Yankee Mission

Thomas Kydd #25

by Julian Stockwin

'Yankee Mission is a jewel in Julian Stockwin's crown as a master in naval fiction, with a ship-to-ship fight so vivid that the battle's sounds and scents fly off the pages like lethal wooden splinters' - Quarterdeck1812. Off the coast of Brazil, HMS Java, a proud British 38-gun frigate, is captured in battle by the American USS Constitution - signaling across the world's oceans a challenge to Britain's naval premiership that cannot be ignored.Back in England Captain Sir Thomas Kydd is enjoying a moment of normal life with his wife and his newborn son. With his Thunderer in dock receiving some well-earned repairs he is, momentarily, without a command. It's a position the Admiralty does not leave him in for long, and he is soon given a engage the young republic in a fair fight, frigate against frigate, and restore the Navy's reputation. And they have just the ship and crew for him . . . Tyger. But on reaching the US east coast, Kydd and his trusted Tygers realise that the hardest part of their mission will be drawing out one of the Yankee men-o'-war to engage in battle - especially once the Americans get wind of his purpose. It's a tall order, requiring every ounce of the crew's guile and persistence - and when fortune turns against them, Kydd finds not only his career, but his life, hanging in the balance.Praise for Julian Stockwin's Kydd 'A very readable and enjoyable story . . . I can only recommend that you go out, beg, borrow or buy, and enjoy' - Bernard Cornwell 'In Stockwin's hands the sea story will continue to entrance readers across the world' - Guardian'The characterization is first-class, and the reader quickly becomes involved with all that happens' - Historical Novels Review

Genres: Historical Fiction, Nautical

432 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 6, 2022

About the author

Julian Stockwin was sent at the age of fourteen to Indefatigable, a tough sea-training school. He joined the Royal Navy at fifteen. He now lives in Devon with his wife Kathy. Julian has written 24 books to date in the Kydd series of historical adventure fiction, the story of one man's journey from pressed man to admiral in the age of fighting sail, and a non-fiction book, 'Stockwin's Maritime Miscellany.' His latest Kydd series title is THUNDERER. And, he's also published two historical standalone novels, THE SILK TREE, set in the time of Emperor Justinian and THE POWDER OF DEATH, about the quest for the secret of gunpowder.

Series:
* Thomas Kydd

Reviews

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet another of my wooden ships and iron men tales. I've read all of Stockwin's sagas. The British Navy in the days of sail. Here Stockwin weaves in some of the U. S. - Brit war of 1812. And interestingly enough, includes the advent of steam propulsion for maritime use. Of course the British Admiralty was dead set against it.

Reminded me that Admiral Rickover probably had similar critics when he proposed nuclear power for submarines.

[Centurio52 · Rating 1 out of 5]

I quite agree with Matthew's review. What a disappointment this book was! I had my doubts about previous books of this Kydd series but this one was the worst. The story is uninspired, even boring. For instance there is this episode of the battle on Lake Erie which as such has nothing to do with Kydd (maybe to attract or satisfy the American readers?) and moreover is described very sketchy. The characters in this book are not very well developed, more or less two dimensional and Kydd himself is grumpy and humourless, not at all a hero of flesh and blood . When in company of a friend, he tends to address him as 'old trout' which I find forced and irritating.
There is a lot of comparison in the genre of historical naval fiction and I have read many. I cannot recommend this book. If you want to try a good sea story in the Napoleonic era, try Alaric Bond, Philip Allan or Andrew Wareham, to name a few.

[Jerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic to be back at sea following the adventures of Sir Thomas Kydd.

[Matthew · Rating 1 out of 5]

Huge let down. For such a milestone as 25 books in a series, set in such a momentous occaision, there isn't really anything to get excited by.
As is unfortunately common in the series, it often feels like scenes are skipped between, making events ring a bit hollow and the narrative a bit start-stopping. Also featured is an abrupt end after an unsatisfying, brief ship to ship combar
I think the author may have lost interest in the series, only reengaging when mentioning steam and early uses of steam power, which to be fair does show research and effort into this subject.

Overall a disppointing latest edition to a mostly very good series.

[Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was possibly the least satisfying of the Kydd books to me. Stockwin covers the war of 1812 and more importantly the development in technology of the Royal Navy in the period. Sadly, the coverage of both means we don't really get an in depth look at either and our sea time is rather limited. The battle at the end is almost an afterthought.

[Finn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent addition to the series: full of action and adventure as always! I particularly enjoyed the detail on the development of steam technology and other innovations, as well as the insights into Kydd's mind when facing the misfortune he suffered in this book.

[Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has been awhile since I have followed the adventures of Sir Thomas Kydd. I am glad that I picked him up again and this book did not disappoint. Although, it struck me as slightly different. There were three streams that ran through the book. First, was the adventures of Sir Thomas as the stalwart and steady captain. Next was the education of Sir Thomas, learning and experiencing the fears and doubts that run with war as well as his education about technology that would soon revolutionize sailing and all corners of society. And last was the intersection and final confrontation of "friend or foe."

The streams merged for an enjoyable read and one in which I also benefitted from Sir Thomas's education of an early technological advance..

I expected and found a fast-paced tale of the sea durig the fighting age of sail. Stockwin's knowledge and application of the details of the period and sailing was spot on. I will seek another of Sir Thomas' adventures.

[Oismiffy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Effing awful. My advice - read the last 50 pages or so and skip the rest.

I read other reviews before writing this, and I do wonder if “we” read the same book. Horses for courses and all that, but come on, this book is rubbish.

There seemed to be a lot of guff in here that had no relevance to the story. I don’t care about a battle on Lake Erie if it has no relevance to the book - which it doesn’t (setting the scene - no, setting the point in history - not needed). Take it out and nothing changes. Same goes for the boring stuff about the chains as well and again nothing changes.

For me, this is the third or fourth book in the series that has left me feeling cheated and let down. If I could, I’d claim a refund.

[Roger Rea · Rating 3 out of 5]

A disappointing read, very unlike is previous books which were more of seafaring ways, although an early insight to steam ships. Also a disappointing end, which was very fast and seemed as if the author had lost track of the plot and wanted to get rid of it as soon as possible. From his first book to this, this series is sadly diminishing in its plots and new insights. I just hope the, up to now, last in the series, improves.

[John Nino · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fine gentleman

A very good story. Interesting plot lines for both stories contained herein. All the old characters were welcomed and new ones favorably developed. An enjoyable read.

[Elric Martinez-Escobar · Rating 5 out of 5]

The top sailor in historical fictional

Another great entry in the Kydd series with the unfortunate passing of Dewey and end of Alan Lewrie's adventures this series is the best there is.

[Martin Buckle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dull & Boring

Without doubt the least enjoyable of any of the Tom Kydd books . One must assume that after 24 riveting tales the author has simply run out of narrative . What a shame .

[Pastor Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book!

While not yet more beloved than Kent, Stockwin can easily match Lambdin and Forrester for next in line. Much better in character development than O'Brian, these characters have just the right amount of human frailty. An enjoyable read fid sure,

[Mike Hay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story!

Great story, I've read them all to this point and have enjoyed following Kydd's adventures! Highly recommend this Well written series.

[Jeremy Kriewaldt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good story

Kydd's character keeps developing and the problem of dealing with a friend who is an officer of an enemy is explored with sympathy and insight.

[John Lyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 25

As always, it was an excellent read. Julian Stockwin knows history and the sea and is an excellent writer. All his books are worth reading.

[Art Acton · Rating 2 out of 5]

not Stockwin’s best

Others may disagree, but I think that this volume spends too much time on the American side. Perhaps it was just way to fill up the space of the full novel.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slightly different from the usual run of stories, but fascinating about the early ideas of stem propulsion.

[Geoff Parkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read as usual

Great Author love reading about Thomas Kidd another good book to add to the series can’t wait for next on hope it soon can’t wait for it?

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa was expecting that Sir Thomas Kydd would end up on dry land! After all the challeges at sea this was unexpected.

I love this series by Julian Stockwin and can't wait to see what else Sir Thomas and friends get up to next!

[Clemens Schoonderwoert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This exciting seafaring story is the 25th volume of the wonderful "Thomas Kydd" series.

At the beginning of the book you'll find three well-drawn maps concerning this great tale, and which is accompanied with a Dramatis Personae.

At the book you'll notice an Author's Note, where the historical details details are well documented and that accompanied with a superbly explained Glossary.

Storytelling is of a superb quality and filled with authentic sea-language, all characters are believable and lifelike, while the warlike atmosphere and emotions are wonderfully pictured and described by the author.

This story start off in Winter, AD1812, with the capture of HMS Java at the hands of USS Constitution near the coast of Brazil, while during the following events in this book Sir Thomas Kydd has much to endure and explore, and so in my view this story will end up well into AD1814, otherwise the timeframe will be out of context in my honest opinion, and so I hope AD1814 will be the starting point for volume no 26.

This action by the Americans will set in motion a war cruise towards the US Navy for Sir Thomas Kydd and his Tygers in HMS Tyger, in an attempt to draw the US navy out into a fight of frigate against frigate, but that mission will wholeheartedly fail for Sir Thomas Kydd professionally as well as physically, while after being sent home seriously injured, he will act as surveyor for the Navy Board in search of useful innovations concerning steam, but eventually he will end up in another frigate to confront the US Navy and a very dear friend of him.

What is to follow are some well described sea-actions and well as steam innovations, that will be the heart of this tale, and these subjects are brought to us in a most satisfying fashion by the author.

Very much recommended, for this is another great addition to this superb series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Delightful Yankee Enterprise"!

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another interesting nautical tale, the storyline was different to what I expected but in a good way, as it included some elements that were unique compared to the other books I have read by the author. I haven’t read all of the authors books but have now read a number and have enjoyed all of them.

I liked the elements of the book which discussed advances in nautical technology and the main characters role in evaluating these. I find naval history fiction to be an entirely different proposition to other military historical fiction books and look forward to reading more in the coming years.

[Ian Pruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

It can come as a shock sometimes to realise just how long you've known a character, watched them develop. I look forward to each new book to find out how Tom is doing.
The added pleasure is to be introduced to bits of history that might otherwise be missed. Stockwins' research allows me to go investigate things a bit further. To get a better picture of how things were and how the people of the time affected the past and today. Easy to forget or take for granted how today's world was forged in the past.

[Shelly Lincoln · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was definitely one of the weaker entries in the Kydd series. This one covers the War of 1812 as well as the development of steam technology. But it also includes an out-of-sorts Kydd who contrives to get back to sea after an injury, and a lot of hurry up and waiting that lacks the adventure at sea we've come to expect from these books. Could it be time for Kydd to be made Admiral and retire?

[Bob Cantrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This latest installment in the Thomas Kydd adventures is one to grab you from the start and not let go until the end. Now this is not just another sea adventure, but it is about loss and redemption of a man's soul. I can't really say more for that would spoil the story for you. If you like the sea and the men, who sailed it then read it and enjoy.

[David Slater · Rating 5 out of 5]

A joy to read as always

[Charlie Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of his best in the latter years. Kydd's injured and is in danger of losing his leg.