Lords of the Ocean

The trilogy now becomes a "saga" with the fourth in the series of The Revolution at Sea as Nelson continues with his perspective on the American Revolution, mostly from the quarter deck of various ships. In this case it is, for the most part, the US Navy brig Charlemagne commanded by Capt. Isaac Biddlecomb. The choice of that name for a hero is of interest, as such a name sounds as though he might be happier laboring over ledgers in some accounting firm. However, Biddlecomb is a name known by many of the British officers who have crossed his path and all of whom would love to see him swinging from a yardarm or run through by their blade. Early in the book he helps General Washington out of a tough spot by providing sufficient boats (from the British Navy) to allow him to escape from a certain pounding on Long Island. It seems that Washington's bacon is often being saved by Biddlecomb in these stories. Following that, he receives an order to transport Dr. Benjamin Franklin to France. In order to do that, he must cross the ocean eluding the British Navy, following which he finds himself free to raise a bit of hell off the coast of England. The predicaments that he finds himself in are well wrapped in the historical context of the times. We all learn a bit more about Franklin's work to bring the French out of neutrality on the side of the United States and we also learn that while a cat may have nine lives, Biddlecomb has far surpassed that. Nelson writes with a sure hand about the little things of sailing in those days as well as the grand sweep of history and the reader is carried along with an intriguing look at those very important times.

Set in the 9 months following the Declaration of Independence, the story follows American Navy Captain Issac Biddlecomb as he escorts Ben Franklin to France to discuss an alliance with Britain's old adversary. While waiting for results, Issac is allowed free rein to prey on British merchants, which he does to devastating effect, making him the single most wanted man on the high seas. Greed and over-confidence prove to be Isaac's undoing and things go wrong in a big way, but the ever resourceful Isaac has ways of dealing with it. Meanwhile, skulduggery and espionage is afoot in France, with Isaac, as well as American hopes for assistance in France, as the target.All this makes for a thrilling read, as certain capture is turned into escape, daring moonlight raids are almost foiled, and bold-as-brass deception sticks it right in the eye of the British.Based on historical facts and real characters, this is a good as O'Brien's best and definitely the best yet in the Revolution at Sea saga.Once again, the author's notes give us the history behind the fiction, and a glossary of terms, plus map and diagrams of rigging and ship layout, make this a very enjoyable read.

As an officer in the United States Navy, I was often frustrated with modern naval fiction. The great writers, O'Brian and Forrester wrote about the Royal Navy and mentioned the US Navy only in passing. Thank God for James L. Nelson! Now American readers can be proud of their own great naval heritege which Nelson truly brings to life! I couldn't put Lords of the Ocean down. Filled with action,intrigue, and historical accuracy, Lords of the Ocean is a book that I will be recommending to commanding officers to put on their command reading lists.

I really enjoyed this book. I think it's probably his best work since By Force of Arms. Nelson is doing even better at character development, which makes this book a highlight for me. Not only does he bring Biddlecomb across as a very human sort of hero, he also paints a very vivid picture of many of the remaining cast of characters. His description of the on sea actions remain, as they always have been, superb. I would not have thought that a book centering around getting Benjamin Franklin to France would have been all that interesting, nor would I have thought you could work a lightning rod into a good sea story. Nelson, however, pulls both off admirably.

I love history, but I love it even more when I can get it in such a fast paced, absorbing, fictional account. From the trials and tribulations of George Washington and the Continental Army trapped on Long Island(?), to sailing the high seas with Ben Franklin and privateers led by the imaginary Capt. Biddlecomb, it doesn't get any better. I was gladly transformed back in time -- with my heart pounding, and my nostrils filling with the smells of the cool salt air, burning gunpowder and splintering pine -- as WE fought to gain just one more prize. And, oh ... don't forget the political intrigue. I've since read the other three volumes, all of which are great, but this remains my first tue love. In addition, you'll find any of these sea-faring novels much easier to read than O'Brien's. Try it.