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Thomas Kydd #8
The Admiral's Daughter
In the 8th volume in the popular high-seas nautical adventure series, Thomas Kydd and Nicholas Renzi return to England in 1803 after tumultuous episodes on the other side of the world, only to find England in peril of starvation and bankruptcy. Kydd is placed back in command of his beloved vessel Teazer, but he barely has time to prep her for the sea before he is sent on an urgent mission. Smugglers, enemy privateers, and treacherous sea conditions await Kydd on his journey to northern France on the eve of war, but equally worrisome events are occurring ashore. When a growing attachment to the admiral's daughter curbs Kydd's blissful reunion with Teazer, he is forced to make a terrible decision that may cause the end of his friendship with Renzi—or the end of his naval career.
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
129 people are currently reading
248 people want to read
About the author
Julian Stockwin
52 books339 followersJulian 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
Series:
* Thomas Kydd
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
January 21, 2022
Read this book in 2007, and its the 8th volume of the wonderful "Thomas Kydd" series.
The year is AD 1803, and Thomas Kydd and his crew on board HMS Teazer are patrolling the coasts of Devon and Cornwall in search for smugglers who are lurking in these waters to bring their contraband on land.
Its also a time of escalating tensions between England and France, and that are resulting in the Royal navy organising rescue missions for spies on the continent and French privateers attacking British trade.
An important key to this story is the Admiral's Daughter, who seems more than just a beautiful woman, and that is something Thomas Kydd will find out when he's betrayed by that same woman of high society, and thus in the end she seems just as treacherous as his first mistress, the sea.
What is to follow is a very enjoyable naval adventure, although something less brilliant as its predecessors, but still a story that is brought to us by the author in his own authentic and knowledgeable fashion.
Very much recommended, for this is another excellent addition to this great series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Very Satisfying Admiral's Daughter"!
The year is AD 1803, and Thomas Kydd and his crew on board HMS Teazer are patrolling the coasts of Devon and Cornwall in search for smugglers who are lurking in these waters to bring their contraband on land.
Its also a time of escalating tensions between England and France, and that are resulting in the Royal navy organising rescue missions for spies on the continent and French privateers attacking British trade.
An important key to this story is the Admiral's Daughter, who seems more than just a beautiful woman, and that is something Thomas Kydd will find out when he's betrayed by that same woman of high society, and thus in the end she seems just as treacherous as his first mistress, the sea.
What is to follow is a very enjoyable naval adventure, although something less brilliant as its predecessors, but still a story that is brought to us by the author in his own authentic and knowledgeable fashion.
Very much recommended, for this is another excellent addition to this great series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Very Satisfying Admiral's Daughter"!
February 26, 2011
Due to the "language" I found this book rather difficult to read - and indeed, put it down for several months as a result. Here is a typical example: "See if y' can hear aught o' this smugglin' - but steer small, cuffin. They's a short wi' them as runs athwart their hawse."
Kydd's task is the prevention of privateering, piracy & smuggling but one French privateer continues to prove elusive. Meeting the Admirals beautiful daughter at a social gathering, Kydd aspires to climb the ladder of high society and is just making headway when he meets a simple country girl....
An interesting book although, aside from the "language" barrier, I found the passages of Kydd's attempts at high society a little tiresome at times.
An interesting concept (in the Hodder edition of the book) was the inclusion of the first chapter of the follow-on book .The Privateer's Revenge
Kydd's task is the prevention of privateering, piracy & smuggling but one French privateer continues to prove elusive. Meeting the Admirals beautiful daughter at a social gathering, Kydd aspires to climb the ladder of high society and is just making headway when he meets a simple country girl....
An interesting book although, aside from the "language" barrier, I found the passages of Kydd's attempts at high society a little tiresome at times.
An interesting concept (in the Hodder edition of the book) was the inclusion of the first chapter of the follow-on book .The Privateer's Revenge
September 9, 2023
While stationed along the English coastline, Commander Thomas Kydd establishes a life on shore by acquiring a residence that he shares with his scholarly friend, Mr. Renzi. Renzi tutors Kydd on the niceties of high society, which he’ll need as various invitations come his way. At one social event, he meets an admiral’s daughter who becomes enamored with him. Meanwhile, he’s chasing down pirates and smugglers along the coast. I like the personal aspect of this story that has less focus on battles and more about our hero’s character. Unfortunately, Kydd’s choices aren’t always the best ones.
November 1, 2025
Another great book in the series. I was kind of expecting it to be a little less interesting because it was more set on land than on the sea, but the topics and twists kept me hooked well enough. Kydd has to choose between two women, stop a major smuggling ring, and being the demise of an infamous privateer.
September 13, 2024
Mr Kydd is really in trouble this time and it’s not maritime trouble.
March 3, 2025
Stockwin should stick to sailing exploits. His romance plotting was right out of a daytime soap opera, predictable and disappointing.
June 1, 2022
Spoilers:
The Admiral’s Daughter is the most ambitious book in the series so far. Stockwin has a more serious go at British class distinctions and it is partially successful. The Admiral’s daughter falls for Kydd and then Kydd for her and they do a carefully choreographed dance that borders on courtship. Both Renzi and sister Caroline advise against it because of Kydd’s lack of “connections.” But when it becomes clear that the Admiral’s daughter is, in fact, serious about Kydd, they pitch in. However, Persephone (the aforementioned daughter) gives in to her mother’s distress over her daughter’s interest in a man with no connections and breaks with Kydd. One has to somewhat suspend disbelief that Kydd would have such pretentions. It’s almost like he feels compelled to go all the way to becoming a gentleman of note. His sister comes to the rescue by enlisting the help of Lord Stanhope, now a Marquis who has in tow a cabinet member. They invite the Admiral, his wife and Persephone to a gathering and, of course, the fact that a Marquis is Kydd’s guest changes the situation. The Stanhope’s seem willing participants in making lower class Kydd appear to have connections. But then Kydd did save their lives in the Caribbean and Lord Stanhope is obviously Kydd’s secret sponsor.
At the beginning of the book Kydd has been given command of Teazer again with the mission of stopping smuggling and predation along the coast. So this plot is interwoven with the romance with the Admiral’s daughter. After a storm damages Teazer, Renzi talks Kydd into a sojourn at a coastal town which is the headquarters of the smuggler chief. Kydd had already sent his old forecastle mate Stirk on an undercover mission to this area so a bit more belief suspension is required to belief that he would take a holiday there. Of course, there is a beautiful country girl who seemingly falls in love with Kydd at first sight. Kydd falls for her shortly thereafter. He then has to tell Persephone who actually takes the news quite well. Her father and the rest of the upper class don’t and Kydd’s social standing is destroyed in a minute. We also had to suspend disbelief that to grasp the idea that a ship captain would send a gunner’s mate, and former smuggler, on an undercover mission. But Stirk brings back the goods and Kydd sails into his new love’s coastal village to arrest the smuggler. Until this point his new romantic interest(Rosalyn) didn’t even know he was a ship captain. Kydd arrests the smuggler who tells him how to find Bloody Jack the French privateer captain who is actually an Englishman. Kydd kills Bloody Jack in one on one combat and returns to reunite with Rosalyn only to learn that she is dead, drowned in a shipwreck on her way to buy her wedding dress. Kydd goes to pieces. He had given up his social aspirations and now the love of his life who he had known for a few days is gone. (I am sticking with this series awhile longer although I am obviously critical. When one is listening to the audio books they are quite entertaining. The reader is first rate. I think a good reader can save an average book and make a better than average book sound excellent. It’s only when I sit down to recap that I realize what I think are deficiencies in the story. And, I am such an O’Brian fan that I find the Kydd/Renzi friendship is somewhat annoying. It is clearly derives from the the Aubrey/Maturin relationship.)
The Admiral’s Daughter is the most ambitious book in the series so far. Stockwin has a more serious go at British class distinctions and it is partially successful. The Admiral’s daughter falls for Kydd and then Kydd for her and they do a carefully choreographed dance that borders on courtship. Both Renzi and sister Caroline advise against it because of Kydd’s lack of “connections.” But when it becomes clear that the Admiral’s daughter is, in fact, serious about Kydd, they pitch in. However, Persephone (the aforementioned daughter) gives in to her mother’s distress over her daughter’s interest in a man with no connections and breaks with Kydd. One has to somewhat suspend disbelief that Kydd would have such pretentions. It’s almost like he feels compelled to go all the way to becoming a gentleman of note. His sister comes to the rescue by enlisting the help of Lord Stanhope, now a Marquis who has in tow a cabinet member. They invite the Admiral, his wife and Persephone to a gathering and, of course, the fact that a Marquis is Kydd’s guest changes the situation. The Stanhope’s seem willing participants in making lower class Kydd appear to have connections. But then Kydd did save their lives in the Caribbean and Lord Stanhope is obviously Kydd’s secret sponsor.
At the beginning of the book Kydd has been given command of Teazer again with the mission of stopping smuggling and predation along the coast. So this plot is interwoven with the romance with the Admiral’s daughter. After a storm damages Teazer, Renzi talks Kydd into a sojourn at a coastal town which is the headquarters of the smuggler chief. Kydd had already sent his old forecastle mate Stirk on an undercover mission to this area so a bit more belief suspension is required to belief that he would take a holiday there. Of course, there is a beautiful country girl who seemingly falls in love with Kydd at first sight. Kydd falls for her shortly thereafter. He then has to tell Persephone who actually takes the news quite well. Her father and the rest of the upper class don’t and Kydd’s social standing is destroyed in a minute. We also had to suspend disbelief that to grasp the idea that a ship captain would send a gunner’s mate, and former smuggler, on an undercover mission. But Stirk brings back the goods and Kydd sails into his new love’s coastal village to arrest the smuggler. Until this point his new romantic interest(Rosalyn) didn’t even know he was a ship captain. Kydd arrests the smuggler who tells him how to find Bloody Jack the French privateer captain who is actually an Englishman. Kydd kills Bloody Jack in one on one combat and returns to reunite with Rosalyn only to learn that she is dead, drowned in a shipwreck on her way to buy her wedding dress. Kydd goes to pieces. He had given up his social aspirations and now the love of his life who he had known for a few days is gone. (I am sticking with this series awhile longer although I am obviously critical. When one is listening to the audio books they are quite entertaining. The reader is first rate. I think a good reader can save an average book and make a better than average book sound excellent. It’s only when I sit down to recap that I realize what I think are deficiencies in the story. And, I am such an O’Brian fan that I find the Kydd/Renzi friendship is somewhat annoying. It is clearly derives from the the Aubrey/Maturin relationship.)
August 23, 2023
Peace does not bode well for Thomas Kydd in 1803, because he stands adrift on English soil since his return from Australia. Although pressed into the Royal Navy, it has become his life and he desperately wants to return to its fold. The peace, however, is tenuous and the powers that be in London have decided it is better to declare war anew first rather than allow Napoleon Bonaparte to proceed with his plan to dominate the world. Kydd receives a summons to appear in Plymouth, but by the time he arrives there, the admiral has few ships to offer him. He opts for one that he knows well, HM Sloop Teazer, his last command. He also secures permission for Nicholas Renzi, now a civilian, to accompany him aboard Teazer as his secretary. (A position that allows Renzi time to work on his study of natural philosophy with an aim to write a book that will shed new light on this topic.)
As the ship is readied for duty, Kydd must hurriedly set sail with less-than-a-full complement for France. It is vital that British citizens leave before Napoleon learns of the imminent declaration of war. But it is a race against time because Napoleon has already issued arrest orders for any English found in France. Through luck and ingenuity, Kydd and most of his crew escape aboard Teazer with their rescued passengers.
After returning to his new home base at Plymouth, Kydd meets with his commander, Admiral Sir Reginald Lockwood. He is in charge of protecting the coast of England, and Kydd is assigned to patrol from Weymouth to the Isles of Scilly. His primary task is to stop enemy privateers and warships from attacking coastal vessels. Secondary duties include delivering dispatches, important passengers, and unusual cargo to wherever they may be needed, as well as to work with the Revenue to stop smugglers. This is Kydd’s first time to sail in home waters, so there is a learning curve to master, and the chance for fame and glory is minimal. But this assignment allows him to be in total command, away from the watchful eye of superiors.
Privileges and responsibilities come with his new command, some of which find him not at sea but on land. As an officer in command of his own vessel, he is expected to have a real home and to entertain . . . at least this is what his sister Cecila tells him. He also needs to look to his attire; he must have suitable civilian fashion to mix and mingle at social affairs. At one of these parties, he meets Persephone Lockwood, the admiral’s daughter. They are attracted to each other, even though her family has ties to the royal court. Two problems arise as their relationship grows serious: her mother is determined to separate the lovers, and a sojourn with Renzi brings someone new, who quickly becomes an obsession, into Kydd’s life.
This eighth volume in the Kydd Sea Adventures offers readers a wealth of experiences rarely encountered in other naval adventures (a tour of Plymouth Dockyard, what occurs when a ship is caught in a ground sea, and a church service at sea). His nemeses this time around are himself, a brutal French privateer whose knowledge of England’s coast is beyond remarkable, and a mystery man who has organized the smugglers over a wide region in ways that allow them to evade capture. There is a nail-biting chase that results in a difficult choice. There are several confrontations with Renzi, one that threatens to dissolve their friendship once and for all. A dangerous mission results in friendly fire from a frigate off a treacherous section of the French coast. Someone from Kydd’s past provides surreptitious clues about how smugglers work and ventures undercover into their perilous enterprise. Readers experience the frustrating futility that Kydd and his men do as they watch a merchant ship wreck and are unable to rescue her crew. There is the promise of retribution to come, as well as devastating grief. The Admiral’s Daughter is a blend of highs and lows that will affect each reader in different ways. It is consummate storytelling that is not to be missed.
(This review originally appeared at Pirates and Privateers: http://www.cindyvallar.com/Stockwin.h...)
As the ship is readied for duty, Kydd must hurriedly set sail with less-than-a-full complement for France. It is vital that British citizens leave before Napoleon learns of the imminent declaration of war. But it is a race against time because Napoleon has already issued arrest orders for any English found in France. Through luck and ingenuity, Kydd and most of his crew escape aboard Teazer with their rescued passengers.
After returning to his new home base at Plymouth, Kydd meets with his commander, Admiral Sir Reginald Lockwood. He is in charge of protecting the coast of England, and Kydd is assigned to patrol from Weymouth to the Isles of Scilly. His primary task is to stop enemy privateers and warships from attacking coastal vessels. Secondary duties include delivering dispatches, important passengers, and unusual cargo to wherever they may be needed, as well as to work with the Revenue to stop smugglers. This is Kydd’s first time to sail in home waters, so there is a learning curve to master, and the chance for fame and glory is minimal. But this assignment allows him to be in total command, away from the watchful eye of superiors.
Privileges and responsibilities come with his new command, some of which find him not at sea but on land. As an officer in command of his own vessel, he is expected to have a real home and to entertain . . . at least this is what his sister Cecila tells him. He also needs to look to his attire; he must have suitable civilian fashion to mix and mingle at social affairs. At one of these parties, he meets Persephone Lockwood, the admiral’s daughter. They are attracted to each other, even though her family has ties to the royal court. Two problems arise as their relationship grows serious: her mother is determined to separate the lovers, and a sojourn with Renzi brings someone new, who quickly becomes an obsession, into Kydd’s life.
This eighth volume in the Kydd Sea Adventures offers readers a wealth of experiences rarely encountered in other naval adventures (a tour of Plymouth Dockyard, what occurs when a ship is caught in a ground sea, and a church service at sea). His nemeses this time around are himself, a brutal French privateer whose knowledge of England’s coast is beyond remarkable, and a mystery man who has organized the smugglers over a wide region in ways that allow them to evade capture. There is a nail-biting chase that results in a difficult choice. There are several confrontations with Renzi, one that threatens to dissolve their friendship once and for all. A dangerous mission results in friendly fire from a frigate off a treacherous section of the French coast. Someone from Kydd’s past provides surreptitious clues about how smugglers work and ventures undercover into their perilous enterprise. Readers experience the frustrating futility that Kydd and his men do as they watch a merchant ship wreck and are unable to rescue her crew. There is the promise of retribution to come, as well as devastating grief. The Admiral’s Daughter is a blend of highs and lows that will affect each reader in different ways. It is consummate storytelling that is not to be missed.
(This review originally appeared at Pirates and Privateers: http://www.cindyvallar.com/Stockwin.h...)
June 28, 2021
As usual, a lot goes on in each book. There are some boring parts which I'm not really interested in so I fast read through them but overall I really like this series.
Summary and spoiler:
The books starts off with the end of the Peace of Amiens and Kydd is miraculously given his old ship Teazer back. His job this time is to patrol the southern shores of England to protect English shipping and to try and stop smuggling.
Really don't read this if you don't want it spoiled:
One sub-story is of him trying to catch a notorious and cruel French privateer Bloody Jacques who is a good seaman and escapes him time after time and only succeeds due to a twist.
Another sub-story is catching the smuggling. Part of it is his old shipmate Toby Stirk who goes undercover and finally finds the mastermind.
Another sub-story is Kydd's love life. He meets his admiral's daughter (Persephone). She is pretty, smart, has social standing and likes him! Her mother however wants to have a better match. But Kydd, Renzi and Cecelia concoct up a plan and so that she grudgingly approves.
Also another parallel story is that of Renzi. I have to admit that I'm not a fan of this sub-story and actually am quite bored with it. His whole story is that he's been trying to find himself and part of it has him studying the local Cornish people. He takes Kydd with him and they stay at a local squire's. Here he meets his daughter (Rosalynd) and they fall in love. In fact, he comes to realize that he loves her more than the admiral's daughter. So he breaks the news to Persephone and his father vows to break his career. At that time Stirk reappears and he has news of the smuggler who gives up Bloody Jacques and that in turn saves his career.
Overall, an interesting read with lots of action and information, in this case about dockyards and smuggling. One big difference between this series and Lewrie is that Lewrie is very shallow with lots of action in easy mode. Kydd is deeper, better written and broader. Hornblower is better written than all the naval historical fiction that I've read, much better character study and concise. If Hornblower is 10/10, Kydd is 7/10 and Lewrie is 4/10.
Summary and spoiler:
The books starts off with the end of the Peace of Amiens and Kydd is miraculously given his old ship Teazer back. His job this time is to patrol the southern shores of England to protect English shipping and to try and stop smuggling.
Really don't read this if you don't want it spoiled:
One sub-story is of him trying to catch a notorious and cruel French privateer Bloody Jacques who is a good seaman and escapes him time after time and only succeeds due to a twist.
Another sub-story is catching the smuggling. Part of it is his old shipmate Toby Stirk who goes undercover and finally finds the mastermind.
Another sub-story is Kydd's love life. He meets his admiral's daughter (Persephone). She is pretty, smart, has social standing and likes him! Her mother however wants to have a better match. But Kydd, Renzi and Cecelia concoct up a plan and so that she grudgingly approves.
Also another parallel story is that of Renzi. I have to admit that I'm not a fan of this sub-story and actually am quite bored with it. His whole story is that he's been trying to find himself and part of it has him studying the local Cornish people. He takes Kydd with him and they stay at a local squire's. Here he meets his daughter (Rosalynd) and they fall in love. In fact, he comes to realize that he loves her more than the admiral's daughter. So he breaks the news to Persephone and his father vows to break his career. At that time Stirk reappears and he has news of the smuggler who gives up Bloody Jacques and that in turn saves his career.
Overall, an interesting read with lots of action and information, in this case about dockyards and smuggling. One big difference between this series and Lewrie is that Lewrie is very shallow with lots of action in easy mode. Kydd is deeper, better written and broader. Hornblower is better written than all the naval historical fiction that I've read, much better character study and concise. If Hornblower is 10/10, Kydd is 7/10 and Lewrie is 4/10.
November 21, 2024
The Admiral's Daughter by Julian Stockwin is a historical novel set during the Napoleonic era, following the story of Captain Thomas Kydd. Kydd, a naval officer, finds himself falling in love with the daughter of an Admiral, navigating both the challenges of love and the complexities of war. While the novel is rich in period detail and offers insight into the social dynamics of the time, the majority of the plot unfolds on land rather than at sea.
For fans of nautical fiction, the lack of action on the water may be a disappointment, as the book focuses more on the interpersonal and emotional struggles of its characters. The tension and drama that often come with sea battles and naval strategy are largely absent, which left me craving more of the maritime action that initially drew me to the story.
That said, I did enjoy The Admiral's Daughter for its character-driven narrative and historical context. Stockwin’s exploration of love, duty, and personal sacrifice provides an emotional depth to the plot. However, I would have appreciated more of the high-seas adventure that I expected from a book set in this era.
Overall, I would rate The Admiral's Daughter a 3 out of 5 stars. It’s an enjoyable read, but for those who love fast-paced, action-packed naval stories, this one may feel lacking.
For fans of nautical fiction, the lack of action on the water may be a disappointment, as the book focuses more on the interpersonal and emotional struggles of its characters. The tension and drama that often come with sea battles and naval strategy are largely absent, which left me craving more of the maritime action that initially drew me to the story.
That said, I did enjoy The Admiral's Daughter for its character-driven narrative and historical context. Stockwin’s exploration of love, duty, and personal sacrifice provides an emotional depth to the plot. However, I would have appreciated more of the high-seas adventure that I expected from a book set in this era.
Overall, I would rate The Admiral's Daughter a 3 out of 5 stars. It’s an enjoyable read, but for those who love fast-paced, action-packed naval stories, this one may feel lacking.
October 11, 2017
It looks like Stockwin is back on the beam with this one. Here Kydd is chasing down smugglers along the Cornwall Channel coast just as the Napoleonic wars is breaking out. As the title suggests, he gets enamored of a beautiful young woman who is the daughter of his admiral, and who belongs to a much higher social stratum than our hero's humble origins. With the help of his sister and his ever-faithful friend Renzi, Kydd makes an amazing attempt at making himself acceptable to the upper social classes in order to pursue the young lady. All this is going on while he is in command of a smallish naval vessel and he must carry out his orders at sea. The book contains several thrilling/exciting action episodes, which work very well to keep Kydd (and the reader!) focused on the main thrust of this series. There seems to be an ever-increasing number of historical novel series set during the Age of Sail, and this series definitely holds its own, with its combination of action, historical setting and detail, humor, and personal development. Very enjoyable reading!
October 22, 2019
This is not the best one in the series although there are elements that are well done. The transformation of Kydd from career naval officer to social climber is jarring but in keeping with the time in which the book is set. The setting in home waters around Penzance, Lands' End and Plymouth is well done - and now I want to visit Cornwall. But unlike some of the other books in the series, I didn't feel like I was there with Kydd - I felt like an outsider looking in.
June 27, 2022
I believe the author was attempting to “reset” the main character for some reason with this book. However, I cannot fathom as to why. There was a great deal of setup for what could have lead to a great long term story. Yet it all gets thrown out due to strange and unfathomable reasons. I was very disappointed in this tale. While there are many books in this series this one was a low point for me anyway.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2019
An interesting look at English social life and the complexity of moving between classes. Cruising the channel provides for some interesting reading. However, it begins to read a little like a romance novel in places. Helps develop the character of Kydd. Good read.
March 31, 2019
Certainly entertaining and well researched however this entry into the series had me plodding through wishing for more action. I liked the insights into upper class society and the intricacies of the era but it doth not butter me parsnips. I plan on reading the entire series.
July 13, 2020
Still love these books. I read this while traveling and it kept me on the edge of my seat. I ration these books as to not spoil my anticipation. Can't wait to read the next book.
As always the reader was awesome!
As always the reader was awesome!
November 1, 2024
A disconcerting change of subject and pace, this felt like a real change in style for the series and it was a slog to read through it. It's a shame in such a fantastic series but I almost quit reading the books because of this book.
August 14, 2017
One for the ladies perhaps. Hope the next gets back on track.
October 17, 2020
In this installment of the Kydd adventure Saga# 8The Admirals Daughter Kid becomes assigned to a duty station closer to home for a change. But it’s not all smooth sailing especially in his personal life. He becomes involved in a love triangle. Only to end up heartbroken and alone after making a heartbreaking choice
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2021
Couldn't get into it at all. It took ages to finish as well. Nothing particularly wrong with it just not something I enjoyed
Read
May 12, 2021DNF at 45%
April 20, 2023
I really did not enjoy this book. Too much time spent ashore involved in the amorous pursuit of women amidst the rules and strictures of Georgian England and not enough time spent at sea.
March 13, 2024
Quite a good story, I'd say the story takes place 50% on land and 50% at sea. Sometimes it's frustrating with the bad choices the characters make but it's a good story.
July 6, 2024
an excellent addition to the series
Perhaps a bit too much love interest and less details about the ship. However the skill of the author shows through exceptionally well.
Perhaps a bit too much love interest and less details about the ship. However the skill of the author shows through exceptionally well.
February 9, 2017
He went from rousing sea adventures to TV soap opera
May 5, 2012
Book 8 in a long running series that usually gets better and better, but not this time, for the first time we have a weaker book, a book that i cant quite get into, maybe because i dont feel that the characters i have come to know would have got into this situation, This book lost its way with i feel a need to address the personal side of Kydds life, but not tie him down and hinder the series too much... i enjoyed it but i didnt feel it.
All of this coupled with Julians obvious passion for the sea and all things nautical, this is a series that does rank up there with Forrester and O'Brian, every year i look forward to my new instalment of Kydd...but to get there you have to start at the beginning dont spoil it and come in part way.
Well recommended
(Parm)
All of this coupled with Julians obvious passion for the sea and all things nautical, this is a series that does rank up there with Forrester and O'Brian, every year i look forward to my new instalment of Kydd...but to get there you have to start at the beginning dont spoil it and come in part way.
Well recommended
(Parm)
November 23, 2015
Like the book being set in a place I'm familiar with but not happy with Kydds attempt at a love life. First he's besotted by an Admirals daughter then on page 296 he rather suddenly meets and falls in love with another woman!! I found this all totally unbelievable and am disappointed as the series so far has been a good one, though sometimes reminding me a little too much of the relationships in Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey/Maturin series. Let's hope the next one is a bit more up to Julian's excellent standard.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2016
Sorry these are non-reviews. Seventeen books in the "Kydd Sea Adventures" series. I'm enjoying them all. I retired from work on May 1st. Why not?
Onto book nine, The Privateer's Revenge
Onto book nine, The Privateer's Revenge
May 27, 2010
Kydd's relations with women are laughable. He handles every social interaction like a shoal, and comes off looking ridiculous. Also, he can't make up his mind, as we see in The Admiral's Daughter. The bits about the Cornish coast are interesting, since I have ancestors from there, but the rest of the book is annoying. Not sure if I'll finish it.
June 14, 2008
Stockwin's latest, and perhaps best. Kydd gets himself into some seriously hot water with smugglers and in affairs of the heart as well. It's hard to see how he can get himself out of this one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews