Review by Brian Lowen 30th July, 09
The eighth novel in the continuing sea saga of Thomas Kydd set in the late 17th century – the great age of fighting sail. He has risen throughout the previous seven books from being a pressed man – an able seaman in the Royal Navy, and has risen through the ranks until he is now Captain of his own ship, albeit a small one – a brig-sloop – HMS Teazer.
This is unusual because in those days men of noble birth could buy their way in to becoming an Officer. It was more a case then of who you knew rather than what you knew, and a person had to be of exceptional ability and have a reasonable amount of luck in getting noticed to rise up through the ranks.
In this book tensions are escalating again between England and Napolean’s France. While the Royal Navy launch rescue and reconnaissance missions on the continent, French privateer ships lurk in English waters poised to strike at British trade. Smugglers, perilous storms and a treacherous coastline all threaten to overcome HMS Teazer as her men fight to gain control of the seas around Devon and Cornwall.
Thomas Kydd’s attention however is being drawn to another Quarter. The beautiful and determined admiral’s daughter could be the key to realising all of the young captain’s hopes and ambitions. But high society, he soon realises, can be as treacherous as his first mistress – the sea.
We follow Kydd’s progress at sea as well as on land and get so involved with his love life and get so exasperated with his decisions that you keep having to stop and think – hold on, this is only a fictional story. The characters are so well drawn that you feel part of his life.
Different social classes don’t mix well, especially then, and I’m afraid we have a sad ending to the book.
The next book in the series is already published and called The Privateer’s Revenge and I’m sure it will be a good read and can be obtained from the Bourdeaux book shop.
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