mesmerized by a beautiful blue stone which is masterfully cut and reflects rainbows of incredible light. Their quest is to find the source of the stones.
Word of their diamond mine has circled the globe. The English are looking for more of these large stones and the wealth that will come with the find! The Zulu warriors are tall, lithe, and very well trained and the Zulu women are tall, slender, and of exquisite beauty. Therein lies an excellent love story as a side event in the telling.
This story held my interest and I found myself pressed to find out the ending. I would suggest it to all who want to enjoy a riotous sea tale. 5 stars - C.E. Williams
We received a complimentary review copy of this book from the author and publisher through NetGalley that in no way influenced this review. These are his honest opinions.
Late 1700’s and early 1800’s were turbulent times. English cities are overcrowded and dreary. The royalty and nobility owned everything and controlled all. The only way for a person to get ahead was to join the military and put themselves in danger. Fletcher had joined the navy and risen quickly in the ranks. He is commissioned with a very fine vessel and is to take her on her maiden voyage down the coast of Africa.
The French are trying to blockade English ports and ships and the Spanish also pose a serious threat to England’s world exploration. The French had an additional advantage in that their ships were faster and their guns bigger.
The crew loved to sail with Admiral Fletcher. He was lucky to have a pilot who knew some of the more treacherous areas of the waters off Africa. Admiral Fletcher is mesmerized by a beautiful blue stone which is masterfully cut and reflects rainbows of incredible light. Their quest is to find the source of the stones.
Word of their diamond mine has circled the globe. The English are looking for more of these large stones and the wealth that will come with the find! The Zulu warriors are tall, lithe, and very well trained and the Zulu women are tall, slender, and of exquisite beauty. Therein lies an excellent love story as a side event in the telling.
This story held my interest and I found myself pressed to find out the ending. I would suggest it to all who want to enjoy a riotous sea tale. 5 stars - C.E. Williams
We received a complimentary review copy of this book from the author and publisher through NetGalley that in no way influenced this review. These are his honest opinions.
January 8, 2022
Captain Fletcher’s Far Flung Mission
Jacob Fletcher continues having adventures within a loose framework of the Napoleonic Wars. This one is a complex web of intrigue spun out in wide ranging locations and conditions and that’s both a strength and a weakness. The tale begins in two threads that are not obviously related and from the reader’s point of view gather speed rather slowly. I recommend the reader persevere! By halfway through, it becomes obsessive and you’re turning pages as fast as possible to see how it works out.
It’s important to realize this is only loosely based on fact. Neither the action in the Gulf of St. Lawrence nor those in Southern Africa took place in that period, but both show the author is familiar with both Québécois and Zulu cultures. The author quotes from historical documents that seem to be authentic but I believe they are mostly fiction, so readers should view this as entertainment and not a historical novel like the Hornblower series. It might help those of a certain age to recall their youth and imagine this as a comic book, more a caricature than a piece of history. But, it’s a very absorbing comic book.
Jacob Fletcher continues having adventures within a loose framework of the Napoleonic Wars. This one is a complex web of intrigue spun out in wide ranging locations and conditions and that’s both a strength and a weakness. The tale begins in two threads that are not obviously related and from the reader’s point of view gather speed rather slowly. I recommend the reader persevere! By halfway through, it becomes obsessive and you’re turning pages as fast as possible to see how it works out.
It’s important to realize this is only loosely based on fact. Neither the action in the Gulf of St. Lawrence nor those in Southern Africa took place in that period, but both show the author is familiar with both Québécois and Zulu cultures. The author quotes from historical documents that seem to be authentic but I believe they are mostly fiction, so readers should view this as entertainment and not a historical novel like the Hornblower series. It might help those of a certain age to recall their youth and imagine this as a comic book, more a caricature than a piece of history. But, it’s a very absorbing comic book.
May 2, 2023
An enjoyable tale taking Fletcher across to Boston, then Canada, where he has to face three powerful new French frigates with his new heavy frigate. Surviving that, he chases down a lead involving a gigantic blueish diamond to mines in Africa. The area is not exactly described but its off the Bight of Benin on the west coast. There he becomes involved with a Zulu tribe in civil war, a witch, Arab slave raiders, and a diamond mine... or is it?
Fletcher creates a lot of his own trouble mostly over women, but manages to pull his fat out of the fire -- mostly -- and come out more or less on top, if a bit scandalized.
Fletcher creates a lot of his own trouble mostly over women, but manages to pull his fat out of the fire -- mostly -- and come out more or less on top, if a bit scandalized.
December 26, 2024
A bit different from others in the series. It starts with a Roman Fleet laden with treasure disappearing off the coast of Africa. The first part of the book sees Fletcher sent off to stop the French from forging a relationship with the US. His ship fights a battle with three French ships and in the aftermath he finds a big blue diamond.
The second part sees Fletcher sent to Africa and negotiate with the Zulus to gain access to the diamond mine. This storyline is all a bit far fetched. Fletcher should stay on ships.
The second part sees Fletcher sent to Africa and negotiate with the Zulus to gain access to the diamond mine. This storyline is all a bit far fetched. Fletcher should stay on ships.
January 1, 2022
A rollicking tale!
This is not a quiet, contemplative history of the Royal Navy in the 1800s, it is an historical fiction. A fun read with impatient interruptions by the "original " chronicle maker who has his own point of view.
Enjoy the changes of scenery and the stories "my jolly boys."
This is not a quiet, contemplative history of the Royal Navy in the 1800s, it is an historical fiction. A fun read with impatient interruptions by the "original " chronicle maker who has his own point of view.
Enjoy the changes of scenery and the stories "my jolly boys."
November 26, 2021
My husband bought this as kindle. He buys all the Fletchers but I read them first! This one is an absolute beauty. All the usual Fletcher seafaring stuff, and action, but this one has a most tremendous love story. I actually cried! I loved it!
December 16, 2021
Fletcher in Action first the French then In Africa
I so enjoy the Fletcher stories. A well written and enjoyable series.
If you read Naval Fiction in the age of Napoleon this will be a real treat.
I so enjoy the Fletcher stories. A well written and enjoyable series.
If you read Naval Fiction in the age of Napoleon this will be a real treat.
December 25, 2021
Magnificent Fletcher romp!
I have loved all the Fletcher series. John Drake draws some great characters - borderline rogues scattered with goodies and baddies. Shades of Conrad mixed with Indiana Jones.
I have loved all the Fletcher series. John Drake draws some great characters - borderline rogues scattered with goodies and baddies. Shades of Conrad mixed with Indiana Jones.
March 28, 2022
Sir Jacob Fletcher another rollicking sea story from one who truly knows his port from his larboard
Many would say that this story is a real gem of imagination only second to King Solomon’ mines. What’s next?
Many would say that this story is a real gem of imagination only second to King Solomon’ mines. What’s next?
Read
July 7, 2022One of the best!
A really excellent book. The storyline is fascinating and the separate introduction of the Zulu setting works well - once it drops into place. Loved every page of it!
A really excellent book. The storyline is fascinating and the separate introduction of the Zulu setting works well - once it drops into place. Loved every page of it!
July 30, 2023
The bar just gets higher
Another excellent book in the Fletcher series. Like Fletcher, John Drake had ambitions towards an alternative profession, unlike Fletcher he realised his dream which is to the benefit of those that read his books. Looking forward to book 7 in the series.
Another excellent book in the Fletcher series. Like Fletcher, John Drake had ambitions towards an alternative profession, unlike Fletcher he realised his dream which is to the benefit of those that read his books. Looking forward to book 7 in the series.
December 31, 2021
great!!!
Another great book by Mr. Drake. I’m looking forward to the next book of the series. I hope it doesn’t take long for it to come out
Another great book by Mr. Drake. I’m looking forward to the next book of the series. I hope it doesn’t take long for it to come out
January 5, 2022
Couldn't put it down
Another fine tale! Of sea fairing and home life
I have read all the books and felt the excitement loneliness and the thrill of sea life
Another fine tale! Of sea fairing and home life
I have read all the books and felt the excitement loneliness and the thrill of sea life
January 17, 2022
Hot damn
Wow this man can write the most exciting stories that have you thinking you there with him. Time to begin reading his next book. I already love it.
Wow this man can write the most exciting stories that have you thinking you there with him. Time to begin reading his next book. I already love it.
January 25, 2022
the superb Fletcher series
As usual John drake keeps you on the edge of your seat ,with Fletcher superb writing couldn't put the book down you are almost with him in his adventures
As usual John drake keeps you on the edge of your seat ,with Fletcher superb writing couldn't put the book down you are almost with him in his adventures
January 29, 2022
Fletcher not a sailor
Another great story from start to finish hence the 5 stars. The book is well worth the read but you must start at book one to get the full story enjoy.
Another great story from start to finish hence the 5 stars. The book is well worth the read but you must start at book one to get the full story enjoy.
February 10, 2022
Good Series
Takes awhile to get into but the story grows with the telling. Clever twists and turns, one after another. Stayed up too late reading The Blue Star.
Takes awhile to get into but the story grows with the telling. Clever twists and turns, one after another. Stayed up too late reading The Blue Star.
April 8, 2022
Great adventure story
Fletcher brings the fun and adventure of the Napoleonic time. Goes to Africa and gets involved with the Zulu succession.
Fletcher brings the fun and adventure of the Napoleonic time. Goes to Africa and gets involved with the Zulu succession.
June 24, 2023
Great read well up to Fletcher standard
Love these books you can't out then down.
Jack flash the naval version of Flashman.
Can't wait to read the next in !ine
Love these books you can't out then down.
Jack flash the naval version of Flashman.
Can't wait to read the next in !ine
September 2, 2023
wonderful
A very good and interesting read. Two stories running alongside of each other but totally enjoyable and realistic when one realises where the story is taking you.
A very good and interesting read. Two stories running alongside of each other but totally enjoyable and realistic when one realises where the story is taking you.
Read
April 7, 2025R reminds me a bit of raiders of the lost ark. But still like these books.
February 1, 2022
KING SOLOMONS MINES!
This is a rollocking good tale, even the last 50% of the story that was lifted from Rider Haggard's, "King Solomons Mines".
This is a rollocking good tale, even the last 50% of the story that was lifted from Rider Haggard's, "King Solomons Mines".
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews