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RCN #6
When the Tide Rises
When the Republic of Cinnabar doesn't have enough battleships to deal with all the crises in its war with the Alliance, it sends the next best thing: Commander Daniel Leary and his friend, the spy Adele Mundy. This time they're off to help the Bagarian cluster in its rebellion against the Alliance, but they'll quickly find that the worst threats to the rebels are the treacherous politicians leading them.
Leary and Mundy use electronic espionage, sub-machine guns, and shipkilling missiles to outwit political rivals, put down mutiny, and capture an Alliance fortress. When all else fails, they'll strike for the heart of the Alliance--and then throw their tiny corvette into a major fleet action.
A cascade of non-stop action as vivid as only David Drake can write it!
528 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 1, 2008
60 people are currently reading
548 people want to read
About the author
David Drake
306 books886 followersDavid Drake is an American author of science fiction and fantasy literature. A Vietnam War veteran who has worked as a lawyer, he is now one of the major authors of the military science fiction genre.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
January 22, 2019
”The business of When the Tide Rises is taken largely from real events in Chile, Peru, and Brazil.
The major naval action, however, is based on the 1811 Battle of Lissa.
I write to entertain readers, not to advance a personal or political philosophy (I don't have a political philosophy); nonetheless, my fiction is almost always based on historical models. When you read When the Tide Rises, you might occasionally think about today's news and remember that it'll be tomorrow's history.” - David Drake
There’s a light cruiser that is briefly mentioned in this novel called the Bat Durston. It’s perhaps telling that it’s an Alliance ship. Anyway, is it Drake’s way of poking a bit of fun at himself or just an Easter Egg? The RCN novels aren’t, by definition, true Bat Durston stories (they’re not Space Westerns). They are, however, Naval Stories transposed to a futuristic backdrop. Master and Commander in Space.
Drake is a master at writing combat scenes on any level: strategic, tactical and personal. His pragmatic approach to action sequences makes everything so much more tangible. It’s a dirty business, war.
The 15-cm guns were firing at high rate, spewing plasma bolts before the barrels had properly cooled from the previous rounds. This was certain to erode the tubes and might well lead to an explosion that damaged the turret, but need outweighed the risk.
Drake’s RCN novels are neither Hard Sci-Fi, nor even particularly high tech as far as Space Opera / Military Science Fiction is concerned, but there are lots of technical details. The mechanics of “how things work” seems to be important to the author. It does indeed add something to the story.
The pressed-steel barrel shroud had faded back to the dull gray of its phosphate coating, but heat still made air passing through the ventilation slots tremble.
The novels are stand-alone to an extent, but I would recommend following the series. There are some developments, especially surrounding the core characters, which will pass you by if you don’t.
And there it is. I’m rather fond of this series, even though I don’t think I can put into words exactly why, and despite the relative “sameness” of the books (consider: they’re all based on real life military events and related politics). It’s just good, not-so-clean, fun!
“Deep in their hearts, they're afraid and they know we aren't. We're the RCN."
The major naval action, however, is based on the 1811 Battle of Lissa.
I write to entertain readers, not to advance a personal or political philosophy (I don't have a political philosophy); nonetheless, my fiction is almost always based on historical models. When you read When the Tide Rises, you might occasionally think about today's news and remember that it'll be tomorrow's history.” - David Drake
There’s a light cruiser that is briefly mentioned in this novel called the Bat Durston. It’s perhaps telling that it’s an Alliance ship. Anyway, is it Drake’s way of poking a bit of fun at himself or just an Easter Egg? The RCN novels aren’t, by definition, true Bat Durston stories (they’re not Space Westerns). They are, however, Naval Stories transposed to a futuristic backdrop. Master and Commander in Space.
Drake is a master at writing combat scenes on any level: strategic, tactical and personal. His pragmatic approach to action sequences makes everything so much more tangible. It’s a dirty business, war.
The 15-cm guns were firing at high rate, spewing plasma bolts before the barrels had properly cooled from the previous rounds. This was certain to erode the tubes and might well lead to an explosion that damaged the turret, but need outweighed the risk.
Drake’s RCN novels are neither Hard Sci-Fi, nor even particularly high tech as far as Space Opera / Military Science Fiction is concerned, but there are lots of technical details. The mechanics of “how things work” seems to be important to the author. It does indeed add something to the story.
The pressed-steel barrel shroud had faded back to the dull gray of its phosphate coating, but heat still made air passing through the ventilation slots tremble.
The novels are stand-alone to an extent, but I would recommend following the series. There are some developments, especially surrounding the core characters, which will pass you by if you don’t.
And there it is. I’m rather fond of this series, even though I don’t think I can put into words exactly why, and despite the relative “sameness” of the books (consider: they’re all based on real life military events and related politics). It’s just good, not-so-clean, fun!
“Deep in their hearts, they're afraid and they know we aren't. We're the RCN."
June 20, 2020
Up Cinnabar! 4th reread 6/18/17. Very enjoyable read, great series.
May 10, 2015
I had never read Drake, although I had considered several titles. When I had the opportunity to read this as an ARC, I took the chance and was delightfully surprised. I was conscious that this was a series and was pleased to realize that it stands on its own as a story. This is military space opera minus the graphic violence and profanity. High marks.
July 29, 2016
Drake's RCN series features the military leader Daniel Leary and his friend Adele Mundy, librarian extraordinaire, along with a delightful, ever-expanding cast of support characters such as Daniels' family and his servant, Hogg, Adele's socially-challenged assistant Tovera, his shipmates, the incomparable Sissies, etc. (And there's usually a despicable character named Platt.) The stories are all solidly grounded on some interesting historical situation, which he explains in the books' introductions. They're well-told and exciting adventure stories that always offer some good food for thought and reflection, and the characters have depth and facets that always add a lot to the story as a whole. (For example, Daniel has a deep interest in the biological sciences that he rarely has time to pursue.) The books are a lot of fun and definitely among the very best space-opera style stories that I've encountered.
April 23, 2009
Another fine addition to Drake's ongoing series of Daniel Leary and Adele Mundy tales. This book is more balanced between the two main characters, although RCN officer Daniel Leary takes the forefront. Other characters continue their development and growth from earlier events of the series and we are introduced to a new character (an assistant for Adele Mundy). The action is well told as Daniel Leary must take the usual crew of RCN sailors to a new cluster and set of planets to bolster what is ostensibly an ally of the Republic of Cinnabar and to do his usual job of spreading confusion amongst the Republic's enemies.
November 20, 2024
This is a pretty good space battle series based around a brilliant hero. One of the things I enjoyed, that set it apart from 100s just like it, is the the great relationship between the two protagonists. That element has stalled and soured a little bit by this book and it really takes away from what i liked about it.
July 22, 2009
Maybe I'd like it more if I'd read others in the series first, or NOT read the intro where it mentions that these books are inspired by the Aubrey/Maturin series. But overall, this book muddles about, until, unable to balance two main characters, the author fully develops neither. Too bad.
June 9, 2010
The continuing saga of Daniel Leary.
I really enjoy these stories, but I'm starting to get tired of the static characters, while the space battles are interesting and fun, this one felt a little drab compared to the previous stories.
I really enjoy these stories, but I'm starting to get tired of the static characters, while the space battles are interesting and fun, this one felt a little drab compared to the previous stories.
January 27, 2019
Maybe I should have read the first five before this one.
August 2, 2018
Another excellent entry in the Leary/Mundy series. It's the usual stuff for Daniel Leary. He's been given an impossible task to complete by the Head of the Admiralty, and thanks to Adele Mundy and his crew, he manages to pull off not just the task at hand, but lifts a siege on a neighbouring planet as well.
Adele seems a little different in this book, far more dark and self-hating than her normal aloofness, although she is her usual efficient self at hacking the enemies communications.
The space battle in the climax of the book seemed to end abruptly, which seemed odd, but on reflection makes a little sense due to the circumstances.
Hogg and Tovera had far smaller roles in this book, but both have pivotal moments, and the ending implies that Daniel is about to be promoted to Captain.
Adele seems a little different in this book, far more dark and self-hating than her normal aloofness, although she is her usual efficient self at hacking the enemies communications.
The space battle in the climax of the book seemed to end abruptly, which seemed odd, but on reflection makes a little sense due to the circumstances.
Hogg and Tovera had far smaller roles in this book, but both have pivotal moments, and the ending implies that Daniel is about to be promoted to Captain.
January 23, 2020
Commander Daniel Leary and Adele Mundy are a mismatched pair. Leary a natural naval warrior and Mundy, a sure shot librarian. Once again they go up against a superior force of the Alliance while defending their beloved Republic of Cinnabar.
Daniel, again, uses his unique skills to address his orders in a manner his superiors never considered. Mistress Mundy's skills in data acquisition provide Daniel with the logistical edge to support his creative military genius.
Drake seems to value loyalty and courage as he ascribes those characteristics as well as an inordinate sense of duty to his characters.
Drake demonstrates that leaders who lead with their subordinates fates in mind get the loyalty of those subordinates.
A little less action than I would have hoped, Drake became a bit pedantic in this volume.
Regardless, I still enjoyed the book and recommend it.
Daniel, again, uses his unique skills to address his orders in a manner his superiors never considered. Mistress Mundy's skills in data acquisition provide Daniel with the logistical edge to support his creative military genius.
Drake seems to value loyalty and courage as he ascribes those characteristics as well as an inordinate sense of duty to his characters.
Drake demonstrates that leaders who lead with their subordinates fates in mind get the loyalty of those subordinates.
A little less action than I would have hoped, Drake became a bit pedantic in this volume.
Regardless, I still enjoyed the book and recommend it.
November 6, 2021
In the sixth book in the Leary/Mundy saga, Daniel Leary and crew are sent to a backwater system. The cluster the system is in is nominally in rebellion against the alliance. Daniel must find a way to divert enough Alliance attention so that they lessen their fleet at Diamonda, where Admiral James is barely holding out. And of course Leary and Mundy do so, despite machinations and outright opposition by local politicians.
Another strong entry in the series.
Another strong entry in the series.
August 8, 2022
Early in reading this book, I had to make sure the author wasn't David Weber writing under a pseudonym -- it felt like an Honor Harrington book. But David Drake is indeed a different author, and this was indeed a completely different series. Good pacing, good characters, good plot -- things move along nicely. Since this seems to be Book 6 of a series, I will have to find the others. Recommended!
August 5, 2024
Sixth book in the series.. nothing new, no improvements and not much that is worse to the point that it rates much of a mention, maybe the story is a bit more all over,.. also in the audiobook there is this odd thing where Brice becomes Blythe(spelling?) On the whole its a 3/5 series.
If you have read/listened to the previous books you know what this will be like. While if you were holding out hope for improvement well then that was in vain.
If you have read/listened to the previous books you know what this will be like. While if you were holding out hope for improvement well then that was in vain.
July 18, 2019
A roller coaster of a ride, I loved this novel. Daniel shows a new side as he applies the thins he learned just by being a scion of a politically active noble house. Adel develops as a person. Finally, the minor characters get more screen time, and they reflect the events that have happened in the series.
July 11, 2024
This is the second book (till now) in the series quality and enjoyment (after first) in my opinion. It has almost everything I want in a book: action, space battles and some entertaining situation changes. It’s not maximum because of some questionable remarks of Mistress Mundy (I think the author pushed the boundaries of this character in different directions that I liked).
December 8, 2018
Great Series
This whole series of books detailing Leary and his command are a joy to read. So much so that I'm rereading for the 3rd time, they're just fun books. Yes, the author suggests that they have a historic truth basis but live and learn.
This whole series of books detailing Leary and his command are a joy to read. So much so that I'm rereading for the 3rd time, they're just fun books. Yes, the author suggests that they have a historic truth basis but live and learn.
May 28, 2021
Reread 2021
December 19, 2022
Author repeats himself quite a bit regarding character growth challenges.
October 8, 2025
Good novel. Space opera theme, centred around neo-Roman society and 18th century sailing techniques.
Read
October 26, 2025Why you might like it: RCN series: Aubrey/Maturin in space, with logistics. Rubric match: not yet scored. Uses your engineering/rigor/first-contact/world-building rubric. Tags: military-sf, ops
November 12, 2025
7/10
Another rollicking adventure for Commander Leary & his crew! And Signals Officer Adele Mundy seems to have acquired an assistant… This was enjoyable military space SF.
Another rollicking adventure for Commander Leary & his crew! And Signals Officer Adele Mundy seems to have acquired an assistant… This was enjoyable military space SF.
May 5, 2011
After the mild disappointment of volumes four and five, Drake is back in good form. Leary is sent on a mission to destabilize what one might charitably call a banana republic in order to relieve pressure from a Cinnabar stronghold. The Bagarian Republic is modeled after South American revolutionary governments, complete with generalissima and corrupt politicians with plenty of unearned decorations. Needless to say, Leary and Mundy manage to perform several daring raids in order to complete the mission.
Clarity returns to the series, then. Leary, Mundy and their companions on the Princess Cecile are as outrageous and entertaining as ever. The action scenes are frequent and of the usual high Drake class. Character development of some of the supporting players is emphasized, definitely a good thing. This book has made me eager once again for the next installment.
http://www.books.rosboch.net/?p=683
Clarity returns to the series, then. Leary, Mundy and their companions on the Princess Cecile are as outrageous and entertaining as ever. The action scenes are frequent and of the usual high Drake class. Character development of some of the supporting players is emphasized, definitely a good thing. This book has made me eager once again for the next installment.
http://www.books.rosboch.net/?p=683
March 26, 2013
Good entry in the series, probably better than the last two (which were still very good). Plenty of action and military subterfuge that I've come to expect from the series. As the sixth in the series, though, the plots are starting to get a bit repetitive: get an "impossible" assignment, gather the crew, get back on the ship, fly out to situation, solve problem, gain accolades and prizes for the crew, repair ship and fly back home to start all over. It's still entertaining, but wouldn't something like an extended tour in the same place break up the monotony at least a little bit?
I think there's enough characterization in each book. It's not much, but that's not the point of the stories. Mundy has a few personal revelations, but nothing that will immediately change the character in a major way. I can see some subtle shifts in her outlook on things that has continued from the first book.
I think there's enough characterization in each book. It's not much, but that's not the point of the stories. Mundy has a few personal revelations, but nothing that will immediately change the character in a major way. I can see some subtle shifts in her outlook on things that has continued from the first book.
February 9, 2025
At most recent rereading, I’ve decided to raise this from 3 to 4 stars, because it seems one of the better entries in the series. Perhaps it’s really a 3.5 kind of book, but I seem to reread it quite frequently, so some generosity is in order.
It’s mostly military, which is not usually my favourite thing; but at least Drake is good at military. I can read about Hornblower’s military adventures, so I can read about Leary’s, although they’re not similar characters. (Yes, I know that Drake prefers Aubrey to Hornblower, but I’ve read little of Aubrey and currently still prefer Hornblower.)
The adventures here are quite engaging if you’re in the mood for that kind of thing, and we get into the interaction between war and politics.
The regular characters of the series continue to develop in their own ways, and Rene Cazelet is introduced as a new character.
It’s mostly military, which is not usually my favourite thing; but at least Drake is good at military. I can read about Hornblower’s military adventures, so I can read about Leary’s, although they’re not similar characters. (Yes, I know that Drake prefers Aubrey to Hornblower, but I’ve read little of Aubrey and currently still prefer Hornblower.)
The adventures here are quite engaging if you’re in the mood for that kind of thing, and we get into the interaction between war and politics.
The regular characters of the series continue to develop in their own ways, and Rene Cazelet is introduced as a new character.
May 17, 2008
Another fun read in the Leary series. As usual the action is well written, the situations interesting, and the style comfortable and fun.
What is different here is that, unlike many Drake novels, his characters start to grow. I got the impression that he was laying the groundwork for something bigger to come, taking the opportunity for Daniel Leary to become something even greater than he already is... which is the best damn leader in the RCN.
If you like space opera, or if you like action, or if you like sci fi and like the age of wooden ships and iron men, you'll find something to enjoy in this book.
What is different here is that, unlike many Drake novels, his characters start to grow. I got the impression that he was laying the groundwork for something bigger to come, taking the opportunity for Daniel Leary to become something even greater than he already is... which is the best damn leader in the RCN.
If you like space opera, or if you like action, or if you like sci fi and like the age of wooden ships and iron men, you'll find something to enjoy in this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2009
Another in Drake's "Hornblower in Space" series featuring Commander Daniel Leary...contains a few odd sidebars (is--the incredibly old artifact they find on a planet, which never reappears nor does it advance the plot) but on the whole, a solid naval adventure which just happens to take place in space.
February 17, 2011
A continuing space opera starring an up-and-coming Republic of Cinnabar naval officer (Leary) and his communications officer (Mundy), a former librarian and expert duelist. Much the same feel you get with Elizabeth Moon's Serrano series. Possessed by psychopathic tendencies, Mundy is becoming more human. (normal?)
May 24, 2008
Re-read 12/12. Didn't see as much righty stuff from this one as I evidently did last time, although I know what I was talking about in some of his others.
Drake writes action-packed military SF with interesting characters, but his peddling of right-wing philosophy makes me want to retch.
Drake writes action-packed military SF with interesting characters, but his peddling of right-wing philosophy makes me want to retch.
January 28, 2009
Four stars because we finally get to see a little more emotion from Adele. She might like to think she is dead inside, but she's not. She's just hiding behind her knowledge and information gathering skills.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews