The Valiant Sailors

I enjoyed the book but wish the main character had been fleshed out a bit more and a bit more naval details. All and all a worthwhile read. Would be nice to have volume #2 identified without having to do research.

As other's have mentioned, this is the first of the Hazard novels. It is a fairly straightforward story, well told in a traditional way. It is not as involving as the Aubrey/Maturin stories, nor the Hornblower series. However, one definite virtue it does possess is that it is not another in the endless series of Napoleonic sailing stories. Being set during the 1850's, during the transition from sail to steam makes it a bit different, and of special interest to those of us who like a bit of history in our historical novels. Recommended.

This is the first book in the "Hazard" series by V.A. Stuart. It takes place during the Crimean War between Russia and the allied nations of Britain, Turkey, and France. Phillip Hazard is the 1st Lieutenant on the steam frigate _Trojan_, serving under an incompetent captain who has been on half pay too long, but who is called to active duty because of the war. A mysterious passenger is taken on board for the voyage, who happens to be young and beautiful. There is a mild love story along with the action in the Black Sea and the battle of Sevastapol. Much of the story deals with the Hazard's frustrations in dealing with his captain.Although this narrative does not have the power or elegance of Patrick O'Brian or even C.S. Forester, it is an interesting period and the story holds one's interest. It is also well written. The quality of the McBooks Press edition is very good, with beautiful paper and typeset.

V.A.Stuart has written two good series that I'm familiar with, Hazard and Sheridan. This, the introduction to Phillip Horatio Hazard of the Royal Navy, is comparable to the other greats of the genre. Stuart created a believable character, heroic but human. This book brings the Crimean War to life in a way unfamiliar to many who may only know of it as a land campaign. As a compliment to Stuart, I can say that this made me search out the others in used bookstores. I don't know if the eight I have consist the entire series. It would be great to see these be reprinted, they are great works of fiction.