Verses in the Sand cover art

Verses in the Sand

The United Irishmen, Book 1

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Verses in the Sand

By: Darren Beaming
Narrated by: Paul Metcalfe
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About this listen

Experience the Napoleonic Wars like never before, through the eyes of two men from opposite worlds, united by fate but destined for conflict.

'Verses in the Sand' is a gripping tale of action, romance, and friendship set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars and the failed 1798 United Irishman rebellion, marking the beginning of a series that will explore British and Irish history between the years 1792 and 1815.

In the year 1799, British army captain William Mason and fiery Irish convict Sean find their fates entwined. The sole survivors of a shipwreck, they find themselves stranded on a deserted island. Despite their mutual distrust toward each other, both men realise they must cooperate to survive and over time, animosity gives way to a fragile camaraderie. To pass the time, William tutors the previously illiterate Sean in reading, arithmetic, and even French, and he discovers an astonishingly brilliant and poetic soul within the young rebel. Each evening, Sean composes exquisite poetry in the sand, reflecting on their lives. The verses vanish with the tide but leave an impression on both men.

However, the island transforms into a battlefield when Lady Elizabeth, a young English aristocrat, washes ashore. She is a captive to the enigmatic yet ruthless pirate captain, Mercier, and his sinister crew. Through several flashbacks, we witness an epic sea battle between a formidable British ship of the line and a swift French frigate — revealing the events leading up to Mercier's arrival on the island.

William and Sean are thrust into the heart of a perilous rescue mission, setting the stage for a confrontational showdown with Mercier and his menacing crew.

At its core, Verses in the Sand is a clean and wholesome romance combined with action and military history with a compelling character study that brings Sean and William to life in all their complexity.

©2023 Darren Beaming (P)2024 Darren Beaming
Action & Adventure Genre Fiction Historical Fiction War & Military Destiny Survival Military
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Listener received this title free

I haven't finished yet, but it gets more interesting every time I really like it. Totally recommended.

Really good product

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Listener received this title free

The story starts well but it really hits another level once the pirates and Lady Elizabeth land on the island. Loved the flashback chapters for Elizabeth and then Mercier. Fantastic characters, superb attention to detail and fascinating history. Such a great ending that definitely wants me wanting more. Can't wait for next book in the series!

Great Ending! Loved it

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Listener received this title free

This is an epic tale that captivates from the beginning. A story of conflict between a British Officer and an Irish Rebel. They form an unlikely bond which is built upon throughout the book.
The historical details and attention to detail make this an interesting read.
I have deducted a star for some repetition which would have reduced the overall length and made the listening more enjoyable.
Overall, a great story with a perfect narrative performance.

Epic Story

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Listener received this title free

This book throws you right into the heart of the Napoleonic Wars, but with a unique twist. You'll experience the conflict through the eyes of two men on opposite sides: a proud Irish rebel and a stoic British captain. Fate throws them together in an unexpected way – shipwrecked on a deserted island. Despite their initial distrust, a fragile camaraderie develops as they fight for survival. This unlikely bond takes center stage, forcing them to confront their own beliefs and the complex history that divides them. If nothing else, I think this book is a testament to the power of words and the stories they tell. I hope I'll read book 2.


Enjoyed every minute

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Listener received this title free

Verses in the Sand" is a captivating blend of action, romance, and history. The characters are richly drawn, and the story keeps you hooked from start to finish. I enjoyed it loads. Highly recommended!

Recommended!

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