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Adam Bolitho #5
In the King's Name (The Bolitho Novels)
Filled with high-seas intrigue and sharp tensions, this nautical novel takes an intense voyage into the heart of Napoleonic-era Africa. The year is 1819 and Captain Adam Bolitho has been sent on an urgent but risky mission to make a fast passage from Plymouth to Freetown, West Africa, with secret orders for the senior officer stationed there. Due to the slave trade being declared illegal, ships in every harbor are waiting to be scrapped and officers have been cut loose without hope of future commands, thus Adam soon finds himself the object of envy and jealousy. In Africa he discovers unexpected allies and faces an enemy far more powerful and ruthless than any he has known before.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
62 people are currently reading
186 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 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 22, 2019
This is the last Reeman fictional book on my list to read. I have enjoyed the entire series, both those written under Reeman's name and those under his pen name, Alexander Kent. This book left several things unanswered - what about the embrace between Lowenna and Thoubridge? Never mentioned after that short 2 page description.
The second area was the ending battle. Was confused as the battle commenced - who was involved in the Mutiny? And the actual battle was a bit confusing. What were the end results and what happens in New Haven as a result of this battle? Did Douglas intend a future book to answer those questions?
Also, on the last page is a mention of putting steam engines in a ship. That would have been a great next book.
Reeman died in 2017. A great loss to the world of fiction.
The second area was the ending battle. Was confused as the battle commenced - who was involved in the Mutiny? And the actual battle was a bit confusing. What were the end results and what happens in New Haven as a result of this battle? Did Douglas intend a future book to answer those questions?
Also, on the last page is a mention of putting steam engines in a ship. That would have been a great next book.
Reeman died in 2017. A great loss to the world of fiction.
January 21, 2023
I doubt this was written by Douglas Reeman. On almost every page, characters (or the narrator) are making side comments, and you as a reader are completely in the dark about what they might mean. Most of the time I was clueless about their mission, or the reasons for a boat action, etc. It's like hearing only one side of a conversation.
I think this was written by a ghost writer that was trying to imitate Reeman's style. To put it bluntly, he failed. I'm halfway through the tale (to call it a tale is a bit pretentious), but I'm not going to finish it. Time is too valuable to spend it on a book this bad. Loved the Bolitho series, sorry to see it foundering on this book.
I almost never rate a book below three stars (if I'm tempted to, I simply don't review it at all). But this book is so bad it frankly deserves it.
I think this was written by a ghost writer that was trying to imitate Reeman's style. To put it bluntly, he failed. I'm halfway through the tale (to call it a tale is a bit pretentious), but I'm not going to finish it. Time is too valuable to spend it on a book this bad. Loved the Bolitho series, sorry to see it foundering on this book.
I almost never rate a book below three stars (if I'm tempted to, I simply don't review it at all). But this book is so bad it frankly deserves it.
March 9, 2018
Very confusing story. It seemed like several stories about different characters were placed together in a "day on the ship" setting. Issues brought up in the very beginning are never again addressed. This is Kent's last book, and I found myself finishing it out of duty to the others in the series I had read, not out of interest in the plot.
May 31, 2018
As I began this book, I suddenly realised that I had first read an Alexander Kent novel forty years ago. By that stage, the author, (real name Douglas Reeman) had already written a number novels in a series featuring Richard Bolitho, a naval officer in the mold of Horatio Nelson. He was averaging a novel in the Bolitho series every year as well as another novel under his real name. Yet the blurb announced that with this novel he had managed 30 novels featuring first Richard, then Adam Bolitho. When did the juggernaut slow down? This book despite its new appearance had been published in 2011. A quick search and I found that Reeman had died last year (2017) at the great age of 93. This book then, had been published when Reeman was 87. It certainly show the features of an experienced writer who knows how to tell an exciting story.
Reeman clearly knows a lot about sailing and how a sailing ship in the British navy two hundred years ago was run. He is convincing in his descriptions of the difficulty and skill required to sail inshore along the West African coast. His characters are credible. He understands how men behave in groups, their ambitions, their rivalries and how that impedes completing their tasks.
However, as I discovered forty years ago, Reeman had developed a formula to produce so many novels during his career and that while many readers eagerly awaited the next installment of the Bolitho story, there really is a sameness about them. He creates mystery and suspense. He builds up to a climax, a naval engagement and gives his loyal readers a satisfying experience. I on the other hand would like to see him stretch out of his familiar territory and aspire to write in the vein of CS Forrester or Patrick O'Brien.
He clearly thinks about making credible characters. The ships are crewed by men who have distinctive names. Each has a history, a personality and motivation but they still do not feel credible as people. This novel would have benefited from a villain. We do meet a scoundrel of a Portuguese captain but he is a weakling. The king pin behind the slave trading and the mutiny are not revealed
The plots are predictable. A mystery is established early on, clues are dropped at various points and Adam Bolitho and his crew finally uncover the plot and restore order. However, the device of a crew man boarding a sinking ship to discover just one of the stricken ship's crew still alive, just able to utter one word. This enigmatic utterance is expected to explain what happened to the ship and its crew. It is already hackneyed. Yet Reeman uses the device twice in this one novel!
The title In the King's Name seems to be little more than a label. We would expect a ship of the British navy to be acting in the name of the king. We do not see that Onward and her crew have any questions or concerns that their action against slavers and mutineers is anything but the right course of action. Their enemies are the blackest of villains, unprincipled and ruthless, but the Onward crew are gentlemen to the core.
The blurb promises much but it seems to belong to another novel. "Envy and hunger for power consume some of the crew" Really? The First Mate resents being passed over for promotion but keeps that to himself. The Second Mate is diffident because he was promoted from the deck crew. The Third Mate is a bully and a curmudgeon but harbors no lust for power. He does not rouse the crew to mutiny. The midshipmen dream of being captains one day but are just boys.
When we meet the mutineers, their behavior is unexplained and unless I missed something, the attack on The Moonstone is also never explained.
Reeman has a skillful use with language. Minor sentences liberally pepper his narrative. This can add to the suspense: "It was unnerving, with the sky almost hidden by the land as it crept out of the dimness like a groping arm. Or a trap." But he does have a habit of hinting that darker thoughts crowd the minds of the Onward's crew: "There were voices beyond the screen door, laughter: the visitors." Such hints are more puzzling than the plot.
As with other writers of series, Reeman has his characters allude to events in earlier novels, such as the death of Sir Richard Boiltho. It always seems to me that on these occasions the narrative gives way to advertising his earlier novels to new readers.
There is also my bete noir, the subplots that go nowhere, such as the hint that Adam Bolitho's young wife is in love with the best man. It is a subplot that having been introduced is then abandoned as Lowenna waits at home in Cornwall and Adam carries out his duties in Sierra Leone and that subplot just diverts attention from the main story. There are also curious pieces such as the description of the crew raising the anchor at Freetown. An interesting description of a difficult action but coming close to the climax, it all seems rather unnecessary.
Whether Douglas Reeman does something with the story of Lowenna Bolitho in later novels I can not say. This may have been his last. It would seem that novels like A Ship Must Die, or Torpedo Run may have been his best work. In the King's Name seems unfinished and an unworthy ending to a long career as a writer.
Reeman clearly knows a lot about sailing and how a sailing ship in the British navy two hundred years ago was run. He is convincing in his descriptions of the difficulty and skill required to sail inshore along the West African coast. His characters are credible. He understands how men behave in groups, their ambitions, their rivalries and how that impedes completing their tasks.
However, as I discovered forty years ago, Reeman had developed a formula to produce so many novels during his career and that while many readers eagerly awaited the next installment of the Bolitho story, there really is a sameness about them. He creates mystery and suspense. He builds up to a climax, a naval engagement and gives his loyal readers a satisfying experience. I on the other hand would like to see him stretch out of his familiar territory and aspire to write in the vein of CS Forrester or Patrick O'Brien.
He clearly thinks about making credible characters. The ships are crewed by men who have distinctive names. Each has a history, a personality and motivation but they still do not feel credible as people. This novel would have benefited from a villain. We do meet a scoundrel of a Portuguese captain but he is a weakling. The king pin behind the slave trading and the mutiny are not revealed
The plots are predictable. A mystery is established early on, clues are dropped at various points and Adam Bolitho and his crew finally uncover the plot and restore order. However, the device of a crew man boarding a sinking ship to discover just one of the stricken ship's crew still alive, just able to utter one word. This enigmatic utterance is expected to explain what happened to the ship and its crew. It is already hackneyed. Yet Reeman uses the device twice in this one novel!
The title In the King's Name seems to be little more than a label. We would expect a ship of the British navy to be acting in the name of the king. We do not see that Onward and her crew have any questions or concerns that their action against slavers and mutineers is anything but the right course of action. Their enemies are the blackest of villains, unprincipled and ruthless, but the Onward crew are gentlemen to the core.
The blurb promises much but it seems to belong to another novel. "Envy and hunger for power consume some of the crew" Really? The First Mate resents being passed over for promotion but keeps that to himself. The Second Mate is diffident because he was promoted from the deck crew. The Third Mate is a bully and a curmudgeon but harbors no lust for power. He does not rouse the crew to mutiny. The midshipmen dream of being captains one day but are just boys.
When we meet the mutineers, their behavior is unexplained and unless I missed something, the attack on The Moonstone is also never explained.
Reeman has a skillful use with language. Minor sentences liberally pepper his narrative. This can add to the suspense: "It was unnerving, with the sky almost hidden by the land as it crept out of the dimness like a groping arm. Or a trap." But he does have a habit of hinting that darker thoughts crowd the minds of the Onward's crew: "There were voices beyond the screen door, laughter: the visitors." Such hints are more puzzling than the plot.
As with other writers of series, Reeman has his characters allude to events in earlier novels, such as the death of Sir Richard Boiltho. It always seems to me that on these occasions the narrative gives way to advertising his earlier novels to new readers.
There is also my bete noir, the subplots that go nowhere, such as the hint that Adam Bolitho's young wife is in love with the best man. It is a subplot that having been introduced is then abandoned as Lowenna waits at home in Cornwall and Adam carries out his duties in Sierra Leone and that subplot just diverts attention from the main story. There are also curious pieces such as the description of the crew raising the anchor at Freetown. An interesting description of a difficult action but coming close to the climax, it all seems rather unnecessary.
Whether Douglas Reeman does something with the story of Lowenna Bolitho in later novels I can not say. This may have been his last. It would seem that novels like A Ship Must Die, or Torpedo Run may have been his best work. In the King's Name seems unfinished and an unworthy ending to a long career as a writer.
February 6, 2022
Sad to say, I believe this is the last in the ‘Bolitho’ series 😞. Although I’ve enjoyed every single volume immensely, this last book seemed rather rushed, and, towards the end, lacking in the degree of story telling provided in every prior book in the series. The ending seemed abrupt and abandoned. That said, I shall miss greatly reading further Bolitho novels. Alexander Kent certainly created an absorbing and exciting series here!
May 3, 2024
Last book of series
Having read series from book one I was disappointed with this one, the first 70% was fair but the last 30% of the book seemed rushed and confusing with no proper story line or explanation of events and the ending was far to abrupt with to many loose ends ,The books are some years old now and I am pleased the author went on the make the superb Sharp and Last Kingdom series.
Having read series from book one I was disappointed with this one, the first 70% was fair but the last 30% of the book seemed rushed and confusing with no proper story line or explanation of events and the ending was far to abrupt with to many loose ends ,The books are some years old now and I am pleased the author went on the make the superb Sharp and Last Kingdom series.
May 10, 2021
The last of the Bolitho series and it doesn't have a conclusion because unfortunately the author passed away. Another Okay Adam book as he is in Africa fighting against the slave trade and warring factions within the English colonial government. Ok and James Tyacke does make a appearance in this book but not as good as the earlier ones.
October 19, 2017
One of his very best
I will have to admit that I was truly "hooked" on the series. Recommended to everyone who has the slightest of interest in this era, the old navy, and the trials of the times.
I will have to admit that I was truly "hooked" on the series. Recommended to everyone who has the slightest of interest in this era, the old navy, and the trials of the times.
December 31, 2020
Finally, the end! Hard to follow who was fighting who, but it didn’t really matter much anyway. Thought I saw where Lowenna might not have been the most faithful wife, but it was never pursued. First mention of the “Union Jack” in the entire series.
August 13, 2021
Success
Adam triumphs again but not without serious cost. Captain Tyacke receives a just reward. Onward lives through another attack. Not enough known about Gov Ballantyne. Is this the end?
Adam triumphs again but not without serious cost. Captain Tyacke receives a just reward. Onward lives through another attack. Not enough known about Gov Ballantyne. Is this the end?
February 7, 2022
Always a rousing story
The Bolitho novels never disappoint readers - sailing ship life and combat, always with a dash of political intrigue and romance. This time, Adam commands a frigate that is peripherally involved with stopping the slave trade on the west African coast.
The Bolitho novels never disappoint readers - sailing ship life and combat, always with a dash of political intrigue and romance. This time, Adam commands a frigate that is peripherally involved with stopping the slave trade on the west African coast.
July 9, 2017
easy read. would be v. good for the beach
July 28, 2017
Magic
After 27 reads my interest has not waned. Good mix of human interest and action. Sorry to be close to the end.
After 27 reads my interest has not waned. Good mix of human interest and action. Sorry to be close to the end.
August 24, 2017
This series is one of the best
Very good read. Enjoyable and gripping from them first to the last book. He puts a face to a time that we would never know otherwise.
Very good read. Enjoyable and gripping from them first to the last book. He puts a face to a time that we would never know otherwise.
December 29, 2012
I recently retired after 40 years in the book industry but I volunteer at our local library. As I was working a project recently, I came across Alexander Kent’s most recent book (#28) in his Bolitho naval saga, IN THE KING’S NAME (ISBN 978-1590134818, trade paperback, $16.95). To say I was surprised is an understatement. I had read #27 FIVE years ago and had thought the series was done. #28 was published in 2011 in hardcover, now in paperback. I heartily recommend this series.
Alexander Kent is a pen name for Douglas Reeman. Reeman served in the British Navy in WWII and under that name he writes about the Royal Marines and the more modern Navy. I had read all previous 27 Bolitho stories. They follow the lives and adventures of Sir Richard Bolitho and his nephew Captain Adam Bolitho from the 1780’s to 1819 (in the latest edition). Captain Adam Bolitho is sent on a mission to West Africa to investigate pirates and slavers. There he meets up with an old friend of his uncle and his, Captain James Tyacke.
If you like the Horatio Hornblower series, Patrick O’Brien’s naval series or Dudley Pope’s nautical books, you will find Kent/Reeman’s books extraordinarily readable. There’s action to satisfy your violent nature. There’s a little romance for your softer side. There are terrific characters who you will fall in love with (tears will form when they die in spite of your best efforts to restrain them).
Go. Buy. Read.
Alexander Kent is a pen name for Douglas Reeman. Reeman served in the British Navy in WWII and under that name he writes about the Royal Marines and the more modern Navy. I had read all previous 27 Bolitho stories. They follow the lives and adventures of Sir Richard Bolitho and his nephew Captain Adam Bolitho from the 1780’s to 1819 (in the latest edition). Captain Adam Bolitho is sent on a mission to West Africa to investigate pirates and slavers. There he meets up with an old friend of his uncle and his, Captain James Tyacke.
If you like the Horatio Hornblower series, Patrick O’Brien’s naval series or Dudley Pope’s nautical books, you will find Kent/Reeman’s books extraordinarily readable. There’s action to satisfy your violent nature. There’s a little romance for your softer side. There are terrific characters who you will fall in love with (tears will form when they die in spite of your best efforts to restrain them).
Go. Buy. Read.
December 10, 2011
Dismal. I tried and tried, but I found the writing style bizarre and the characters confused. There was no discernible plot and a superfluity of elipses, italics and goodness knows what. I had no feeling of being aboard ship, and when ship's boats went ashore to investigate the "mission" I had no clear idea of what was going on. Luckily it was a library book. I shan't be tempted by Kent again. I used to read him years ago, before O'Brien came along to steal the show, and found him passable. The years have not improved him.
October 21, 2014
This one felt like it was written by someone else. Too many references to Sir Richard rather than keeping the focus on the events taking place in the book's present.
I also never really felt like there was a solid focus on the slavery or corruption issue which was mildly referenced near the beginning of the book. At the end, the story just kind of peters out and you're left feeling kind of. . . . eh.
I also never really felt like there was a solid focus on the slavery or corruption issue which was mildly referenced near the beginning of the book. At the end, the story just kind of peters out and you're left feeling kind of. . . . eh.
May 21, 2012
After around 15 books in the series I think that Alexander Kent has finally run aground, the narrative was patchy and disjointed and the storyline weak and confusing.
December 18, 2013
This was OK but he has done better. Too many poor transitions from one scene to the next, left me scratching my head until I read further context and put two and two together.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews