Nautical Fiction discussion

Once I picked up this book I had a hard time putting it down. It was quite different than what I expected, thinking this would be more like an O'Brian book, but it was less ship talk and dealt with plantations, slaves, and pirates.

I must say that I already read through the 2nd novel in the series and am a good way into the final book. It caught my eye you could say.

Anyone been reading this book or have read it? Care to share your thoughts?

I have always intended to get into O'Brian's series but just haven't yet. I do know that among the history buffs around here, they love reading his books.

I have several of his books, been meaning to read them too, but I started reading the Bolitho series by Alexander Kent and have made it only to book 13 out of 26+? Maybe when I'm done with that I might start on O'Brian. I too have heard from many that they are top notch.

A few years back my daughters and I attended a lecture and book-signing session in our local bookshop by Douglas Reeman - who as Alexander Kent writes the Bolitho series. It was delight hearing him speak - calm, erudite and very dedicated to his profession. He was also a typical representative of the modest, self-deprecating "greatest generation" which fought for freedom in WW2. We were fans of the Bolitho novels and Mr.Reeman told us about how he decided on the name of his hero. Meeting him gave me the impetus to start writing seriously again - and I'm not on the threshold of publishing the first novel in a series. So thank you Mr.Reeman/Kent - you won't remember me but I'll certainly be remember you!

Hello I just joined this group my name is James, I see you are reading the Guardship. I love this book I may have to read it again. I read the one after it too. Very good books!

I'll have to say, after reading a long line of books by people that didn't seem to know stern from aft, this one was a pleasant surprise. For once, we have an author who not only knows his ships, but knows his time period as well. No, not an O'Brian wannabe, this work stood on its own two legs.

The downside, IMO, were the characters. They could have been so fascinating, but alas, we were given only shallow glimpses of them. 'Tis a pity, for otherwise, it could have been an even more powerful read. I've read the second in the series and found it to be consistent with the first: strong writing, good plot, fascinating characters, and yet left leaning toward the one-dimensional.

It's too bad this group is called Nautical Fiction and it seems to have petered out after a few posts about one book. Is it possible to resurrect this group and make it truly about nautical fiction? We could set up a few folders on various topics and make some recommendations. There are so many great books in this category of literature that it would probably be a popular group if we opened it up to more than just this one book. How can we make it happen? Any interested?

Gerard wrote: "It's too bad this group is called Nautical Fiction and it seems to have petered out after a few posts about one book. Is it possible to resurrect this group and make it truly about nautical fictio..."

I'd LOVE to see that happen, but I probably will require more than two people.