Flashman and the Seawolf

Adventures of Thomas Flashman #1

by Robert Brightwell

Following the popularity of the memoirs of Harry Flashman the Victorian scoundrel who got himself embroiled in many events of his age, this book introduces a new generation of the family: Thomas Flashman, whose career covers the Napoleonic and Georgian era. This first book covers his adventures with Thomas Cochrane, one of the most extraordinary naval commanders of all time.

From the brothels and gambling dens of London, through political intrigues and espionage, the action moves to the Mediterranean and the real life character of Thomas Cochrane. This book covers the start of Cochrane's career including the most astounding single ship action of the Napoleonic war.

Thomas Flashman provides a unique insight as danger stalks him like a persistant baillif through a series of adventures that prove history really is stranger than fiction.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, Novels, Nautical, Audiobook, Adventure

250 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2012

About the author

I am a firm believer in the maxim that history is stranger than fiction. There are countless times when I have come across a character or incident that has been so hard to believe that I have had to search out other sources for confirmation. Thomas Cochrane who features in my first book is one of those, his real life adventures seem ridiculously far fetched for a fictional character. The Begum of Samru from my second book is another: a fifteen-year-old nautch dancer who gained the confidence of an army, had a man literally kill himself over her and who led her soldiers with skill and courage, before becoming something of a Catholic saint.

History is full of amazing stories and in my books I try to do my bit to tell some of them. When I thought of a vehicle to do so, the Flashman series from George MacDonald Fraser came to mind. Most of what I know of the Victorian era was prompted by his books. The concept of a fictional character witnessing and participating in real historical events, while not unique, has rarely been done better.

George MacDonald Fraser was an exceptional writer and he developed a character that he took from Tom Brown's School Days into a truly legendary figure. While Harry Flashman might not have been a typical Victorian, he certainly brought the period to life. For me, the Regency/Napoleonic era was one of even greater colour and extremes and so I have created a new earlier member of the family: Thomas Flashman.

There are similarities between the generations in that they both have the uncanny knack of finding themselves in the hotspots of their time, often while endeavouring to avoid them. Thomas though is not exactly the same character as Harry Flashman, this is partly accidental and partly deliberate.

For example, Harry Flashman makes prolific use of the 'n' word which will never appear in my work. This is not just political correctness but reflects the different times the two fictional characters occupy. While Harry Flashman in India thrashed and abused the natives; in Thomas' time many British were in business with Indian partners or had Indian wives. The British Resident of Delhi went so far as to marry a harem of thirteen Indian women who used to parade around the city every evening on elephants.

As several reviewers have pointed out Thomas is not quite the vicious villainous rogue his nephew became, at least in the first book. But the character develops more in the subsequent books with increasing levels of skulduggery. The genius of George MacDonald Fraser was to create a spiteful bully that the reader could still relate to. I have tried to convey a character that lived in his time and who balanced cowardice, pride, lust etc with the need to bring the reader with him.

For more information, check out my website, www.robertbrightwell.com

Reviews

[Robert]

As the author I cannot really review my own book, even though I do think it is a ripping yarn, but below are some of the reviews that have been posted on Amazon and unlike some authors I can assure you that none were written by me!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars A gripping and unbelievable adventure!, 14 Feb 2012
By hunnybunny2 - See all my reviews
This review is from: Flashman and the Seawolf (Kindle Edition)
A well paced historical novel. It has just the right balance between Flashman's life and the battles that he fought.

It seems that Flashman had more lives than a cat! You are sure that from one exploit to another he will meet his demise but somehow luck or trickery are always on his side! The colourful Cochrane and his crew add to the mystery and adventure of the story; the exploits and prizes of the Speedy were phenomenal.
This book was well researched and included so many fascinating events that you wouldn't believe.

I would highly recommend this book. I have found in the past that some historical stories can be too wordy or include too much 'jargon' that I don't understand;'Flashman' is not like that, the author has a great way with words, I understood what was being said!


5.0 out of 5 stars flashman and the seawolf, 26 Feb 2012
By flyingsquirrel - See all my reviews
This review is from: Flashman and the Seawolf (Kindle Edition)
As a first time reader of Flashmans adventures, I found this a most enjoyable book. A book I could not put down till finished, for a first time authorship, this was very well written. The on going Historical notes help the read greatly.


1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars A very worthy effort, 15 Feb 2012
By Robert - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Flashman and the Seawolf (Kindle Edition)
This won't be mistaken for GMF, but it was a very worthy effort and a pleasure to read. The research was excellent, as the author fit Thomas Flashman nicely into Cochrane's exploits. The tone was right and the action (of every sort) was well handled. Thomas is clearly Harry's progenitor and his exploits were entirely in keeping with those of his more famous nephew.

Simply put, I miss Flashy and this nifty book helped ease the longing a bit. I'll certainly buy another.

[Bruce · Rating 3 out of 5]

George MacDonald Fraser was one of my favorite authors. When he died I both hoped and worried that someone would carry on his legacy, whether officially, or in spirit. A couple weeks ago I did one of my occasional searches for Flashman and this book came up. Wary, but hoping for the best, I downloaded the free preview and by the end of the two and a half chapters therein, was pretty sure I was going to like the book and bought myself the reasonably priced book. As far as I know, this is Mr. Brightwell's first book so I'll certainly excuse some small things I see in his writing that need a bit of work. In his bio he even mentions that Thomas Flashman's character develops more in the second book (and bearing in mind that he's just leaving his teens in this book, that's partially understandable for that reason alone). What I love about this book, that I loved about the Fraser books, is the obvious love for history that the author has. I do wish there was a way to get footnotes rather than wait until the end of the book (Kindle edition) to see the notes on the historical accuracy, but I can't fault Mr. Brightwell for that.
If you love a good exciting adventure story combined with a history lesson, I think you'll love this book which puts the antagonist in league with the real life person that inspired Horatio Hornblower, and some seafaring adventures that take place in the early 1800's off the coast of warring Europe.
You'll note that I gave it three stars, and that's certainly not meant to be bad. To me, three stars is a good read, and I thought this one was. Looking forward to the next volume! I have every hope that future volumes will allow me to give them four and even five stars!

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

George MacDonald Fraser wrote the original Flashman series about the Victorian Harry Flashman. This is a spin-off about Thomas Flashman whose career covered the Napoleonic era. The spin-off is written by Robert Brightwell. This is a historical novel. The protagonist is placed in a historical situation that includes the real people. One of the most famous was Admiral Thomas Cochrane (1789-1872) 10th Earl of DunDonald. Captain Cochrane was a daring Royal Navy officer in the Napoleonic War. Napoleon called him “Le Loup de Mers”.

Thomas Flashman is the uncle of Harry Flashman. Thomas is a spy courier and is to take forged letters to Spain to trick the Spanish Fleet to leave the Cadiz Harbor. The ship that is to take him is the HMS Speedy captained by Thomas Cochrane.

The book is well written and full of historical details. The story is full of action and suspense. Brightwell is a good storyteller and, in my opinion, he would have been better off having this book stand on its own instead of a Flashman spin-off.

I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is eight hours long. Henry Clove Harrison does a good job narrating the book. This is my first experience with Harrison as a narrator and the author Brightwell.

[Michel Clasquin-Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brightwell follows the Flashman formula faithfully, but he lacks the feel for the period that Frazer excelled at. consider this: "With so many nerve endings on the sole, the pain was intense and could leave a man crippled." Nerve endings? Does this sound like something that would be said by a man writing in the 1870s, recalling events from the 1800s, a man of no great educational attainment at that? Harry would have dismissed it with "Deuced painful, I am told". Unfortunately this sort of anachronism occurs all over the book.

But unlike most reviewers here, it seems, I warmed to this Flashman. He is a more realistic portrayal than Harry, a coward when he can be, a hero when he must. Less of the false bravado, less of the fearful blubbering, and some real grit when necessary. His rescue of a French prisoner is something that Harry would only have done by accident.

I have yet to read volume 2, though I intend to, but looking forward it seems that this series will be written in strict chronological order, not the convoluted snakes and ladders through history we find in Frazer's series. Good idea.

[Robert Cubitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is always an element of risk involved in reviving a well-loved franchise. Fans of the original will inevitably make comparisons and if the revival is found wanting they will not be merciful. I was a fan of the original series of books.

For those of you unfamiliar with the original Flashman novels, the late George MacDonald Fraser (hereafter referred to as GMacF) took the character of the bullying Harry Flashman from the Victorian novel Tom Brown’s Schooldays, turned the schoolboy into an adult and then placed him in a series of highly perilous adventures that spanned over 60 years. Flashman was a coward, a bully, a braggart, a liar and a womaniser and how we fans loved to see him face torture, death and hardship in every novel.

In this revival, titled Flashman And The Sea Wolf, Robert Brightwell has taken an equally fictitious uncle of Harry, Thomas Flashman, placed him in 1800 in the early years of the Napoleonic wars and then tried to do with Thomas what GMacF did with Harry.

The first issue I had with this was that Thomas is just too nice. While Brightwell claims that Thomas is every bit as cowardly, bullying etc as Harry he comes across as a nice guy, though he is still a womaniser. Towards the climax of this book, as the enemy ships approach and he is facing almost certain death, Thomas sits and writes letters home for all the sailors who can’t read and write. Harry Flashman would have damned their eyes and sent them packing while he tried to find somewhere safe to hide.

And there we have the second problem. Every word that Harry Flashman spoke felt authentic; straight from the Victorian era. I hoped, therefore, that there would be a strong whiff of the Regency Dandy about Thomas, but he sounded more like he came from 21st century Surrey. This lack of authenticity immediately detracted from the narrative. Ben Elton and Richard Curtis did a far better job on the Regency language with Blackadder the Third and that was a TV comedy!

I was also slightly suspicious of the historical accuracy of the story. GMacF was punctilious in his research, but I didn’t get that same sense from this book. At the end of the book Brightwell does cite several sources for his historical information, but I got the feeling that most of his information was gleaned second hand. Is this important? Probably not, but when someone tells me something really happened I like to feel that they read the first-hand accounts of the people who were there, not the Wickipedia entry. Again I can only compare this with the GMacF books, which were littered with references, which in the Brightwell book seemed to be more notable by their absence.

The plot is set around a ploy by the British to try to lure the Spanish fleet out of its ports so that it can be attacked and sunk. Flashman is tasked by a British spymaster to carry a secret message to British agents in Spain who will feed false information to the Spanish to suggest that the blockading British fleet has got fed up and gone home. Unfortunately London appears to be riddled with foreign spies (no change there then) and Flashman walks into a trap from which he must be rescued. This plot takes up about the first third of the book, after which Flashman spends a lot of time at sea with a real life Royal Navy adventurer by the name of Thomas Cochrane, who does his best to get Flashman killed; unintentionally of course. As there are currently four sequels to this book it can be no secret that Thomas survives these efforts.

This is all very familiar to those who have read the original books, where a series of real life Victorian adventurers were credited with trying to get Harry Flashman killed in various inventive ways.

While Thomas isn’t exactly heroic he is far braver than his nephew Harry and is probably typical of how most of us would fare in similar circumstances.

The book is reasonably well paced and the writing style isn’t bad, even though it lacks an authentic feel. However, the book could have done with a bit more care when it came to copy editing. I spotted several glaring errors which no professional publisher would have tolerated.

Did I enjoy the book? Well, in the end I felt like someone who had been promised a full Sunday roast but was served with a bowl of cornflakes. It was OK, but not satisfying. Would I buy the next book in the series? Actually I probably would. This one was light and easy to read, quite fun in its own way and well suited for reading poolside or on a long haul flight. However, my expectations will be lower, which may be a good thing.

Did this book do justice to the memory of George MacDonald Fraser? No.

[Ed · Rating 2 out of 5]

British Naval exploits of the Sea Wolf, Captain Cochrane, as told by Thomas Flashman (George MacDonald Fraser's Sir Harry Flashman's Uncle, circa 1800). Unfortunately, Uncle Thomas lacks his nephew Harry's outrageous life and times. I will read subsequent books in this series though and hope for the best!

[Richie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic !! I'm listening to this series on audible and its loads of fun. Great story writing, plenty humour and good historical reference :)
Highly recommend it

[Nan Hawthorne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flashman and the Seawolf

By Robert Brightwell

4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed by Nan Hawthorne


Thomas Flashman, uncle of the infamous Harry Flashman, has adventures too, and they involve famous events and personages just like his wastrel nephew. One advantage Uncle Thomas has is that his adventures come during a perhaps even more exciting period, starting in about 1800 and covering the Napoleonic Wars and many of the other settings for Regency and Sharpe novel lovers.

Thomas is asked by a spymaster to take forged letters to Spain to trick the Spanish into leaving the haven of Cadiz harbor so the Royal Navy can destroy the fleet. He takes ship with the astonishing Thomas Cochrane, the British Seawolf and one of the most satisfying swashbucklers in Real History. If you think his exploits,all of them true, sound familiar it's because both Horatio Hornblower and Jack Aubrey are psychic twins of his. you may also recall Cochrane from Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe's Devil.
Like those novels, Flashman and the Seawolf is very well written, entertaining, and full of fascinating historical detail. If you like Age of Sail books or Napoleonic era stories, you have it in spades here.
The only caveat is that if you expect Uncle Thomas to be anything like nephew Harry Flashman, you will be disappointed. I was frankly puzzled by the author's decision to make his protagonist a Flashman. If the purpose was to get me to buy the book it worked. But a George MacDonald Fraser fan will pay for the mistake. Fraser's humorous and irrevverent stroeies are the point of the semi-original Flashman's appeal.. and though a terrific sea yarn, this book ain't it. I once saw a movie that was a translation from Finnish that had been tagged as a Sinbad the Sailor movie... though it was not in the least. I found myself, like Gypsy on MST3K, protesting throughout the book "But he's NOT Flashman!"
Read it anyway. It's fun. It will make you want to read more about Cochrane, and I fully intend to read Brightwell's further "Flashman" adventures.

Links: Find these at http://www.nanhawthorne.com.

Sharpe's Devil: Richard Sharpe & the Emperor, 1820-1821 (Richard Sharpe's Adventure Series #21)
Flashman, Flash for Freedom!, Flashman in the Great Game (Everyman's Library Classics & Contemporary Classics)
Horation Hornblower series
Jack Aubrey series
MST3K

[Rick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, this is interesting - a new Flashman book; but it's not written by George MacDonald Fraser and the eponymous hero is not Harry Flashman! Author Robert Brightwell brings us Thomas Flashman; uncle to Harry and another member of the Flashman clan adept at being in the right place at the right time to bring us first hand accounts of significant moments in history.
Being Harry's uncle we're looking at earlier events than those witnessed by the more famous Flashman. This time we're dealing with the Regency period and events in the early part of the 19th century. This new series (three ebooks have been released so far)starts with Thomas' experiences with Thomas Cochrane, the Sea Wolf of the title and it's a fascinating look at a lesser known part of the Napoleonic Wars.
Thomas Flashman lacks the swagger of Harry Flashman, in fact he appears quite ordinary compared to MacDonald Fraser's great anti hero but he's still an enjoyable character and it's good to be reading about the exploits of a Flashman again.
Brightwell doesn't provide the same in depth historical notes that were a significant part of MacDonald Fraser's books but this novel is well researched and the brief historical notes at the end give a good overview of the period along with potted histories of the main real life characters.

This is a very promising start to a new series. No-one could replace George MacDonald Fraser for me, and I'm sure that's not what Robert Brightwell is trying to do, but it's good to see the Flashman flame pass to a new author.

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robert Brightwell’s foray into “Flashman” historical fiction is impressive to say the least. "Flashman and the Seawolf" introduces us to Thomas Flashman, uncle to George MacDonald Fraser’s Harry Flashman and while certain obviously genetic characteristics are common to both make no mistake about it, I’d rather have Thomas with me instead of Harry. Mr. Brightwell lays a foundation early in the story that reads somewhat as though he intends Thomas to be Harry’s model (vice-versa with respect to GMF), in particular the scene where Thomas and a maid electrocute his brother and sister-in-law while they are attempting to conceive a child, but later on Thomas proves to be a loyal and heartfelt soul both capable and resourceful and with a conscience. I almost always found Harry somewhat lacking especially in the conscience department.
To Mr. Brightwell’s great credit, he borrows from GMF’s writing style instead of attempting to copy it. He has his own story to tell and does it very well. Thomas Cochrane is adapted to this historical fiction as well as many others and some footnotes and appendices are included so that we have some assistance separating the history from the fiction. If you read "Flashman and the Seawolf" expecting it to be as though Fraser had written it you may find yourself let down slightly but I wasn’t in the least and look forward to reading many more of the adventures of Thomas Flashman.
Well done, Mr. Brightwell and keep up the good work!!

