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The Modern Naval Fiction Library
Battlecruiser
The Battlecruiser - in their time this class of ships was considered one of the great triumphs of the Royal Navy, as swift as a destroyer but packing a deadly firepower equal to any ship afloat. But the ships had one fatal flaw: their armour could be pierced by a single enemy shell. The Battle of Jutland exposed this Achilles' heel, then further disasters followed in the next world war with the tragic sinkings of the Hood and Repulse.
1943 - Of all her class, HMS Reliant and one other have survived. Reliant has the reputation of a lucky ship but when Captain Guy Sherbrooke joins her he knows he could be her last captain. As Britain prepares to invade occupied Europe, Reliant will be thrown head first into the conflagration. All those who sail in her know that there can be no half measures: only death or glory awaits HMS Reliant.
1943 - Of all her class, HMS Reliant and one other have survived. Reliant has the reputation of a lucky ship but when Captain Guy Sherbrooke joins her he knows he could be her last captain. As Britain prepares to invade occupied Europe, Reliant will be thrown head first into the conflagration. All those who sail in her know that there can be no half measures: only death or glory awaits HMS Reliant.
338 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 1997
93 people are currently reading
350 people want to read
About the author
Douglas Reeman
138 books174 followersAKA Alexander Kent.
Douglas Edward Reeman was a British author who has written many historical fiction books on the Royal Navy, mainly set during either World War II or the Napoleonic Wars.
Reeman joined the Royal Navy in 1940, at the age of 16, and served during World War II and the Korean War. He eventually rose to the rank of lieutenant. In addition to being an author, Reeman has also taught the art of navigation for yachting and served as a technical advisor for films. Douglas married author Kimberley Jordan Reeman in 1985.
Reeman's debut novel, A Prayer for the Ship was published in 1958. His pseudonym Alexander Kent was the name of a friend and naval officer who died during the Second World War. Reeman is most famous for his series of Napoleonic naval stories, whose central character is Richard Bolitho, and, later, his nephew, Adam. He also wrote a series of novels about several generations of the Blackwood family who served in the Royal Marines from the 1850s to the 1970s, and a non-fiction account of his World War II experiences, D-Day : A Personal Reminiscence (1984).
Series:
* Blackwood Family
Douglas Edward Reeman was a British author who has written many historical fiction books on the Royal Navy, mainly set during either World War II or the Napoleonic Wars.
Reeman joined the Royal Navy in 1940, at the age of 16, and served during World War II and the Korean War. He eventually rose to the rank of lieutenant. In addition to being an author, Reeman has also taught the art of navigation for yachting and served as a technical advisor for films. Douglas married author Kimberley Jordan Reeman in 1985.
Reeman's debut novel, A Prayer for the Ship was published in 1958. His pseudonym Alexander Kent was the name of a friend and naval officer who died during the Second World War. Reeman is most famous for his series of Napoleonic naval stories, whose central character is Richard Bolitho, and, later, his nephew, Adam. He also wrote a series of novels about several generations of the Blackwood family who served in the Royal Marines from the 1850s to the 1970s, and a non-fiction account of his World War II experiences, D-Day : A Personal Reminiscence (1984).
Series:
* Blackwood Family
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
December 6, 2016
A really honest entertaining read that gave you a glimpse into the navy and those that served in it during WW2. Showing the effects and emotions that go with the life aboard a Battlecruiser for the men and there loved ones. Another Great read Solid 4 stars!!
April 15, 2020
I was finding this very dull until Emma was introduced, as it gave the plot some romance. Didn't mind it so much after that, even though the romance was bitter sweet as Emma was married to a POW.
Battles don't really interest me that much but I did find the final battle sad. I was also disgusted by the attitude of Stagg and didn't shed any tears for him.
I realized I've read Reeman before, the book 'Dust On The Sea' which was much better than this one.
Battles don't really interest me that much but I did find the final battle sad. I was also disgusted by the attitude of Stagg and didn't shed any tears for him.
I realized I've read Reeman before, the book 'Dust On The Sea' which was much better than this one.
