Balkan Glory

Thomas Kydd #23

by Julian Stockwin

'Balkan Glory is an epic chapter in the splendid Kydd canon, weaving knotty political gambits with stirring naval actions, expressively re-creating the often harsh reality Jack Tars witnessed within their wooden walls during the Napoleonic Wars' - Quarterdeck

1811. The Adriatic, the 'French Lake', is now the most valuable territory Napoleon Bonaparte possesses. Captain Sir Thomas Kydd finds his glorious return to England cut short when the Admiralty summons him to lead a squadron of frigates into these waters to cause havoc and distress to the enemy.

Kydd is dubbed 'The Sea Devil' by Bonaparte who personally appoints one of his favourites, Dubourdieu, along with a fleet that greatly outweighs the British, to rid him of this menace.

At the same time, Nicholas Renzi is sent to Austria on a secret mission to sound out the devious arch-statesman, Count Metternich. His meeting reveals a deadly plan by Bonaparte that threatens the whole balance of power in Europe. The only thing that can stop it is a decisive move at sea and for this he must somehow cross the Alps to the Adriatic to contact Kydd directly.

A climactic sea battle where the stakes could not be higher is inevitable. Kydd faces Dubourdieu with impossible odds stacked against him. Can he shatter Bonaparte's dreams of breaking out of Europe and marching to the gates of India and Asia?

*************************************

Readers LOVE Balkan Glory

'I can say without a doubt Balkan Glory is Stockwin's best of the series. All these elements make it so. It's great, involving reading (I was surprised when I reached The End!). It's what makes for great historical fiction'

'By far the best of the Kydd series. Can the next one possibly be as riveting?'

'One of my must have books each year'

Genres: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Nautical

335 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2020

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 wonderful seafaring story is now the 23rd volume of the fantastic "Thomas Kydd" series, from the author, Julian Stockwin.

At the beginning of the book you'll notice several well-drawn maps which are featuring in this masterly sea-tale, followed by a Dramatis Personae, with great real historical and wonderful fictional figures.

At the end of the book you'll find a weel-defined Glossary, followed by an Author's Note, where the historical details concerning this great story are wonderfully described and explained by the author.

As always the authentic language of the great seas is ever present in this series of books, making them so unique in their own kind of fashion.

Storytelling is of a superb quality, all characters, whether they are real historical or fantastic fictional, come vividly to life within this tale of sea, battles, land, intrigue, war, and peace.

This tale is set in the year AD 1811, with its main ingredient the sea battle at Lissa in the Adriatic Sea between the British Navy, under Commodore Thomas Kydd and his squadron, against the French Navy, under Commodore Dubourdieu and his squadron.

All in all this is a fascinating story about exquisite seamanship by the British Fleet, as well as political intrigue at the Court in Vienna with Renzi and Metternich, and not to forget between England, Austria, France and Russia, while there's also wonderful and brave parts for Renzi's wife and Thomas's sister, Cecilia, as well as for Thomas Kydd's wife, Persephone, to make this tale as a whole a complete and glorious accomplishment.

Highly recommended, for this is another superb addition to this amazing seafaring "Thomas Kydd" series, and that's why I like to call this wonderful episode: "A Glorious Balkan Expedition"!

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far the best of the Kydd series. Can the next one possibly be as riveting?

[Bob Cantrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have seen some negative comments on this and the whole series on line. First things first this is a story set in a period of continual war between two nations in Europe. On one side you have the British, who see this as a fight for survival of their way of life and on the other side are the French, who see this as a struggle to spread their political views across Europe and the rest of the world. As to who are the good guys and the bad guys that I leave to you the reader. As for me this story is one man and his ship against the enemies of his nation. I have read all of the story in this series and have come away being delighted by several things.

This time was not any different for me. Thomas Kydd is given a difficult task by the Admiralty and he sets about doing it. Before it is over Kydd will lose a good friend, but will bring a new crew member aboard his ship. Nicholas Renzi, brother of Kydd, will once more step into the lion's den to seek vital information for the British government. Both men will come to rely on their wives to bring a victory against the French. This one of the things that delighted me that the women had a hand in the resolving of problem thrown by the French at the British. Yes Kydd does save the day as usual but he is well aware of the Butcher's Bill that must be paid by his men and ships.

So I say to anybody, who reads these for the first or twenty-third time remember the rules were different back then. So just enjoy a story of men, who serve King and Country. Try not to tar these story with a black mark because they are about a past world of wooden ships and sail. They are stories of men with hearts of oak.

[Alan Eggleston · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sign of a good historical fiction novel is you aren't aware you're reading history, you're enjoying reading the fiction so much. So it is with Balkan Glory, the twenty-third in the Thomas Kydd series. It is a part of the narrative arc telling the story of the British Navy's struggle to rein in Napoleon Bonaparte in his effort to conquer the world, the heart of this story taking place in the Adriatic Sea, between Italy and the Balkans. We see the action through the eyes of our action hero Captain Sir Thomas Kydd and his always intrepid frigate crew. The icing on the cake here is often-minor supporting characters get major action this time around.

Reappearing in this story is Kydd's best friend, Renzi, and his wife Cecile, who is also Kydd's kid sister. "Cec", as Kydd calls her, gets a dramatic trip through the snow-captured Alps in an attempt to save Britain from Napoleon's evil plans of expansion and experiences far more than she will ever imagine. Kydd's wife, Persephone, has accompanied Kydd to Sicily to be at his side on a mission for the first time, to be swept up into palace intrigue. Dillon, Kydd's private secretary aboard ship, but a scholar and linguist of some talent, becomes involved ashore spying on French efforts and is caught. And then there's Toby Stirk, who in Kydd's early naval career took the "younker" under his wing and taught him the ways of the sea--Stirk gets a new charge, helping a traumatized Balkan child adjust to life at sea after suffering a brutal attack by the French.

Those are great additions in this story arc. They add to the many brilliant naval battle scenes as Kydd and his crew take on the French Navy, amassing (and hiding) a fleet of prize craft, which usually mark a Thomas Kydd story. Here, they are exceptional. Julian Stockwin has added a particularly descriptive yet sensitive portrayal of the surgeon's operations below decks during battle. These aren't sensationalized but part of the context of war, making for a searing but soaring read of the sailor's and surgeon's experience. And right in the middle of it all is a young woman who wouldn't normally be aboard a ship in the heat of battle but in being so trying her best to be of help. It's almost heartbreaking what she goes through, but her service and survival are uplifting.

I can say without a doubt Balkan Glory is Stockwin's best of the series. All these elements make it so. It's great, involving reading (I was surprised when I reached The End!). It's what makes for great historical fiction.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captain Sir Thomas Kydd has one of his more critical assignments. He’s put in command of a squadron to patrol the Adriatic and harass the enemy. Known as “The Sea Devil” to the French, he is pursued toward a final battle by an admiral who’s made it his business to defeat Kydd. At stake is Napoleon’s access to India and Asia. Meanwhile, his friend Nicholas Renzi and his wife—Kydd’s sister—engage in a dangerous intelligence mission of their own. With an enemy fleet bearing down on him, can Kydd prevail and save the British trade routes? This saga continues to get better, and I liked the inclusion of Kydd’s wife and sister in this story.

[Lori Field · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another very good Kydd novel. This one included story lines for all the major characters, although the one with Persephone kind of came to an abrupt end & we don't know what ended up happening with her or Renzi - separate story lines. The abrupt demise of a character was a little annoying too. Overall, a good retelling of an incredible sea battle and events leading up to it. I guess I understand ending the book after the climactic battle, but I like stories to be wrapped up.

[Centurio52 · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very disappointing. Not much naval action in the first place. The characters in Stockwin's narratives are very sketchy. The storyline occasionally is far fetched. F.i. Renzi visits Beethoven in Vienna. There is no purpose in that and the meeting - again - is only sketchy, probably with the intention to make the story 'interesting'. I can not recommend this book, for me it was a waste of time.

[Ian Pruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my must have books each year. My only issue was having read several modern day stories during the last few weeks it was difficult at first to get back to the language of the day and to remember that radio was a long way off and everything took more time. It makes the exploits even more remarkable

[Peter Hastings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good and gets better with every book...read all 23. Well researched and

Got my nose in a paperback way back and followed his well explained (sometimes a little romantically farfetched) but his and wife’s research blended in making it a pleasant shut out of our current repetitive daily exsistance.

[Dr Robert Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another example of the skill of the author. Commendable!

Excellent! Some good twists and turns. Enough history and fact to support the storyline within. The latter books have a different layout which helps understanding of the various plots. Sadly have to wait for the next to be published but it's no doubt going to be worth it

[Charlie Shaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not much sea action. Too much land action, particularly when Renzi is involved.

[Pauline Chamberlain · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good historical novel part of a series about a sea farer fighting against Napoleon

[Shelly Lincoln · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stockwin is regaining his stride with this addition to the Kydd series. It was good to see other characters in a main role.

[Carl Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best in the Kydd series I've read - really got caught up in this one - gripping! - and such enthralling theatres of action throughout the book. Loved it!

[Oismiffy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back to the old formula. Loved it

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another enjoyable story in this series - three stories in one book, which all come together at the end.