Synopses & Reviews
In Command, the seventh novel in the Kydd Sea Adventure series, the former pressed hand, able seaman, top man, masters mate, and finally, midshipman has ascended to officers rank and the quarterdeck. To his surprise and joy, he is made captain of his own ship, the newly built, brig-sloop Teazer. Stockwin vividly evokes the heady delights of Kydds first command in a trim, spanking new ship, and the daring ambition it inspires in him. Spoiling for a fight, he provokes one with embarrassing results. And soon enough, the new commander feels the punishing weight of uncertain responsibility that comes with his job, and sees the damage ambition can do to his career as well as to the lives of the men who depend on him. Stockwins lucid accounts of Teazers missions and engagements are as gripping as they are clearly described: his years as a sailor (coupled with a happy gift for story-telling) allow the author to render the arcane complexities of early 19th century naval warfare.
In many ways, Command is the best and most satisfying installment yet in the Thomas Kydd series: the straightforward, unsophisticated character of Kydd, and that of his best friend, the bookish, upper-class Renzi, have ripened; and with his own ship, Kydds field of action has both broadened and deepened. Tom Kydds adventures span the globe, from the eastern Mediterranean after the Battle of the Nile to a strange new frontier on the far side of the world, where the enigmatic Renzi makes a puzzling and challenging career choice.
Review
"Stockwin's richly detailed . . . portrait of life on ship and shore in Britain's oceanic empire is engrossing. He writes evocatively of shipboard routine, the panic and confusion of combat, and the terrifying approach of a storm at sea, and he knows how to stage enthralling action scenes." —Publisher's Weekly
Review
"Likable Tom and his shipmates make a snug fit in that page-turning Forester and O'Brian tradition—thanks to retired Royal Navy author Stockwin." —Kirkus Reviews
Synopsis
Having acquired his first command in a little brig-sloop, Thomas Kydd races the clock to prepare the ship for a battle against Barbary pirates, an effort that stops abruptly when peace is declared, forcing Kydd to take a job as captain of a convict ship transporting criminals to Australia.
Synopsis
Kydd sails in his first command--the brig-sloop Teazer--to defend Malta against Barbary pirates. Soon peace is declared and Kydd is out of work. To make ends meet, he captains a convict ship to Australia. There, at the ends of the earth, his seamanship and humanity are tested to the limit.
Synopsis
In this seventh book of the series, Thomas Kydd is master of his own brig-sloop Teazer and he must race the clock to make her battle-ready to defend Malta against Barbary pirates and the French, who are frantically trying to rescue the remnants of their army in the Levant. Suddenly, peace is declared, and the young captain finds himself ashore. To make ends meet, he agrees to transport convicts to Australia. Little does he know that his friend Renzi, weakened by illness and embittered with the service, is also bound for that colony as a settler. There they will be forced to face their deepest fears and prove themselves against all odds.
About the Author
Julian Stockwin is a graduate of TS (Training Ship) Indefatigable, a sea-training school. He joined the British Navy at age 15 and retired from the Royal Navy Reserve with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He is the author of The Kydd Sea Adventures series, which includes Mutiny, Quarterdeck, and Tenacious.