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Nicholas Everard Saga #4
Storm Force To Narvik
British Captain Nick Everard's destroyer is crippled by enemy gunfire in the German invasion of Norway. Desperately attempting to repair his ship hidden in a remote fjord, Everard is unaware that his son is part of an Allied naval flotilla converging on Norway, and the two are fated to join forces in a deadly arctic battle.
268 pages, Paperback
First published April 17, 1979
115 people are currently reading
254 people want to read
About the author
Alexander Fullerton
65 books30 followersAlexander Fullerton (1924–2008) was a British author of naval and other fiction. Born in 1924 in Suffolk and brought up in France, he was a cadet during the years 1938-1941 at the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth from the age of thirteen. He went to sea serving first in the battleship Queen Elizabeth in the Mediterranean, and spent the rest of the war at sea - mostly under it, in submarines.
Fullerton's first novel SURFACE! sold over 500,000 copies. Then he worked on the 9-volume Nicholas Everard series that made his reputation.
Series:
* Nicholas Everard Saga
* Rosie Ewing
Source: Wikipedia
Fullerton's first novel SURFACE! sold over 500,000 copies. Then he worked on the 9-volume Nicholas Everard series that made his reputation.
Series:
* Nicholas Everard Saga
* Rosie Ewing
Source: Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
January 17, 2021
This book was fantastic! Adeptly written, with intricate Naval detail. My only reason for deducting one star was that the author’s fictional storyline was too far removed from the historical record. Instead of weaving his story directly into the action in the Ofotfjord, he creates out of whole cloth another situation in another fjord sixty miles south.
Despite this, the book crackles with action, and the author’s knowledge of life and duty on destroyers is evident. Good read for sure!
Despite this, the book crackles with action, and the author’s knowledge of life and duty on destroyers is evident. Good read for sure!
June 18, 2015
A OK
Excellent book. Couldn't put it down. The mix of action and bureaucracy is extremely real. This book shows why politicians may declare war but need to unleash the dogs of war. Wars would be over quicker. Kudos to a fellow Submariner.
Excellent book. Couldn't put it down. The mix of action and bureaucracy is extremely real. This book shows why politicians may declare war but need to unleash the dogs of war. Wars would be over quicker. Kudos to a fellow Submariner.
February 2, 2023
I picked this up because it was touted as being the first book in a six-book World War II naval series, and I always like to start a series at the beginning. When I started it, however, I kept thinking it was oddly written, with repeated references to the backstories of the two main characters and all kinds of family drama around them that seemed to come out of nowhere. As it turns out, this is really the fourth book of the Nicholas Everard series, with the previous three taking place during World War I. Which is annoying, because I actually would have preferred World War I naval fiction, but oh well...
The plot revolves around the impending German occupation of Norway in the spring of 1940. Various British naval forces are blundering around the North and Norwegian Seas, waiting for orders. One such group includes the Intent, commanded by the series' hero, Nick Everard, a decorated WWI hero, just returned to active service. Another naval group includes the Hoste, on which Nick's young half-brother (actually his son...) has enlisted as an ordinary gunner. Family dramas ensue as each gets into action that leads the other to believe they are dead. Meanwhile, Nick's uncle back home in England is trying to get a commision and also find out the fate of his family. Yawn.
As a non-sailor, non-engineer, non shipspotter, I would have loved for there to be some supplemental material to help orient me. The story is dense with characters on two different ships crossing lots of different ranks and positions, sometimes referred to formally, sometimes by slang. I really could have used an org chart for each ship, along with a brief glossary explaining the different positions. I also belatedly realized that a cut-away section diagram of those classes of ships would have been hugely helpful in following the on-ship geography of what was going on both in and out of the combat action.
The story has some initial combat for both characters and ships, followed by a lot of careful planning and sneaking around fjordwaters by Nick, as they seek to repair the ship and evade the Germans in the area. They meet up with a stock gruff, salt-of-the-sea, Norwegian commander (and his dishy daughter) who ally themselves. It's all a little more tedious than tense for many pages (do we really need to read every single bearing, course adjustment, propeller revolution figure, etc.?) but when the climactic action does finally kick off, it's reasonably entertaining.
Overall, the family drama simply didn't work and was distracting. Perhaps if I'd read the three previous books it would have been meaningful, but I doubt it. Readers seeking a sense of naval conditions in the cold north during World War II should give it a shot -- it definitely gives a sense of the horrible conditions. But it's not exactly a rip-roaring page-turner. Having dipped my toes into the Fullerton waters, I think I've had enough.
The plot revolves around the impending German occupation of Norway in the spring of 1940. Various British naval forces are blundering around the North and Norwegian Seas, waiting for orders. One such group includes the Intent, commanded by the series' hero, Nick Everard, a decorated WWI hero, just returned to active service. Another naval group includes the Hoste, on which Nick's young half-brother (actually his son...) has enlisted as an ordinary gunner. Family dramas ensue as each gets into action that leads the other to believe they are dead. Meanwhile, Nick's uncle back home in England is trying to get a commision and also find out the fate of his family. Yawn.
As a non-sailor, non-engineer, non shipspotter, I would have loved for there to be some supplemental material to help orient me. The story is dense with characters on two different ships crossing lots of different ranks and positions, sometimes referred to formally, sometimes by slang. I really could have used an org chart for each ship, along with a brief glossary explaining the different positions. I also belatedly realized that a cut-away section diagram of those classes of ships would have been hugely helpful in following the on-ship geography of what was going on both in and out of the combat action.
The story has some initial combat for both characters and ships, followed by a lot of careful planning and sneaking around fjordwaters by Nick, as they seek to repair the ship and evade the Germans in the area. They meet up with a stock gruff, salt-of-the-sea, Norwegian commander (and his dishy daughter) who ally themselves. It's all a little more tedious than tense for many pages (do we really need to read every single bearing, course adjustment, propeller revolution figure, etc.?) but when the climactic action does finally kick off, it's reasonably entertaining.
Overall, the family drama simply didn't work and was distracting. Perhaps if I'd read the three previous books it would have been meaningful, but I doubt it. Readers seeking a sense of naval conditions in the cold north during World War II should give it a shot -- it definitely gives a sense of the horrible conditions. But it's not exactly a rip-roaring page-turner. Having dipped my toes into the Fullerton waters, I think I've had enough.
March 6, 2022
Since reading Alistair MacLean's HMS Ulysses as a young lad I have had a soft spot for WWII naval war novels. Very many Atlantic convoy stories and many others. British destroyers have became familiar - the novels are mainly about these smaller vessels not about heavy cruisers or battle ships.
The small ones saw more action and the writer has much more freedom with the story - an imaginary destroyer is easier to build and operate than a large battle ship - the stories about the real ones are quite well documented when it comes to the big ships, HMS Hood and such.
In many ways this novel was standard stuff. Partly based on true events in Narvik, Norway. But at least the other half was pure imagination. Can't say which was better. And it doesn't matter, actually.
Nevertheless I enjoyed reading this after so many crime fiction novels with serial killers and police officers with personal problems. At least there was a difference in the story, characters and the set up.
If you like naval war novels, you'll like this one too.
Maihinnousu Narvikiin
Tammi 1990
The small ones saw more action and the writer has much more freedom with the story - an imaginary destroyer is easier to build and operate than a large battle ship - the stories about the real ones are quite well documented when it comes to the big ships, HMS Hood and such.
In many ways this novel was standard stuff. Partly based on true events in Narvik, Norway. But at least the other half was pure imagination. Can't say which was better. And it doesn't matter, actually.
Nevertheless I enjoyed reading this after so many crime fiction novels with serial killers and police officers with personal problems. At least there was a difference in the story, characters and the set up.
If you like naval war novels, you'll like this one too.
Maihinnousu Narvikiin
Tammi 1990
January 27, 2020
Exciting, great reading looking forward to more from this author!
Action packed with believable characters you feel atached to. An outstanding depiction of early days in the campaign in Norway
Action packed with believable characters you feel atached to. An outstanding depiction of early days in the campaign in Norway
May 10, 2020
Excellent novels
As in other books by this author he uses actual events chronicled into the storyline giving the reader an insight into the history of how the war in Scandinavia evolved at the start of hostilities in Europe,Hopefully more of the same to come.
As in other books by this author he uses actual events chronicled into the storyline giving the reader an insight into the history of how the war in Scandinavia evolved at the start of hostilities in Europe,Hopefully more of the same to come.
July 31, 2017
A better read than the last one.
September 20, 2017
As always exciting and enjoyable
I have followed this author and star character and have not been disappointed. Great characterization, good intensity and intrigue overall
I have followed this author and star character and have not been disappointed. Great characterization, good intensity and intrigue overall
July 1, 2018
Brilliant again.
Yet another brilliant book in this series.
I would recommend this series of books to anyone who likes military history and also likes the human side of things.
Yet another brilliant book in this series.
I would recommend this series of books to anyone who likes military history and also likes the human side of things.
October 19, 2019
A great read
This was a very dangerous time for this country, the gods were against us and our politicians were acting just as they are now, all at sea.
This was a very dangerous time for this country, the gods were against us and our politicians were acting just as they are now, all at sea.
June 3, 2022
Ahoy, landlubbers. Bursts of brief action scenes breaking out in many dull leagues of seagoing jargon.
July 11, 2015
A good, fast paced, early WWII yarn of action in Norway. The Brit politicians are in the business of making bad decisions rather than letting loose the military, but that is the case throughout the history of mankind beginning with whomever invented government. Eventually, the die is cast and the Royal Navy has its day.
I'd give the book four stars, but the author has a nasty habit of jumping around from generation to generation; subject to subject. No smooth transitions. You are reading about one thing, flip the page and bingo, you need to reset your brain, back up to see if you missed a page, then plod forward.
I'd give the book four stars, but the author has a nasty habit of jumping around from generation to generation; subject to subject. No smooth transitions. You are reading about one thing, flip the page and bingo, you need to reset your brain, back up to see if you missed a page, then plod forward.
June 26, 2015
The German-British-Norwegian operations at the beginning of WW II is, in my opinion, a largely ignored part of the war so I was looking forward to reading this book. For the most part I enjoyed the read but did not like jumping between the generations of the main characters. The author needs to learn about the concept of segue as used in other media. The concept means providing the audience a logical and easy to follow que from one set of events to another. Mr. Fullerton seems to have learned transition from Star Trek and without warning just beams his readers from one place to another.
November 3, 2016
This is a novel set during the real sea engagements in Norway at the outset of the second world war. Nick Everard is back in command having spent 8 years managing the family estates in Yorkshire. His son, returned from the USA has enlisted as an ordinary seaman and old Admiral Hugh Everard is pestering the admiralty for a return to action as well. His ship is damaged and being repaired. The quick almost staccato of the writing has you on the bridge, in the gun turret or feeling the icy water. A great gung-ho action adventure.
June 13, 2015
Slam bang WWII British Naval action featuring three generations of a British Naval family
featuring the 69 year old retired Admiral who talked his way back to sea as a supply convoy Commander; his son - beached by Navy bureauocracy after WWI and now called back to duty and assigned as Captain of a Destroyer, and his grandson - for now an able bodied seaman volunteer from the United States.
Telling any more would be spoiling this book for fans of high sea's Naval actions.
All five thumbs up !
featuring the 69 year old retired Admiral who talked his way back to sea as a supply convoy Commander; his son - beached by Navy bureauocracy after WWI and now called back to duty and assigned as Captain of a Destroyer, and his grandson - for now an able bodied seaman volunteer from the United States.
Telling any more would be spoiling this book for fans of high sea's Naval actions.
All five thumbs up !
November 21, 2023
I've enjoyed naval stories since I was a kid, but this one just didn't do it for me. The sea action was okay, but the saga of what was happening on land got in the way, and I really wasn't interested in the family history. Maybe I'd have enjoyed it more if I'd started with The Blooding of the Guns and had the right background.
July 13, 2015
Excellent historical naval fiction
If you are into military fiction, particularly nautical fiction, this is a grand book. Some of the early going, laying out the protagonists' family history was a bit, well, British, but once the action started things built nicely to a thunderous climax. So if you like books with lines like "the enemy was just abaft the starboard beam" you'll find Storm Force to Narvik quite satisfying.
If you are into military fiction, particularly nautical fiction, this is a grand book. Some of the early going, laying out the protagonists' family history was a bit, well, British, but once the action started things built nicely to a thunderous climax. So if you like books with lines like "the enemy was just abaft the starboard beam" you'll find Storm Force to Narvik quite satisfying.
June 24, 2015
A lot of British terms and language made it a difficult read for an American. About half way through the book it got easier to read (or maybe I started to get the hang of it).
I had to look up several words to get their meaning which is unusual for me.
All that to say I enjoyed the book and felt it deserved a 3 star rating. It may take a while before I buy the next one in the series.
I had to look up several words to get their meaning which is unusual for me.
All that to say I enjoyed the book and felt it deserved a 3 star rating. It may take a while before I buy the next one in the series.
June 17, 2015
Excellent
This book brought me back to my days on a destroyer! It's full of seamanship, crew interactions and name calling, and family history - but then, isn't that what occurs on the ships across the world. The action took its toll and I couldn't put the book down. Well done!
This book brought me back to my days on a destroyer! It's full of seamanship, crew interactions and name calling, and family history - but then, isn't that what occurs on the ships across the world. The action took its toll and I couldn't put the book down. Well done!
July 3, 2015
WWII destroyer saga ... excellent read! Will be revisiting Mr. Fullerton. If you enjoy naval warfare stories, you'll like this!
WWII destroyer saga... excellent read! I will be revisiting Mr. Fullerton's world very soon. Right up there with Pope and Reeman in this genre.
WWII destroyer saga... excellent read! I will be revisiting Mr. Fullerton's world very soon. Right up there with Pope and Reeman in this genre.
September 5, 2015
Outstanding historical fiction
Narrative is immersive, highly entertaining. Author clearly knows his way around a ww2 destroyer. Plot is believable, not over the top as is all too common.
Narrative is immersive, highly entertaining. Author clearly knows his way around a ww2 destroyer. Plot is believable, not over the top as is all too common.
August 15, 2014
Good action, reasonable character development, a bit too detailed on moment to moment ship navigation
December 7, 2014
This book started a little slow, but ended up being a great, action packed book at the end...
June 6, 2015
Good start to series. Character development well done. Riveting action sequences. Looking forward to a new author for me.
June 28, 2015
Good book
I have enjoyed this book, it was action from page one. I will be back to read more of the story of Indent and her crew.
I have enjoyed this book, it was action from page one. I will be back to read more of the story of Indent and her crew.
June 17, 2015
A great story ,
A good read Good story .British slang or wording is hard to understand but it did not stop you from seeing every thing In your minds eye
A good read Good story .British slang or wording is hard to understand but it did not stop you from seeing every thing In your minds eye
June 18, 2015
Good WWII action read
Interesting characters and good naval action. Gets hard to put down. Brings history to life. Some naval terms a bit obscure for Americans.
Interesting characters and good naval action. Gets hard to put down. Brings history to life. Some naval terms a bit obscure for Americans.
August 23, 2015
All well accounting...Courageous men at war...
August 28, 2015
Excellent war story
January 19, 2019
Very good
A very good story and all based around real events of world war 2. A very good eye for detail too.
A very good story and all based around real events of world war 2. A very good eye for detail too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews