Julian Stockwin

Kydd's return to the Tyger ends in disaster with the Captain seriously wounded. His recovery is slow and he is assigned a position ashore. Through this assignment, he discovers steam and becomes an advocate long before the Admiralty is prepared to do such. Despondent on the beach, he goes to Madeira to regroup and complete his physical rehabilitation. Serendipity places him back on a frigate and the chase is on.

If you enjoy nautical fiction, or you've enjoyed the other books in the Kydd series by Julian Stockwin, you'll certainly enjoy this book. Swashbuckling fun is how I'd describe it. Stockwin has a good grasp on both the history as well as the reality of maritime warfare and life at sea and he continues to not disappoint with this book.

Kydd loses his frigate and moves up to a "74" that has a crew with an attitude. Some challenges ahead with his new ship and in the Baltic besides. This very good series continues nicely.

I've read all of the Kydd nautical adventures and this is my least favorite. Too much time spent in Kydd's activities on land and not enough on the sea. Needs more storms, chases, clashes, and BOOMING CANNONS!!