A Tradition of Victory

I had not heard of Alexander Kent until I complained at a book store that they had no copies of Patrick O'Brian's books. The owner said, "Have you read any of Alexander Kent?" I had not, and that began a wonderful new adventure. Kent writes naval stories about the same historical time period as O'Brian, but Kent often has more action scenes, which I thoroughly enjoy. If you like O'Brian, you will love Kent. Prentice Kinser III, D.Min., Author of:Limitless Living, A Guide to Unconventional Spiritual Exploration and Growth

I just love these books. I'm half way through the series and enjoy each and every book.

Book #14 in this extensive series is no less filled with the excitement and drama of ficticious naval history. Alexander Kent pulls no punches when it comes to the not-so-romantic life at sea of the 1700-1800's. A must read for Bolitho fans. And the genius of Kent allows a reader to pick up any of the Bolitho series and read it as an individual book of interest. But be sure to read the entire series starting with book one.

. In the months before the Peace of Amiens provides a short breathing space, Richard Bolitho takes command of a blockading squadron off the Loire Estuary and, as always, is soon in the thick of action, launching attacks on French harbours and shipping. Napoleonic information technology, in the form of land-based semaphore signalling, provides a significant complication and Bolitho not only loses a ship, and a friend, but falls prisoner to the enemy. At this point one feared a repeat of the plot of Forrester's classic "Flying Colours" but Kent knows better and provides a satisfyingly different twist. The story is full of the usual action and accurate period detail. As with all the Bolitho books, much pleasure is also provided by the steady development of the other familiar characters such as Herrick, Allday, Pascoe and Inch. Now in his mid-forties, Bolitho has aged convincingly through the series and the relationships between himself and his long-time friends are depicted with considerable realism and charm. Another thoroughly enjoyable read for aficionados.

Another superb volume in the series that outshines all others in the nautical fiction genre. What makes this one special is that the reader is brought deeper into the inner selves of Bolitho, Herrick, Allday, Browne, and Pascoe. The result is the type of character development that the Aubrey/Maturin series has been primarily known for. Kent/Reeman is possibly nonpareil in taking his characters and making the reader feel that they are known as old friends and comrades would be. There are the usual great action scenes and crisp descriptions of shipboard life. It will truly be a sad day for me when I read of Bolitho's demise.