Under Enemy Colours

This book for me had it all - drama, battles, intrigue, romance, comedy and nail biting suspense throughout. It focuses on a man who is split between England and France, and chooses his Father's native England over this Mothers homeland. Trying desperately to rise to Master and Commander he takes on a daring mission to be second in command to a captain who's reputation is nothing but glorious. He has to fight in all corners to keep himself alive but manages to pick up a number of allies as he goes along. You feel yourself feeling bitter and twisted with our hero as his luck often falls short and there is often a sense of injustice that reminds us of how hard it must have been to have not been from a rich and powerful family and to try and progress in the naval ranks.

The book itself is a true masterpiece - it doesn't focuss too much on 'geeky' Naval speak and although is discriptive the author doesn't feel the urge to show off throughout about how much they know. The characters are well definded and brilliant. The author grants us intelligence enough to not have to explain every action made or the rationale behind it and this really helps the book move very quickly. The reader of the audibook is someone I have found no better of - he was wonderful and very apt for this book.

For an American author the ending suprised me and I can only hope another book is coming as I simply can't get enough of it!

I loved this book and I can honestly say it is one of the best books I have ever read.

Very good story and very well read,

Excellent listen,this was my first audio book and i was more than happy with the experience.This book is very well read and thoroughly entertaining,would have no hesitation in recommending this audiobook to anyone.

I really enjoyed this and my dog ended up having exceptionally long walks so that I could listen to this wonderful book - the exploits of Lt Charles Hayden RN with his tyrannical useless captain. I rate this as up with the best of this genre. I can't wait to download and read the next one.

Once I started listening I had trouble getting out of the car! spending unnecessary time on the drive , eager to know what happened. Thoroughly enjoyable. the story moved along at an excellent pace

not a bad listen to kill the commute..but formulaic and could have been read better..Cpt Hart just to bad to be real.
I'm spoilt by patrick O'Brien unfortunately..nothing comes close when you've read all his books..

Fast paced adventure story of a superior kind: Well researched historically, three dimensional characters and very well read too. Highly recommended. Can't wait for the follow up!...

I am an addict to this type of historical novel, the great Patrick O'Brien, and others like Richard Woodman etc etc This is a really good book form this type of genre, from the hero's first steps onto his new ship your hooked, it has all the battles and below deck intrigue. A very well read book you forget the narrator and sale with them. finished the 14hr plus in 3 days... next instalment please

Though not having been to sea as such,save the odd cruise or two,it was not long before i felt the cold biting winds,the calling of the Gulls hovering alongside the ship,instructions being called to the ships hands,and the ever rolling and pitching of the ship.After listening to this story,i feel that i could go aboard any vessel of that period ,and be in familiar surroundings.

The story is excellent ,but what adds to the enjoyment is the narrator,Nick Boulton.Each character has a face,a voice that one can easily bring to mind as the story unfolds.

His diction is perfect.

I would recommend this story to anyone.Its easy listening,most exciting and interesting.

W Granfield .

Warrington England.

I am a big fan of Naval book and was a little worried this may not compare to the likes of hornblower and alike. I should have had no fears as this really was a good story and have already gone about getting the next book from Sean Thomas Russell!