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The British Military Quartet #2
King's Shilling
As a powerful insurgent army closes on Liberia's capital, London is forced to act, and HMS Beaufort is despatched to West Africa to pull British nationals from the teeth of encroaching danger. But when the volatile situation ashore unravels, the frigate's crew must draw deep on reserves of skill, ingenuity and sheer bloody mindedness to save it. And with time running out Beaufort 's Captain makes the decision to take his ship up river....
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First published January 1, 1998
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 1, 2019
I came to this book having recently discovered the author from reading Dark Rose and certainly wasn't disappointed.
A well-written story that kept me gripped and produced an emotional response in me that perhaps my family and friends are not accustomed to witnessing, certainly from the reading of a book.
During my career in the Royal Navy I spent around 3-years between 1995-1998 as the Aircraft Controller on HMS Iron Duke (a sister ship to the fictional HMS Beauport), it was, in fact, my last sea-going posting before I left the RN in 1999 having served for 12-years. During that time I served in a variety of ships in operational deployments around the world including the first Gulf War in 1990-91 on HMS Gloucester and as a result, my emotional trigger was certainly pressed at the description of their homecoming. Once again I could hear and feel that homecoming, mixing with my own memories and emotions that led to my wife surprised to find me blubbing uncontrollably.
A powerful vote to the skill of the author.
Was it technically accurate? Not a 100% but unless you are a trained professional who has served then I challenge you to either spot or understand the context behind the very few errors in its accuracy. I haven't set foot on a Type 23 frigate since I left the Duke in 1998 but the author got it overwhelmingly right to the point I was there again and could see it, feel and smell it; the layout of the ship and its spaces clearly in my mind as I was reading.
Was the scenario an extreme dramatisation? Yes, of course, because the story wouldn't be compelling otherwise. Having said that the Royal Navy and the British Military undertake missions like this around the world on a regular basis - a humanitarian crisis, natural disaster relief, civilian evacuations, UN operations, and other military taskings. The point is that most of these missions never involve hostile or offensive actions but it only takes a moment, the blink of an eye, a split-second decision taken by somebody that changes a sequence of events that can and does lead to unimaginable consequences; which is what the author highlighted so well in this book.
The way the military trains and leads its people allows them to react and manage those variables in their stride, the team is key, everyone is part of the team, the team has a job, you have a job within the team and each of the team members has your back, as you have theirs. When things get hot they invariably get hot quickly and their training kicks-in instinctively to understand and accept the situation then move forward to achieve the objectives.
So it's finished and I highly recommend it as a great read. It made me smile, laugh and cry as I picked out the characters and experiences from my own naval career and matched them to those in the book.
A fitting tribute also to all those men who have and still do serve. Thank you. BZ.
A well-written story that kept me gripped and produced an emotional response in me that perhaps my family and friends are not accustomed to witnessing, certainly from the reading of a book.
During my career in the Royal Navy I spent around 3-years between 1995-1998 as the Aircraft Controller on HMS Iron Duke (a sister ship to the fictional HMS Beauport), it was, in fact, my last sea-going posting before I left the RN in 1999 having served for 12-years. During that time I served in a variety of ships in operational deployments around the world including the first Gulf War in 1990-91 on HMS Gloucester and as a result, my emotional trigger was certainly pressed at the description of their homecoming. Once again I could hear and feel that homecoming, mixing with my own memories and emotions that led to my wife surprised to find me blubbing uncontrollably.
A powerful vote to the skill of the author.
Was it technically accurate? Not a 100% but unless you are a trained professional who has served then I challenge you to either spot or understand the context behind the very few errors in its accuracy. I haven't set foot on a Type 23 frigate since I left the Duke in 1998 but the author got it overwhelmingly right to the point I was there again and could see it, feel and smell it; the layout of the ship and its spaces clearly in my mind as I was reading.
Was the scenario an extreme dramatisation? Yes, of course, because the story wouldn't be compelling otherwise. Having said that the Royal Navy and the British Military undertake missions like this around the world on a regular basis - a humanitarian crisis, natural disaster relief, civilian evacuations, UN operations, and other military taskings. The point is that most of these missions never involve hostile or offensive actions but it only takes a moment, the blink of an eye, a split-second decision taken by somebody that changes a sequence of events that can and does lead to unimaginable consequences; which is what the author highlighted so well in this book.
The way the military trains and leads its people allows them to react and manage those variables in their stride, the team is key, everyone is part of the team, the team has a job, you have a job within the team and each of the team members has your back, as you have theirs. When things get hot they invariably get hot quickly and their training kicks-in instinctively to understand and accept the situation then move forward to achieve the objectives.
So it's finished and I highly recommend it as a great read. It made me smile, laugh and cry as I picked out the characters and experiences from my own naval career and matched them to those in the book.
A fitting tribute also to all those men who have and still do serve. Thank you. BZ.
April 13, 2021
The second in Mike Lunnon-Wood's British Military Quartet is set aboard the Royal Navy frigate HMS Beaufort in the mid-90's. As the situation in the Liberia deteriorates, and a rebel army approaches the capital Monrovia, London decides the situation is dangerous enough to consider an evacuation of British nationals.
HMS Beaufort is on the way home, but they are rapidly diverted to West Africa to help. The situation deteriorates rapidly, and with limited help available at short notice, the crew of HMS Beaufort are forced to act alone.
This story is superb. The tension builds slowly as the crew are subjected to more and more danger and forced to operate far from their comfort zone. The crew are described as real people in a terrible situation, but they rise to the challenge, finding a way through a mixture of courage, inventiveness and an unwillingness to let their crewmates down. You care about the people, and as you tension builds, you are left fearing that your favourite characters might not make it.
I've read a few of ML-W's books now, and this is by far the best (not to say I didn't enjoy the others). The only thing that I didn't like was the use of Royal Navy 'slang' to define ranks and roles - to be honest I could not remember what Chops (M) meant, and I'd have preferred he stick with just standard ranks. However, it's a minor quibble, and this definitely deserves it's 5 stars - in fact I have now purchased the last two of the quartet.
HMS Beaufort is on the way home, but they are rapidly diverted to West Africa to help. The situation deteriorates rapidly, and with limited help available at short notice, the crew of HMS Beaufort are forced to act alone.
This story is superb. The tension builds slowly as the crew are subjected to more and more danger and forced to operate far from their comfort zone. The crew are described as real people in a terrible situation, but they rise to the challenge, finding a way through a mixture of courage, inventiveness and an unwillingness to let their crewmates down. You care about the people, and as you tension builds, you are left fearing that your favourite characters might not make it.
I've read a few of ML-W's books now, and this is by far the best (not to say I didn't enjoy the others). The only thing that I didn't like was the use of Royal Navy 'slang' to define ranks and roles - to be honest I could not remember what Chops (M) meant, and I'd have preferred he stick with just standard ranks. However, it's a minor quibble, and this definitely deserves it's 5 stars - in fact I have now purchased the last two of the quartet.
February 8, 2023
Overall a thoroughly enjoyable read. The first I’ve read by this author, but hope to read his others. It is a very British book in jargon and nuances, and sometimes difficult to follow exactly the meaning of what is said by the characters. But given the fact this is based on actual events, it is an astounding read. My hat is off to the men and women involved in this action. I highly recommend this book.
February 20, 2021
Brilliant tale
It was a sad day when Mike Lunnon-Wood died, and a sad loss to those who love his books. He wrote thrilling and exciting stories that were well researched and full of detail.
This book is one that I have read several times and still enjoy,as I do with all his writing.
It was a sad day when Mike Lunnon-Wood died, and a sad loss to those who love his books. He wrote thrilling and exciting stories that were well researched and full of detail.
This book is one that I have read several times and still enjoy,as I do with all his writing.
August 2, 2018
Excellent. Best KU stories i have read so far
I recommend that you read all four of this series. Emotionally draining, very exciting, totally believable. High quality of narration too!
I recommend that you read all four of this series. Emotionally draining, very exciting, totally believable. High quality of narration too!
July 18, 2021
A shilling earnt
Another great story by this author hence the 5 stars. The truth comes out in the end but what was it about. A lot of people lost there lives. You will have to read the book to find out.
Another great story by this author hence the 5 stars. The truth comes out in the end but what was it about. A lot of people lost there lives. You will have to read the book to find out.
July 19, 2018
Ace
Second book in the series and again it is absolutely unputdownable (if there is such a word) bring on number 3
Second book in the series and again it is absolutely unputdownable (if there is such a word) bring on number 3
January 1, 2019
Fast and furious,
A fantastic story so well research and believable.Would recommend this book to anyone who likes military fiction.Now for the next
A fantastic story so well research and believable.Would recommend this book to anyone who likes military fiction.Now for the next
January 22, 2019
Enthralling Read
Every book that I've read by this author has been bloody marvellous.
Do Not miss an opportunity to read the books of this man
Every book that I've read by this author has been bloody marvellous.
Do Not miss an opportunity to read the books of this man
May 8, 2019
Thumping good read - yet again by Mike Lunnon-Wood. Hard to put down - credible yet fast paced and charged with excitement and emotion. Very good indeed
October 18, 2021
Excellent book, great story
May 19, 2023
Outstanding swashbuckler. Mike Luddon Wood write expertly. With finely drawn characters and explosive action, it’s a must read for any James Cobb, Tom Clancy or Dale Brown fan.
May 24, 2023
Enjoyed this book he is a good writer
June 20, 2025
fantastic story
January 14, 2017
Second in the series and third already waitng
I very much enjoyed Let not the deep and wanted to see if this title was as good.It did not disappoint. I Will be starting the next one straight away.
I very much enjoyed Let not the deep and wanted to see if this title was as good.It did not disappoint. I Will be starting the next one straight away.
February 4, 2017
Wow.
This book, phenomenal, left me with an even bigger sense of pride in British armed forces. Fiction, yes, but stunningly written. frantic pace, clever plot and wicked ending.
This book, phenomenal, left me with an even bigger sense of pride in British armed forces. Fiction, yes, but stunningly written. frantic pace, clever plot and wicked ending.
July 6, 2012
Top notch techno thriller with a british slant...
More gaffer tape and improvisation than smart bombs and drones...
Realistic setting and believable characters...
A rollicking read!
More gaffer tape and improvisation than smart bombs and drones...
Realistic setting and believable characters...
A rollicking read!
August 7, 2017
Yet another cracker
Yet another cracker from mike it is a crying shame he was taken ,his books are fantastic moving on to the next
Yet another cracker from mike it is a crying shame he was taken ,his books are fantastic moving on to the next
August 7, 2017
Once again a cracking book mike certainty knew how to write again five stars
March 4, 2022
Not a gung ho military book, but deeply personal story of British characters caught up in an action in Africa. There are lots of great female officers and it has a satisfying resolution.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews