Thunderer, Julian Stockwin
Thunderer, Julian Stockwin
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Thunderer
Thomas Kydd 24

Author: Julian Stockwin

Narrator: Christian Rodska

Unabridged: 11 hr 58 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 10/07/2021

Synopsis

1812. Arriving back in England after his successes in the Adriatic, Captain Sir Thomas Kydd is bestowed with honours. In London he's greeted by the Prince Regent who, despite Kydd's protestations that he's happy with his present command, insists he be given a bigger ship - HMS Thunderer, a 74-gun ship of the line. But she's old, and being part of a standing fleet Kydd's chances of further fame and distinction are slim indeed.

Winning over his new command is fraught with challenges. A hostile crew, abysmal levels of gunnery and sail-handling capabilities are intolerable to a fighting captain like Kydd. With the ship short of men and no incentives to attract more, can he ever bring Thunderer to a proper state of fighting preparedness?

Kydd is sent to reinforce the Baltic squadron as Bonaparte's vast army invades Russia. News reaches him of French victory at the Battle of Borodino. The road to Moscow is now open. To avert total French victory, Kydd must lead a vital convoy through battle and tempest to the aid of Britain's last ally.

Praise for Julian Stockwin's Kydd series

'Paints a vivid picture of life aboard the mighty ship-of-the-line' Daily Express

'This heady adventure blends fact and fiction in rich, authoritative detail' Nautical Magazine

'Fans of fast-paced adventure will get their fill with this book' Historical Naval Society

(P) 2021 Hodder & Stoughton Ltd

About Julian Stockwin

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.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Clemens

This magnificent seafaring tale is the 24th volume of the brilliant "Thomas Kydd" series. At the beginning of the book you'll notice a well-drawn map of the Baltic Area, with inserted also the Vendée Coast of France and Lyngor in the south of Norway, where interesting naval actions will take place th......more

Goodreads review by Bob

In this book Kydd is elevated from frigate captain to the command of a 74 gun ship of the line. Now Kydd is not very happy because now he is part of a squadron that is on blockade duty. Gone now are the days of roving the seas looking for the enemy and sailing into glory. This one is different Kydd......more

Goodreads review by Kathy

This book was on hold from the publisher for what seemed like forever! I had preordered the book and my order was dropped. Then I had to wait until it became available. Ended up ordering it from a different bookseller and was received in record time! I found this series in the middle, as usual. Liked......more

Goodreads review by Matthew

Probably my least favourite Kydd novel yet. Nothing of much import seems to go on, and a lot of events seem to be skipped between, as though nothing happens in between. This seems to me to happen to a lot of longer running series and sad to see it here. Any Strife that seems to happen to Kydd himself......more

Quotes

As he has in twenty-three previous Kydd titles, Stockwin creates a knotty narrative, writing with authority about Britain's Georgian navy and the physical world at sea with intrigue, captivating characters, and deft storytelling. Thunderer is a suspenseful journey Quarterdeck

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