Beyond the Reef

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. It seems that each Kent book throws in a new twist to an old theme, or sometimes a totally new theme. Prentice Kinser III, D.Min., Author of:Limitless Living, A Guide to Unconventional Spiritual Exploration and Growth

This book may not have the major fleet engagements sprinkled through it as most Alexander Kent books do, but it is not lacking in action, character development and page turnability (that feeling when you just have to read the next section to find out what's going to happen next). I first fell in love with this series of books when I was 12, and I'm most of the way through a complete read of the series in many years. These books are as fresh and enjoyable to read as the first time I picked up Sloop of War. I highly recommend this entire series to anyone who is interested in the days of fighting sails and sailors.

Anyone familiar with Alexander Kent will find a typical great book, with perfect timing, lucid descriptions, and action of that day, better than anyone else can portrait.

Vice-Admiral Richard Bolitho faces personal tradgedy, professional risk, and the lose of his best friend in life. With his beloved companion Catherine he encounters treachery and shipwreck, once again putting his leadership to the test. With Captain Keene, Allday, and traitorous crewman he pits his skills as a seaman and leader against the best to ocean has to offer. Having gone before a court-martial of Thomas Herrick to testify, his faith in his friend is at risk. Again in Antigua he must rally his piteously small fleet against a superior French force, and risk the loss of the Caribean to Napoleon. As always a tale told with wonderful detail and breadth. Second to none, in the tradition of wonderful craftsmanship and even better detail. A must read for the lovers of Richard Bolitho, and anyone else who loves a great sea adventure set in the late 17th century.