The Launch of a Top-Notch Series

This is where it all start for Thomas Payne Kydd, a wigmaker from Guildford who is press-ganged into service with Her Majesty's Navy. What ensues from here is a long-running series of genuine quality by an author who not only writes a thrilling yarn with engaging characters but who also knows his subject in great depth.

This novel introduces Kydd in the hardest of circumstances as a pressed man and follows him as he struggles to come to terms with a life at sea and the brutal rules that apply to it. It also introduces the highly enigmatic Nicholas Renzi.

As a first book in the series it is not without its issues. The naval terminology is borne from deep knowledge but can confuse the layman (like me) at times. The book is fairly derivative of other naval historical fiction and the characters clearly need more investment before we see them become fully rounded. Though in fairness, the character of a pressed man would be either one of a defeated man from the start or would take time to develop.

This may sound slightly critical but peruse the reviews of the rest of the series and it's easy to see the quality that Stockwin brings to bear. The book itself is still highly enjoyable. What is undoubted though is that Christian Rodska hits the right tone right from the very beginning and does a superb job of the narration.

This has become one of my favourite series in the genre. If the above seems critical and you like this kind of fiction I would say don't be put off. This is just the beginning and when all is said it's a more than decent start!

22 people found this helpful

Hooked

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes I would..

Exciting start got me hooked, it is much like Hornblower, also Rodska is perfect for the reading. Although when he is narrating he sometimes uses the character voice, mildly amusing but does not spoil the feel of the storyline.......

Who was your favorite character and why?

Undecided, one of my favourite characters was killed of too early...

What does Christian Rodska bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

He brings life and images too all the characters, he is why I went from Hornblower to Kydd, I am Ex-Army so a nautical novel was far from my liking, but now I am hooked....

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Knowing some of the characters are in future books it is hard to feel too much when a character is going through a possible hazardous situation.

Any additional comments?

Looking forward to my next book.

5 people found this helpful

OK beginnings

I am a huge Aubrey/Maturin fan and this books main strength is to approach life at sea from the perspective of a foremast Jack. It is technically as good as any but not polished and full of plot twists that make you shake your head. The performance is very good with excellent characterisation and I am hoping book two will rely more on polished story telling than convenient occurrences.

1 person found this helpful

enjoyable

first book in the series and very much enjoyed it, hoping the rest are as good

1 person found this helpful

Kydd

well and truly hooked on the writings of Julian Stocks in, especially Kydd series, bought the lot of them

1 person found this helpful

fantastic book ,very well read by Christian rodska

fast gripping naval story. it had me on the edge of my seat. highly recommend.

1 person found this helpful

Sean

The story was very good a bit like a Sharpe of the Sea. If you have read Hornblower you will enjoy the setting and characters. However the excellent narration by Christian Rodska makes listening an absolute pleasure. I just hope the exciting storyline is maintained through the other novels. Starting the next novel straight away.

1 person found this helpful

Disjointed Story telling with no real ending

Had potential but it's like the author didn't know how to bring any of the sub plots to a satisfactory end, then gave up on the end itself.

1 person found this helpful

excellent start to a promising Series

After completing the series of "Hornblower" Novels i have now moved on to the "Thomas Kydd" series . The fiest book was excellent , the charactors have plenty of depth, i was delighted to see this is a large series of Novels which i am looking forward to Listening too. ( I drive in heavy traffic to work each day , a 97km journey each way, listening to audible books has made my trip bearable)

1 person found this helpful

Excellent way to follow up the Hornblower series

After finishing the Hornblower books, now my favourite all time books. This is a great way to quench my thirst for naval action.

1 person found this helpful