Search
Search results
David McK (3185 KP) rated A Battle Won (Adventures of Charles Hayden, #2) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
Sequel to Sean Thomas Russels' "Under Enemy Colours", again following the adventures of Captain Charles Hayden aboard the frigate Themis
As before, a large portion of the novel details one particular mission, 'bookended' by events in England. Most - not all - of the characters from the first novel reappear, alongside some new faces and historical personages as Russell continues to build on his previous work. While the novel does occasionally flounder, this is syill an enjoyable read and a worthy successor to that earlier work.
As before, a large portion of the novel details one particular mission, 'bookended' by events in England. Most - not all - of the characters from the first novel reappear, alongside some new faces and historical personages as Russell continues to build on his previous work. While the novel does occasionally flounder, this is syill an enjoyable read and a worthy successor to that earlier work.
David McK (3185 KP) rated Until the Sea Shall Give Up Her Dead in Books
Jan 30, 2019
The fourth entry in [a:Sean Thomas Russell|1516977|Sean Thomas Russell|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1325549086p2/1516977.jpg]'s entry in the 'modern Hornblower' stakes this, I felt, was a return to form after the previous ([b:A Ship of War|23021070|A Ship of War|Sean Russell|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1420793769s/23021070.jpg|42590012] also known as [b:Take Burn or Destroy|16158534|Take, Burn or Destroy|Sean Thomas Russell|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1355961598s/16158534.jpg|21998950]).
Perhaps a large part of the reason for that is that this, I felt, does not require as much knowledge of previous events as before: although those events are referenced (particularly in relation to Captain Hayden's private life), it is never in such a way that it is absolutely essential that you know the particular ins and outs.
Also, like seems to be becoming the norm in this series, while the novel itself is not split into separate parts, there are three very distinct sections within: the first part dealing with the Themis's cruise to the Caribbean (and the events along the way), the second with cruising those waters as part of a navy squadron, and the final part with a stern chase after someone very dear to Hayden is kidnapped - I have to say, though, that the end is a bit abrupt!
Perhaps a large part of the reason for that is that this, I felt, does not require as much knowledge of previous events as before: although those events are referenced (particularly in relation to Captain Hayden's private life), it is never in such a way that it is absolutely essential that you know the particular ins and outs.
Also, like seems to be becoming the norm in this series, while the novel itself is not split into separate parts, there are three very distinct sections within: the first part dealing with the Themis's cruise to the Caribbean (and the events along the way), the second with cruising those waters as part of a navy squadron, and the final part with a stern chase after someone very dear to Hayden is kidnapped - I have to say, though, that the end is a bit abrupt!
David McK (3185 KP) rated A Ship of War (Charles Hayden, #3) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
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.
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.