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Richard Bolitho #11
Form Line of Battle
The year is 1793, and England is once again at war. For Richard Bolitho, the renewal of hostilities with France means a fresh command and the chance for action after months of inactivity.
346 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 1969
118 people are currently reading
369 people want to read
About the author
Alexander Kent
237 books199 followersA pseudonym used by Douglas Reeman.
Series:
* Richard Bolitho
* Adam Bolitho
Series:
* Richard Bolitho
* Adam Bolitho
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
September 29, 2021
At this point, I’ve read ten of the Richard Bolitho novels by Alexander Kent and decided it was time I reviewed at least one of them. I find it hard to review novels without discussing spoilers, but in this instance I intend to discuss some of the general characteristics of the series in addition to my thoughts on this one book.
Form Line of Battle! is set in 1793 and thus is the first book of the series that properly takes place in the great conflict between Great Britain and first Revolutionary and then Napoleonic France at the turn of the 19th century. In addition, our hero, Richard Bolitho, is an established Post Captain in command of ship-of-the-line. These two factors have quite an impact on the story which differs in scope from previous installments in the series.
To put it plainly, I really enjoyed reading this book. The plot is focused and believable, yet also often went in directions I was not expecting. It is safe to say that Kent never makes things easy for Bolitho. The historical details are accurate (although the entirety of this novel seems to be fictional outside of the siege of Toulon). The novel feels authentic, from the dialogue to the character interactions to the sailing details and nautical touches which are prevalent but not over-emphasized. My favorite aspect of this book, and indeed of this series, is the characters. They all feel like real people and even the minor characters are memorable.
That leads me to some broader impressions about the Bolitho novels. Frankly, I have been rather impressed so far, especially considering when I first read the two midshipman Bolitho novellas a few years ago I thought they were poor. Since then, they have all been well-written with interesting plots and above-all great characters. Not only that, but the series’ progression feels natural and consistent, even though the books were written out-of-order over the span of a couple decades. I was impressed by this consistency, especially when compared to the Hornblower series, for example. At some point I will probably write in detail about my opinions concerning the Bolitho, Hornblower, and Ramage series but for now I can safely say that I am enjoying the Bolitho books just as much as I did the Hornblower novels.
In conclusion, the Bolitho books are well worth reading for those interested in this genre of Age-of-Sail historical fiction—and it is worth reading the series in order if at all possible.
Form Line of Battle! is set in 1793 and thus is the first book of the series that properly takes place in the great conflict between Great Britain and first Revolutionary and then Napoleonic France at the turn of the 19th century. In addition, our hero, Richard Bolitho, is an established Post Captain in command of ship-of-the-line. These two factors have quite an impact on the story which differs in scope from previous installments in the series.
To put it plainly, I really enjoyed reading this book. The plot is focused and believable, yet also often went in directions I was not expecting. It is safe to say that Kent never makes things easy for Bolitho. The historical details are accurate (although the entirety of this novel seems to be fictional outside of the siege of Toulon). The novel feels authentic, from the dialogue to the character interactions to the sailing details and nautical touches which are prevalent but not over-emphasized. My favorite aspect of this book, and indeed of this series, is the characters. They all feel like real people and even the minor characters are memorable.
That leads me to some broader impressions about the Bolitho novels. Frankly, I have been rather impressed so far, especially considering when I first read the two midshipman Bolitho novellas a few years ago I thought they were poor. Since then, they have all been well-written with interesting plots and above-all great characters. Not only that, but the series’ progression feels natural and consistent, even though the books were written out-of-order over the span of a couple decades. I was impressed by this consistency, especially when compared to the Hornblower series, for example. At some point I will probably write in detail about my opinions concerning the Bolitho, Hornblower, and Ramage series but for now I can safely say that I am enjoying the Bolitho books just as much as I did the Hornblower novels.
In conclusion, the Bolitho books are well worth reading for those interested in this genre of Age-of-Sail historical fiction—and it is worth reading the series in order if at all possible.
November 18, 2018
Great sea battles. A commander to be envied & emulated. And finally a wife.
February 13, 2013
This book in the Bolitho series has its advantages, especially in the beginning, with well-written battle series that don't stint on how random and gory circumstances could become. And at first, the book is lacking in the major flaw of the other books I've read in the series, which is the incessant and vocal idolization of the main character by other characters. However, about halfway through the book, a character from an earlier book appeared, and I shuddered with dread. Indeed, as before, the character ended up spending the rest of the book thinking very loudly or talking very loudly about how amazing and perfect Bolitho was, and ended up with just about everyone joining in as they watched Bolitho with tender awe and worship. "Thank God for you, sir!" or some variation got spoken over and over, and I began to understand why Forester made Horatio Hornblower so unlikeable at times, because I began to fervently hope Bolitho would fall overboard, or at least trip over a rope or get his hat knocked off or something.
