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Alexander Clay #3
On The Lee Shore
On the Lee Shore is the third novel in the Lieutenant Alexander Clay series
Newly promoted to Post Captain, Alexander Clay returns home from the Caribbean to recover from wounds sustained at the Battle of San Felipe. However, he is soon called upon by the Admiralty to take command of the frigate Titan and join the blockade of the French coast. But the Titan will be no easy command with its troubled crew that had launched a successful mutiny against its previous sadistic captain. Once aboard, Clay realises he must confront the dangers of a fractious crew, rife with corrupt officers and disgruntled mutineers, if he is to have a united force capable of navigating the treacherous reefs of Brittany's notorious lee shore and successfully combating the French determined to break out of the blockade.
Newly promoted to Post Captain, Alexander Clay returns home from the Caribbean to recover from wounds sustained at the Battle of San Felipe. However, he is soon called upon by the Admiralty to take command of the frigate Titan and join the blockade of the French coast. But the Titan will be no easy command with its troubled crew that had launched a successful mutiny against its previous sadistic captain. Once aboard, Clay realises he must confront the dangers of a fractious crew, rife with corrupt officers and disgruntled mutineers, if he is to have a united force capable of navigating the treacherous reefs of Brittany's notorious lee shore and successfully combating the French determined to break out of the blockade.
352 pages, Paperback
Published May 8, 2018
About the author
Philip K. Allan
21 books409 followersI am from the UK where I live with my wife and daughters. My writing combines my passion for ships and the sea, with intelligent writing and pacey plots.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 3, 2019
Captain clay just gets better and better
This continues the story of Alexander Clay after he’s been promoted to post captain and given a frigate with a disaffected crew to take to the blockade of Brest. The tale flows smoothly and believably without the questions that the first volume in the series raised for me with its improbable and overdramatized conflict between Lieutenant Clay and the captain. Furthermore, it is appropriately packed with authentic action and details not only from the officers’ viewpoint but also a cast of unforgettable characters from the lower deck. The author says he’s set his sights on Patrick Obrian but he has certainly bid fair to equal C. S. Forester.
This continues the story of Alexander Clay after he’s been promoted to post captain and given a frigate with a disaffected crew to take to the blockade of Brest. The tale flows smoothly and believably without the questions that the first volume in the series raised for me with its improbable and overdramatized conflict between Lieutenant Clay and the captain. Furthermore, it is appropriately packed with authentic action and details not only from the officers’ viewpoint but also a cast of unforgettable characters from the lower deck. The author says he’s set his sights on Patrick Obrian but he has certainly bid fair to equal C. S. Forester.
June 7, 2021
Now that I am three books into the Alexander Clay series by PHILIP K. ALLAN, the stories are reading faster since the characters are now familiar and the storylines can progress more rapidly. At the same time, the author’s writing skills are more finely tuned. ON THE LEE SHORE takes place, for most part, off the coast of France, near the port city of Brest.
Alexander Clay had returned home to England after being wounded in the battle for Vieux Fort in Saint Lucia, a French territory in the Caribbean Sea. He was visiting his widowed mother and writer/sister Betsey. Able Sedgwick, a runaway slave whom Clay had accepted as a crewmember, had accompanied Clay home because he was not safe as a runaway in the Caribbean. Clay had made Able the coxswain of his ship’s staff. Able was attending school in England with hopes to be able to write about his experience at some point.
After a few weeks of rest and recuperation, a letter comes from the Admiralty in London asking Clay to report as soon as possible. He is ready. He goes to meet Sir Charles Middleton Senior Naval Lord at the Admiralty (more on him later). Sir Charles is very friendly towards his rising star officer. He asks Alexander to go to Plymouth to take on the command of the 36-gun frigate Titan that had just had a minor rebellion that forced the former Captain Sheridan to be replaced. Never a good situation for a new captain to be in.
Captain Clay brings Sedgwick and Seamen Sean O’Malley, Adam Trevan, Joshua Rosso and Sam Evans from his former command to supplement the crew on board Titan. He also retains his cabin steward Hart and his personal servant Yates on his staff. The officers he brings are new Lieutenant Edward Preston, Charles Faulkner his former purser and Marine Lieutenant Thomas MacPherson to augment his staff officers.
Richard Sexton, a demoted Seaman, is the ringleader of the mutineers who is aided by Morris Page and Shane Kenny. In the late 1790s, the British Navy was actually a victim of mutinies that changed the way the Navy was paid and run. The frigate Titan, while on station off Brest, is a victim of a second mutiny during which one of the ship’s lieutenants was murdered.
Titan and its crew successfully capture several ships while on blockade duty at Brest. It also chases a French fleet to Ireland where more sea battles take place. The crew is now a “happy” crew as Clay and his staff transforms the ship into a well-oiled fighting machine.
On a personal note, Clay’s long separated lady friend, Lydia Browning, has returned from more than year in India with her newly widowed aunt Lady Mary Ashton. Lady Mary wants to know if Alexander is a good fit for Lydia. Mary thinks long widowed Sir Charles Middleton makes a romantic gesture towards her but finds out it is Lydia he is after. Lady Ashton rebuffs him and that is going to cause Clay some problems in the future, in my opinion.
I read this book in two sittings over a weekend. That is how good the series has become. I did not want to put the book down. If you have loved the stories about Hornblower and Bolitho or the stories of Patrick O’Brian, then these books are for you. There are now eight books available with a ninth due shortly. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
GO! BUY! READ!
Alexander Clay had returned home to England after being wounded in the battle for Vieux Fort in Saint Lucia, a French territory in the Caribbean Sea. He was visiting his widowed mother and writer/sister Betsey. Able Sedgwick, a runaway slave whom Clay had accepted as a crewmember, had accompanied Clay home because he was not safe as a runaway in the Caribbean. Clay had made Able the coxswain of his ship’s staff. Able was attending school in England with hopes to be able to write about his experience at some point.
After a few weeks of rest and recuperation, a letter comes from the Admiralty in London asking Clay to report as soon as possible. He is ready. He goes to meet Sir Charles Middleton Senior Naval Lord at the Admiralty (more on him later). Sir Charles is very friendly towards his rising star officer. He asks Alexander to go to Plymouth to take on the command of the 36-gun frigate Titan that had just had a minor rebellion that forced the former Captain Sheridan to be replaced. Never a good situation for a new captain to be in.
Captain Clay brings Sedgwick and Seamen Sean O’Malley, Adam Trevan, Joshua Rosso and Sam Evans from his former command to supplement the crew on board Titan. He also retains his cabin steward Hart and his personal servant Yates on his staff. The officers he brings are new Lieutenant Edward Preston, Charles Faulkner his former purser and Marine Lieutenant Thomas MacPherson to augment his staff officers.
Richard Sexton, a demoted Seaman, is the ringleader of the mutineers who is aided by Morris Page and Shane Kenny. In the late 1790s, the British Navy was actually a victim of mutinies that changed the way the Navy was paid and run. The frigate Titan, while on station off Brest, is a victim of a second mutiny during which one of the ship’s lieutenants was murdered.
Titan and its crew successfully capture several ships while on blockade duty at Brest. It also chases a French fleet to Ireland where more sea battles take place. The crew is now a “happy” crew as Clay and his staff transforms the ship into a well-oiled fighting machine.
On a personal note, Clay’s long separated lady friend, Lydia Browning, has returned from more than year in India with her newly widowed aunt Lady Mary Ashton. Lady Mary wants to know if Alexander is a good fit for Lydia. Mary thinks long widowed Sir Charles Middleton makes a romantic gesture towards her but finds out it is Lydia he is after. Lady Ashton rebuffs him and that is going to cause Clay some problems in the future, in my opinion.
I read this book in two sittings over a weekend. That is how good the series has become. I did not want to put the book down. If you have loved the stories about Hornblower and Bolitho or the stories of Patrick O’Brian, then these books are for you. There are now eight books available with a ninth due shortly. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
GO! BUY! READ!
October 25, 2018
A summons from the Admiralty signals the end of Captain Alexander Clay’s convalescence after being wounded in a sea battle in the Caribbean. Upon his arrival in London, he learns of the discontent rippling through the Royal Navy. The ranks are dissatisfied with their pay – which hasn’t been raised in over a century – poor rations, and no leave when ships are in port. Such disgruntlement can’t be swept under the rug either, for the crew of HM Frigate Titan took matters into their own hands. They locked up the officers and refused to obey any orders from their captain, accusing him of murder and misuse. The First Lord has decided that he needs an intelligent officer with dash to assume command of this warship and Clay is just the man.
When Clay first steps aboard the 36-gun vessel, he sees only hostile faces. Many are angry. Some are contemptuous, others indifferent. His orders are to restore order and discipline aboard Titan, but he prefers menial labor and constant drilling to achieve this, rather than the lash as his predecessor favored. Clay also permits music and other lively entertainment among the men when they’re off duty. Regardless of these easements, there are those who remain discontent. One is an officer who favors the stricter enforcement of Titan’s former commander. Among the ranks, there is a cadre of men led by Richard Sexton, an Irishman and an avid adherent of the United Irishmen. He’s not above using trickery and violence to achieve his goals, which includes once again taking control of the ship.
A few officers and a handful of men, however, know Clay and transferred with him to the Titan. Those of the lower decks discover how the United Irishmen communicate with each other when posted to different ships. They also are determined to prevent Sexton and his group from succeeding in their endeavor, especially when a message is intercepted that informs those on board the Titan that the ranks have staged a mutiny, based in Spithead, that has essentially brought the navy to a standstill at a time when they can least afford one.
Titan is one of a squadron a warships, under the command of Commodore Sir Edward Pellew, that is blockading the French navy port of Brest. Clay is tasked with making daily sails close to port to check on the comings and goings of the fishing fleet, the French navy, and any other intelligence that might be of interest. The more havoc he can cause, the better, but his daring, unconventional sorties require officers and crew to work in unity. Complicating each plan are the dangerous waters in which they patrol and the dirty weather that frequently hampers and endangers them. When a particularly violent storm scatters the fleet, Clay and his men must make the French continue to think the whole squadron remains on blockade. But the danger aboard remains and it only requires a single match to ignite.
On the Lee Shore is the third entry in the Alexander Clay series and is filled with action and peril that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Allan provides a unique perspective of the Spithead Mutiny, splitting his depiction between the points of view of the officers and the men. He deftly intertwines avarice, corruption, and mutiny, while spicing these with glimpses into the everyday lives of sailors and their personal lives both at sea and at home. There’s even a bit of romance, as Clay and Lydia Browning are finally reunited.
When Clay first steps aboard the 36-gun vessel, he sees only hostile faces. Many are angry. Some are contemptuous, others indifferent. His orders are to restore order and discipline aboard Titan, but he prefers menial labor and constant drilling to achieve this, rather than the lash as his predecessor favored. Clay also permits music and other lively entertainment among the men when they’re off duty. Regardless of these easements, there are those who remain discontent. One is an officer who favors the stricter enforcement of Titan’s former commander. Among the ranks, there is a cadre of men led by Richard Sexton, an Irishman and an avid adherent of the United Irishmen. He’s not above using trickery and violence to achieve his goals, which includes once again taking control of the ship.
A few officers and a handful of men, however, know Clay and transferred with him to the Titan. Those of the lower decks discover how the United Irishmen communicate with each other when posted to different ships. They also are determined to prevent Sexton and his group from succeeding in their endeavor, especially when a message is intercepted that informs those on board the Titan that the ranks have staged a mutiny, based in Spithead, that has essentially brought the navy to a standstill at a time when they can least afford one.
Titan is one of a squadron a warships, under the command of Commodore Sir Edward Pellew, that is blockading the French navy port of Brest. Clay is tasked with making daily sails close to port to check on the comings and goings of the fishing fleet, the French navy, and any other intelligence that might be of interest. The more havoc he can cause, the better, but his daring, unconventional sorties require officers and crew to work in unity. Complicating each plan are the dangerous waters in which they patrol and the dirty weather that frequently hampers and endangers them. When a particularly violent storm scatters the fleet, Clay and his men must make the French continue to think the whole squadron remains on blockade. But the danger aboard remains and it only requires a single match to ignite.
On the Lee Shore is the third entry in the Alexander Clay series and is filled with action and peril that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Allan provides a unique perspective of the Spithead Mutiny, splitting his depiction between the points of view of the officers and the men. He deftly intertwines avarice, corruption, and mutiny, while spicing these with glimpses into the everyday lives of sailors and their personal lives both at sea and at home. There’s even a bit of romance, as Clay and Lydia Browning are finally reunited.
May 26, 2020
Although I started to read this nearly three weeks ago, it is testament to the easy reading style and engaging story telling by Philip Allan that just three chapters in, I picked it up again and finished it in just a few hours.
The story flows well and the continuity provided by few key characters gives the book a comfortable familiarity that draws the reader in. We are, of course, interested in the career progression, the daring do and romantic interest of Clay but we are now equally engaged in the series’ minor characters that bring colour and authenticity to the yarn. Allan manages the now familiar subtle touches of contemporary nautical and social references that help the story along whilst avoiding (most) grating cliches and caricatures of late 18th century life at sea.
This is not great, high brow, classic literature but it is excellent story telling within the genre.
The story flows well and the continuity provided by few key characters gives the book a comfortable familiarity that draws the reader in. We are, of course, interested in the career progression, the daring do and romantic interest of Clay but we are now equally engaged in the series’ minor characters that bring colour and authenticity to the yarn. Allan manages the now familiar subtle touches of contemporary nautical and social references that help the story along whilst avoiding (most) grating cliches and caricatures of late 18th century life at sea.
This is not great, high brow, classic literature but it is excellent story telling within the genre.
September 16, 2018
Alexander Clay’s third adventure sees him taking on a new ship, a new crew, and a very different set of challenges. Clay must handle the mutinous crew of his new command, The Titan, while helping blockade the French in port. And that means coping with a treacherous lee shore, with the constant threat of being blown on to the rocks, even without the risks of shore batteries and raiders slipping past. Not to mention the hazards of out-of-date salt-pork procured by an unscrupulous purser...
As before, Allan expertly intertwines the multiple strands of the story, as the events of the ship are seen not only from the perspective of the Clay and his fellow officers (some of whom face their own demons) but also from the below-decks standpoint of the common sailors who sail the ship, man the guns – and get swept up in the next mutiny. Nor is Clay’s domestic life plain sailing, as the woman he wishes to marry is protected by an guardian more fearsome than a French man o’war who finds Clay less than impressive.
The writing is fluent, the action is dramatic and bloody, and the 19th century naval setting is flawless, with and nice historical touches abound. A gem for lovers of the genre.
As before, Allan expertly intertwines the multiple strands of the story, as the events of the ship are seen not only from the perspective of the Clay and his fellow officers (some of whom face their own demons) but also from the below-decks standpoint of the common sailors who sail the ship, man the guns – and get swept up in the next mutiny. Nor is Clay’s domestic life plain sailing, as the woman he wishes to marry is protected by an guardian more fearsome than a French man o’war who finds Clay less than impressive.
The writing is fluent, the action is dramatic and bloody, and the 19th century naval setting is flawless, with and nice historical touches abound. A gem for lovers of the genre.
December 12, 2018
I’m a sucker for follow-on books and series so of course, I am going to want to read On The Lee Shore. Our now post captain, Alexander Clay is back on another mission, and he now finds himself with a new ship and a new team. Long periods of time at sea often experiences drama of some kind. Whether it’s the dangers of the waters or issues with the crew. On this journey, Alexander sure finds a lot of it. Not only that but he also has a rough time with his personal life. The woman he loves and wants to marry is surrounded by those who do not like or care for Alexander and make things very difficult between them. The style in which this story is written is perfect. The historical details that Philip K. Allen has included made the story come alive. I would highly recommend this book.
Read
October 10, 2020Fantastic
I have now developed a complete and unabashed like for not only this installment of the series but for the complete series in general. While my favorite is still Dewey Lamb dog's Lawrie series this work and its brethren are NIW a close second. I absolutely love the looks into the sailors on the lower decks. Thank you Mr Allen. You did a superb job
I have now developed a complete and unabashed like for not only this installment of the series but for the complete series in general. While my favorite is still Dewey Lamb dog's Lawrie series this work and its brethren are NIW a close second. I absolutely love the looks into the sailors on the lower decks. Thank you Mr Allen. You did a superb job
September 17, 2018
This book has received a Discovering Diamonds Review:
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
"What elevates the author to the heights of Forester, Kent and O' Brian, is the magnificence of the descriptions of life at sea"
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
"What elevates the author to the heights of Forester, Kent and O' Brian, is the magnificence of the descriptions of life at sea"
May 8, 2019
Another great naval yarn
A well told yarn,off the continuing rise of Alexander Clay. Stormy weather,rebellious crew.Clay battles through all. The tale is well researched,and well told..
A well told yarn,off the continuing rise of Alexander Clay. Stormy weather,rebellious crew.Clay battles through all. The tale is well researched,and well told..
February 7, 2020
English Sailing Stories at it’s Best
Book 3 continues to entertain as we experience Alexander Clay’s exploits on English sailing ships of the 1800’s. If you enjoyed books 1 and 2 you will most likely thoroughly enjoy this third installment.
Book 3 continues to entertain as we experience Alexander Clay’s exploits on English sailing ships of the 1800’s. If you enjoyed books 1 and 2 you will most likely thoroughly enjoy this third installment.
February 9, 2020
A diverting tale
In this latest episode in the life of Alexander Clay (and numerous other supporting characters) life at sea is brought to life with the intense sea battles and the no less intense personal quandaries of the characters. An excellent book and we'll worth reading
In this latest episode in the life of Alexander Clay (and numerous other supporting characters) life at sea is brought to life with the intense sea battles and the no less intense personal quandaries of the characters. An excellent book and we'll worth reading
April 12, 2020
Another great sailing ship adventure
I have continued to enjoy many of the books of this author, Mr. Phillip K. Allen is a gifted story teller
I have continued to enjoy many of the books of this author, Mr. Phillip K. Allen is a gifted story teller
February 22, 2021
Thirst Quencher for O’Brien
Having been through the O’Brien 19 books starting with Master and Commander more than twice, Alexander Clay is a new friend.
Having been through the O’Brien 19 books starting with Master and Commander more than twice, Alexander Clay is a new friend.
March 8, 2022
Great story line
Good story line of days gone by at sea. Battle scene well described and allowed ones imagination to visualize the ships as they gave and took broadsides of cannon fire.
Good story line of days gone by at sea. Battle scene well described and allowed ones imagination to visualize the ships as they gave and took broadsides of cannon fire.
March 30, 2023
most excellent tale!
This story stands on its own I came to this genré through the master, Patrick O’Brian, as many here do. Mr Allan does Justice to his story and I’m going on to the next!
This story stands on its own I came to this genré through the master, Patrick O’Brian, as many here do. Mr Allan does Justice to his story and I’m going on to the next!
March 5, 2022
Angst.
That of course is the mindset "Pipe" must have been in. This thing reads like a Jane Austen movie. Such is life.
Go get'em Pipe.
That of course is the mindset "Pipe" must have been in. This thing reads like a Jane Austen movie. Such is life.
Go get'em Pipe.
September 1, 2023
Good reading.
It's the first time I have read anything from this author, but it will not be my last.
I come from reading Patrick O'Brien twice, so I have high standards.
It's the first time I have read anything from this author, but it will not be my last.
I come from reading Patrick O'Brien twice, so I have high standards.
January 23, 2024
Great riding and a riveting story.
As a reader of historical fiction I found this book An exciting rendering Of the period. The character development was excellent.
As a reader of historical fiction I found this book An exciting rendering Of the period. The character development was excellent.
February 5, 2024
Another great story from Philip Allan.
March 14, 2024
engrossing
Move shred along, switching back-and-forth from battle to lovers correspondence. It’s hard to imagine now being in the middle of a battle with huge guns roaring.
Move shred along, switching back-and-forth from battle to lovers correspondence. It’s hard to imagine now being in the middle of a battle with huge guns roaring.
October 28, 2022
A few pages in and interest is heightened. A new boat and a new challenge for Clay.
August 19, 2022
Of all the Clay novels, this one stands out in my mind. We have a primary antagonist with reasonable motives, understandable backstory, and (for Allan) a restrained comic villain personality. At the same time, Clay finally gets a ship that really gives him the freedom to exercise that combination of heroism, duty, and intellect that I've grown to enjoy. The supporting cast is very strong and you meet a number of great characters that set the stage for the future. For those not yet sold on Allan's works, I don't think this will really move the needle; the same blemishes (again comic villainy still crops up, and some plots wrap up too tidily)...
But for those who are fans of this series, this book should be a standout joy.
But for those who are fans of this series, this book should be a standout joy.
February 9, 2024
Once again, a good proof read by the publishing team would have been useful.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews