Command: Thomas Kydd 7 - Softcover

Stockwin, Julian

4.17

909 ratings by Goodreads

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0340898569 ISBN 13: 9780340898567

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton, 2006

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Thrilled at his first command, a little brig sloop called Teazer, Thomas Kydd must race to bring his ship to battle readiness – he is desperately needed to defend Malta against Barbary corsairs, ferocious privateers and the French who are frantically trying to rescue the remnants of their army in the Levant.

But his jubilation does not last long - peace is suddenly declared and Kydd is left ashore on half pay.

A rare chance gives him the opportunity to once again go to sea. He sets sail as captain of a convict transport for the penal colony in New South Wales – and challenges that will test both his seamanship and humanity to the limit.

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Review:

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

In Stockwin's hands the sea story will continue to entrance readers across the world. (Guardian on KYDD)

The appeal of the story is in the telling, which is atmospheric, authentic and disclosed from the unusual perspective of the ordinary sailor working his way up the ranks ... The author had a long career in the Royal Navy, which adds to his prose that extra dash of salty realism. (Publishing News on MUTINY)

As with the previous books, Seaflower is a busy story, crammed with events but never predictable. Like all good sea stories, it takes you to strange and wonderful places. There are hurricanes and battles and intrigues ... Fans of naval fiction, or just those who appreciate a good yarn, will not want to miss it. (West Australian on SEAFLOWER)

From the Author:

In many ways my seventh book, "Command", is a watershed in the Thomas Kydd series. My hero has actually achieved the majesty of his own quarterdeck, and his life will never be the same again. It may seen an improbable transformation of a young perruquier of Guildford, press ganged into His Majesty’s Navy less than ten years before, but the historical record tells us that there were Thomas Kydds, not many admittedly, but enough to be tantalising to a writer’s imagination. The great age of fighting sail was a time of huge contrasts and often harsh conditions, but at least in the Royal Navy then, it was conceivable for a young man of talent and ambition to rise far above his station. I do remember my feelings when I became an officer, having begun my sea career on the lower deck. And sometimes I idly wonder, had I lived back then, could I have been a Tom Kydd?

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