April 26, 2022
The thing about naval fiction from the era of the tall ships - and you know how beautiful those are if they’ve ever docked somewhere close by - if you love the sea in all its power and glory, you get to read page after page describing the waves, the winds and the tides. All that plus sea battles, sword fights, exotic locations and romance too. So, sail away.
January 29, 2021
En esta undécima entrega Francia e Inglaterra están de nuevo en guerra, esta última con el apoyo de España. La acción se desarrolla en el mediterráneo francés y en el intento de bloqueo-toma de las bases navales francesas.
Puede que sea la novela de la saga con más acción y batallas navales de las que llevo leídas, y el comandante Bolitho no pierde la ocasión de levantarle la futura esposa al estirado de su almirante.
Como digo siempre, libro solo adecuado para ciertos gustos concretos.
Puede que sea la novela de la saga con más acción y batallas navales de las que llevo leídas, y el comandante Bolitho no pierde la ocasión de levantarle la futura esposa al estirado de su almirante.
Como digo siempre, libro solo adecuado para ciertos gustos concretos.
April 30, 2020
Ultimate escapism, especially during the lockdown of the dreaded Coronavirus!
April 18, 2021
OK, so I'm hooked. We love our heroes. If you liked Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe series, you'll like Alexander Kent's Bolitho series.
March 28, 2024
A classic England vs. France naval adventure set in the Mediterranean in 1793. This seems to be the 2nd written and the 11th in chronological order of the 30-book Captain Bolitho series. Many compare it to Patrick O’Brian’s Aubrey-Maturin series, saying it doesn’t quite measure up. But credit to Alexander Kent for coming first. He initiated his series in 1968 (this 2nd novel followed in 1969) while O’Brian’s “Master and Commander” followed in 1970. Recommend for those who’ve already read the O’Brian series and still haven’t gotten quite enough.
August 4, 2007
Plot summary mixed with thoughts: I had never read anything from Alexander Kent before I read that book, so starting to read 9th book from 24 novels about Richie Bolitho (I do not count those about his nephew...aka Dick revival). But still it was great fun. It was easy going plot with simple English which made it smoothly devoured.The naval terminology and general warfare terminology is cut in to the simplicity worth of understanding of village idiot. I managed to get the course of the ship and which sails were on. There is some minor lecture how to fire from cannon and how to be fine captain and piss your subordinates to mental breakdown and eventually drive them to suicide. The suicide attempts and general running against splinters, bullets and whatever can kill a men is counted on every person who met our gallant captain. Being admiral means to be killed in very gruesome manner like drowning in your own blood, roasting alive in the burning ship or getting killed with combination of bullet and short walk on the deck under enemy fire.General advice to high ranking personal boarding captain Bolitho's vessel is...shoot yourself and spare yourself from very painful death with knowledge that you fail miserably and that obnoxious Dick is grinning behind your back while making it out with your former fiancee you planned to marry and arranged her transport on Bolitho's ship. As you see being an admiral near Bolitho is deadly business and you are dead man.
Richie Bolitho aka Dick Equality is the MAN worth of slashing. Well back off of my hobby. He is described as worth of drolling over. Author had perverse pleasure to described the lock of dark hair making nice curl on Bolitho's forehead and giving him rogue look. He is not Quasimodo and men around him ...if they are not smashed with cannon ball or splinters, are good looking too. There was no ugly woman as well and the only one which was described was beautiful and charmed by our captain. Yes there were one old lady with calf but she should not be counted.
To the action. There is lot of it. Naval even some stronghold siege on foot was describe in such manner that you think about those Rambo style movie. It is interesting idea if Rambo was the naval captain in the age of sails...How ever there is action after action and swashbuckling so often that you do not recover form one and you are in another. One thing wounds are healing with superior speed in case or Richie and he is wounded according to the golden rule of dashing heroes one scratch which is not very serious but looks bloody and makes their action even more heroic. Got the point? Richie is nice lad and you like him a lot even if he had little problems with his subordinates who chose to have mental break downs and stealing and gambling problems. Well when Bolitho got his nice ship of line there were nice lieutenants and yes one got shot, one hang himself, one have some splinter problem and said his confession and died in front of Bolitho, one drown himself, and the last one you know those grape shots do you? It is bad to be superior and it is bad to be subordinate under Bolitho. I think author is very creative in killing minor characters and he slaughter them with more creativity then marquise de Sade. I think if...dear marquise would write naval novel....that rigging and flogging...well stop that and back to Bolitho, because marquise had some personal problems in the year 1793 when is our story set. You know being aristocrat in Revolutionary France was not easy and one could lose his/her head,but some of them decided to make uprising in Toulon with aid of English. Lord Hood was having fun in Toulon while Bolitho was having the same near st. Clair. The plot is just pushing Bolitho from action to action and I liked it in some way. I think I will give chance another one from Bolitho saga. The description promises gore, extramarital relationship, lot of men bonded by particular friendship and naval action.
Richie Bolitho aka Dick Equality is the MAN worth of slashing. Well back off of my hobby. He is described as worth of drolling over. Author had perverse pleasure to described the lock of dark hair making nice curl on Bolitho's forehead and giving him rogue look. He is not Quasimodo and men around him ...if they are not smashed with cannon ball or splinters, are good looking too. There was no ugly woman as well and the only one which was described was beautiful and charmed by our captain. Yes there were one old lady with calf but she should not be counted.
To the action. There is lot of it. Naval even some stronghold siege on foot was describe in such manner that you think about those Rambo style movie. It is interesting idea if Rambo was the naval captain in the age of sails...How ever there is action after action and swashbuckling so often that you do not recover form one and you are in another. One thing wounds are healing with superior speed in case or Richie and he is wounded according to the golden rule of dashing heroes one scratch which is not very serious but looks bloody and makes their action even more heroic. Got the point? Richie is nice lad and you like him a lot even if he had little problems with his subordinates who chose to have mental break downs and stealing and gambling problems. Well when Bolitho got his nice ship of line there were nice lieutenants and yes one got shot, one hang himself, one have some splinter problem and said his confession and died in front of Bolitho, one drown himself, and the last one you know those grape shots do you? It is bad to be superior and it is bad to be subordinate under Bolitho. I think author is very creative in killing minor characters and he slaughter them with more creativity then marquise de Sade. I think if...dear marquise would write naval novel....that rigging and flogging...well stop that and back to Bolitho, because marquise had some personal problems in the year 1793 when is our story set. You know being aristocrat in Revolutionary France was not easy and one could lose his/her head,but some of them decided to make uprising in Toulon with aid of English. Lord Hood was having fun in Toulon while Bolitho was having the same near st. Clair. The plot is just pushing Bolitho from action to action and I liked it in some way. I think I will give chance another one from Bolitho saga. The description promises gore, extramarital relationship, lot of men bonded by particular friendship and naval action.
January 7, 2011
I can recommend this to people who love adventure tales set in the days of iron men and wooden ships. I think the Patrick O'Brian tales (Master and Commander etc.) were the best of the breed, but the Alexander Kent novels are page turners, and the nautical settings and descriptions seem accurate enough, with occasional lapses. In these tales, the hero may have set-backs but wins, so the outcome is rarely in doubt. I like books about the sea, but this will not be everyone's cup of tea. I note that there is good character development, and the elements of leadership that make the hero so successful are well described.
February 27, 2023
Another good book in the series - the book is a very compelling story that brings to life the early years of the French Revolution. It also reveals the burden of command and the impact of influence in the court of King George III. Add to that the years between wars that allowed commanders to rise to power in peacetime and the impact on troops and morale. Having seen a level of this in the US Army - the book highlights it very well and the impact on outcomes. Good Read!
October 4, 2021
Spoilers ahead:
Summary:
Revolutionary France has declared war on England and Bolitho (RB) is given command of a 74 gun SOL the Hyperion. His first task is to take the island of Cozar. It's a barren island close to the mainland, has a great anchorage and can be used as a stone frigate. Unfortunately he's under the command of the inept Vice-Admiral William Moresby who screws up the attack and gets people killed but fortunately Moresby is also killed and RB then succeeds to capture the island later (I'm on the next book so my memory of the events is a little sus).
One of the captured French officers is from the nearby port of St. Clar who says the residents have no love for the revolutionaries so they want to help the British as long as the British can help them hold the revolutionary army at bay. The British are at this point trying to hold on to nearby Toulon so they agree to help St Clar as a feint and to draw off French soldiers. Unfortunately for the second time this task is given to the inept Sir Edmund Pomfret, Rear-Admiral who screws things up.
In the end, the British lose Toulon which is historically correct as Napoleon as a young artillery officer forces the British and allies to withdraw.
