Holbrook to the forefront with a new Frigate

These Carlisle and Holbrook volumes are just good for the soul.
This installment has Holbrook chasing a French privateering captain with a squadron from Scandinavian let’s to the top of Scotland, attempting to stop a French landing of men and artillery in remote parts of the United Kingdom.
A gripping tale that will keep the reader engaged.
Recommend 1 Steven Toby186

War Winding Down, Foreshadowing Other Events

In this book we’re back with Captain Holbrook as he pursues a French squadron with 4 frigates and troopships up the East coast of Britain in 1760. The Admiralty believes the French intend to make a landing in the north as a diversion from the main effort to invade the south. This main effort was defeated at Quiberon Bay by Admiral Hawke in a famous battle that’s even mentioned in Treasure Island. Three British frigates are sent to intercept the French, and Holbrook is the junior captain.
This is maybe the best of the series so far. The naval action is the bulk of the story line, as it should be for this genre of literature. The tactics are authentic and the landmarks are described in enough detail to show readers where they are even if they’ve never actually visited Great Britain. And as the action winds down, the author shows us a believable glimpse of life on shore and of how being promoted to post captain moves Holbrook upward in status in a class conscious society. We’re also given a demonstration of how a successful frigate captain rises further and faster when he collects a fortune in prize money. Now he needs to buy a new place to live to reflect his new status, and he can afford to.
The book is a quick, action packed read. A worthy successor to Hornblower stories. R Pata166 3

Strongly Resent Always making the Male out as an Idiot

Maybe it’s a reflection of tThe author and his feelings of inadequacy, but both male protagonists have the inability to be even slightly wise when it comes to relationships. It doesn’t pass the smell test from my life’s experience.

Also, how can the two heroes be so good at what they do when they make so many curiously elementary mistakes. Then become almost demigods in their elaborate schemes that work out against all odds?

I’m getting tired of so much wordage about halyards, sails and whatnot. After many repetitions in every book. I’d rather that had been cut and the skipped events added to the book to give some detail on how ‘everything’ worked out, instead of going to the next chapter and…all of a sudden the ship is in port and, voila! everything worked out (the difficult report to a senior, or a whole campaign has been completed…or…).

Also, I know this is not a romance novel or I wouldn’t be reading it. But to have babies you must have, er, s***** relations which is skipped. Also, there is no real emotional attachments formed, just stiff upper lip discussions and an occasional ‘glance with understanding’ passing between a man and woman. Give us a break and help develop the attachment for the reader…or the reader may not give a rip whether the relationship works out or falls apart.
Ellis lee Knox35

A Good Read

This series is truly a great work of British naval history combined with fiction to the point of not being able to divide the two. The two now post Captains are historically on a collision course. One Carlisle an American, already in a situation is something only his acts have overcome. This novel set in 1760s is only 10 or so years from the colonies becoming restless. While on the other side is thoroughly British Holbrooke. Where will the situation of national loyalty play into this? I can only imagine... but must wait for Mr. Dublin to weave this tale. I can hardly wait!!

Ellis Knox, Texas Nathan13 1 follower

Best book of the series

As the title suggests I found this book to be the best in the series to date. Naval action was good, there were enough setbacks to make you wonder if Holbrooke would pull it out. The real greatness lies in the fabulous character development, where we find our hero facing dilemmas many in the modern age know so well. Jim Swinbourne12

A work of true genius

I have read and thoroughly enjoyed every book in this series. I am awed by the depth of knowledge and research in the work and would recommend it to all who have an interest in naval history. Series makes this old Quartermaster Gunner wish he had been alive in those days. Jim315 2

Captain George Holbrooke, commanding the frigate, HMS Argonaut, is part of a three ship squadron sent to find and destroy a French squadron. The French are intent on landing soldiers on the northern coasts of Scotland or Ireland hoping to fan the anti royal inclinations of the local residents. Lots of naval action. Joseph Herlihy51

Time to say goodbye

I read the 10 books in the series, one after the other. Enjoyed them all and particularly the tutorials offered on the strategies underlying the story. Always prefer reality which always exceeds fiction and these books skillfully conjoined the two. Mary Alyse Capron14

Another great ,Carlisle & Holbrooke adventure.

Congratulations Mr. Durbin in portraying life at Sea and land in
1760. The naval battle scenes off the coast of Ireland, Scotland and Wales was incredible. Charlie Shaw421 1 follower

Holbrook finally gets command of a frigate "Argonaut" and uses it to chase French privateers from the Irish sea. He and Anne marry and are expecting. They buy a house close to Ann's father and stepmother.sailing William Rowe90 1 follower

A new aspect of the Seven Years War

A different area of the Seven Years War, for me. The story goes a bit more into their thoughts. A radar scope (PPI) and a wind rose would have bee nice. The charts are helpful. Uncle Dave Avis426 8

A really excellent series ! I'll look forward to more from this fine wordcrafter. Dave Hammett285 1 follower

Interesting history

Very interesting account of the naval war between England and French in the 18th century. Seems to be very accurate. Rob Curran4

Another Satisfying Installment

Another satisfying installment of the series, lively and well-researched. I am looking forward to reading the next and all that follow. Mark Higham4 Read

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