Admiral: Thomas Kydd 27

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1814

Ashore on leave, Captain Sir Thomas Kydd learns of a dismal harvest and general hardship among the population. In Germany, Napoleon Bonaparte is celebrating victories that once again make his name feared throughout Europe. An armistice is signed and while the Allies lick their wounds Bonaparte sets to preparing for a grand advance. And, in a fragile peace, and saddled with huge war debts, the government has no choice but to place HMS Thunderer, along with many other Royal Navy ships, in reserve, until the Navy can decide what to do with their great fleets.

Meanwhile, Kydd is offered an admiral's flag but this is the West Africa station and the anti-slavery operations set in fever-ridden swamps. Despite the obvious dangers and hardships, Kydd sees this as the realisation of his life's ambition and readies for sea in his beloved Thunderer as his flagship.

In a turn of the tide Bonaparte is defeated by the Allies and exiled to the tiny island of Elba. Then electrifying news breaks out - the tyrant has escaped and is marching on Paris, the citizens flocking to join him.

The British government as well is rocked by a realisation that Napoleon's invasion fleet is still in being and if the French navy declares for him they can sail from the ports now free of blockade and make the invasion of England a reality. The Channel Fleet has been stood down, its ships in various stages of repair, its commander on leave in the country. There's one man in active service who happens to be on the spot - Admiral Sir Thomas Kydd. With frantic haste he's appointed temporary commander-in-chief to sail with all the men-o'-war that can be scraped together to stand athwart the French. Kydd knows this will probably mean the sacrifice of not only his ships but himself and his men.

He calls on subterfuge and daring to flaunt defiance and resolution until the Battle of Waterloo settles the matter. Then, he has the satisfaction of seeing Napoleon Bonaparte carried off to St Helena, from whence he can never return.

Reviews

PRAISE FOR THE KYDD SERIES -
A very readable and enjoyable story . . . I can only recommend that you go out, beg, borrow or buy, and enjoy * Bernard Cornwell *
In Stockwin's hands the sea story will continue to entrance readers across the world * Guardian *
This heady adventure blends fact and fiction in rich, authoritative detail * Nautical Magazine *
The characterization is first-class, and the reader quickly becomes involved with all that happens * Historical Novels Review *
There is no disputing Stockwin's ability to tell a good yarn backed by meticulous research. Stockwin's eye for authentic detail is faultless * Pennant *
Paints a vivid picture of life aboard the mighty ship-of-the-line * Daily Express *
Over two decades, Julian Stockwin, a master in naval fiction, has set new high water marks as Thomas Kydd rises from landsman to post captain. Sea of Treason, ambitious in scope, with colorful, captivating characters, is yet another tour de force in the canon * George Jepson, Quarterdeck *
For me, there is nothing like the British nautical battles of Horatio Nelson in the early 19th century. He led them to enormous sea victories like the battles of the Nile, Copenhagen and most famously, Trafalgar. Stockwin really knows early British navy lore, with masts, spars, rigging, sails, cannons, frigates, and ships of the line. In Thomas Kydd, the author has a created a wonderful daring-do British commander. Kydd knows his job as captain standing proudly on the deck of his ship of the line. He's never out-thought or outmaneuvered. Exciting stuff! * Mel Brooks *

Author Bio

Julian Stockwin was sent at the age of fourteen to Indefatigable, a tough sea-training school. He joined the Royal Navy at fifteen before transferring to the Royal Australian Navy, where he served for eight years in the Far East, Antarctic waters and the South Seas. In Vietnam he saw active service in a carrier task force.

After leaving the Navy (rated Petty Officer), Julian practised as an educational psychologist. He lived for some time in Hong Kong, where he was commissioned into the Royal Naval Reserve. He was awarded the MBE and retired with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He now lives in Devon with his wife Kathy. More information can be found on his website at www.julianstockwin.com.