[John Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

George MacDonald Fraser Mr. Brightwell is not, but then again this is not Harry Flashman but his father brother, Thomas. Uncle Thomas does not disappoint, though this does seem to be more about the adventures of Thomas Cochrane and his early career in the Royal Navy. with that said this Flashman has many adventures with Cochrane, which will no doubt remind one of Sir Harry.

There is a second book in the series already: Flashman and the Cobra and once my reading list shrinks a bit I'll read that one as well. It's a good start.

[Jon Rein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very credible addition to the Flashman series. The book follows Harry's uncle Thomas Flashman and his adventures with Thomas Cochrane (the real life man Hornblower and Aubrey are modeled after). Much like the original Flashman series, Thomas gets swept up as an unwilling participant in life threatening adventures when he'd much rather be spending his father's money on booze and women. This is a good read, fans of the Flashman series will definitely enjoy this and so will any historical fiction aficionado. Please keep them coming Mr. Brightwell!

[Paul Cunningham · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast moving yarn about Harry Flashman's uncle Thomas and his adventures with the real life British headcase hero Thomas Cochrane - the Sea Wolf. In true Flashman tradition there's also a nasty foreign baddie, a bit of wild sex and any number of near death experiences for oiur hero. The prose is not as sparkling as GMF's, the characters don't really leap off the page like GMF's, but for pace, incident and a thorough knowledge of the times this is very good.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have also read "Flashman and the Cobra". I liked both of them very much. Oddly enough, I have not read Fraser yet so I am excited to do so.

Cobra is the better of the two. It is much funnier but both books will really give you a lot of pleasure.

[S Glenn Krochmal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not quite George McDonald Fraser, but a great read featuring one of the Greatest British sea captains Lord Cochrane.
I highly recommend the book.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

One always worries when someone takes another's good idea (in this case, the classic and hilarious Flashman series by Geo. MacDonald Fraser), but this was a very good first effort.

[Addison Braendel · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you liked the Fraser books, totally worth reading. I am told they get even better, too ...

[Tony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Presumably, 95% of the readers who pick up this first book in the (to date) 11-book "Thomas Flashman" series is, like me, a huge fan of George MacDonald Fraser's 12-book "Flashman" series. The protagonist of this book is conceived of as the uncle of Fraser's Flashman, whose adventures mimic the latter's in certain ways. It opens in 1799 with the teenage Thomas off to London to try and find a career, as his elder brothers stand to inherit the family wealth. Following a few misadventures, he is engaged for a relatively minor courier mission for Britain's spymaster. Once at Gibraltar, he is given over to the care of the slightly lost-to-history real-life captain Thomas Cochrane, who is detailed to deliver Flashman to the right spot on the Spanish coast, wait for him, and ferry him back. (Cochrane was a major inspiration for both CS Forester's Hornblower, and Patrick O'Brien's Aubrey.) Naturally, not all goes as planned, and Flashman and Cochrane do battle with Spanish and French forces on both land and sea. 

The writing is nowhere near the quality of Fraser's, and although it certainly has a whiff of the fanfic to it, the story carries the reader along briskly enough to not get too hung up. The scene-setting isn't particularly vivid, nor is the detail, but there's enough there for fans of historical adventure fiction to keep the pages rapidly turning. Like his nephew, this teenage Flashman is a bit of a skirt-chaser and isn't adverse to cheating at cards, however he's got far more principles and bravery -- even as he stumbles through rich historical events. On balance, it's probably a little heavier on history and little lighter on its protagonist that might be ideal, but as long as one doesn't try and compare it directly to Fraser's Flashman series, it's quite enjoyable. I will certainly be seeking out the next in the series.

[cool breeze · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, the first in an ongoing series, revives George MacDonald Fraser's wonderful Flashman series with the adventures of Harry Flashman’s uncle, Thomas Flashman. That could have been a terrible disappointment, but it was not.

Brightwell shares Fraser’s love of history and does a similarly good job of weaving historic research and historic figures into the story.

The author gets the appeal of the Flashman anti-hero and does a generally good job of following the type, but he is sometimes too timid about it. Fraser’s Flashman is a coward, bully, rogue, rake and scoundrel. Brightwell’s Flashman too frequently comes off as merely naughty. It is a practical constraint that it is no longer possible to use the “n-word”, even in a historic novel, if you want to get your novel published. But Thomas is too cleaned up; a few trips to brothels and a single use of the word “Dago” doesn’t cut it. The Limeys and Frogs in Thomas’ earlier generation were not more politically correct than Harry’s later one.

The writing generally isn’t quite as good as Fraser, but it is good and this is the author’s first book. Perhaps he polishes his writing over the next 7+ novels in the series. Fraser had 16 years as a newspaper reporter to polish his writing before he published Flashman as his first novel.

The novel could have used better proofreading, including hilariously placing Thomas Cochrane’s grave in “the knave of Westminster Abbey” in the author's "Historical Notes". Sadly, I have seen worse in books by major publishers (the worst: American Assassin, Simon & Schuster). Spell check is ruining proofreading.

3.x stars charitably rounded up to 4 stars for a promising first effort by an indie author.

[Christopher Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book continues the conceit of the Flashman novels by George MacDonald Fraser (whose name for some inconceivable reason is not in the author database) where papers regarding the Flashman family were discovered and the author is writing a biographical and historical book.

In this case, it is the son of Harry Flashman; Thomas. Thomas follows much the same pattern as Harry; a cowardly rake who gets himself into one problem after another and is saved by luck, desperation, and his charm and skill with languages.

Although its not quite as hilarious as the Fraser books, these are more re-readable I think, and are more full of historical detail but not as wild and riveting storytelling.

This particular book has the young Flashman tasked with a diplomatic job due to his illustrious contacts (his father Harry Flashman being viewed as an epic gentleman and hero by the British public and government). In this he becomes connected to a wild, brilliant, and larger than life Master and Commander named... Thomas Cochrane.

Sea novel fans know Cochrane as being the primary inspiration for the character of Jack Aubrey, and as Patrick O'Brian said, the real Cochrane was so unbelievable that he had to tone things down to write a fictional character.

Overall its fun and entertaining and kept me interested and reading, and Thomas is more likable and less cowardly and treacherous than his father. Looking forward to reading more in the series.

[Cliff Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Pride of the Royal Navy! This book is a great opportunity to get introduced to the real Master and Commander, Thomas Cochrane.
Did a more remarkable man ever exist? Only amongst the British I think! Front navy Captain to politician, Cochrane spoke up with integrity and acted with courage ignoring the personal consequences.
It's hard to imagine HMS Speedy with it's 54 men and 14 guns outwitting and forcing the Spanish El Gamo with 319 men and 32 guns into a full defeat and surrender. Never mind contending with the Barbary slave traders or participating in the gruesome Battle of The Gut of Gibraltar.
Being a fan of the Flashman Papers by George MacDonald Fraser it's hard to pass up the opportunity to read another story of old Flashy, even if this time it's his uncle, and indeed written by someone completely different.
Robert Brightwell does not quite capture the poltroonary and scandal or the original character, but this book still stands on it's own as a really good read, and from what I can discover based accurately on real events.
I also missed the historical footnotes in the GMF series which always encouraged more research and reading than the actual book.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

When George MacDonald Fraser passed away back in 2008 I mourned not only the loss of my favorite author but the end of my favorite fictional scoundrel, Harry Flashman. No longer would I laugh or be awestruck as he employed his three "prime talents, for horses, languages, and fornication" to defeat the enemies of the British Empire and always save his own skin. No longer would I receive sage advise on how to approach and seduce beautiful women. Never would I know how and why he served on both sides of the American Civil War and how he won the Medal of Honor.

I had been enjoying myself with these two Brits since 1973. In my mind no one could ever replace them. I resisted reading any attempts at reviving this well-loved franchise. Having half-heartedly purchased a copy of Flashman and the Seawolf in 2016, it remained in the shadows neglected and then forgotten by me until now.

Here Robert Brightwell has taken an equally fictitious uncle of Harry, Thomas Flashman, placed him in 1800 in the early years of the Napoleonic wars and then tries to do with Thomas what George MacDonald Fraser did with Harry. He puts his protagonist in league with Captain Thomas Cochrane, the real life person that inspired Horatio Hornblower, and into some tough naval engagements both off the coasts of Spain and North Africa.

The result is pretty good. Brightwell is no Fraser, and Thomas is not as bluff and hearty as Harry, but the old guys are always a tough act to follow. Harry provided a more colorful commentary apropos of a nineteenth century soldier (e,g. "That Blackguard is as crooked as a line of Russian infantry.") whereas Thomas speaks like a 21st century youngster (e.g. "Hang in there. The doctor is on the way.")

However, the book is well written with accurate historical detail. Brightwell is a good storyteller - the tale is full of action and suspense. This was a fun and easy read. I will definitely continue following Thomas's adventures.

But no one will ever replace the loss of George and Harry.

[Leftenant · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kindle/Audible

Quick read - didn’t really care for the Audible narration. I’ve only read book 1 of the original series & liked it…but I’m just not a fan of First Person so bailed years ago.
Gave this a go because I enjoy Age of Sail stories & riding along with Crazy Thomas Cochrane on the HMS Speedy sounded fun.
For a first book this was - okay I guess. Uneven & periodically bland. I get the conceit is to paint a historical portrait of the cad genes that course through the Flashman bloodline. To that end it was a failure. Flashy was a more reliable narrator than I believe was intended.
He really just rides shotgun as the actual historical figures ticks off a few of their greatest hits.
I’d probably call it a day with this and not continue (especially since Flashman isn’t on a vessel for the whole series), but the reviews for #2 speak of improvement…so, I’ll read the next one to see if the series finds its stride.

[Chris Robb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A worthy successor to the original Flashy

I was disappointed by the first half dozen pages as I might have been reading the original Flashman story albeit in less detail and without that narrator's flair for words.
However, by the time our hero had reached London, this book had gained pace, and I read the rest with fascination.
It's a shame that Thomas Flashmans's memoirs lack the detai l of the original Flashman papers, but nonetheless they are a cracking read for those interested in history and human nature. Likewise, the editor's footnotes are sparse compared to G. M. Frazer's, and would benefit from more notes with more detail.
A worthy successor to the original Flashy though, and if you enjoy historical fiction such as Cornwell, you'll like this.

[Pandit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like probably most readers who found their way to this book, I am a big Flashman fan. It has to be worrying when something you love so much as the original George MF books are aped in any way.
First I thought 'this character is no Flashman'.
Then I thought 'this writer is no GMF'.
But after a while I put aside prejudice and settled down for a good rip roaring yarn in a real historical setting. And enjoyed for its own merits.
Brightwell continues the format of not just setting fiction in an historical setting, but using in detail actual verifiable events in history. So I have to say that the flashman saga is in very good hands.
I hope though, in the following books, to see more footnotes.

[Al Lock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable reading in the tradition of Fraser, about a great uncle of Harry Flashman. Thomas Flashman starts his career as a courier for the Royal Government carrying messages to a spy in Spain who falls in with Captain Cochrane of the HMS Speedy. Great reading, combining real history with the fictional story of Thomas Fraser. A bit more serious and less tongue in cheek than George MacDonald Fraser, but still marvelous historical fiction. Recommended.

[Liz C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the original Harry Flashman and wondered if this would be a bit of a let down. It wasn't. The author has a similar style for the earlier adventures of Thomas Flashman in the Napoleonic Wars. As this was the first book of the series, I gave him some leeway on my rating but his battle scenes were spot on. I will definitely read more of the series.

[Roderick John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read!

Very well written. I am looking forward to diving into this series. I read George MacDonald Fraser’s original Flashman series. I was quite happy to see this series about an equally, and less than manly cad, does such a good job. Good stuff, sir! Always end up reading Wikipedia articles about all the characters.

[Michael Foncannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not Frasier, but good enough!

I have read other Flashman clones, but while they have great adventure, they seldom have the history to back them up. For me, that is one of the best parts of the original Flashman books and here it is again.

Mr. Brightwell has done well. I look forward to his series.

[Rogeagle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story; Fun

Terrific story. Fun read. Brightwell does not give Thomas Flashman the exceptional whit that his nephew got from George Macdonald Fraser (who could) but his capture of history, adventure and fun are every bit as good. This series helps to fill the void left by GMF’s passing on to better things