Synopses & Reviews
When Thomas Paine Kydd, a young wig-maker from Guildford, is seized and taken across the country to be part of the crew of the 98-gun line-of-battle ship Duke William, he must learn the harsh realities of shipboard life quickly. Despite all he goes through, amid dangers of tempest and battle, he comes to admire the skills and courage of his fellow seamen, taking up the challenge himself to become a true sailor and defender of Britain at war.
Review
"Stockwin's debut focuses on the common seamen . . . Kydd's first storm at sea is rendered with great drama . . . warfare is depicted with gruesome, at times breath-stopping, detail." Kirkus Reviews
Review
"A rousing debut . . . a brilliantly imagined account of a man overcoming fear." The Boston Globe
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.