Review of Philip K. Allan's The Turn of the Tide

The Turn of the Tide by Philip K. Allan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Three distinctive episodes open this sixth book in the Alexander Clay series. A one-eyed Scotsman named Major Fraser eludes French gendarmes with the help of a French royalist. Able Sedgwick attends an abolitionist meeting to speak about his experiences as a slave, but hecklers disrupt the gathering and when things turn ugly, Able’s mates come from a nearby tavern to even the score. Captain Clay gives away the bride, his sister, to his best friend and fellow officer at their wedding. Soon after, Alexander is summoned to London for a special meeting with the First Lord of the Admiralty.

The summons means an end to the brief sojourn at home and a start of a new mission. Although Clay’s frigate, the Titan, is to join the Channel Fleet blockading the French coast, the First Lord has a detached assignment for him and it involves Major Fraser. For some time, he’s been working with the Choannerie, French royalists based in Brittany who are determined to upend the revolutionary government. The British government is amenable to assisting them, but before becoming too involved, Clay must land Fraser and several marines, along with a sufficient number of rifles, in enemy territory. Clay decides to send his own trusted marine, Lieutenant Thomas Macpherson, with Fraser to be his eyes and ears.

The initial ambush that the Choannerie plan goes off without a hitch, and that success convinces the First Lord that one additional show of resistance is necessary, but it must involve a much larger and more secure target. Major Fraser has such a place in mind and while he works ashore in France, Clay and the Titans practice for their part in the attack. He has reservations, but places his trust in Fraser. Tom acquires tidbits of knowledge that alone are insignificant, but when put together leave him quite unsettled. While belowdecks, a new recruit who claims to have psychic powers causes a ripple of discord that disrupts the happy ship.

This episode in Alexander Clay’s adventures takes place both at sea and on land. Aside from showing life at sea from the perspectives of the ratings and the officers, Allan weaves interesting subplots throughout the tale. One of these is an annoying and elusive French privateer; another is a cleverly perpetrated hoax to teach a lesson. The climax is stunning, riveting, and awesomely unveils the treachery behind a finely honed plan of vengeance. Fans of the series will find this book as good as or better than previous titles; newcomers will quickly become fans eager to discover what happens to Clay and his Titans.




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