Thunderer: Thomas Kydd 24

Captain Sir Thomas Kydd is given a bigger ship, HMS Thunderer, but it is old and needs to be brought to a proper state of fighting preparedness. He is sent to reinforce the Baltic squadron as Bonaparte's army invades Russia, and must lead a vital convoy through battle and tempest to the aid of Britain's last ally.

Format: Hardback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 07 October 2021
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Stockwin weaves a intricate and captivating narrative, delving into the world of Britain's Georgian navy and the physical realm of the sea with authority, intrigue, captivating characters, and masterful storytelling. Quarterdeck 1812: Thunderer is a suspenseful voyage that follows Captain Sir Thomas Kydd's journey back to England after his triumphs in the Adriatic. Upon his arrival, he is bestowed with honors, including the command of HMS Thunderer, a 74-gun ship of the line. However, the ship is old and part of a standing fleet, limiting Kydd's chances of further fame and distinction.

Overcoming the challenges of his new command proves to be a daunting task. A hostile crew, inadequate levels of gunnery and sail-handling capabilities, and a shortage of men create insurmountable obstacles for a seasoned fighting captain like Kydd. With the ship lacking incentives to attract more sailors, Kydd must navigate the arduous task of transforming Thunderer into a proper state of fighting preparedness.

In a pivotal moment, Kydd is dispatched to reinforce the Baltic squadron as Napoleon's vast army invades Russia. News of the French victory at the Battle of Borodino reaches him, signaling the opening of the road to Moscow. Kydd understands that to prevent a complete French victory, he must lead a vital convoy through treacherous battle and tempest to the aid of Britain's last ally.

Julian Stockwin's Kydd series is praised for its vivid portrayal of life aboard a ship-of-the-line. The books blend fact and fiction in rich, authoritative detail, captivating readers with their immersive storytelling. Fans of fast-paced adventure will find satisfaction in this captivating book, which offers a thrilling journey into the historical naval realm.

Weight: 636g
Dimension: 163 x 244 x 39 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781473698840