Artemis: Thomas Kydd, Book 2

Once again a great read if you enjoy sea stories.As usual fact and fiction mixed with great skill by a master of words.Very well researched.This book like the last leaves you wanting to get on with the next in the series.

This is the second book in the Thomas Kydd series and it is superb!The book contains everything you could possibly want of a maritime adventure story. The book opens with a gruelling sea battle which sees the Artemis and her crew return to England in glory. Kydd travels to India, then China and encounters many war-like Pacific islanders on the way home. The book ends with a court-martial which sees Kydd's future cast into doubt.This book has a similar feel to Patrick O Brian's `Master and Commander' in the sense that any action is interspersed throughout the book in a fairly fluid manner. Action scenes are surrounded by subtle descriptions of sea-life, scenery and the men's shoreline exploits. I found this enhanced my enjoyment of the book as I was unable to predict when the next action sequence would take place; as can be done with other `formulaic books'.I have given this very good book four stars, why did it lose the fifth?Well, it's down to the slang that is written as would be spoken by the sailors of the day. I can appreciate that it does add authenticity to the book and helps the reader realise that this is a book which follows the lives of the common sailor instead of the upper-crust officer classes. However, I personally found this writing technique hindered my progress and comprehension at frequent intervals. I found I had to re-read particular sentences in order to fully grasp the intended meaning and tone. This problem was quite profound initially, but became less troublesome as I made my way through the book and familiarised myself with the different characters.The above aspect should not deter any potential reader from embarking on the marvellous Thomas Kydd series and some readers will probably not be bothered by the use of slang at all.I really enjoyed this one and look forward to the next.

I have to say that I am enjoying this series immensely. Not the normal run of the mill as it is about the lower end of the seamen of the Nelson naval period. The only gripe I have is not in the story but in the printing. The constant use of italics (plus being in a smaller font) I found immensely annoying, especially as it didn't add anything to the story. But saying that I can't wait for the next instalment.

This is the 2nd book in the series and it builds on the first. I have enjoyed both. The characterisation of Kydd and Renzi is good albeit not quite a match for Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin. The author clearly has a first class knowledge of life under sail at sea and the manner in which the 2 books I have read so far give insight into life below decks is excellent. The use of below deck language palls after a bit but I suppose it is intended to give realism to the account. From pressed man to acting petty officer so far. The on land bits did not do it for me and I think the author should not try to match Patrick O'Brien's mastery of late 18th Century/early 19th Century England. I expect Kydd will rise to Admiral in due course. It is a pity the progression is so predictable but nonetheless for those who have a taste for this genre this author rates pretty high. I would like to give him 5 stars but he is writing in a field where true excellence exists and he does not quite get there.

I must admit to being uninspired by the beginnings of this book. However as young Thomas Kydd continues on his road of growth and adventure, the book and therefore the story becomes more engrossing and difficult to put down. The sailing of the Artemis is full of action and the sailors who live within are cleverly portrayed by skilful writing.This is not a story about fighting the French. This is a story about a Frigate of the Royal Navy whose Captain and crew are taken to the far side of the world into battles with tribesmen on far flung islands.I look forward to reading the next book with some excitement.

I’ve read many similar tales of the sea in the days of sail, really fantastic stories but none have so much bad language

As a fan of Patrick O'Brian ,having read all twenty of his "Jack Aubrey" novels,this was going to be a tough ask,but although Stockwin uses a similar device to explain the jargon and principles of sail in a square rigged battleship,by introducing anovice and teacher relationship,his plot line, as a former naval officer himself ,is more concerned in this book with life"before the mast".Whilst comparatively more earthy and descriptive of the often appalling conditions in which ordinary seamen lived out their daily lives,it's also faster paced,but the prose no less eloquent.This book was released not long after O'Brian's death in 2000 and the great man,would I'm sure, have been impressed.Stockwin is a worthy successor!!

The second novel by Julian Stockwin sees Thomas Payne Kydd establishing himself as a `proper Jack Tar` - leaving the other pressed men behind. Clearly about a character who has resigned himself to his fate having been unexpectedly pressed. Kydd takes time ashore in this novel to attend to family matters. His friend and mentor Nicholas Renzi begins to establish himself as a lead character in his own right and this will develop in time. There is a fascinating story behind Renzi and how he came to be at sea which the reader will discover as he or she becomes more absorbed. All that said, I found the book to be a bit laboured at times. Persevere if you feel the same - the book is essential reading for what follows in Seaflower.

Great read. If you enjoy historical fiction from the age of sail definitely give this a look! Lots of plot twists and keeps you looking for the next book.

Outstanding rendition

excellent! prompt delivery.

I have only just discovered Mr. Stockwin's books, but I am already a fan.Stories of the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic wars have always fascinated me and I read more or less everything I can get my hands on. I think the Kydd series is going to be among the best. The technical detail is satisfyingly accurate and advanced, the characters are well formed, and a pleasing sense of humour runs throughout the books.Nothing is perfect of course, and I have been irritated by small details such as scene changes not denoted by even as much as a short line of asterisks, never mind the chapter break I sometimes felt necessary. But I am hopeful this lapse in editing is temporary.All in all, fine sea books.

If you enjoy Patrick O'Brien or Alexander Kent, you'll like enjoy the Kydd series. The Kydd books are more detailed on the technical aspect of sailing a Georgian Navy ship and naval action, less on political intrigue. An enjoyable summer read.