The action sequences are not bad but I'm giving this book low marks because of the romance. Alexander Kent absolutely cannot write romance. There is no chemistry between RB and his lady love. It's like she just shows up and they fall deeply in love without rhyme or reason. And worse is so much writing is given to her. The whole plot line is gratuitous and badly written and frankly a waste of my time.
The second reason is that the hero-worshipping is getting worse. Almost to Ramage levels. Authors need to know that you don't need to keep writing about characters admiring Bolitho and saying they admire him. Readers should feel it. Readers don't need to be told by in-book characters repeatedly. Allday's sotto voce proclamations of hero worship is really cringy.
This is why CS Forester is such a superb writer. Hornblower is loved and respected by his men and officers and we feel that from the writing. We don't need to be told repeatedly by Brown or Bush what a great guy he is. Hornblower's romances are also done very realistically and believably. All these clones try to copy Hornblower (in this case even to Bolitho's fear of heights = Hornblower's sea sickness) but none of them do it as well as CSF and they might as well stick to whatever they do well and not copy CSF.
Anyway, enough of the rant. Overall not a bad book and at least Kent is killing off his bade superiors so I don't have to see them again.
Summary:
Revolutionary France has declared war on England and Bolitho (RB) is given command of a 74 gun SOL the Hyperion. His first task is to take the island of Cozar. It's a barren island close to the mainland, has a great anchorage and can be used as a stone frigate. Unfortunately he's under the command of the inept Vice-Admiral William Moresby who screws up the attack and gets people killed but fortunately Moresby is also killed and RB then succeeds to capture the island later (I'm on the next book so my memory of the events is a little sus).
One of the captured French officers is from the nearby port of St. Clar who says the residents have no love for the revolutionaries so they want to help the British as long as the British can help them hold the revolutionary army at bay. The British are at this point trying to hold on to nearby Toulon so they agree to help St Clar as a feint and to draw off French soldiers. Unfortunately for the second time this task is given to the inept Sir Edmund Pomfret, Rear-Admiral who screws things up.
In the end, the British lose Toulon which is historically correct as Napoleon as a young artillery officer forces the British and allies to withdraw.
The action sequences are not bad but I'm giving this book low marks because of the romance. Alexander Kent absolutely cannot write romance. There is no chemistry between RB and his lady love. It's like she just shows up and they fall deeply in love without rhyme or reason. And worse is so much writing is given to her. The whole plot line is gratuitous and badly written and frankly a waste of my time.
The second reason is that the hero-worshipping is getting worse. Almost to Ramage levels. Authors need to know that you don't need to keep writing about characters admiring Bolitho and saying they admire him. Readers should feel it. Readers don't need to be told by in-book characters repeatedly. Allday's sotto voce proclamations of hero worship is really cringy.
This is why CS Forester is such a superb writer. Hornblower is loved and respected by his men and officers and we feel that from the writing. We don't need to be told repeatedly by Brown or Bush what a great guy he is. Hornblower's romances are also done very realistically and believably. All these clones try to copy Hornblower (in this case even to Bolitho's fear of heights = Hornblower's sea sickness) but none of them do it as well as CSF and they might as well stick to whatever they do well and not copy CSF.
Anyway, enough of the rant. Overall not a bad book and at least Kent is killing off his bade superiors so I don't have to see them again.
June 17, 2021
The Burden of Command
The Bolitho adventures continue with this edition. This is my 9th book in this excellent series. After completing “Form Line of Battle”, several observations about this series are worth discussing.
The brutal continuation of the conflict between England and France serves as the historical backbone of this series. The use by the British Navy of “pressed men” to man the fleet serves as an undercurrent in this series so far. These men forced to serve on these ships illustrate the shifting loyalties to their country and their maltreatment which led to threats of mutiny.
Another theme in these books is the theme of the burden of command. These stories follow the main character from a raw midshipman recruit to a confident skilled Captain in full command of his men and his ship. The author illuminates the moral dilemmas that come with the burden of command. There are lessons here that could well serve young cadets at any service academy.
The Bolitho series continues serving up action and drama against the historical background of the Napoleonic Wars in Europe. There is enough action & drama to satisfy the most ardent armchair reader of historical fiction.
The Bolitho adventures continue with this edition. This is my 9th book in this excellent series. After completing “Form Line of Battle”, several observations about this series are worth discussing.
The brutal continuation of the conflict between England and France serves as the historical backbone of this series. The use by the British Navy of “pressed men” to man the fleet serves as an undercurrent in this series so far. These men forced to serve on these ships illustrate the shifting loyalties to their country and their maltreatment which led to threats of mutiny.
Another theme in these books is the theme of the burden of command. These stories follow the main character from a raw midshipman recruit to a confident skilled Captain in full command of his men and his ship. The author illuminates the moral dilemmas that come with the burden of command. There are lessons here that could well serve young cadets at any service academy.
The Bolitho series continues serving up action and drama against the historical background of the Napoleonic Wars in Europe. There is enough action & drama to satisfy the most ardent armchair reader of historical fiction.
October 13, 2022
One in a series of books about Richard Bolitho, an English naval officer in the 18th century age of sail. The series follows his career as he advances in the royal navy. In this book, he is Captain of the Hyperion. Great adventures and strong reoccurring characters; good escapism. Alexander Kent is not afraid to let his characters die. I have come to believe, the stories, although about Bolitho’s career, is being told from the viewpoint of the ship. The ships are communities of people working together to achieve a goal. People come and go, but the sense of “community” of the ship goes on.
July 19, 2017
The war with France slowly building momentum and Bolitho in command of Hyperion is in the thick of it. Assigned to the command of Admiral Hood in the Mediterranean off Toulon, Bolitho is charged with the taking of the island, Cozar. Bolitho has to use deception to carry out this mission. From then on it is a challenge for Bolitho. To tell more would spoil the story. Just know there is plenty of action for readers of naval fiction.
August 20, 2024
line of battle
Outstanding book. A real page turner and enough action and battles to satisfy even me. Alexander Kent is a master story teller and he grips your imagination with his story telling so that you just have to keep reading. It is a pure pleasure to read his books like this one but I now need a few days to calm down before attempting the next one in the series. Highly recommended.
Outstanding book. A real page turner and enough action and battles to satisfy even me. Alexander Kent is a master story teller and he grips your imagination with his story telling so that you just have to keep reading. It is a pure pleasure to read his books like this one but I now need a few days to calm down before attempting the next one in the series. Highly recommended.
February 29, 2020
Another good effort as Bolitho takes command of his new ship the Hyperion. The French Revolution is just underway and they are fighting against the British. The book has several naval engagements along with several land battles as well. Bolitho comes across and old foe and meets and old friend as well.
August 22, 2020
I weary of "...blood which covered the scarred deck from scupper to scupper." I've had enough of severed heads, severed hands, of dead and dying seamen, of limbs broken and twisted.
Not so fast. Bolitho in this book finds another love. You'll have to read the book to discover the outcome. And there's obviously more to come as England wars with France.
I guess I'll keep reading.
Not so fast. Bolitho in this book finds another love. You'll have to read the book to discover the outcome. And there's obviously more to come as England wars with France.
I guess I'll keep reading.
January 20, 2021
I love the way this book progresses and how the characters develop. I love that Hedrick has returned. I also really appreciate both how social issues are covered and also the understanding of mental health issues and their impact
April 6, 2021
Another good rollicking tale of Richard Bolitho's life in the Royal Navy.
Now for # 12 of the series thanks to Covid 19 restricting our movements - thanks to this author there is always a silver lining.
Now for # 12 of the series thanks to Covid 19 restricting our movements - thanks to this author there is always a silver lining.
June 17, 2022
Bolitho hits the Med running with some land and sea battles and it feels like Kent has once more hit his stride. Clashes with Admirals feel somewhat impolitic but not completely out of place, and after all in a war it's the people on your own side which are (initially) the main threat.
August 7, 2024
The absolute best in naval fiction
In a later book admiral bolitho will rescue this shop from mothballs. Fitting given the story in this book , the best of Kent's masterpiece series. This is the standard for all others
In a later book admiral bolitho will rescue this shop from mothballs. Fitting given the story in this book , the best of Kent's masterpiece series. This is the standard for all others
February 7, 2018
Meets wife. Disjointed writing.
March 25, 2019
Great
December 21, 2020
Plenty of good action and adventure. All the good elements of swashbuckling battles and broadsides, nicely tied up with a few unexpected twists from Bolitho’s past thrown in for good measure.
October 11, 2021
Another wonderful look into the lives of 18 century naval life while still presenting a thrilling adventure tale.
August 3, 2023
Just when you think there can be no more surprises in battles or relationships, there are! Great book.
October 8, 2023
I like these books!
August 29, 2024
Excellent British Naval tale!
December 31, 2025
Six-word review: Exciting in spots, dragging in others.
Evil Admiral and a happy ending.
Longer review later
Evil Admiral and a happy ending.
Longer review later
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews