A Tradition Of Victory

Richard Bolitho #16

by Alexander Kent

Plymouth, July 1801: Richard Bolitho's small squadron, still repairing the scars of battle earned in heavy action at Copenhagen, has been months away from the sea. After eight years of war with France, Britain must make a gesture that will show strength and determination—and one which will dramatically weaken the French cause. Rear-Admiral Bolitho must follow his flag's tradition of victory, even though—for the first time in his life—he is torn between the demands of public duty and personal need.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Nautical, Historical, Adventure, War, Ebooks

302 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1981

About the author

A pseudonym used by Douglas Reeman.

Series:
* Richard Bolitho
* Adam Bolitho

Reviews

[Ron Wroblewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is amazing to me that Douglas Reeman (Alexander Kent) can keep on coming up with exciting plots following the career of British Naval Officer Richard Bolitho. Starting as a midshipman in the early 1770 to a Rear Admiral in 1801, fighting first the Americans and now the French, he shows how excellent a sea officer and tactician he is. Napoleon has been building a fleet of small ships that were to ferry French troops to England and Bolitho is sent to destroy them. You will have to read the series to find out what happens. 11 more books in the series to go. I will hate to finish it but when I do I will have read all of the 69 books of fiction written by Douglas Reeman.

[F · Rating 3 out of 5]

The most interesting thing for me was discovering how many words in the English language I do not know - all sorts of terms for bits of ship or rigging that I have never come across before - I felt that perhaps I should read this book with a dictionary.
It was the first novel by Alexander Kent that I have read, and it did not wow me,grip me and make me want to rush and find all the other Richar Bolitho stories. I remained mildly interested in him, his life and times, and will probably never read another of his adventures.

[Viva · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been reading this series in chronological order and these books in the middle of the series are all run-on like it's one big book chronicling Bolitho's career from a Flag-Captain to an Admiral. I've been binging them like a TV series and there isn't much to separate one book from another. In fact I'm several books ahead now and I can't really remember much about this particular book. Even the book names are someone nondescript so I'll just give a general summary of the writing of the books in this time frame.

The writing is easy to read and follow. There is usually a lot of action, at least 1 ship to ship action. Apart from that, there's sometimes cutting out action. The action scenes are very well done if bloody and officers are not spared, quite a few die. Kent spends a lot of time on the characters and they are often well done and memorable. This is what I like about the books.

What I don't like: The hero worship gets a bit cringy at times. Not as bad as the Ramage books but sometimes close. CS Forester does a much better job of creating a hero and we don't need to be reminded every few pages how great Bolitho is.

What is worse is Kent's romance scenes. He is incapable of creating chemistry between the lovers and they often fall deeply in love after one meeting. The Ramage series is even worse and to be honest I'm not here to read romance.

There is sometimes recurring element of conflict, a plot device I dislike because it limits the plot and is predictable. In some of the books in this time frame, it's Bolitho's superior, either a commodore or admiral, who is grossly incompetent and Bolitho has to save him.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very enjoyable tale further developing the story of Richard Bolitho. Old friends and shipmates we met as midshipmen and lieutenants reappear promoted to new ranks - not all survive. It paints a vivid picture of the very real life or death struggle that went took place between the navies of France and Britain during the latter part of the 18th Century. There is plenty of action but with age and promotion Bolitho also becomes more reflective and provides an interesting perspective on the challenges and responsibilities of command in wartime.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good Bolitho book finds him following out the order of the Lord of the Admiralty who passes away shortly after issuing them. In order to strengthen England's hand in peace negotiations by destroying or damaging the French invasion fleet. Good read. I thought some sections probably could have been expanded on a bit.

[John Nino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Luck to the rescue again

A very engrossing book. Well written with a good honest plot. All the daring adventures of our boy Dick. Even the zFrench couldn’t keep him in prison forever. I believe you’ll enjoy this book.

[Geoff Woodland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 16 completed, same high standard of story telling. Relationships between Bolitho and his friends & crew are explored, but of course there is always a battle and a skirmish or two for those who like a good fight.

[David Hull · Rating 5 out of 5]

Among my favourites in the ‘Bolotho’ series so far!

[Boulder Boulderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another take of the sea. Not a lot seemed to happen in it to be honest, but it rolls along at a brisk pace and is very readable.

[Douglas Ginn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great Sea story

I have read this book many years ago, and have enjoyed it just as much the second time round. Splendid stuff!!

[Chris Heath · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story, as now Rear-Admital Bolitho is captured by the French, is freed, and gets his against-the-odds revenge.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the beginning of the end of this series, other viewpoints and maturing of Bolitho. Still great but needs to be read in order.

[Frank · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like these books!

[Morris D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better than any prior effort…

Better than any prior effort by this author! Well worth reading and savoring. This is the most deft novel yet!

[Aurelio García · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un libro de Bolitho. Con eso se dice todo. Mantiene el ritmo, la acción, durante toda la novela. Recomendable

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Six-word Review: Exciting story, but too many coincidences.

Longer Review later

[Topher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Richard Bolitho is a rear admiral, tasked by a dead-man with doing the nigh impossible before his still-living Admiralty colleagues can countermand that order.

Oh, come on, of course he does it! :-)

We do see that Dick is getting a bit reluctant to go sailing out - being married will do that to you. I expect that we'll see the series transitioning over to Adam Pascoe sometime in the next few books.

[Graham · Rating 2 out of 5]

Humourless and cardboard, Bolitho runs ships aground, gets captured, rescued, beds his wench, and then unleashes hell on his captor's ships. Um. I've been spoiled by Po'B, who writes with feeling, passion and blood. Oh, and humour, and science. And music. And genuine by-play. With Po'B you feel the spray; with Kent you are at the Saturday matinee. B movie stuff.

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

June to October, 1801. Rear Admiral Richard Bolitho, again in charge of a squadron is assigned to destroy French invasion boats being amassed off the French coast. He has to over come a number of problems (from the French as well as the Admiralty) as he seeks to carry out his original orders.

[Juli Monroe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started slow but got better. Some good sea battles. It would be nice, though to stop with the "Bolitho is captured and rescued by Herrick" trope. I'd give it 3.5 if I could.

[Sean Brennan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Carrying on the career of Bolitho if you have read the previous 15 books you know exactly what to expect.

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

See my earlier reviews regarding this entertaining Naval series set in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

[Charlie Shaw]

Great!

[Marshall T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read - and a great tale. A wonderful addition to the adventure.

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very exiting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!