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Wharton
Midshipman Johnnie Wharton has no idea when he joins HMS St George as a 12-year-old that he is soon to take part in some of the greatest sea battles of Nelson’s Royal Navy.
Life aboard his next ship HMS Gibraltar is tough for the youngster and he and the other officers face disgrace as his Captain blunders badly at the Battle of the Glorious First of June.
Posted next to HMS Monarch, the 74-gun third rate is sent to the West Indies and survives a monstrous hurricane with the ship-of-the-line nearly wrecked.
Back in home waters, Wharton leaves Monarch and is sent to the fast brig-sloop Magpie, commanded by the pugnacious Captain Sotherton to assist in the British blockade of the French coast.
Sea fights with French ships off Brittany follow and then the capture of a valuable Dutch merchantman. Wharton’s share of the prize money from the sale of the Dutch ship’s cargo of wine and brandy help smooth the career ahead in the Royal Navy for this son of a Devon doctor.
Finally, Johnnie Wharton plays a key role in landing one of Prime Minister William Pitt’s spies on mainland France and the rescue of another with vital information about Napoleon’s plans to invade and capture Egypt to block Britain’s route to India.
Life aboard his next ship HMS Gibraltar is tough for the youngster and he and the other officers face disgrace as his Captain blunders badly at the Battle of the Glorious First of June.
Posted next to HMS Monarch, the 74-gun third rate is sent to the West Indies and survives a monstrous hurricane with the ship-of-the-line nearly wrecked.
Back in home waters, Wharton leaves Monarch and is sent to the fast brig-sloop Magpie, commanded by the pugnacious Captain Sotherton to assist in the British blockade of the French coast.
Sea fights with French ships off Brittany follow and then the capture of a valuable Dutch merchantman. Wharton’s share of the prize money from the sale of the Dutch ship’s cargo of wine and brandy help smooth the career ahead in the Royal Navy for this son of a Devon doctor.
Finally, Johnnie Wharton plays a key role in landing one of Prime Minister William Pitt’s spies on mainland France and the rescue of another with vital information about Napoleon’s plans to invade and capture Egypt to block Britain’s route to India.
158 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 26, 2022
489 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 20, 2024
This isn't your typical historical fiction novel as it focuses in on the life of a young boy - more of a coming-of-age story of a young man. It has some charm and appeal, with good interplay between the characters. The author certainly knows how to tell a story. You will also get a taste of old-fashioned ship battles as well as a little bit of a history lesson. However, if you are looking for a good tale to read with a continuing cast of characters, this one should be on your reading list. I picked this up for “free” with my Kindle Unlimited subscription vs. the regular price of $5.00 – I certainly received more than $5.00 of entertainment value and I am sure you will, also.
April 28, 2025
A long story in a short book
The author has been accurate in his descriptions although brief. He writes in the third person mostly and first person with several different characters. He follows the trials and tribulations of young Johnnie sometimes in the first person and sometimes in the third person. He also has others do the same. To me, the result is not an easy read.
The author has been accurate in his descriptions although brief. He writes in the third person mostly and first person with several different characters. He follows the trials and tribulations of young Johnnie sometimes in the first person and sometimes in the third person. He also has others do the same. To me, the result is not an easy read.
December 18, 2025
Good story
This was a good story about the Royal Navy during the Age of Sail. The characters are likeable for the most part. The young men are working to become officers and are along the way making friends both high and low. I didn't know if I would like this book, but it was an enjoyable read.
This was a good story about the Royal Navy during the Age of Sail. The characters are likeable for the most part. The young men are working to become officers and are along the way making friends both high and low. I didn't know if I would like this book, but it was an enjoyable read.
May 2, 2023
excellently gripping and believable
Fast moving, with characters entering, leaving and/or remaining on stage in an entirely natural and believable fashion. ‘A page turner’ is a cliché, but this tale certainly is, in fact so much so that I turned the last page with sincere regret.
Fast moving, with characters entering, leaving and/or remaining on stage in an entirely natural and believable fashion. ‘A page turner’ is a cliché, but this tale certainly is, in fact so much so that I turned the last page with sincere regret.
November 28, 2023
hurrah for the British Navy
Another young man who makes good during his start in the Navy. Interesting plot line with many tangents as the two young men make their way from Midshipmen to acting Lieutenant. Anxiously awaiting the next chapter in this story.
Another young man who makes good during his start in the Navy. Interesting plot line with many tangents as the two young men make their way from Midshipmen to acting Lieutenant. Anxiously awaiting the next chapter in this story.
April 30, 2024
a most enjoyable hook.
I have read many of these young men go to sea stories, yet I do not tire of them. This is one of the best. With plenty of action and good characters I look forward to the next book in the series.
I have read many of these young men go to sea stories, yet I do not tire of them. This is one of the best. With plenty of action and good characters I look forward to the next book in the series.
April 10, 2025
A pleasant read
Wharton is a pleasant, quick paced read. The characters are not as finely wraught, the relationships the usual and action not especially detailed. But I’ve read about everything in the genera so glad to have another series.
Wharton is a pleasant, quick paced read. The characters are not as finely wraught, the relationships the usual and action not especially detailed. But I’ve read about everything in the genera so glad to have another series.
November 26, 2025
A very action packed tale...
As a first in series, its not a bad start. The author keep the pace moving by transferring Wharton and his friend Hardy to different ships. Always learning new skills and duties.
As a first in series, its not a bad start. The author keep the pace moving by transferring Wharton and his friend Hardy to different ships. Always learning new skills and duties.
April 25, 2023
Interesting start
Well written and researched novel.Hopefully the first of many adventures for our new middys.Onwards to the Mediterranean and more adventures.
Well written and researched novel.Hopefully the first of many adventures for our new middys.Onwards to the Mediterranean and more adventures.
September 18, 2023
Enjoyable I will see how Majestic progresses, a little more clothing on the characters would help
April 5, 2024
A well-done quick read
Not a whole lot of depth or character complexity, but fun and entertaining. Sort of a Boys Life adventure tale.
Not a whole lot of depth or character complexity, but fun and entertaining. Sort of a Boys Life adventure tale.
April 14, 2024
Wharton is good.
The book started a little bit slow, but by the end of the story the plot kept me wanting more.
The book started a little bit slow, but by the end of the story the plot kept me wanting more.
May 12, 2024
A good start to an Age of Sails Series
This first episode moves along well with the main characters stepping nicely along through a large but lively set of adventures.
This first episode moves along well with the main characters stepping nicely along through a large but lively set of adventures.
June 9, 2024
Well done
A super depiction of an historic time in history. I look forward to reading more from this author. He does the English proud.
A super depiction of an historic time in history. I look forward to reading more from this author. He does the English proud.
June 29, 2024
Wharton! A trip back in time.
A very entertaining historic sea adventure. Full of action and adventure. Look forward to reading the rest of the series!
A very entertaining historic sea adventure. Full of action and adventure. Look forward to reading the rest of the series!
February 26, 2025
A great read
This novel has it all and it is not your standard regurgitation of stories from other books. Plot and character development are all first rate. Very enjoyable read.
This novel has it all and it is not your standard regurgitation of stories from other books. Plot and character development are all first rate. Very enjoyable read.
May 25, 2025
A Good Start
No Hornblower, and lacking in some character development, but it will serve as an introduction to a series in this genre
No Hornblower, and lacking in some character development, but it will serve as an introduction to a series in this genre
October 3, 2025
Reading this story in my Kindle and suddenly it ended. 158 pages. I feel that I did not get my money's worth. Otherwise the writing was just ok.
February 16, 2025
This series starts well, with the main character a young midshipman. He has some experience on a previous ship, but is young and learning still. By the end of the book, he's gone through a hurricane, several ship battles, and even commanding a prize.
There are some iffy bits (like when a ship loses its lieutenants so the middies are temporarily promoted, then goes to Pompey and is not issued any new lieutenants, leaving the midshipmen in their temporary position), and the challenges our hero faces are often very short term and not particularly problematic, but overall its believable and Midshipman Wharton is not a superhuman Marty Stu.
This book is more a study of characters than a story following a plot; its a series of events and naval engagements that the young men are tested and trained by, learning their job and moving toward advancement in their career.
And, unlike a lot of these kind of books, there's no haste here. He starts the book as a young midshipman and ends the book as a slightly older midshipman. He's on his path to be a Master's Mate and hopefully take the test for lieutenant in the future, but he's still a middy.
There are some iffy bits (like when a ship loses its lieutenants so the middies are temporarily promoted, then goes to Pompey and is not issued any new lieutenants, leaving the midshipmen in their temporary position), and the challenges our hero faces are often very short term and not particularly problematic, but overall its believable and Midshipman Wharton is not a superhuman Marty Stu.
This book is more a study of characters than a story following a plot; its a series of events and naval engagements that the young men are tested and trained by, learning their job and moving toward advancement in their career.
And, unlike a lot of these kind of books, there's no haste here. He starts the book as a young midshipman and ends the book as a slightly older midshipman. He's on his path to be a Master's Mate and hopefully take the test for lieutenant in the future, but he's still a middy.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews