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Thomas Kydd #12
Conquest
Victory at the Battle of Trafalgar removed the spectre of invasion and England is now free to seek conquests and colonies in the furthest reaches of the world. Captain Kydd joins an expedition to take Dutch-held Cape Town, a strategic imperative to secure the rich trade-route to India. But even if the British can defeat the enemy and take possession of the capital, there is still more fighting to be done. Kydd and his men must defend the fragile colony from attacks by the enemy from all sides, while braving the wild beasts and hostile environment of Africa's vast and savage hinterland.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
114 people are currently reading
258 people want to read
About the author
Julian Stockwin
52 books336 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 34 reviews
January 22, 2022
Read this book in 2011, and its the 12th volume of the great "Thomas Kydd" series.
In this tale after the victory at the Battle of Trafalgar, but with the great loss of Admiral Nelson, England is now free to roam the world for more conquests and colonies around the world.
One of these conquests will be Cape Town (Kaapstad in Dutch), and its there that Thomas Kydd and his crew's next mission will be.
This Cape Town is a strategic place to secure the rich trade-route to India, but not only the Dutch will form an obstacle but also the locals in this African hinterland, while also the wild beasts from that land will form dangerous opponents.
What is to follow is a marvellous naval and land adventure, in which Kydd and his men will encounter new surroundings and dealings with the people in this South African land, and all this is brought to us by the author in his own knowledgeable and authentic fashion.
Highly recommended, for this is another amazing addition to this terrific series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Captivating Conquest"!
In this tale after the victory at the Battle of Trafalgar, but with the great loss of Admiral Nelson, England is now free to roam the world for more conquests and colonies around the world.
One of these conquests will be Cape Town (Kaapstad in Dutch), and its there that Thomas Kydd and his crew's next mission will be.
This Cape Town is a strategic place to secure the rich trade-route to India, but not only the Dutch will form an obstacle but also the locals in this African hinterland, while also the wild beasts from that land will form dangerous opponents.
What is to follow is a marvellous naval and land adventure, in which Kydd and his men will encounter new surroundings and dealings with the people in this South African land, and all this is brought to us by the author in his own knowledgeable and authentic fashion.
Highly recommended, for this is another amazing addition to this terrific series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Captivating Conquest"!
October 25, 2018
This was fantastic... bring on the next one! 4.75 Stars!
July 17, 2012
I picked up this book as I was searching for some information on the British takeover of Dutch South Africa in the early 1800s. I was also looking for a jolly good adventure to bring that period alive. On the first count, I was lucky; there is a lot of historical detail here, factual and fictional; but on the second, I lucked out as that same level of detail and the pre-occupation with nautical intricacies trumps what could have been a very good story.
Given that this is about the twelfth novel in the Kydd series, the heroes Kydd and his confidential secretary, Renzi, must be well entrenched with their readership. But being my first read, I was looking for some depth in these men; all I saw were master calculators, incapable of fear or doubt, incessantly plotting their next moves; only Renzi shows a bit of emotion when he contemplates asking for the hand of Cecilia, Kydd’s sister, in marriage.
The plot centres around the British flotilla that sets out in the aftermath of the Battle of Trafalgar to expand the British Empire, now that the Brits have their nemesis across the Channel on the defensive. First stop: Cape Town, which is still ruled by the declining Dutch who are in turn under the protection of Napoleonic France since they were overtaken at home and rechristened the Batavian Republic. The British gain quick advantage as the Dutch army retreats into the mountains surrounding the Cape and the incumbent governor surrenders. Renzi is appointed acting colonial secretary and adopts a policy of minimum change and involvement, in exchange for taxes, to get the local populace onside. There is a rumour however that the French are mustering a land and sea attack on Cape Town to re-take the colony. Our heroes set off to find out how and where: Renzi going overland into the interior to visit his constituents and make enquiries, and Kydd patrolling the coast around Cape Town. Both finally stumble on the plot in their own way and their paths converge as they attempt to wrest this new threat to the burgeoning British Empire.
The novel is ripe with information of the perils encountered when sailing in convoy or on patrol in foreign seas; of storms, enemy ships, treacherous waters and hostile coasts. It diligently covers life in Cape Town at the dawn of the 19th century and is very detailed on sea manoeuvres, land battles and the politics of the period. There is even a chapter on the funeral ceremony of Admiral Lord Nelson in England, which has no bearing on the story at all other than to symbolize the glory of Empire, a cause these men willingly give their lives for.
As the French plot emerges, the novel takes on a James Bond type flavour, replete with the criminal mastermind giving the captured Renzi a detailed overview of plans for the assault to take back Cape Town. One is left twittering one’s thumbs waiting for the hero to turn the tables on the villain supported by the cavalry (in this case the navy, led by Kydd) that arrives in the nick of time.
A book heavy on plot and detail, but thin on character, such as this, makes for a quick read and does not leave one with the delectable aftertaste of contemplation.
Given that this is about the twelfth novel in the Kydd series, the heroes Kydd and his confidential secretary, Renzi, must be well entrenched with their readership. But being my first read, I was looking for some depth in these men; all I saw were master calculators, incapable of fear or doubt, incessantly plotting their next moves; only Renzi shows a bit of emotion when he contemplates asking for the hand of Cecilia, Kydd’s sister, in marriage.
The plot centres around the British flotilla that sets out in the aftermath of the Battle of Trafalgar to expand the British Empire, now that the Brits have their nemesis across the Channel on the defensive. First stop: Cape Town, which is still ruled by the declining Dutch who are in turn under the protection of Napoleonic France since they were overtaken at home and rechristened the Batavian Republic. The British gain quick advantage as the Dutch army retreats into the mountains surrounding the Cape and the incumbent governor surrenders. Renzi is appointed acting colonial secretary and adopts a policy of minimum change and involvement, in exchange for taxes, to get the local populace onside. There is a rumour however that the French are mustering a land and sea attack on Cape Town to re-take the colony. Our heroes set off to find out how and where: Renzi going overland into the interior to visit his constituents and make enquiries, and Kydd patrolling the coast around Cape Town. Both finally stumble on the plot in their own way and their paths converge as they attempt to wrest this new threat to the burgeoning British Empire.
The novel is ripe with information of the perils encountered when sailing in convoy or on patrol in foreign seas; of storms, enemy ships, treacherous waters and hostile coasts. It diligently covers life in Cape Town at the dawn of the 19th century and is very detailed on sea manoeuvres, land battles and the politics of the period. There is even a chapter on the funeral ceremony of Admiral Lord Nelson in England, which has no bearing on the story at all other than to symbolize the glory of Empire, a cause these men willingly give their lives for.
As the French plot emerges, the novel takes on a James Bond type flavour, replete with the criminal mastermind giving the captured Renzi a detailed overview of plans for the assault to take back Cape Town. One is left twittering one’s thumbs waiting for the hero to turn the tables on the villain supported by the cavalry (in this case the navy, led by Kydd) that arrives in the nick of time.
A book heavy on plot and detail, but thin on character, such as this, makes for a quick read and does not leave one with the delectable aftertaste of contemplation.
August 10, 2016
Another one bites the dust. Onto thirteen in the series: Betrayal
November 18, 2023
Soon after the victory at Trafalgar and the death of Lord Horatio Nelson, the Russian tsar and the Austrians capitulate, leaving the Coalition against Napoleon Bonaparte in ruins and Britain once again alone in her struggle against the French. Having escorted Nelson’s body home, Thomas Kydd and his men expect to join the nation in mourning their beloved hero. The Admiralty has other plans. L’Aurore is to rendezvous with Commodore Home Popham. No other information is provided; simply get to Madeira as quickly as possible.
Kydd dislikes being kept in the dark, but the need goes far beyond whatever he may imagine. Napolean began the race for empire, but now that Britain rules the seas, it is time for her to launch her own imperial expansion. The first objective is to take command of Cape Town in south Africa, settled by the Dutch who are now allied with the French.
To maintain secrecy, the fleet sails westward to Brazil, but all does not go as planned. Kydd’s frigate escorts the slower transport ships, while the rest of the fleet continues on as planned. In the dark of night, the dreaded call of “Breakers!” is heard. No sooner is that danger processed than Kydd realizes there is also land to their other side. Trapped with no idea as to where they are and how to extricate themselves from this dangerous situation, Kydd anchors and warns the rest of his flock to do the same. Dawn reveals that not all the ships in his care have weathered as well, so by the time they finally arrive in African waters, the army’s horses, men, and artillery are greatly depleted. Still, there is little else to do but carry on and Kydd is assigned as naval liaison, which means he must go ashore and witness the battle rather than being an active participant – a fact that greatly chafes.
Despite their small amphibious force, the British succeed, almost too easily. It doesn’t take long to discover why the town capitulates so easily – there is but a few days’ worth of food left and starvation threatens. With the help of Nicholas Renzi as Colonial Secretary, General Baird begins work as the new governor. The townsfolk must be won over and there is still the Dutch army who has retreated to a mountain stronghold to deal with. And any day now, French squadrons that patrol the waters around Africa and the Indian Ocean are certain to launch their own attack to reclaim Cape Town for their emperor.
On one coastal patrol, Kydd and his men happen upon a shipwreck with seemingly only one survivor. With the help of a translator, it is soon revealed that others set off on foot. Knowing the dangers these stalwart individuals face, Kydd is determined to find them before they all are lost. That kindness is later returned when information about an impending attack leads Renzi to trek into the wild bush in hopes of verifying the existence of this secret army, while Kydd risks a court-martial and the loss his men’s respect when he abandons a sea fight to discover the true reason for the enemy frigate’s dogged pursuit of them.
This twelfth installment in the Thomas Kydd series provides an exotic locale that is vividly recreated by Stockwin. The perils and beauty are keenly experienced, and the adventures, both at sea and on land, are riveting. There is the mysterious warning of the Ox-eye, a reunion with a circus strongman from Kydd’s past, a reclusive French woman, and a battle in which camels and a fog-horn play key roles. Treachery and intrigue abound, leaving Kydd and Renzi, as well as readers, wondering who to trust. Conquest is thrilling adventure with high stakes that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.
(This review was originally published at Pirates and Privateers: http://www.cindyvallar.com/Stockwin.h...)
Kydd dislikes being kept in the dark, but the need goes far beyond whatever he may imagine. Napolean began the race for empire, but now that Britain rules the seas, it is time for her to launch her own imperial expansion. The first objective is to take command of Cape Town in south Africa, settled by the Dutch who are now allied with the French.
To maintain secrecy, the fleet sails westward to Brazil, but all does not go as planned. Kydd’s frigate escorts the slower transport ships, while the rest of the fleet continues on as planned. In the dark of night, the dreaded call of “Breakers!” is heard. No sooner is that danger processed than Kydd realizes there is also land to their other side. Trapped with no idea as to where they are and how to extricate themselves from this dangerous situation, Kydd anchors and warns the rest of his flock to do the same. Dawn reveals that not all the ships in his care have weathered as well, so by the time they finally arrive in African waters, the army’s horses, men, and artillery are greatly depleted. Still, there is little else to do but carry on and Kydd is assigned as naval liaison, which means he must go ashore and witness the battle rather than being an active participant – a fact that greatly chafes.
Despite their small amphibious force, the British succeed, almost too easily. It doesn’t take long to discover why the town capitulates so easily – there is but a few days’ worth of food left and starvation threatens. With the help of Nicholas Renzi as Colonial Secretary, General Baird begins work as the new governor. The townsfolk must be won over and there is still the Dutch army who has retreated to a mountain stronghold to deal with. And any day now, French squadrons that patrol the waters around Africa and the Indian Ocean are certain to launch their own attack to reclaim Cape Town for their emperor.
On one coastal patrol, Kydd and his men happen upon a shipwreck with seemingly only one survivor. With the help of a translator, it is soon revealed that others set off on foot. Knowing the dangers these stalwart individuals face, Kydd is determined to find them before they all are lost. That kindness is later returned when information about an impending attack leads Renzi to trek into the wild bush in hopes of verifying the existence of this secret army, while Kydd risks a court-martial and the loss his men’s respect when he abandons a sea fight to discover the true reason for the enemy frigate’s dogged pursuit of them.
This twelfth installment in the Thomas Kydd series provides an exotic locale that is vividly recreated by Stockwin. The perils and beauty are keenly experienced, and the adventures, both at sea and on land, are riveting. There is the mysterious warning of the Ox-eye, a reunion with a circus strongman from Kydd’s past, a reclusive French woman, and a battle in which camels and a fog-horn play key roles. Treachery and intrigue abound, leaving Kydd and Renzi, as well as readers, wondering who to trust. Conquest is thrilling adventure with high stakes that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.
(This review was originally published at Pirates and Privateers: http://www.cindyvallar.com/Stockwin.h...)
May 21, 2023
On the positive side, this is one of the first of the Kydd series books I've noticed in which maps, nautical charts and a cast of characters were included. All were helpful because I often start looking up historical figures and places as I'm reading his books. Stockwin goes the extra mile on researching his books and places his fictional characters in believable circumstances with real life historical figures and events. I also like that he included a romantic interest in this book because they've been few and far between. But for me, this was not one of Stockwin's better Kydd series books. It dwelled too much on colonial government machinations and land battles for my tastes. Just give me the broadside-to-broadside or cutting out nautical action sprinkled with a love interest or two to give the main characters of Kydd and Renzi some depth. Looking forward to reading the next book in the Kydd series.
February 9, 2020
This is a very interesting entry in the Kydd series. It covers the time of the British taking over the Capetown (South Africa) colony from the Dutch, shorty after the great sea battle of Trafalgar. Kydd is up to his usual heroics as he works to protect the newly-won colony from the French, in the process getting involved with a beautiful (of course!) French loyalist woman. Renzi gets detached from Kydd and the ship to become the acting Colonial Secretary, a position he fits very well. No major sea battles between fleets in this book, but there is enough action to satisfy any fan of this series. This entry is a welcome break in the long saga of major collisions between British and French naval forces. Based on historical fact, the book is very interesting and covers a series of events most people (particularly Americans) are ignorant of.
July 10, 2021
Spoilers ahead:
In this book Stockwin inserts Tom Kydd into the British attack and occupation of Cape Town from the Dutch which at this time was under Napoleon's thumb and therefore a British enemy. I didn't know much about this event so I learned a lot from reading this book and looking up articles on the people and the actual event.
I gave this book a low rating because tying Tom Kydd to an actual historical event also restricts the plot line. The action in this book isn't bad and a lot goes on but I'm here not to read about history but fiction. And I think Stockwin spent too much effort into making this accurate rather than making this book entertaining, hence the low rating.
In this book Stockwin inserts Tom Kydd into the British attack and occupation of Cape Town from the Dutch which at this time was under Napoleon's thumb and therefore a British enemy. I didn't know much about this event so I learned a lot from reading this book and looking up articles on the people and the actual event.
I gave this book a low rating because tying Tom Kydd to an actual historical event also restricts the plot line. The action in this book isn't bad and a lot goes on but I'm here not to read about history but fiction. And I think Stockwin spent too much effort into making this accurate rather than making this book entertaining, hence the low rating.
January 23, 2024
The English invade Cape Town to wrestle control from the Dutch in an effort to expand the empire. Captain Thomas Kydd commands a frigate and is an integral part of the action. But all does not rest easy among the displaced factions. Meanwhile, Tom’s friend, Nicholas Renzi, is striving to make a living so he can propose to his beloved Cecelia, who happens to be Tom’s sister. When he’s appointed as interim colonial secretary to the new governor, he finally hopes for a secure future. That is, until he and Tom discover a plot to overthrow the provisional government. The strong focus, likeable characters, and descriptive action keeps the tension tight throughout the story.
March 18, 2024
Captain Thomas Kidd is in Capetown dealing with the newly founded British colony and the many problems of establishing peace. His close friend Renzi is also in the area trying to establish the government and, in his way, do some intelligence work in the process. I am just pinning down the progress of these novels...s0me 23 on total and I am halfway through. If you are considering starting this series I strongly recommend working in order. I am in for the duration. It has been along time since I have found the like of Patrick Obrien and other contributors to this genre. Go for a sail yourself!
March 15, 2019
Now that the French don't pose the imminent threat that they were before the Battle of Trafalgar, Kydd heads to South Africa. The portrayal of the fall of Cape Town, seems somewhat lighter than other accounts, but still interesting. South African history is very interesting and keeps this story intriguing. A good addition to the series. Recommend.
June 10, 2020
Another great entry in this series about Britain's naval fleet during the Napoleonic years. This one picks up the story post-Trafalgar with the death of Lord Nelson during the battle and finds Kydd heading for Africa to expand the British Empire into Cape Town. These are entertaining novels, filled with history and historical context - well worth reading.
April 11, 2023
After the Battle of Trafalgar, Kydd and his ship are sent to Cape Town South Africa to help conquer the land from the Dutch who were allied with France. The capture of Cape Town happens easily, but then the complications begin. Renzi is appointed as interim Colonial Secretary, which is a post just below the Governor. Much intrigue and some sea battles. Very enjoyable.
December 27, 2017
Después de la victoria de la armada británica en Trafalgar frente a las tropas combinadas de Francia y España, se inició la carrera por dominar las colonias francesas en todo el mundo, comenzando por la colonia de El Cabo, en poder de los holandeses, en ese momento aliados de Napoleón.
August 2, 2018
Back in the true swing of things
Stock win has struck back with a much more interesting tale for Kydd and Renzi in this book. Cape Town makes a great setting for this struggle. Looking forward to the next tale.
Stock win has struck back with a much more interesting tale for Kydd and Renzi in this book. Cape Town makes a great setting for this struggle. Looking forward to the next tale.
March 9, 2024
Although this book started off in a rousing way once the tale became land bound it also became a bit predictable and unbelievable. I do tend to like my fiction to read like non-fiction and my non-fiction to read like fiction.
May 6, 2024
Another good Kydd adventure. Following Trafalgar, they are sent to Cape Town to try and get the colony for the British Empire. Kydd and the ship have several different adventures fighting against he Dutch and the French while Renzi is working as Colonial secretary.
May 31, 2019
This is one of the better of the series and a worthy read.
July 3, 2021
Always a fantastic read!
August 30, 2021
Julian Stockwin never disappoints. A bloody good adventure and read.
November 23, 2021
Fine. Nothing more, nothing less. Harmless, quick adventure read. Predictable plot.
August 31, 2022
A good read - action packed historical fiction.
August 13, 2017
The involvement of Kydd is somewhat diminished with Renzi definitely stealing the show for most of the book
August 29, 2011
This review also appears on Joe Follansbee's blog.
Dramatic retellings of the struggle between Great Britain and France under Napoleon often end with Nelson’s victory at Trafalgar, as if everything naval in the Napoleonic Wars that happened after the great battle was hardly more than a long epilog. But as author Julian Stockwin and many historians see it, the battle opened the gates to a worldwide empire, and in Conquest, Stockwin puts his hero, Capt. Thomas Kydd, at the spearhead.
Kydd, his best friend Nicholas Renzi, and the crew of the frigate L’Aurore join an historic 1806 British expedition to seize the Dutch colony of Cape Town, near the Cape of Good Hope. The Dutch—under the thumb of the French—send out a force of local militia and mercenaries to meet British regulars at a place called Blaauwberg, where the Dutch are defeated by the redcoats. The British (with Kydd along as a naval observer in Stockwin’s story) conquer Cape Town with hardly a shot fired, and the century-plus history of British domination of the region begins.
Stockwin treats the story of the British conquest of Cape Town, at least from Kydd’s point of view, as Britain’s opening move in the European race to empire. In reality, it was just one stop in a long march toward European, particularly British, domination of Africa and beyond. The characters express the common hypocrisy of conquerors; they were serving a higher purpose (their country’s safety) in taking by force what wasn’t theirs. What’s more striking is the Dutch burghers’ almost complete acceptance of their fate; as Stockwin interprets it, flying the Union Jack was good for business. Furthermore, the decision-makers see themselves as wise, just, and merciful, never mind they just killed more than 350 defenders at Blaauwberg. Apparently, these unfortunate souls got in the way of what Americans would later call “manifest destiny.”
Stockwin invents an engaging, well-paced adventure which pits Renzi against a mysterious and beautiful French noblewoman. But the author misses a better storytelling opportunity that could have balanced a somewhat lopsided narrative. We hear almost nothing directly in Conquest from the true-life antagonist in this incident, Jan Willem Janssens, the Dutch governor of the colony. As commander of its military, he withdraws after the Battle of Blaauwberg with his ragtag army to the hinterland. Who was this man? Why didn’t he surrender quickly, as other commanders under him did? In another universe, Janssens might have started a guerrilla war against the British, if only Renzi and Kydd hadn’t stopped him. But that fiction will need to wait for another book.
Dramatic retellings of the struggle between Great Britain and France under Napoleon often end with Nelson’s victory at Trafalgar, as if everything naval in the Napoleonic Wars that happened after the great battle was hardly more than a long epilog. But as author Julian Stockwin and many historians see it, the battle opened the gates to a worldwide empire, and in Conquest, Stockwin puts his hero, Capt. Thomas Kydd, at the spearhead.
Kydd, his best friend Nicholas Renzi, and the crew of the frigate L’Aurore join an historic 1806 British expedition to seize the Dutch colony of Cape Town, near the Cape of Good Hope. The Dutch—under the thumb of the French—send out a force of local militia and mercenaries to meet British regulars at a place called Blaauwberg, where the Dutch are defeated by the redcoats. The British (with Kydd along as a naval observer in Stockwin’s story) conquer Cape Town with hardly a shot fired, and the century-plus history of British domination of the region begins.
Stockwin treats the story of the British conquest of Cape Town, at least from Kydd’s point of view, as Britain’s opening move in the European race to empire. In reality, it was just one stop in a long march toward European, particularly British, domination of Africa and beyond. The characters express the common hypocrisy of conquerors; they were serving a higher purpose (their country’s safety) in taking by force what wasn’t theirs. What’s more striking is the Dutch burghers’ almost complete acceptance of their fate; as Stockwin interprets it, flying the Union Jack was good for business. Furthermore, the decision-makers see themselves as wise, just, and merciful, never mind they just killed more than 350 defenders at Blaauwberg. Apparently, these unfortunate souls got in the way of what Americans would later call “manifest destiny.”
Stockwin invents an engaging, well-paced adventure which pits Renzi against a mysterious and beautiful French noblewoman. But the author misses a better storytelling opportunity that could have balanced a somewhat lopsided narrative. We hear almost nothing directly in Conquest from the true-life antagonist in this incident, Jan Willem Janssens, the Dutch governor of the colony. As commander of its military, he withdraws after the Battle of Blaauwberg with his ragtag army to the hinterland. Who was this man? Why didn’t he surrender quickly, as other commanders under him did? In another universe, Janssens might have started a guerrilla war against the British, if only Renzi and Kydd hadn’t stopped him. But that fiction will need to wait for another book.
February 8, 2013
I believe my last review of a book in this series I faulted the author for making the sidekick, Renzi, resort to the cliche of spy. Further he also was rather a milksop where before he had been a pillar of strength for the hero, Thomas Kydd.
Well that has changed. Renzi emerged from the shadows and did something worthwhile. I hope that he will continue to do so. As for the rest of the tale, well we see see a great piece of history but I seem to feel that we are being given a little less than a full story once more.
Perhaps Julian is not spending as much time as he should at his computer writing. Where was a great naval action. The one that there is, Kydd runs away in the middle giving us tension and drama, but in this sea tale, not enough of cannons, and boarding action.
There are a great deal of historical significance, but each time it comes to a fight, it seems this is rather glossed over, and here we also have a land action that could fill the pages.
Something seems to have gone missing. Stockwin still ranks above O'Brien in my thought, but this one is good for everything that doesn't happen on the sea, and shouldn't we see more of what does.
Well that has changed. Renzi emerged from the shadows and did something worthwhile. I hope that he will continue to do so. As for the rest of the tale, well we see see a great piece of history but I seem to feel that we are being given a little less than a full story once more.
Perhaps Julian is not spending as much time as he should at his computer writing. Where was a great naval action. The one that there is, Kydd runs away in the middle giving us tension and drama, but in this sea tale, not enough of cannons, and boarding action.
There are a great deal of historical significance, but each time it comes to a fight, it seems this is rather glossed over, and here we also have a land action that could fill the pages.
Something seems to have gone missing. Stockwin still ranks above O'Brien in my thought, but this one is good for everything that doesn't happen on the sea, and shouldn't we see more of what does.
May 7, 2012
Every year i eagerly await the next installment of Kydd and his sidekick Renzi, this year was no exception.
Conquest ticks all the usual boxes for our duo, unrelenting plot and pace, but always told with passion and historical depth, here is a writer who not only knows his subject but loves it.
After the victory at Trafalgar such a double edged moment for Kydd and England, a great victory but with the great loss of Nelson, what would lie in store?... plenty, this is the dawn of Empire, when Britain truly starts to flex its might and our duo set off in command of the 32-gun frigate L'Aurore to support the capture of Cape Town, we get to see more of the fantastic Renzi in this book, an the blending of fact and fiction, the mix of characters and well researched locations, you feel transported in time and space...the book is a mini tardis.
i loved every page... dont miss this and like me get your order in for book 13
{Parm}
Conquest ticks all the usual boxes for our duo, unrelenting plot and pace, but always told with passion and historical depth, here is a writer who not only knows his subject but loves it.
After the victory at Trafalgar such a double edged moment for Kydd and England, a great victory but with the great loss of Nelson, what would lie in store?... plenty, this is the dawn of Empire, when Britain truly starts to flex its might and our duo set off in command of the 32-gun frigate L'Aurore to support the capture of Cape Town, we get to see more of the fantastic Renzi in this book, an the blending of fact and fiction, the mix of characters and well researched locations, you feel transported in time and space...the book is a mini tardis.
i loved every page... dont miss this and like me get your order in for book 13
{Parm}
November 17, 2015
One of the weakest books in the series so far. Lots of droning, expository dialogue while we are essentially present in someone's meeting (I don't like being present in my own meetings...) and very little action. THe action sequences were nice but I wish they had been more than the last fourth of the book. The "intrigue" could have been taken much further.
I really liked Kydd as a character, but he has been a lot more one-dimensional of late - no inner conflicts, no real professional conflicts, his relationship with Renzi not acting as any kind of foil, no action... And Renzi is just starting to get annoying.
I really liked Kydd as a character, but he has been a lot more one-dimensional of late - no inner conflicts, no real professional conflicts, his relationship with Renzi not acting as any kind of foil, no action... And Renzi is just starting to get annoying.
January 2, 2012
Liked this one! Good naval action, less of Renzi's soul searching, which has slowed down other books.
SPOILER!!
Really liked the improbable ending -how Renzi and Kydd met up somehow in the vastness of Africa, the foghorn, etc. With regard to the ladies, Kydd is becoming much more the man about town but still manages to have bad luck with his women, poor guy!
SPOILER!!
Really liked the improbable ending -how Renzi and Kydd met up somehow in the vastness of Africa, the foghorn, etc. With regard to the ladies, Kydd is becoming much more the man about town but still manages to have bad luck with his women, poor guy!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2012
The latest Julian Stockwin novel in his Thomas Paine Kydd series. The quality has been uneven in his last few books, and my English friend doesn't think this is up to the early Kydd stories. We'll find out.
well, we found out. Not up to snuff. Paper thin plotting. Disappointing.
well, we found out. Not up to snuff. Paper thin plotting. Disappointing.
Read
August 16, 2011In the vein of Kydd novels and a good read but the characterisation is now sketchier than in the earlier books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews