First Command

Tides #0.5

by Alex Lidell

A seafaring adventure of duty, love, magic, and a princess’s quest to protect her kingdom on her own terms.

Born to privilege, called to service, trained for command, seventeen-year-old Lieutenant Nile Greysik finally gets the chance to prove herself a leader. As she takes charge of a captured enemy ship, her orders will take her through hostile waters and stormy seas with a hold full of prisoners, a skeptical crew, and a handsome first mate whose every move undermines her confidence.

To navigate to safe harbor, Nile must earn the crew’s trust . . . but first she must dare to trust herself.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Novella, Romance, Pirates, Fiction, Adventure

70 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 26, 2017

About the author

Alex Lidell is the Amazon Breakout Novel Awards finalist author of THE CADET OF TILDOR (Penguin) and several Amazon Top 100 Kindle Bestsellers, including the POWER OF FIVE romance series. She is an avid horseback rider who believes in eating dessert first. She writes as both Alex Lidell and A.L. Lidell.

Join Alex's newsletter for news, bonus content and sneak peeks: https://links.alexlidell.com/News

Find out more on Alex's website: www.alexlidell.com

Reviews

[Rachel E. Carter]

"I grit my teeth and straighten my spine. Fine. I'm not here to make the crew like me, I'm here to keep them alive."

So not usually a novella kind of girl but this book was brilliant! I'm already an Alex fan (Cadet of Tildor was one of my top 2015 reads) because she writes YA fantasy and realistic heroines that remind me very strongly of my favorite author, Tamora Pierce. So to find out Alex wrote a seafaring fantasy? Yea, I one-clicked that in a heartbeat. Nile actually beats Renee for my new fave heroine of Alex's: she's intelligent, headstrong (but not recklessly so), trusts her gut, logical, and real in a this-is-a-refreshing-heroine kind of way. My favorite moments were seeing her deal with normal teen girl insecurities (wanting to kiss a handsome officer, wanting the crew to like her/prove herself to them, wanting to believe she can be found attractive) and rising above to make the hard decisions even if they're the less popular ones. In some ways, Nile IS every girl (can't take a compliment, self-doubt, wants people to like her), but in other ways, she's the heroine you admire but could never quite be >> the one that makes those HARD decisions. The girl you kind of relate to but don't know if you could be as brave, but you still suffer alongside her as you read and just want the poor girl to have some nice things happen because HASN'T SHE EARNED THEM? :)

Also, I didn't expect to find a good twist in a novella, but I was actually caught totally off-guard and pleasantly surprised with the villain (who I must admit I actually did like even when said person was on the opposite side). Endearing characters and a crew I can't wait to read more of!!!!

[♥Milica♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seafaring novellas > every other novella. It's brilliant and does a good job of introducing the reader to the world.

It takes a chapter or two to really get into it and then it's all smooth sailing. See what I did there? Hah.

I even thought this would be an enemies to lovers thing, silly me. There's still time for that though, probably with a different character.

I love Nile, she's so clueless but competent at the same time. And like Syd said, there's a reason why she's the captain. I can't wait to see more of her in action.

[Stjepan Cobets · Rating 5 out of 5]

My rating 4.8

The novelette First Command (TIDES 0.5) by Alex Lidell is the beginning of the story of Lieutenant Nile Greysik and is very well written. I read it in one breath. Lieutenant Nile Greysik gets the first job as a captain to take the captured ship. But it will eventually prove to be not just a simple task. I really liked the beginning of the sage and I believe that I will read in the foreseeable future and continue the series. The book would recommend fantasy lovers.

[Stella · Rating 3 out of 5]

this is so exciting!! I can't wait to read AIR and Ash!!! (full review up soon)

[Christina (A Reader of Fictions)]

Didn't finish one chapter, but the writing is clunky and all of the names are awful. Princess Nile Greysik of the Ashing Kingdom? Pass.

[Bailey Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This introductory novella met and surpassed any expectation I might have had. It set up the series nicely, it had the MC learning, and then made me interested in what's to come.

Disclaimer: I received this for free when I was signed up for the author's email. All thoughts are my own and receiving it does not affect my opinion, blah, blah, blah we all know the drill.

Recommended 14+ for romance, violence, pirates, and war.

[Jenn "Awww Yeaaahhh" · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars.

[Lola · Rating 3 out of 5]

First Command was a great novella that served both as introduction to this series and as a little adventure in and of itself as well. I liked how it completed this part of the plot line, so the novella felt like a complete whole. And at the same time it also felt like an introduction to the world with more to come. the last few lines of the book set the stage for the first book. And it succeeded in making me curious about the rest of the series.

The whole novella is set on sea, aboard ships. There is a bit of adventure and action and we get to know the main character who gets her first command and struggles a bit with it. I really liked seeing how she handled everything and how conscious she was of how her appearance and what she said had an impact on her crew. I thought she made for a good captain.

We see her deal with some issues aboard the ship and solve some things quite cleverly. There was a bit of a twist towards the end. I have to admit that I did predict it, but was still doubting whether it would actually go that way. It was a good twist and throughout the novella there are hints building up towards it.

There also is a world map at the start of the book which was nice and there's a bit of world building. we get to know a bit of where the main character is from and a bit of the political situation and war going on at the moment. Just enough to give a feel for the world without it being too much for a novella. It makes me look forward to get to know more about the world.

To summarize: This was a great novella! It set the stage for book 1 and also had a nice plot in and of itself with a satisfying conclusion. we get a feel for the main character, a bit of a feel for the world and get to spend some time aboard a ship. There was a nice twist and some well done foreshadowing. It was a great read and makes me curious for book 1!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting book, set in a different world, on a ship that's been captured in battle. It's well-written and has interesting, unique characters that you can relate to and which bring the story to life. I like how the story keeps moving through the action, and the subtle twists (and the not-so-subtle one towards the end!). A good introduction to this world, and I'm looking forward to reading more books in this series to see how it develops.

[Roland Clarke · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pacy and absorbing taster to the series that introduces the main character of Lieutenant Nile Greysik and her world. It brought back memories of reading the Hornblower books in my teens, although it is wrong to compare the books. I can't wait to read Air and Ash next - so I must clear the reading decks.

I should add that as a mystery writer, I'm always suspicious...

[Jaime (Two Chicks on Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Alex's writing. Her first novel The Cadet of Tildor is still one of my favorite fantasies to this day (still dying for a sequel though) and this book is a promising start to a new fantasy series! I can't wait to see where Nile's adventures take her.

[Tasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

*i received an ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

It took me a little while to get into this book but once it got going it was quite good! I can't wait to read the first book!! Nile (love that name!) seems like an awesome character and I can't wait to learn more about her!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I need the next book. Nile is brave and just wants to be taken seriously as a captain. I was a little confused about her brother, but I thought the plot and the characters were good. Will be patiently waiting for the next book to see Nile again. 4.5/5 stars

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I started the book, "It's alright."
When I was halfway through it, "Err... Okay..."
When I finished, "Yup, I liked it."
Now, let's break it down to pieces.
The main character was alright, she wasn't my favorite but at least she wasn't a whiny headache. She was brave and OK.
The plot twist did surprise me even though I did suspect from the very beginning.
We still have a lot to see about the setting, more characters to meet and a main character to see develop. I'm actually looking forward to it!
Also, I like a lot the author's style!
I'll definitely give a chance to her other books :)

[Camillea Camillea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a little hesitant to read First Command because of it being a novella., but once I started the book I just couldn't put it down!

I've got to acknowledge the little map at the beginning of the book. I absolutely love it when fantasy books come with their own maps; to have one in a novella is helpful to introduce its readers to TIDES series. Also, can I just say that I love, love the cover?!

I'm not usually a fan of first person perspective but Alex Lidell executed it so well in this novella; I think it's fitting for the entire series to be from Nile's perspective. Only because I love her character so much. We've got a princess slash lieutenant female character with a no nonsense attitude and a sharp mind. What I loved about Nile was that she wasn't a polarized character at all, which many authors try to do with their female leads for the sake of making them badass, but not Nile. She is on my list of the realistic fantasy female characters, I have read of til date.

I can't wait for the upcoming books in this series. Alex Lidell is an author I'm definitely looking forward to!

[Jaime K · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was looking forward to a quick novella to introduce me to the series.
If this had been a novel, I'd have stopped by the 20th page.

Nile has been given her first command on a ship her people just captured from the enemy. Her crew isn't a fan of her, likely because her father is a person of power and she's 17. She tries to run her ship with a level and stern head but of course they still aren't huge fans. Her middie is 14, and she harps on the youthful age of him and a prisoner, even though there is just a 3-year difference.

Then she meets Syd who says her former ship's captain sent him there and she just accepts it, even though I could tell from the start that the other captain would have been upfront with her about anything. But ooohhhh Syd is So Handsome. And Nile is Not. She has No Curves and is Not Beautiful and NO ONE could POSSIBLY find her attractive.

The best part was the end when the other captain said "storms help me with adolescents. A mix of brilliance and stupidity in a single contrary package."

[The Book Worm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, so First Command was not exactly what I was expecting. First, it is a prequel to the Tides Series, which means that the plot is fairly limited. It reads more like a prologue than even a short story. And to be honest I expected it to be more historical fiction than fantasy. I received a free copy of this book from the author, so I'm the one to blame - I was so fascinated with the cover, which I love, and did not research the book properly beforehand. In truth, First Command does read a bit like historical fiction, but it's really a young adult fantasy book.
The writing is good and engaging, with a strong female character, which is a plus. It ends in a cliffhanger, obviously, because you are expected to read the other books in the series. But even though these are not the type of books I usually lean towards to, I'm kind of curious to see what happens next, so maybe there will be a review of book 1 coming soon...

[Wanda Maynard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome beginning! The opening scene showed nervous anticipation mixed with excitement as the characters took their lead and moved into the action of their duties very well; especially when a woman captain with her first command on the high seas takes over the Marquis. What kind of problems will develop?
In this awesome swashbuckling adventure titled, FIRST COMMAND, by Alex Lidell the reader will get a taste of the salty sea air mixed with a little mayhem. Will our lady captain earn the trust of the crew, or will her authoritative attitude cause things to go from bad to worse?
In chapter 5 the intrigue builds to a fever pitch so I read faster to catch the excitement as these awesome characters led this reader along with them through this fast-paced adventure. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this great work!

[Mandy Walkden-Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Horatio Hornblower meets Honor Harrington!

An intriguing world, in the midst of an ongoing war fought at sea. Descriptive without being overwritten, conjured up the sea, the ship and the era of past maritime setting beautifully.

The characters are interesting and have depth. I do find myself wondering what thoughts those decades closer than I to that of the main character, Nile, may have had about Captain Fey's comment on teenagers that had me in stitches.

Tantalising glimpse that sped by all too fast, would have been happy to stay immersed in this story and characters for a rather long while!

I like where this series is heading. Just finished the next book, Air and Ash - another remarkably good read!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This prequel novella to the Tides series finds Princess Lieutenant Nile Greysik taking command of the prize vessel, Marquis. Her mission is to bring this ship to safe harbor. She’s excited about her first command but has a lot to learn. When an enemy Tirik ship gets on her tail, she risks her life to trick them. But they’re not the only ones tricked, as betrayal rears its head on her ship. She’ll need all her grit and courage to face down an unexpected foe. I enjoyed this quick-paced tale of life at sea in another land. It reminds me of Horatio Hornblower, a favorite series of mine, as well as a seafaring relative to the Kris Longknife space opera series. I’ll look forward to reading more in the Tides books and getting to know the intrepid heroine during her upcoming adventures.

[kei Ada · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The duty of keeping a ship safe is often a solitary experience, Ms. Greysik. It's on you to earn the crew's trust. Not their friendship."

I found one aspect of the novella as an enjoyable unexpected twist. There were certainly plenty of clues given, but I admit, I was letting other parts of the book bother me that I overlooked the clues as 'additional problem areas' of the story. I apologize. One scene I found highly troubling, and don't know if the author intended the action as written, or just didn't put in enough detail to make the scenario believable. Thus, the 3-stars. I do intend to read the next book.

[Kat W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smart and brave female naval captain, swashbuckling adventure, and the start to a coming of age story? Yes, please! Nile Greysik is an endearing young officer and I can't wait to get to know more about her.

This prequel has some of my top favorite elements to a fantasy adventure story. It is told in a clear first person narrative with fast-paced action scenes, a universe with gender equality (at least so far), mystical/magical intrigue, and adventure on the seas (I don't know why, but I love sea voyages even though they make me sea sick in reality). You will leave this novella excited for more.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Command is a prequel to the outstanding Tides series, so we see Princess Nile Greysik during her first opportunity to command a ship on her own, when she is given the task of delivering a captured Tirik ship back to Ashing. She has a small crew which includes Third Lieutenant Syd Carley, purportedly from another Ashing ship. As they sail through enemy infested waters, Nile must her crew's trust and support, while dealing with the questionable actions of the only other officer on board, Syd Carley. Despite the challenges, Nile comes through her first command with flying colors, and we see what a fine officer she is and will become in the future.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a novella, so it's quite short. Nile is a princess and she has a twin brother who is "gifted". What I liked and thought different about this one is that Nile has been trained since she was 8 years old to take over the Royal navy, all with her father the lings permission. At 17 she get her first solo mission. Maybe she is " gifted" too, she has a sense something is wring with Syd, but just can't deem to bring it together until it's to late. As expected, this leaves us with enough questions to look for the next one.
Interesting story line. Lots of intrigue with some action. Well done for such a short book

[Bob Neumann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a prequel for a series. I could simply say that this is a story of “fighting sails” in the tradition of Alexander Kent and Patrick O’Brien. But it transcends that in several dramatic ways. First it takes place on a different world as David Weber and Robin Hobbs has done. It slyly hints of “magic” in the future books. Add on our protagonist is both Royalty and Female brings new concepts into the mix.
All of this I can say without mentioning a phenomenal plot with one of the greatest twists I have ever encountered.
WELL done Alex.

[Elda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has been on my TBR pile for I don’t know how long. I decided to read it after seeing a recent email about it. Although a short story, it was full of great writing talent. I was able to get a picture in mind’s eye of the characters and the backdrop with the mission of the protagonist very clearly described. I found it amazing that one so young could be in charge of a ship. She was very intelligent and didn’t let her crew sway her to do what she knew would be fatal. I was especially surprised at the ending. Way to go for a ‘first command’.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only 17 but with ten years experience, weathering a pounding storm, outgunned and hunted through the night, tendrils of fog the only barrier to certain death, Nile faces the loneliness of command. I love how vivid imagery and masterful characterization place me right in the middle of storm-tossed seas. I feel the bone cold rain and tossing decks, the steel meeting flesh as swords clash, and witness the nimbleness of sailors aloft. With all the elements of classic sea tales sail away on an unforgettable first command.

[Christina Morley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a highly descriptive seafaring tale that will leave you breathless. The dangers are real, the characters tough, and you're kept on the edge of your seat until the end. I recommend reading this novella first before Air and Ash as this novella sets the scene for what's to come. I read Air and Ash about two years ago and it's still one of my all-time favorite fantasy novels.

I am voluntarily reviewing a digital copy of this book that I think came from a book promotion site, but it was so long ago that I can't remember the details.

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free review copy of this book.
I like the main character, Nile, but her companion Syd comes off as a pompous ass, both untrustworthy and unlikeable, right from the start. His glib and clever manner struck me as someone who's been getting by on his looks, not serving any greater cause than himself; infuriating. At least Nile knows better.
I'm not sure I understood the driving political philosophy behind this world. Kings are better than republics, maybe?

[Wesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good book with a short introduction to the world.

With a splashes of unique genres, it is only the thorn of a bush in front of a thousand thorns. I can expect a lot of mystery, Surprise, and unique strategies to be presented in the next books.

This book has divulged me in world of fleets, ship, and the high seas. With caution at every corner.


I wonder what will happen next.