New books by Julian Stockwin and Bernard Cornwell – historical fiction

December 22, 2010 by · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Bernard Cornwell, book news, historical fiction, Julian Stockwin 

Two new, very interesting releases of historical fiction books:

Invasion: A Kydd Sea Adventure, by Julian Stockwin

Invasion, by Julian Stockwin Julian Stockwin is releasing the 10th book of the very popular Kydd series. Now rumors fly of Napoleon’s planned invasion of England, and British naval commander Thomas Kydd is sent to liaise with American inventor, Robert Fulton, who has created “infernal machines” that can wreak mass destruction from a distance. The new inventions by Fulton are the submarine and torpedo. Fulton strongly believes in their power, but they require further development and testing. And despite his own scruples, believing that standing man-to-man is the only honorable way to fight, Kydd agrees to take part in the crucial testing of these weapons of mass destruction, which just may decide the fate of England.

A very interesting new release, to say the least! Link to order the book: Stockwin’s Invasion (Kydd Series) from Amazon US, amazon UK (to be released October 15, 2009).

The Burning Land (Saxon Chronicles, book 5), by Bernard Cornwell

The Burning Land, by Bernard CornwellCornwell is releasing the fifth volume in the bestselling Alfred series. We are now at the end of the ninth century. Even though they have failed previously, the Danes still want to conquer Wessex. And now KingAlfred of Wessex is in bad health, and his heir has no experience. The Danes see a new chance. They are lead by a great warrior, Harald Bloodhair, a new leader of the Vikings. On the side of Alfred, Uthred, his very reluctant warlord, is perhaps the greatest asset. He is cunning and smart, and leads Harald into a trap defeats the Vikings at Farnham in Surrey. This is a major defeat for the otherwise victorious and proud Vikings, perhaps the greatest ever. The Burning Land is a well crafted novel which tells the story of how England survived the Viking onslaught, and a magnificient new tale from Bernard Cornwell.

Available for order at Amazon UK: The Burning Land

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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.

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Seaflower, by Julian Stockwin

April 11, 2009 by · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Fiction, Julian Stockwin, naval fiction 

This is the third book in Stockwin’s series (it follows Artemis)about Thomas Paine Kydd and his friend Nicholas Renzi. Both Kydd and Renzi are now wiser and more seasoned seadogs than before.

This tale moves quickly from the grim Seaflower, by Julian Stockwin 18th-century England to the beautiful and lawless ports and seas of the West Indies, and the adventures of the cutter Seaflower. While the story can be read as a continuation of the Kydd series, it also stands up well as a tale in its own right and reveals much about the way ordinary seamen viewed themselves and their superiors.

Seaflower provides a good and detailed account of shipboard life in the late 18th century from the point of view of the common sailor. It’s all here – the cramped conditions, the disgusting food, the undeserved punishment and cruelty of some of the officers, and unremitting toil – and well described as well!

There is a lot of action in this book – both on land and sea. And there is romance, sea battles, tales of cynical exploitation of seamen as well as a breathless episode set in a wild hurricane. The fast action and a good plot, along with the fact that Stockwin’s writing is improving with each new book, all help to make Seaflower the best Kydd novel yet. Very promising for the series, and a nice and entertaining tale!

Read more reviews of Julian Stockwin‘s books!

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

Praise for Julian Stockwin’s books:

‘I was soon turning over the pages almost indecently fast … Roll on, the promised adventures of Kydd and Renzi.’ (Independent)

‘The vantage point of the common sailor gives the nautical novel a fresh twist. In Stockwin’s hands the sea story will continue to entrance readers across the world.’ (Guardian)

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