December 19, 2017
The book starts, like many of Douglas Reeman’s naval stories, with a ‘damaged’ Captain joining a new ship. As well as commanding the ship he also has personal issues and an arrogant, self-centred admiral to deal with.
The story develops very slowly as a range of characters are introduced, but about a quarter of the way through the Reliant is involved in her first action and from then on, the story moves along at a decent pace.
There are a few of sub-plots, the romance between Andy and Raynor was interesting, but the others weren’t particularly memorable.
There is a melancholy feel to the book and if filmed it would definitely be in black and white. This isn’t helped by the very awkward romance between the Captain and Emma. These novels often have a strained romance, but this was particularly uncomfortable.
Overall this was an OK story with a great finale.
The story develops very slowly as a range of characters are introduced, but about a quarter of the way through the Reliant is involved in her first action and from then on, the story moves along at a decent pace.
There are a few of sub-plots, the romance between Andy and Raynor was interesting, but the others weren’t particularly memorable.
There is a melancholy feel to the book and if filmed it would definitely be in black and white. This isn’t helped by the very awkward romance between the Captain and Emma. These novels often have a strained romance, but this was particularly uncomfortable.
Overall this was an OK story with a great finale.
October 18, 2018
I discovered Mr. Reeman as a kid and have always enjoyed his work. His writing gives a sense of immediacy and realism. He obviously knows what he is talking about with realistic characters and great historical and technical accuracy. As an adult I notice the limitations of his plots but can still admire his writing.
December 10, 2017
Guy Sherbrook's last ship was sunk in the North Atlantic. He was one of only eight survivors. When he is assigned to captain the HMS Reliant, he is uncertain if he's ready for the task, even as he welcomes it. As the book unfolds, the rhythms of shipboard life are revealed. The dynamics of thousands of men living, working, fighting, and dying in close quarters are presented. We see admirals who are only in it for their own glory, pilots who try to uphold honor even in the most challenging circumstances, officers who choose loyalty to a ship or a captain over promotion to their own command, and men who train their soldiers so well that they can perform their duties with consummate skill even when the odds seem impossible.
Guy Sherbrook is a compelling combination of strength, courage, doubt, and, eventually, love. The descriptions of the sea were vivid and often quite lovely. The details about various ships and battles were clear but didn't dominate the book. This was my first foray back into naval fiction, with my only other experiences being Tom Clancy's "The Hunt for Red October" (exciting, but too technical to encourage me to return for other books) and stories about Capt. Jack Aubrey (too flowery for my taste).
While I'm not sure I'll explore more of the author's extensive list of other works, I have gladly found that this is a genre that I'm more likely to explore further.
Guy Sherbrook is a compelling combination of strength, courage, doubt, and, eventually, love. The descriptions of the sea were vivid and often quite lovely. The details about various ships and battles were clear but didn't dominate the book. This was my first foray back into naval fiction, with my only other experiences being Tom Clancy's "The Hunt for Red October" (exciting, but too technical to encourage me to return for other books) and stories about Capt. Jack Aubrey (too flowery for my taste).
While I'm not sure I'll explore more of the author's extensive list of other works, I have gladly found that this is a genre that I'm more likely to explore further.
July 16, 2021
Battlecruiser by Douglas Reeman
If you've read anything else by Reeman, even if it was 20 years ago, then you've probably got no reason to read this.
Characterisation is not his strong point. Picture a cast where everyone has as much personality as the butler in Remains of the Day. Everyone shows a stiff upper lift whilst repressing inner pain. Apart from the Colonials, who are all nice and jolly. The women are all thinly drawn and exist only to be entranced easily by the officers. The gunnery officer is dedicated to his guns, the chief engineer to the engines and you can probably imagine the rest. None of these people are memorable and could slide into any other book by Reeman without leaving a ripple. The humans are basically padding that fit around his real interests: ships and action.
In this instance the ship is a Battlecruiser and this has almost as much personality as the men who serve in her. The action scenes are all ok, but there's only so much you can inject into an account of ship to ship combat, which is pretty impersonal. The real life accounts included within Massie's Castles of Steel are much better.
It all plays out as you'd expect. Not everyone makes it, especially the baddies and people who aren't really playing the game and those who die, die doing their duty, with a stiff upper lip.
If you've read anything else by Reeman, even if it was 20 years ago, then you've probably got no reason to read this.
Characterisation is not his strong point. Picture a cast where everyone has as much personality as the butler in Remains of the Day. Everyone shows a stiff upper lift whilst repressing inner pain. Apart from the Colonials, who are all nice and jolly. The women are all thinly drawn and exist only to be entranced easily by the officers. The gunnery officer is dedicated to his guns, the chief engineer to the engines and you can probably imagine the rest. None of these people are memorable and could slide into any other book by Reeman without leaving a ripple. The humans are basically padding that fit around his real interests: ships and action.
In this instance the ship is a Battlecruiser and this has almost as much personality as the men who serve in her. The action scenes are all ok, but there's only so much you can inject into an account of ship to ship combat, which is pretty impersonal. The real life accounts included within Massie's Castles of Steel are much better.
It all plays out as you'd expect. Not everyone makes it, especially the baddies and people who aren't really playing the game and those who die, die doing their duty, with a stiff upper lip.
February 3, 2016
I must start off saying I am a Douglas Reeman fan from his Bilitho french and British war series and his WWII naval books which this one is. Gave this 4 stars. The exploits of a British Cruiser captain during the Sicily invasion during WWII.
February 9, 2022
HMS Reliant, one of Britain’s last battlecruisers, is the focus of this novel. Our main viewpoint is the new Captain Guy Sherbrooke, who had his previous command sunk – and therefore, at least initially, has a somewhat gloomy atmosphere to him. This book provides plenty of action in several encounters with enemy ships but is as much a story about the officers, including life on shore.
Even afloat the book is not all fast-paced action. Although a fair amount is it does also try to capture some of what must have been much of the tedium of being a part of the Royal Navy; often being on Convoy duty in cold and hostile conditions. Tense, but with no actual action going on.
While I find the book free flowing and easy reading it might be sometimes just a bit too free flowing. Reeman often moves between different people’s points of view without clear gaps between them or signalling who is thinking/speaking which can make following difficult at times.
I also have the odd historical accuracy quibble. The Reliant is said to have rudder problems at Jutland, much like HMS Warspite. However, no ships of the Renown class of battlecruiser were anywhere near being launched in time for Jutland. Since there was no need for this rudder mishap to have taken place at Jutland I feel the path of greater historical accuracy could have been taken. I admit this is a somewhat odd quibble when all the main ships in the book are made up but adding it as it struck me when reading.
I feel that it could have represented those who are not officers better. It is very heavily focused on the Captain and the senior officers. This makes sense as they have the best broad view of what the ship is doing, and why. But it could have been balanced a bit more with some ratings as continuing characters through the book.
But looking beyond these few minor issues I found this a very enjoyable book.
Even afloat the book is not all fast-paced action. Although a fair amount is it does also try to capture some of what must have been much of the tedium of being a part of the Royal Navy; often being on Convoy duty in cold and hostile conditions. Tense, but with no actual action going on.
While I find the book free flowing and easy reading it might be sometimes just a bit too free flowing. Reeman often moves between different people’s points of view without clear gaps between them or signalling who is thinking/speaking which can make following difficult at times.
I also have the odd historical accuracy quibble. The Reliant is said to have rudder problems at Jutland, much like HMS Warspite. However, no ships of the Renown class of battlecruiser were anywhere near being launched in time for Jutland. Since there was no need for this rudder mishap to have taken place at Jutland I feel the path of greater historical accuracy could have been taken. I admit this is a somewhat odd quibble when all the main ships in the book are made up but adding it as it struck me when reading.
I feel that it could have represented those who are not officers better. It is very heavily focused on the Captain and the senior officers. This makes sense as they have the best broad view of what the ship is doing, and why. But it could have been balanced a bit more with some ratings as continuing characters through the book.
But looking beyond these few minor issues I found this a very enjoyable book.
August 22, 2022
Dnf'd at 27%. Sometimes Reeman is good, sometimes he isn't. This is one of those times.
This could have been a good action yarn. Instead, Reeman tries to make this book what it isn't. There are too many pregnant moments and melodramatic pauses where he stops the plot to try and create drama. A good book establishes the character first. The drama comes later. Drama doesn't establish the character, especially when the reader is trying to get settled into the story. Excessive drama begets boredom/annoyance.
I'm trying to get into the story of the battlecruiser. Instead I get manufactured drama. I could have pushed on to get to the action parts but it was just too slow and there are too many characters for such a short book. Spend your time on a main character and add on some support staff. Happy to dnf it.
Edit: I read a few more pages to get to the action. Unfortunately the action was only a few pages, then it went back to drama.
This could have been a good action yarn. Instead, Reeman tries to make this book what it isn't. There are too many pregnant moments and melodramatic pauses where he stops the plot to try and create drama. A good book establishes the character first. The drama comes later. Drama doesn't establish the character, especially when the reader is trying to get settled into the story. Excessive drama begets boredom/annoyance.
I'm trying to get into the story of the battlecruiser. Instead I get manufactured drama. I could have pushed on to get to the action parts but it was just too slow and there are too many characters for such a short book. Spend your time on a main character and add on some support staff. Happy to dnf it.
Edit: I read a few more pages to get to the action. Unfortunately the action was only a few pages, then it went back to drama.
August 16, 2021
Douglas Reeman has written over sixty tales of wartime at sea. He has a formula that he sticks to and this one - his 55th tale continues his format. Hero , Nasty Superior , Brave Junior and a romantic connection for the hero. Add a background based loosely on a historical event and you have a fair tale.
I read most of his books over forty years ago and decided to listen to this on Audible. The reading certainly added to my pleasure - however knowing the format spoilt it somewhat - plus in today’s world nautical fiction is so much better.
I read most of his books over forty years ago and decided to listen to this on Audible. The reading certainly added to my pleasure - however knowing the format spoilt it somewhat - plus in today’s world nautical fiction is so much better.
January 9, 2025
Mildly disappointing naval war story from Reeman. This time the story focusses on the crew of the Battle Cruiser Reliant and it's overly ambitious Admiral who uses it as his flagship. The story takes the crew through a series of deployment, Russia convoy escorts right up to supporting the invasion of Sicily. My biggest disappointment with the novel is the lack of pace and tension. Everything develops slowly and what action there is a) over very quickly b) feels like its being described in 3rd person as it doesn't feel a dramatic as I have come to expect from Reeman.
November 26, 2021
The book lost me with it slow start and character introduction. There were few small naval battles but more than that it provided a glimpse into the ship life of Navy folks before and after he battle. The author has tried to throw in couple of short love stories, but they only make the story little awkward.
This is my first book from the author and I would like to try few other books, if I may get my hands on them.
This is my first book from the author and I would like to try few other books, if I may get my hands on them.
September 30, 2022
Never a full moment
First novel I have read from Douglas Reeman in many a year. Happy to say his style of writing has not dipped in quality and the authenticity of the routines, the parts of ship and the duties carried out by the crew from Admiral to the lowest of the low, the junior seaman. A genuine 5 star read all the way through the novel. With a narration true to the way it was.
First novel I have read from Douglas Reeman in many a year. Happy to say his style of writing has not dipped in quality and the authenticity of the routines, the parts of ship and the duties carried out by the crew from Admiral to the lowest of the low, the junior seaman. A genuine 5 star read all the way through the novel. With a narration true to the way it was.
May 31, 2023
Another good solid Reeman adventure which very early on hinted & alluded at things that had perhaps previously occurred with our main characters but left it to the reader to workout / imagine what they were.
As I say the story is good ,but for me the ending is flat & could have been so much better.
I liked it, but I didn't love it, & it ranks right in the middle as far as Reeman books I've read so far go & so hence only 3 stars .
As I say the story is good ,but for me the ending is flat & could have been so much better.
I liked it, but I didn't love it, & it ranks right in the middle as far as Reeman books I've read so far go & so hence only 3 stars .
August 11, 2020
This was not the book I was expecting. From the blurb, I thought Battlecruiser would be filled with action and drama. Instead, the plot was slow and the characters dull. The action and battles, when they did take place, were exciting but, in my opinion, there was too much unnecessary focus on the characters whom I found extremely dreary and annoying. Very disappointed!
November 14, 2022
Action packed world war 2 naval story. The characters are a bit cliche, brave, damaged but skilful captain, pompous glory seeking admiral but overall they work well in the story. lots of daring do. The action is well written and vivid. There are a couple of romances that give the story more depth. Highly recommended
May 18, 2023
I mean I quite like these books. There is a enough action and a nice bit of “Britishness” to them. I do find the romance sections funny. A little like the bond books.
She saw him one and knew she loved him.
Oh, you’ve almost been raped, will you Marry me.
I love you but I’m married, hang on he’s dead now, let’s crack on.
She saw him one and knew she loved him.
Oh, you’ve almost been raped, will you Marry me.
I love you but I’m married, hang on he’s dead now, let’s crack on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2023
Exciting and emotional, a real Reeman feast
I thoroughly enjoyed Battle cruiser. A terrific tale of a ship and the men who sailed in her. She8 loo was a good ship, so they said and in the end, she proved it. Great action scenes especially towards the end. It got quite emotional at the finale. 5 stars from me.
I thoroughly enjoyed Battle cruiser. A terrific tale of a ship and the men who sailed in her. She8 loo was a good ship, so they said and in the end, she proved it. Great action scenes especially towards the end. It got quite emotional at the finale. 5 stars from me.
July 19, 2023
I usually read age of sail stuff so I thought I'd give a WWII one a go. Entertaining enough but the romance element didn't work for me and I got a bit confused by the amount of characters and the perspective jumping around a bit. Quite melancholic.
November 3, 2023
Pretty good book when it stuck to the story of the Reliant.
But it diverged too much into a seemingly homosexual relationship which did nothing for the story. The officer - wife - girlfriend story lines were necessary, I suppose but overdone IMO
But it diverged too much into a seemingly homosexual relationship which did nothing for the story. The officer - wife - girlfriend story lines were necessary, I suppose but overdone IMO
September 8, 2025
Good naval wartime story
Very well written by someone who knows all about the royal navy, and how it operates. This book gives insight into life in the navy whether at war or not. A very good read for anyone interested in naval wartime history.
Very well written by someone who knows all about the royal navy, and how it operates. This book gives insight into life in the navy whether at war or not. A very good read for anyone interested in naval wartime history.
December 28, 2017
Reliable
5 stars for the action sequences, 5 stars also for the rest of the story, particularly the section where the admiral gets his comeuppance.
5 stars for the action sequences, 5 stars also for the rest of the story, particularly the section where the admiral gets his comeuppance.
August 17, 2019
Excellent!
A great deal adventure. The usual German recipe: heroes , cowards and romance. You will regret finishing this one.. Read on!
A great deal adventure. The usual German recipe: heroes , cowards and romance. You will regret finishing this one.. Read on!
September 27, 2020
A good morale sea tale in which the good guys--characters and ships--emerge battered, but the bad guys don't emerge.
May 13, 2021
Battle Ship
A great read. A fighting ship and crew giving their best in a time when battle cruisers were the lions of the sea. Modern naval warfare depicted in vivid color.
A great read. A fighting ship and crew giving their best in a time when battle cruisers were the lions of the sea. Modern naval warfare depicted in vivid color.
October 11, 2022
A good listen , sometimes my mind wandered abit, not sure if it was the writing style or just me …. However i still enjoyed it !
March 7, 2023
Very Good read
This book is a very good read with a lot of technical detail.
The characters come alive and are very believable.
This book is a very good read with a lot of technical detail.
The characters come alive and are very believable.
March 21, 2023
Typical Redman good from start to finish could have gone a bit further into the final battle sort of died .
December 22, 2023
Royal navy at it's best
Great story from beginning to end. The au
thor knows his stuff about the Royal navy. That makes it a very good 📚
Great story from beginning to end. The au
thor knows his stuff about the Royal navy. That makes it a very good 📚
March 26, 2024
Battlecruiser
I have re-read this at least half a dozen times.I still enjoy it.I will probably read it again someday hopefully
I have re-read this at least half a dozen times.I still enjoy it.I will probably read it again someday hopefully
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews