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AS
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The third novel in Sean Thomas Russell's <i>Charles Hayden</i> series (after [b:Under Enemy Colours] and [b:A Battle Won|7977384|A Battle Won (Charles Hayden, #2)|S. Thomas Russell|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1348601989s/7977384.jpg|12314972]) which, I have to say, I did not enjoy as much as either of the previous two.

A large reason for that, perhaps, is that I spent roughly about the first half of the book trying to remember what had happened previously, particularly in relation to Hayden's private life! As such, I wouldn't recommend this as the first novel to read in the series: although it is (eventually) cleared up over the course of the events, having some clear idea of just why the characters are acting the way they are/even who they are does help immeasurably.

While it largely alternates between events at home and on the sea, this novel can also be split into several distinct sections: the first section dealing with Hayden (aboard his ship <i>Themis</i>) blockade of France, and his attempts to get back to England with news of vital import, the next section with shipwreck and recovery in France and the final section with the battle of 'The Glorious First of June'.

And yes, some of that has been covered before (and, IMO, better) in CS Forester's famous <i>Hornblower</i> series.