Persephone: Thomas Kydd 18

Thomas Kydd #18

by Julian Stockwin

Unputdownable naval action from the master of the sea story - Julian Stockwin returns with the next installment of action from Captain Sir Thomas Kydd.

November 1807. Captain Sir Thomas Kydd must sail to Lisbon to aid the Portuguese Royal Family's evacuation in the face of Napoleon's ruthless advance through Iberia. In the chaos of the threatened city an old passion is reawakened when he meets Persephone Lockwood, a beautiful and determined admiral's daughter from his past.

But the Royal Family's destination is Brazil, Perspehone's England, and it seems Kydd's chance has gone again. Only later he discovers Persephone has another suitor - and that, if he wants to win her hand, he must enter the highest echelons of London society.

Mixing with aristocracy and royalty brings other responsibilities. The Prince of Wales asks him to take temporary command of the Royal Yacht. Sailing to Yarmouth, Kydd realises they are being stalked by French privateers. The terrible threat of a prince of the blood being captured sees Kydd call on daring seamanship of the highest order.

'In Stockwin's hands the sea story will continue to entrance readers across the world' ( Guardian )

Genres: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Fiction, Historical, Nautical

416 pages, Hardcover

Published October 3, 2017

About the author

Julian Stockwin was sent at the age of fourteen to Indefatigable, a tough sea-training school. He joined the Royal Navy at fifteen. He now lives in Devon with his wife Kathy. Julian has written 24 books to date in the Kydd series of historical adventure fiction, the story of one man's journey from pressed man to admiral in the age of fighting sail, and a non-fiction book, 'Stockwin's Maritime Miscellany.' His latest Kydd series title is THUNDERER. And, he's also published two historical standalone novels, THE SILK TREE, set in the time of Emperor Justinian and THE POWDER OF DEATH, about the quest for the secret of gunpowder.

Series:
* Thomas Kydd

Reviews

[Clemens Schoonderwoert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This thrilling historical naval story is the 18th volume of the fabulous "Thomas Kydd" series.
At the beginning of the book it contains three wonderful maps, one of Iberia, one of the North Sea with especially the Pentland Firth and lastly Iceland, and they will all play a significant part of Kydd's adventures in this book.
Also you'll find a list of Dramatis Personae, with real historical figures as well as fictional ones, who are all superbly featuring within this wonderful naval story, while at the back of the book you'll notice a very well documented Author's Note and not to forget a beautiful explained Glossary.
Story-telling is once more of a top-notch quality from this author, because he delivers his naval story in a most wonderful gripping fashion and all his characters come superbly to life.
The story sets off in the year AD 1807, and it will take our main characters Captain Sir Thomas Kydd and his crew of his ship the "Tyger" on another set of dangerous and breath-taking journeys.
One important feature of the story is the return of Persephone Lockwood, she's the daughter of former Admiral Lockwood, and she's the one Kydd had encountered before in "The Admirals Daughter", and she will play a significant romantic role in this delightful tale.
What follows is a fascinating story with great daring seamanship by Captain Kydd to save the Prince of Wales on his Royal Yacht from the French, and with his crew by navigating safely through the Pentland Firth, and so on to Iceland rescuing merchantmen heading there again from the French, while on the other hand while on leave he tries everything to win Persephone back from another suitor with the inevitable negative and positive results in the end, and all these ingredients make this book such a daring romantic naval tale.
Very much recommended, for this is an absolutely astonishing naval story by this author, and that's why I like to say: "Sail On, Thomas Kydd"!

[Mark Harrison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty decent addition to the series as Kydd gets haunted by women from his past, tries to establish himself in London society and has a dabble in politics. Not much sea action and little for Renzi to do but entertaining to see Kydd develop and meet characters from previous installments.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Boy meets girl again. Girl and boy do the dance. Sea adventures in between and around. Interesting write up on the nasty tides and currents of the Hebrides Islands off Scotland. Iron men and wooden ships. Boy and girl become man and wife.

A pretty good yarn that kept me turning the pages until 2 ayem to finish it. Nice to be retired with no alarm clock to worry about.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

At last a naval book with at least occasional naval action. Even if Captain Kydd spends 75% of the book on shore, it was at least well gripping. There's something about Stockwin's short chapter way of writing that keeps you captivated and always starting the next chapter (It's only another 2 pages, no harm....)

[Bob Cantrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started this one, I wasn't sure if it was going to be an exciting read. This is because a lot of the story occurs on land and for me this is usually a slow read, but this one was a lively tale. The is romance, high seas action, and watching a man make some what of fool of himself. The story was one of a tangled romance that didn't seem to get started, but there is hope by the end. Although the twist at the end was what I expected to happened it was fun. If you are a fan of the the Thomas Myer stories just know that this one delivers.

[Garfield666 · Rating 1 out of 5]

One star from my, by far the worst in the series so far.

The last one was just boring as hell, this one is annoying as hell!!!!!!!!!!!!!


We start with a bit in Portugal, frankly is a bit uninteresting, but okay, this is just the setup to meet his old love interest Persephone. But then it derails.




Spoiler alert!!!








I know the Kydd randomly meeting his friends somewhere in the world in some random port where service gets him to be is quite overdone, previously it was always his friend Renzi, but this one tops it. He meets his ex in a port on Portugal, they later go their seperate ways through some misunderstanding and then meet again weeks later BY CHANCE in another port, in another country in so extremely unlikely a destination that it just makes me cringe. ARGH.... I was about to fling my ebook reader into the next corner!!!!!!!!!

The next problem it's more of a collection of items that Stockwin always wanted to do with his character than a book with a coherent plot and somewhat believable events.

The woman from his lowly past who tries to blackmail the hero with an illegitimate child. Which cases a tangle with his fiance.

A duel with the rival for the girl. The rival turns out is of course a total asshole the girl needs to be saving from.

Kydd's introduction into high society. He gets to meet the king's navy captain brother, they sing a few shanties and in 3.5 seconds they are best buddies, Kydd's lowly birth forgotten by everybody, no class prejudices by anyone, everyone fanboying over the protagonist because he is a successful frigate captain (hey, England had more of those!!).

The royal yacht, Kydd saves the day why? Because everyone else acts just so f--ing incompetent. BORING!!!!!!!!!

And then this Kydd wants to go into politics, erm WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Why would he do that???????????? Totally out of character for him and out of nowhere!!!!!!!!!!!!






Then the parallel to the Dewey Lambdin`s A Fine Retribution. Captain after long life as a single marries a female artist. I don't know how this came to pass, I do know that art (painting, writing etc) was almost the only way a woman of gentle birth could earn money without disgracing herself. Lambdin did it so much better and having to read an artist chick marries sea captain plot again after a few weeks is just not so entertaining.


Kydd's Lieutennants and the other important figures aboard his ships get hardly a mention when one of the things I enjoy most about sea stories is the dynamic of the relationships of those characters. The ship as an emotional pressure cooker for those sailing on her. Since Kydd has become a frigate captain that part is totally missing. Midshipmen are introduced in one book only to never hear about them and to be replaced with others in the next book. A Lieutenant introduced as very taciturn and apparently hiding something and that fact is not picked up for several books, until getting some rather puzzling explanation in this book.

The time it takes for news to get from A to B seems generally sometimes very off in the Kydd series.



And the author is clearly fanboying over his main character and has turned him into a complete Gary Stu (a writing term for a character that just exists for wish fulfilment for the author, a phenomenon mainly found in bad fan fiction but not unknown in original writing). This has been apparent since Victory where he wrote Nelson and Kydd's relationship with him very much from his own overawed Nelson fanboy perspective, not from the character's. This problem popped up again here and there in the last couple of books. And in this one that problem goes into overdrive again, even worse than in Victory!

[Viva · Rating 4 out of 5]

A romance story in the middle of a naval historical fiction series, and not done too badly either!

Spoilers ahead:

The last time we saw Persephone was when she was dumped by Kydd. According to that book, he just liked Rosalynd more. According to this one, he says that he felt unworthy or not up to her standards and picked a country maid.

Anyway, he meets her again in Lisbon where the whole Portuguese royal family and government are transported by their entire naval fleet to their then colony of Brazil to escape the clutches of Napoleon who gang up with the Spanish to take over the country. This part is one of 3 several interesting historical parts that Stockwin weaves into the book.

Another interesting part is how Stockwin describes civilian society and how Kydd tries to fit himself into it. He talks about fashion of fops and dandies. Of how a duel was conducted. Of how members of parliaments were elected, of how people could buy into an estate to become a landed gentleman.

There is an interesting side story of the royal yacht of the Prince of Wales. Hornblower has a short story on that as well. There is a another short on the currents and sea conditions at the top of the mainland of Scotland. Finally there is an interesting story about Iceland and Jorgen Jorgensen, someone I had never heard of before. A lot of interesting history here.

To get back to Persephone, she is engaged to be married to a minor aristocrat but Kydd shows him up and the guy reveals himself to be an a** when he gets seasick. The 2 lovebirds declare their love. But Stockwin throws a wrench/spanner into the works when he reintroduces Sarah Bullivant back into the story. She was a governess in Macao that Kydd has intercourse with in the first book and then abandons because he was driven by lust and he liked the sea life more than her.

Apparently she had a son by him and worked in an orphanage with the Portuguese priest. But after the priest died, the sisters threw her out and she came back to England to eke out a living. Unknowingly she wants him to marry her so their kid can have a dad. Kydd is in a quandary but after he gets Renzi involved, Renzi sends out his man Jago and he finds out that she is a con artist and the kid isn't really his.

Kydd marries Persephone in Iceland where he finds her and all ends well! Not an action filled book but lots of interesting historical information in it. It's interesting that Stockwin was able to fit in Sarah Bullivant from a book so long ago. Either very good early planning or just very good writing. And a reminder to young men to keep their pants on or to use protection.

[Adam‘’s book reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, I believe that this is an engaging and well-written historical fiction novel that presents a compelling story with complex characters and vivid descriptions of the setting.
One of the strongest aspects of "Persephone" is its attention to historical detail. The novel is set in the late 18th century, a time of great change in Europe as the Enlightenment gave rise to new ideas about government, society, and individual rights. Stockwin skillfully incorporates these historical events and ideas into the story, providing readers with a rich and immersive experience that transports them to the time and place of the novel.
Another notable feature of the novel is the character development. The two main characters, Sir Thomas Kydd and his fiancé, Persephone, are both complex and multifaceted. Sir Thomas is a naval officer with a strong sense of duty and honor, but he also struggles with personal demons related to his past. Persephone, meanwhile, is a woman ahead of her time, with her own ambitions and desires that challenge the gender roles of the era. Their relationship is nuanced and realistic, with both characters facing conflicts and obstacles that test their love and commitment to each other.
Stockwin's writing style is also a highlight of the novel. His prose is clear and descriptive, and he has a talent for creating vivid images and evocative scenes. Whether describing the bustle of London's streets or the beauty of the English countryside, Stockwin's writing immerses readers in the world of the novel and makes it come alive.
One potential weakness of the novel is its pacing. While the story is engaging and well-written, it does have some slow moments, particularly in the middle of the book. Some readers may find that the pace drags at times, although others may appreciate the opportunity to delve deeper into the characters and their world. in addition, there seems to be a lack of sea action. The author has a tendency to try to do too much on his books, which draws away from the action and adventure as far as I am concerned.
Overall, "Persephone" is a strong historical fiction novel that offers a compelling story with complex characters and vivid descriptions of the setting. Readers who enjoy this genre or who are interested in the history of the late 18th century will likely find much to enjoy in this book.

[Oismiffy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hesitate in giving this one star as I love this series, but I’m genuinely sad to say that this is another stinker.

The previous book “Inferno” was a miss, and this one is equally rubbish.

The overall story never really gets going, possibly because of the insufferably short chapters. There used to be about 20 chapters per book - this one has 87, meaning the average page per chapter is about 4. Really quite annoying.

I even found myself skipping pages just to get it over and done with. Most other books I would have dumped and moved onto the next, but I love the Kydd series too much.

The beginning, telling the story of the fall of Portugal, and the ending about the chase to Iceland is just about Kydd-esque, but everything else is unworthy of the series so far.

I appreciate this is fiction, but believability has to be maintained surely? Why on earth would Kidd want to become a politician? It’s completely out of character.
Maybe the word count was short?

And why fight a pointless duel? Surprise surprise (and suspend reality) as the fop turns out to also be an expert duellist!! Presumably this exert was just to give Renzi a reason to be in the book?

AND the “chase” in the royal yacht was underwhelming at best. It could have been so much better. Really was a wasted opportunity.

Julian Stockwin is an excellent writer of historical naval fiction, but since starting writing stand-alone books on the side the Kydd series has suffered. I am truly gutted.

As bad as this book is I will, of course, read the next in the series but PLEASE go back to the old formula!

[Ruth · Rating 2 out of 5]

c2017 (6) FWFTB: 1807, Brazil, society, Yarmouth, seamanship. Once again, a synopsis is not quite it seems. In parts, I started to dislike the hero quite strongly. Fortunately, he puts himself to rights and everything is alright in the end. For me, this book is the weakest in the series so far. I much prefer it when the Captain is in action and when he is on land, the story loses its charm. The torturous love angle was not a hit with me and almost on a par with the insta-love of the modern so-called romance novels. I would like to urge Mr Stockwin to stick to his knitting but what is done is done. But on the bright side, Kydd now has a wife (who is absolutely marvellous in every way) so perhaps we can now get down to the art of naval exploration and warfare again. There are still a number of years to go in the Peninsular War and then a few more naval actions after that. So, I am looking forward to the daring deeds that are to come. Recommended to the normal crew.

[Ellen Church · Rating 5 out of 5]

This man can write. I love the nautical adventures and derring-do of Thomas Kydd and have read with delight as the simple descriptions of the seafaring life in the age of Nelson have become more complicated and nuanced as Kydd matures. Well, in this book, Kydd contemplates marriage, purchasing a manor home, a seat in Parliament and giving up the seafaring life. Mundane as these tasks might be, Julian Stockwin has approached it as a student of Jane Austen. Some might be offended by our noble Kydd trying out the persona of the dandy, becoming a hanger-on of Prinny, or speechifying in a distant borough, but the author skewers the society with a pen as deft as Miss Austen's. He does not neglect the nautical adventures, either. The royal yacht still needs captain and a crew, and Persephone is a peripatetic free spirit worthy of Sir Thomas. Julian Stockwin can write. He nailed this one.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story finds Captain Sir Thomas Kydd unexpectedly encountering Miss Persephone Lockwood when he’s on duty in Lisbon. They are stunned to see each other. He’d spurned the lady for a country lass who’d died tragically before they got married. Amid the turmoil of war, Kydd promises Persephone safe passage to England but then receives new orders that take him away. They meet again in London, where he’s been given leave. But now Persephone has another suitor, the son of a viscount. Classic romance tropes apply as they proceed through stormy waters to resolve their relationship issues. After so many books in this series, I was highly pleased to see Kydd’s romantic life addressed in this tale of love and war.

[Naomi Greenway · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It's the first of the Captain Thomas Kidd series I've read and I couldn't put it down. Despite my lack of seafaring knowledge I couldn't help being caught up in the fast paced action and adventure as Kidd navigated the high seas, but also the dangerous waters of the highest echelons of society. I found the level of historical detail fascinating, and, so I've been informed accurate. Persephone is a brilliant character and the development of the relationship between her and Kidd after so long apart is gripping. I've already recommended this title and series to several of our regular borrowers and can't wait to catch up on the previous Kidd titles.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent wrap up of some loose ends when I wasn't keeping myself from chucking the book across the room and then stabbing it like the shower scene from Psycho. A lot of plot twists kept me on the edge of my seat. I was engaged in the story to the point that it was hard to put down. The down side is there are 4 books left in the series at this time. I'm going to be bereft when the series ends.

There will not be any spoilers. My reading group has taking an interest in the Kydd series. And like other series that have gathered attention. I'm not going to give the story line away to people who have not had a chance to dig in.

[Lori Field · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Kydd novels. The latest doesn't disappoint. I was a bit skeptical when I read the inside flap. How would Kydd & Persephone Lockwood get back together let alone bridge the hurt of the original disappointment? While a bit dramatic, with several false starts, they managed to do so. I still get a bit frustrated that people can't just say what needs to be said instead of beating around the bush, but I guess that's true to the time period. Glad Kydd has found some happiness in addition to his true calling.

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmm...did I just read a romance novel? It sure reads more like something written for a different audience. This was an unexpected read and probably exaggerated the social mores of the time. The irony is thick ... too thick; maybe it was a bow to "fate". It does fill out an unusual chapter in Kydd's life, but was quite laborious. A reader of the series could skip #17 and #18 without doing damage to the storyline. Read it if you must.

[Shelly Lincoln · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite a four star read - not the most interesting in the series, but it does move the characters along which is also important. Kydd spends much of the book on shore, navigating the treacherous social waters in and around London, only to be met by the equally challenging and dangerous waters off the Hebrides. Will our intrepid captain return to the seas now that he is married? Guess I need to read the next installment.

[Pastor Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

When our heroes are human, when they struggle, it gives us hope as well. Kydd is the most believable since Bolitho. Love the series.

When our heroes are human, they give us hope, we can identify with their struggles, their luck and their joy. Love reading these tales of Kydd and Renzi.

[Marten Wennik · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great tale

Stock win has created a wonderful tale for this, Kydd #18, episode. I found myself struggling to put the book down. Each time it seemed Kydd’s life was going well, another turn or hiccup arose, frustrating me while driving me on in the reading. Worthwhile read for any taken with the tales of Sir Thomas Kydd.

[S.W. Clemens · Rating 4 out of 5]

The eighteenth book in this series is a romance that gives us some idea of the strata of London society in 1807, with a satisfying conclusion, as well as a couple of interesting and little known historical events.

[Angel Serrano · Rating 4 out of 5]

El capitán Kydd vuelve a Inglaterra como héroe de multiples batallas a bordo de su navío Tiger. Allí se encontará de nuevo con la hija del Almirante, su gran amor de juventud, y se enamorará de ella (de nuevo). Pero no todo será tan fácil como escapar de Lisboa huyendo del invasor francés.

[William · Rating 3 out of 5]

More a romance novel than an sea adventure

A little disappointed that this story lacks the usual sea adventures of the earlier novels. There are plenty of twists and turns but mostly in the romantic episodes.

[Charlie Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it. Glad for Kydd who finally found his true love.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

A much better story than the last book. Captian Kydd is reunited, loss, and reunited again with love. Well done Mr. Stockwin.

[Cap · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh

[Jack Sakalauskas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. Kept me up half the night because I had to know what happened. I knew it would have a happy ending, but the way was unique.

[Alan Leo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

If you read one of Stockwins' tales involving Capt. Kydd you will be hooked on his tales.
Go for it you deserve it!

[Pauline Chamberlain · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really good historical book set on the high seas during the Napoleonic wars. Really interesting read and gripping page after page

[Jim Hartman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the adventure I was waiting for Kydd to take. I almost thought it was going to happen. Did not see the “Iceland twist” coming.

[Carla]

Eu à espera de um Sharpe do Bernard Cornwell e sai-me um muito mau amanhado Persuasão da Jane Austen.