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Richard Bolitho #1-3
The Complete Midshipman Bolitho: Richard Bolitho, Midshipman, Midshipman Bolitho and the Avenger & Band of Brothers
Three novels in one! Sixteen-year-old Richard Bolitho joins the British Royal Navy as a young midshipman. Follow his adventures as he undergoes a severe initiation into the dangerous world of the great sailing warships! 1. Richard Midshipman 1772: a young Richard Bolitho joins the 74-gun Gorgon. Naive and untested, Bolitho must learn the ways of the navy quickly if he is to survive. 2. Midshipman Bolitho and the Avenger 1773: Bolitho returns home to Cornwall for Christmas, but smuggling, ship wrecking and witchcraft tear apart his once-peaceful community. 3. Band of Brothers 1774: Bolitho stands on the brink of manhood and takes his examination to begin his true career as a King's Officer. But soon he must test his mettle against vicious smugglers!
341 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
259 people are currently reading
366 people want to read
About the author
Alexander Kent
226 books198 followersA pseudonym used by Douglas Reeman.
Series:
* Richard Bolitho
* Adam Bolitho
Series:
* Richard Bolitho
* Adam Bolitho
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
February 17, 2023
For anyone who loves sailing ships
Some terminology was difficult for a landlubber to grasp, but it's use lend authenticity to the story. A little slow to start, but soon gained speed and depth. Thoroughly enjoyable!
Some terminology was difficult for a landlubber to grasp, but it's use lend authenticity to the story. A little slow to start, but soon gained speed and depth. Thoroughly enjoyable!
April 4, 2017
So without trying I have kept alive my December tradition of beginning a historical fiction novel. All right I got it for free off of Google Play awhile ago, and yep most of the historical fiction I read seems to be pinned to the topic of the British Navy. I can probably blame this on being in the seeming minority that like the Hornblower books (as an aside first editions were given to me by my now former spouse years ago of four of the first five books as written, not the character's chronological history).
Along with O'Brian's Jack Aubrey Kent's Richard Bolitho is to my knowledge among the more popular series in this genre. Like Hornblower the books were not written in a chronological order for the character, but this collection are Bolitho's first adventures.
Bolitho has already been at sea for a few years as a midshipman. In this tome we follow some of his adventures involving pirates, smugglers and what he goes through to earn his first promotion.
I think Kent does a better job than O'Brian and Forester is bringing Bolitho's family into the story. While not a particularly wealthy family, it is one with a long history of service in the Navy, and the reader does get the idea that said service was expected of Bolitho. His brother and father already being in service and his mother understand's the sacrifices that she is expected to make on their behalf and for the family.
A well paced read, fans of the genre should enjoy this tome.
Along with O'Brian's Jack Aubrey Kent's Richard Bolitho is to my knowledge among the more popular series in this genre. Like Hornblower the books were not written in a chronological order for the character, but this collection are Bolitho's first adventures.
Bolitho has already been at sea for a few years as a midshipman. In this tome we follow some of his adventures involving pirates, smugglers and what he goes through to earn his first promotion.
I think Kent does a better job than O'Brian and Forester is bringing Bolitho's family into the story. While not a particularly wealthy family, it is one with a long history of service in the Navy, and the reader does get the idea that said service was expected of Bolitho. His brother and father already being in service and his mother understand's the sacrifices that she is expected to make on their behalf and for the family.
A well paced read, fans of the genre should enjoy this tome.
February 23, 2017
Alexander Kent was a pen name of Douglas Reeman, who passed away in January 2017. Having several of the book in this series on my bookshelf I thought it fitting to read one now.
This book is actually a collection of three novellas that document the early years of Richard Bolitho. When we join the story in the first novella, Bolitho has already served on one ship as a Midshipman but is then posted to a 74 gun two decker. Here he meets the usual assortment of fellow officers and crew. The second story he is dragged into emergency service off the coast of Cornwall by his brother. In the final story he sails to the Channel Islands with a skeleton crew delivering a new ship to the squadron stationed there.
As these were the early stories Kent was probably feeling his way around the character. It did lack a bit of excitement but, from what I have heard, things improve in the later volumes. An easy read with less emphasis on the complex nautical terms that make works such as Patrick O'Brian hard to get into. Overall a good start to the series and I look forward to reading more.
This book is actually a collection of three novellas that document the early years of Richard Bolitho. When we join the story in the first novella, Bolitho has already served on one ship as a Midshipman but is then posted to a 74 gun two decker. Here he meets the usual assortment of fellow officers and crew. The second story he is dragged into emergency service off the coast of Cornwall by his brother. In the final story he sails to the Channel Islands with a skeleton crew delivering a new ship to the squadron stationed there.
As these were the early stories Kent was probably feeling his way around the character. It did lack a bit of excitement but, from what I have heard, things improve in the later volumes. An easy read with less emphasis on the complex nautical terms that make works such as Patrick O'Brian hard to get into. Overall a good start to the series and I look forward to reading more.
October 23, 2022
What a totally unmitigated pleasure to make Richard Bolitho's acquaintance again after many, many years! Alexander Kent (penname for Douglas Reeman) has a fluent and captivating style. Reading his work reminds one of how aware one is of actually going through the actual process of reading when it comes to a large number of other authors. Kent's narrative flows much more like the spoken word.
The characters we come across in this edition (combining the first three boks in the series) are all fully credible, very human and largely unforgettable. Those we do not like are never caricatures, but are portrayed in such a way that we dislike them, yet do not see them as inhuman or grotesque, and those we get to like are never portrayed in a sentimental manner. The description of events, both shipboard actions and those ashore, is brisk, well-written and carries the reader along, usually at breakneck speed. I often had trouble putting the book down.
There are many authors of novels in this genre (18th and 19th century naval warfare, mostly British), but Kent ranks up there with C S Forester, the doyen of the genre in my opinion, and the very best. I cannot recommend the Bolitho series, and this volume in particular, highly enough.
The characters we come across in this edition (combining the first three boks in the series) are all fully credible, very human and largely unforgettable. Those we do not like are never caricatures, but are portrayed in such a way that we dislike them, yet do not see them as inhuman or grotesque, and those we get to like are never portrayed in a sentimental manner. The description of events, both shipboard actions and those ashore, is brisk, well-written and carries the reader along, usually at breakneck speed. I often had trouble putting the book down.
There are many authors of novels in this genre (18th and 19th century naval warfare, mostly British), but Kent ranks up there with C S Forester, the doyen of the genre in my opinion, and the very best. I cannot recommend the Bolitho series, and this volume in particular, highly enough.
May 24, 2025
A pretty good prequel to the books Kent (Reeman) wrote about Bolitho. Like many of these authors, he started with Bolitho as a captain, and then went back to fill in the gaps. Boiltho doesn't start at the beginning here, he's been a Midshipman for a few years already. There are three short stories here, one about smugglers for example.
Each of them moves along Bolitho's career with a friend he meets named Martyn Dancer, and they play off each other well. By the end of the third story, Bolitho has passed his examination without much trouble (even though Kent goes to some lengths to set up a nemesis, nothing comes of it) and the men around him already are treating him as a hero even though he has not really done a lot to generate that adulation.
There is the usual amount of naval jargon, but for the most part you don't need to know what any of them mean, and the action is pretty tight and well depicted when it happens. Bolitho himself is a bit of a cypher, you get a lot of his angsty internal monologues which apparently take enough time that he's yelled at by superior officers. Honestly Bolitho's brother Hugh is more interesting a character.
Each of them moves along Bolitho's career with a friend he meets named Martyn Dancer, and they play off each other well. By the end of the third story, Bolitho has passed his examination without much trouble (even though Kent goes to some lengths to set up a nemesis, nothing comes of it) and the men around him already are treating him as a hero even though he has not really done a lot to generate that adulation.
There is the usual amount of naval jargon, but for the most part you don't need to know what any of them mean, and the action is pretty tight and well depicted when it happens. Bolitho himself is a bit of a cypher, you get a lot of his angsty internal monologues which apparently take enough time that he's yelled at by superior officers. Honestly Bolitho's brother Hugh is more interesting a character.
March 1, 2021
Anyone who follows my reviews will realize it is a rare thing for me to give 5/5 stars to any book. However, this series of novellas were amazing. Having been in the Navy it is ironic that I don't particularly like books relating to the Navy, but the synopsis I read intrigued me enough to read these novellas. I was pleasantly surprised these books are very well written and you can almost taste the salt coming off the ocean while reading them. Few authors can draw a reader to the point they feel they are "in the story", but this author accomplished it with ease. I highly recommend these books they are fun, interesting, and easy to read. I plan to read the rest of these novellas to see what befalls our young Midshipman Bolitho on his way to Captain and possibly Admiral.
March 14, 2021
The most fascinating aspect of this series of books is the ship detail. I am totally blown away by the way each man on the ship has a job to do and knows how to do it. They do not usually question orders given because they know how intricately the various jobs are connected and how important each is to the welfare of the ship. There's a life lesson here.
Part of the reason I think I enjoy these books is that I have always been interested in boats and water. My experiences are limited to speed boats, canoes, kayaks, pontoon boats, ferries on the great lakes, one ocean cruise, river boats and museum visits to submarines and tall ships.
But these are not books for everyone. They were written for a specific audience and it would be difficult to read them if "assigned" as in school.
Part of the reason I think I enjoy these books is that I have always been interested in boats and water. My experiences are limited to speed boats, canoes, kayaks, pontoon boats, ferries on the great lakes, one ocean cruise, river boats and museum visits to submarines and tall ships.
But these are not books for everyone. They were written for a specific audience and it would be difficult to read them if "assigned" as in school.
October 3, 2022
I was just introduced to this series of novels about the British sailing Navy in the late 1700's. I've now read 5 - can't stop! They are great stories, very well written with great detail that takes you back to that day. What a great character as well in Richard Bolitho! Hint - I am reading the books (from the library - even the paperbacks are quite expensive) in chronological order, which is not the order in which they were written. The chronological list is readily available online through Google, etc.
Read
May 1, 2020Outstanding series about the life and times of an eighteenth century British naval officer
I greatly enjoy historical novels which balance adventures and great characters in engaging stories with well-researched accuracy and the realistic sights and sounds of the Times portrayed. and this author brings it all! Whether you like such books or are just looking for a banging Good Read, don't miss a winner for sure. Did I mention I have the whole collection?
I greatly enjoy historical novels which balance adventures and great characters in engaging stories with well-researched accuracy and the realistic sights and sounds of the Times portrayed. and this author brings it all! Whether you like such books or are just looking for a banging Good Read, don't miss a winner for sure. Did I mention I have the whole collection?
February 25, 2017
Excellent English Sailing Story
In the vein of the Horatio Hornblower series, this is a great English sailing story. It is very similar in many ways; the every day struggle of English seamen and the risks and rewards of those young officers trying to advance their careers. If you like English sailing stories you will like this book.
In the vein of the Horatio Hornblower series, this is a great English sailing story. It is very similar in many ways; the every day struggle of English seamen and the risks and rewards of those young officers trying to advance their careers. If you like English sailing stories you will like this book.
November 5, 2019
A great start to a great story
The Bolitho novels tell a great story and never disappoint. The are exciting, fascinating, and just fun to read. If you love sea stories like Hornblower, you will love these too. This story tells of the characters early days as a midshipman. You will not be disappointed, and it will leave you wanting more.
The Bolitho novels tell a great story and never disappoint. The are exciting, fascinating, and just fun to read. If you love sea stories like Hornblower, you will love these too. This story tells of the characters early days as a midshipman. You will not be disappointed, and it will leave you wanting more.
Read
March 1, 2020Fast moving but almost adolescent great adventures
Occasional grammatical lapses mar a great yarn. Predictable outcomes and conclusions with limited fanfare. Entertaining without serious content. A fast “fun” read.
Occasional grammatical lapses mar a great yarn. Predictable outcomes and conclusions with limited fanfare. Entertaining without serious content. A fast “fun” read.
August 19, 2020
A Classic
I remember reading several of the series back when I was in high school at the recommendation of my mom who is a prolific reader. They are great stories especially if you like sea stories. Bolitho is a terrific character who has become more so with age.
I remember reading several of the series back when I was in high school at the recommendation of my mom who is a prolific reader. They are great stories especially if you like sea stories. Bolitho is a terrific character who has become more so with age.
December 2, 2020
Different Perspective
As an American, history is always skewed towards what “happened” to the US. This book provided the British perspective of the rumblings of the split of the US from the British Empire.
As an American, history is always skewed towards what “happened” to the US. This book provided the British perspective of the rumblings of the split of the US from the British Empire.
August 16, 2022
Excellent adventure
The is the first of a set of very good adventure tales. The naval detail is impressive and the character development is great and gets deeper as the novel get further along. Anyone with an interest in the wooden navy would like and appreciate this series.
The is the first of a set of very good adventure tales. The naval detail is impressive and the character development is great and gets deeper as the novel get further along. Anyone with an interest in the wooden navy would like and appreciate this series.
December 8, 2023
Currently reading, a few chapters in, and I love the writing. Kent has a knack for setting a scene with a lot of details in few words (which is not easy to do). I'm enjoying the array of characters, and being at see with a bunch of green midshipman. More when I finish!
May 7, 2017
Great reading!
Another great sea epic begins! Great maritime adventure in the tradition of Horatio Hornblower and Jack Aubrey. Great page turners that you'll not want to put down!
Another great sea epic begins! Great maritime adventure in the tradition of Horatio Hornblower and Jack Aubrey. Great page turners that you'll not want to put down!
August 4, 2017
New Horizon Ahead
I grew up on Hornblower , thanks to a movie meet Captain Jack Aubrey, and now get to know Bolitho. Can't Wait! ! !
I grew up on Hornblower , thanks to a movie meet Captain Jack Aubrey, and now get to know Bolitho. Can't Wait! ! !
January 6, 2018
Solid read!
I enjoy sea adventure novels, and am pleasantly surprised at the pace and characters. Try this novel. Others in the series may appeal to you.
I enjoy sea adventure novels, and am pleasantly surprised at the pace and characters. Try this novel. Others in the series may appeal to you.
July 21, 2018
Want to read the rest of the series.
October 11, 2018
4 stars. Reread after many years. Good as I remember
November 18, 2018
A good 'Claytons' book.
April 11, 2019
The age of tall ships
I've always been a great fan of books about the great age of tall ships, and Alexander Kent doesn't disappoint
I've always been a great fan of books about the great age of tall ships, and Alexander Kent doesn't disappoint
October 25, 2019
Great Historical Fiction
Great historical fiction of the great sailing navy. Would highly recommend to anyone who is also a Patrick OBien fan.
Great historical fiction of the great sailing navy. Would highly recommend to anyone who is also a Patrick OBien fan.
December 9, 2019
Far from the calibre of Patrick O'Brian. Not even as good as C. S. Forester. Yet, a sea story is a sea story, and we landlubbers love sea stories. Permission to come aboard, Mr. Bolitho.
August 1, 2021
Cardboard
February 26, 2022
EB. Not O'Brien or Forester but an average set of naval novels.
April 12, 2023
Good start to a series, different from an Obrien book, and starts from a different angle. A bit short to my mind and faster in the story line. But a good read
August 1, 2023
rousing read!
As an avid history buff and naval officer, love the series. The 3rd part of this volume got a bit thin and preachy, as it it had been rushed, but otherwise terrific…
As an avid history buff and naval officer, love the series. The 3rd part of this volume got a bit thin and preachy, as it it had been rushed, but otherwise terrific…
August 20, 2023
I really like these books!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews