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Richard Bolitho #16
A Tradition of Victory
Another exciting Bolitho adventure!
This fourteenth Bolitho novel has the epic scenes of action, the powerful characterization and the authentic period detail that have made Alexander Kent a bestseller wherever sea stories are read.
After eight years of war between Britain and France there is at last a rumour of peace. But the old enemies are well aware that any settlement will be only a breathing space in which to recover from their terrible losses. To obtain the best terms the French muster a show of strength from Biscay to the Channel ports. At the British Admiralty there are some who see a daring opportunity to even the score at any negotiation table -- and who better to undertake it than the young Rear Admiral Bolitho!
In June 1801 Bolitho's small squadron is still repairing the scars of battle earned at Copenhagen - and as he receives his orders from London Bolitho is, for the first time in his life, torn between the demands of duty and his real desire to marry. When the squadron sails it is joined by an additional ship, a frigate with many memories from the past. But where Bolitho's flag leads so his captains must follow, if necessary to the brink of disaster -- for theirs is a tradition of victory.
This fourteenth Bolitho novel has the epic scenes of action, the powerful characterization and the authentic period detail that have made Alexander Kent a bestseller wherever sea stories are read.
After eight years of war between Britain and France there is at last a rumour of peace. But the old enemies are well aware that any settlement will be only a breathing space in which to recover from their terrible losses. To obtain the best terms the French muster a show of strength from Biscay to the Channel ports. At the British Admiralty there are some who see a daring opportunity to even the score at any negotiation table -- and who better to undertake it than the young Rear Admiral Bolitho!
In June 1801 Bolitho's small squadron is still repairing the scars of battle earned at Copenhagen - and as he receives his orders from London Bolitho is, for the first time in his life, torn between the demands of duty and his real desire to marry. When the squadron sails it is joined by an additional ship, a frigate with many memories from the past. But where Bolitho's flag leads so his captains must follow, if necessary to the brink of disaster -- for theirs is a tradition of victory.
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1981
99 people are currently reading
304 people want to read
About the author
Alexander Kent
232 books203 followersA pseudonym used by Douglas Reeman.
Series:
* Richard Bolitho
* Adam Bolitho
Series:
* Richard Bolitho
* Adam Bolitho
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 11, 2019
It is amazing to me that Douglas Reeman (Alexander Kent) can keep on coming up with exciting plots following the career of British Naval Officer Richard Bolitho. Starting as a midshipman in the early 1770 to a Rear Admiral in 1801, fighting first the Americans and now the French, he shows how excellent a sea officer and tactician he is. Napoleon has been building a fleet of small ships that were to ferry French troops to England and Bolitho is sent to destroy them. You will have to read the series to find out what happens. 11 more books in the series to go. I will hate to finish it but when I do I will have read all of the 69 books of fiction written by Douglas Reeman.
September 15, 2014
The most interesting thing for me was discovering how many words in the English language I do not know - all sorts of terms for bits of ship or rigging that I have never come across before - I felt that perhaps I should read this book with a dictionary.
It was the first novel by Alexander Kent that I have read, and it did not wow me,grip me and make me want to rush and find all the other Richar Bolitho stories. I remained mildly interested in him, his life and times, and will probably never read another of his adventures.
It was the first novel by Alexander Kent that I have read, and it did not wow me,grip me and make me want to rush and find all the other Richar Bolitho stories. I remained mildly interested in him, his life and times, and will probably never read another of his adventures.
October 17, 2021
I've been reading this series in chronological order and these books in the middle of the series are all run-on like it's one big book chronicling Bolitho's career from a Flag-Captain to an Admiral. I've been binging them like a TV series and there isn't much to separate one book from another. In fact I'm several books ahead now and I can't really remember much about this particular book. Even the book names are someone nondescript so I'll just give a general summary of the writing of the books in this time frame.
The writing is easy to read and follow. There is usually a lot of action, at least 1 ship to ship action. Apart from that, there's sometimes cutting out action. The action scenes are very well done if bloody and officers are not spared, quite a few die. Kent spends a lot of time on the characters and they are often well done and memorable. This is what I like about the books.
What I don't like: The hero worship gets a bit cringy at times. Not as bad as the Ramage books but sometimes close. CS Forester does a much better job of creating a hero and we don't need to be reminded every few pages how great Bolitho is.
What is worse is Kent's romance scenes. He is incapable of creating chemistry between the lovers and they often fall deeply in love after one meeting. The Ramage series is even worse and to be honest I'm not here to read romance.
There is sometimes recurring element of conflict, a plot device I dislike because it limits the plot and is predictable. In some of the books in this time frame, it's Bolitho's superior, either a commodore or admiral, who is grossly incompetent and Bolitho has to save him.
The writing is easy to read and follow. There is usually a lot of action, at least 1 ship to ship action. Apart from that, there's sometimes cutting out action. The action scenes are very well done if bloody and officers are not spared, quite a few die. Kent spends a lot of time on the characters and they are often well done and memorable. This is what I like about the books.
What I don't like: The hero worship gets a bit cringy at times. Not as bad as the Ramage books but sometimes close. CS Forester does a much better job of creating a hero and we don't need to be reminded every few pages how great Bolitho is.
What is worse is Kent's romance scenes. He is incapable of creating chemistry between the lovers and they often fall deeply in love after one meeting. The Ramage series is even worse and to be honest I'm not here to read romance.
There is sometimes recurring element of conflict, a plot device I dislike because it limits the plot and is predictable. In some of the books in this time frame, it's Bolitho's superior, either a commodore or admiral, who is grossly incompetent and Bolitho has to save him.
January 9, 2025
This was a very enjoyable tale further developing the story of Richard Bolitho. Old friends and shipmates we met as midshipmen and lieutenants reappear promoted to new ranks - not all survive. It paints a vivid picture of the very real life or death struggle that went took place between the navies of France and Britain during the latter part of the 18th Century. There is plenty of action but with age and promotion Bolitho also becomes more reflective and provides an interesting perspective on the challenges and responsibilities of command in wartime.
January 9, 2021
Another good Bolitho book finds him following out the order of the Lord of the Admiralty who passes away shortly after issuing them. In order to strengthen England's hand in peace negotiations by destroying or damaging the French invasion fleet. Good read. I thought some sections probably could have been expanded on a bit.
March 31, 2021
Lady Luck to the rescue again
A very engrossing book. Well written with a good honest plot. All the daring adventures of our boy Dick. Even the zFrench couldn’t keep him in prison forever. I believe you’ll enjoy this book.
A very engrossing book. Well written with a good honest plot. All the daring adventures of our boy Dick. Even the zFrench couldn’t keep him in prison forever. I believe you’ll enjoy this book.
July 22, 2021
Book 16 completed, same high standard of story telling. Relationships between Bolitho and his friends & crew are explored, but of course there is always a battle and a skirmish or two for those who like a good fight.
May 23, 2021
Among my favourites in the ‘Bolotho’ series so far!
August 24, 2022
Another take of the sea. Not a lot seemed to happen in it to be honest, but it rolls along at a brisk pace and is very readable.
September 29, 2022
Another great Sea story
I have read this book many years ago, and have enjoyed it just as much the second time round. Splendid stuff!!
I have read this book many years ago, and have enjoyed it just as much the second time round. Splendid stuff!!
December 15, 2022
A great story, as now Rear-Admital Bolitho is captured by the French, is freed, and gets his against-the-odds revenge.
October 20, 2023
This is the beginning of the end of this series, other viewpoints and maturing of Bolitho. Still great but needs to be read in order.
January 29, 2024
I really like these books!
July 27, 2025
Better than any prior effort…
Better than any prior effort by this author! Well worth reading and savoring. This is the most deft novel yet!
Better than any prior effort by this author! Well worth reading and savoring. This is the most deft novel yet!
August 14, 2025
Un libro de Bolitho. Con eso se dice todo. Mantiene el ritmo, la acción, durante toda la novela. Recomendable
September 17, 2025
Six-word Review: Exciting story, but too many coincidences.
Longer Review later
Longer Review later
July 14, 2013
Richard Bolitho is a rear admiral, tasked by a dead-man with doing the nigh impossible before his still-living Admiralty colleagues can countermand that order.
Oh, come on, of course he does it! :-)
We do see that Dick is getting a bit reluctant to go sailing out - being married will do that to you. I expect that we'll see the series transitioning over to Adam Pascoe sometime in the next few books.
Oh, come on, of course he does it! :-)
We do see that Dick is getting a bit reluctant to go sailing out - being married will do that to you. I expect that we'll see the series transitioning over to Adam Pascoe sometime in the next few books.
April 16, 2014
Humourless and cardboard, Bolitho runs ships aground, gets captured, rescued, beds his wench, and then unleashes hell on his captor's ships. Um. I've been spoiled by Po'B, who writes with feeling, passion and blood. Oh, and humour, and science. And music. And genuine by-play. With Po'B you feel the spray; with Kent you are at the Saturday matinee. B movie stuff.
October 26, 2008
June to October, 1801. Rear Admiral Richard Bolitho, again in charge of a squadron is assigned to destroy French invasion boats being amassed off the French coast. He has to over come a number of problems (from the French as well as the Admiralty) as he seeks to carry out his original orders.
March 1, 2014
Started slow but got better. Some good sea battles. It would be nice, though to stop with the "Bolitho is captured and rescued by Herrick" trope. I'd give it 3.5 if I could.
September 12, 2014
Carrying on the career of Bolitho if you have read the previous 15 books you know exactly what to expect.
December 14, 2016
See my earlier reviews regarding this entertaining Naval series set in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
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December 22, 2016Great!
February 27, 2023
Great read - and a great tale. A wonderful addition to the adventure.
January 13, 2010
Very exiting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews