Invasion

Julian Stockwin has done it again. His character, Thomas Kydd of the British Navy survives a variety of adventures and breaks new ground in Naval fiction with story components that are striking and original. This is the tenth Kydd novel I have read and I have never been disappointed.

Again Julian Stockwin as written a great read. I finished this book inside of a week. There is interesting history to be had in reading this volume. Having recently been to Paris, I was provided with a better visualization of Renzi's time in France than would have been normal for me. I love being on the deck with Kidd and understanding the seriousness of those in England who understood the threat of French invasion and what it meant for England. I stumbled on Julian Stockwin as an author when I saw the book titled "Artemis". At the time, owning a sailboat named ARTEMIS, I had to have it. I have been very happy ever since. Since finishing the Patrick O'Brien books and following Jack Aubrey and Steven Maturin around the oceans, I relish the adventures of Kidd and Renzi. There are literary parallels. However, the differences in the characters and thier backgrounds provide a more than satisfying contrast. The writing style is different and I find it is very easy to insert myself into Kidd's and Renzi's world. I am ready for the next volume to escape back to a time I so dearly love.

I have read all the Kydd books so far and look forward to reading the next one. The Kydd nautiical books are great, with Kydd starting with being pressed to join the Navy to end up, so far as Captain. Let's have the next series to follow. Michael O'Mara

This was an Excellent, it was very difficult to put down and I would recommend this and Julian's other books to anyone, especially Ex-Navy like myself.

Having read all 10 books of this series, most of them several times, for I re-read them from the beginning whenever a new book is released, I savor the "experience" of being aboard Royal Navy sailing ships, with Kidd and Renzi, in the early part of the 19th century! Of all the seafaring writers, Stockwin is by far the most meticulously researched and he is a master of atmosphere, meticulously describing the roles of the officers and crewmen,the function of the parts of the ship,the language and attitudes of the day, the complex skills of sailing and fighting,and all the caprices of the sea itself. Told in a flowing comfortable style, with sympathetic characters, the reader sees, hears,and thoroughly feels the experience--except for getting sea sick! Above all, we understand the commitment to duty, honor, and valor that were a "given" in that era, and can understand why men did it, and embraced a very hard life so wholeheartedly, that it eventually rendered many of them unfit for life ashore. Kidd's adventures are totally credible, and interesting, as well as not being too long or tedious. We share his thoughts,his moments of self doubt, his sense of fair play and respect for his men, as well as empathy for his defeated enemy. When he is soaking wet and freezing from the cold, we suffer with him, and equally appreciate the warmth of his kicking back and enjoying a glass of fine claret. With each succeeding book, as he ages and acquires more experience in the ways of the Navy, he gains stature and polish, in part the result of his respectful friendship with the highly educated Nicholas Renzi, a complex character himself. Mr. Stockwin's books make many an author's seafaring descriptions seem totally amateurish, even when they are not loaded with inaccuracies. I only pray that Kidd does not get killed in the last book, yet to be written. Let him retire from active duty, and contain his fighting skills to problems at the Admiralty. I can't wait for the next book!