Majestic: Book 2 in the Wharton series

by George Edwardson

Majestic is a novel set in the turbulent years of the Napoleonic Wars as the Royal Navy fights the French for supremacy across the oceans of the world. It continues the career of Midshipman Johnnie Wharton in both great men-of-war and nimble brig-sloops.
Wharton is poised for promotion, hastened by the terrible toll suffered by HMS Majestic at Admiral Nelson’s great triumph at the Battle of the Nile. Wounded by an exploding cannon, he recovers to take command of a battery of guns in the decisive battle off Egypt’s Aboukir Bay.
While the battered Majestic awaits new masts and work to repair her hull, alongside many other of Nelson’s victorious ships at anchor off Naples, Wharton is loaned by his captain to a fast brig, HMS Swallow, which acts as the ‘eyes and ears’ of Admiral Duckworth’s small fleet as Britain seeks to re-conquer Menorca from the Spaniards.
Soon promoted to Acting Lieutenant, Wharton becomes one of Swallow’s key officers as they provide an early warning to Duckworth of any Spanish counterattack while seeking prizes along the way.
Johnnie Wharton learns more aboard Swallow about ship to ship battles than he ever could aboard Majestic, which prepares him for the great sea battles to come.

Genres: Historical Fiction

121 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 26, 2022

Reviews

[Christopher Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pretty good followup to the first novel. In this one, the midshipmen are tied into the Battle of Egypt, and get promoted. The action is solid, and the depiction of ship combat is brutal and powerful; usually the Battle of Egypt is about Culloden going aground, L'Orient exploding, and another win by Nelson. This book shows what it was like to be ON those ships and how brutal some of the fighting was.

[John Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Royal Navy portrayed realistically

Very good description of the Battle of the Nike from a slightly different perspective, showing that the RN ships didn’t have it entirely their own way. Life on board, with some of the technical aspects of gunnery, written about with sympathy and understanding.

[David L Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author writes wonderful ship on ship engagements and of all the authors I've followed the author treated the battle of the Nile better than any others. Many refer to it but do not attempt to exhaustively describe the action. I congratulatlationns!. Best nepolian war stories since Patric Obrian

[Gordon Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy read. Too easy

The guns run in, load and are run out and go boom. So similar to book 1 I can’t remember the difference between them if any. OK, the location changed and not the confusion of who was talking because all was in the third person. No more of this series for me and I’m a sailor.

[Dr Robert Freeman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple and short

Not a bad storyline and a reasonable read. I found it very short and as there are not many in the series the whole lot takes less than a week of dipping in and out. Nevertheless worth the effort if you have Kindle unlimited

[Wadenton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Way To Learn History

It is easy to read and an exciting way to review a bit of history. With just a slightly different skew to what might have really taken place; it is sure fun to read.

[Elle Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Battle of the Nile

Midshipman Wharton earns a promotion from Nelson in the famous Battle of the Nile. Good character development and tactics explained. Well written and warships under sail explained.

[Bob Cantrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sailing ships

This is an enjoyable stories . The characters are Interesting and are likeable. These stories are slowly growing on me , but I.do feel that the person editing them needs to be a little more careful for there were several typos in and otherwise enjoyable story.

[James D Grail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilluant

Excellent sequel,very good read.I thorough enjoyed reading it.I am looking forward to any more inseries!No more to be said.Brilliant!
Read

[John Nino · Rating 5 out of 5]

In service to your country

Johnnie Wharton shines again. Good plot. Excellent story line. An amazing conglomeration of characters, real and fictional. A solid read.

[Keith farrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoying this series very much and looking forward to the rest of of it.very good read.

[Phillip Mclaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

well written ship to ship actions: The Nile

Thoroughly readable series thus far, images of ship life and handling are clear.
For an age of fighting sail this is a highly recommend.

[Steven P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good seafaring story

Rather than just concentrate on battles, Edwardson describes life aboard 18th century warships. Very interesting, looking forward to the rest of the series.

[Jim Purcell · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Wharton continues his naval career by serving at the Battle of the Nile and surviving. His battered ship requires much repair so he is seconded to another ship in the interim. A strong performance there jumps him nicely to the next level, a lieutenancy.