Command, by Julian Stockwin

May 20, 2009 by · Leave a Comment
Filed under: book review, Fiction, historical fiction, Julian Stockwin, naval fiction, Thomas Kydd 

Command is the seventh book of the Kydd series. Very unexpectedly, Thomas Kydd is appointed Commander and master of his own brig-sloop Teazer (16-gun). However, the sloop isCommand, by Julian Stockwin far from ready for sea, and Kydd must race the clock to make her battle-ready.

Kydd feels the elation and weight of command as he, and he alone, is responsible for the successes and failures aboard his command. However, Kydd, as we have come to expect, rises to the challenge, his determination and resourcefulness coming to the fore. His is a leadership based entirely on his personal qualities, blessed with the common touch, and his competency as a blue water seaman.

We follow him on missions where he makes mistakes, but gradually learn and builds confidence. And, as well, he eventually succeeds in the course of a successful sea battle against La Fouine, an action which brings him revenge for an earlier exchange where the French ship almost had the better of him. Unfortunately, in the midst of this, peace “breaks out” and Kydd is sent ashore without a ship or job.

Kydd is then faced with desperate times as he faces the loss of his livelihood and his best friend. To make ends meet, he agrees to transport convicts to Australia. Little does he know that his friend Renzi, weakened by illness and embittered with the service, is also bound for that colony as a settler. There they will be forced to face their deepest fears and prove themselves against all odds.

Command is another great novel in the “Kydd” series. It is exciting and interesting. The turnaround in the relationship between Kydd and Renzi is very interesting and intriguing.

Links to Julian Stockwin’s books at amazon US, amazon UK, and amazon CAN.

Tags: , , , ,