With All Despatch

📘 About This Book

Let multi-million copy seller Alexander Kent transport you right to the heart of the action in this high-octane, pacy and gripping naval adventure. Fans of Patrick O'Brian and C. S. Forester will not be disappointed. 'One of our foremost writers of naval fiction' - Sunday Times 'As a former naval officer, Alexander Kent knows what it is like to be at sea' -- The Times 'Engrossing' -- ***** Reader review 'Great action, great characters, great adventure' -- ***** Reader review 'Unexpected twists and turns, fascinating plot lines and gripping descriptions of naval battles' -- ***** Reader review 'A difficult book to put down!' -- ***** Reader review ***************************************************************************************** 1792: A troubled peace with France means that the English royal fleet has been left to rot. Even a frigate captain as famous as Richard Bolitho is forced to swallow his pride and visit the Admiralty daily to plead for a ship. As the clouds of war begin to rise once more over the Channel, he has no choice but to accept an appointment to the Nore. With his small flotilla of three topsail cutters, Bolitho sets out to search the coast for seamen who have fled the harsh discipline of His Majesty's Navy for the more tempting rewards of smuggling. But the 'Brotherhood' he comes up against are brutal and dangerous with a secret, sinister trade in human misery. So when a King's ransom is in peril and Bolitho is ordered to proceed 'with all despatch' to recover it, he has no choice but to rely on the loyalty and courage of his three gallant cutters. If anyone fulfil this mission, it's Bolitho - but he'll need all his wits, wisdom, might and mettle to succeed... Bolitho's adventures continue in Form Line of Battle.

📖 Summary

With All Despatch by Alexander Kent is a high-octane, pacy, and gripping naval adventure set against the backdrop of late eighteenth-century history. Published in 2014 and spanning 338 pages, the novel transports readers directly to the heart of the action, capturing the perils, politics, and pressures of life on the high seas. The narrative is set in 1792, during a troubled peace with France that threatens to unravel at any moment, creating a tense atmosphere where danger lurks just beneath the surface of everyday maritime duties. Drawing deeply from his own background as a former naval officer, Alexander Kent brings an exceptional level of authenticity to his storytelling. He knows what it is like to be at sea, and this firsthand experience shines through in the vivid descriptions of naval battles, shipboard hierarchy, and the tactical maneuvers required to command a vessel in turbulent times. The plot is driven by unexpected twists and turns, fascinating storylines, and meticulous attention to historical detail that makes the era come alive for contemporary readers. Fans of traditional nautical fiction, particularly those who enjoy the works of Patrick O'Brian and C. S. Forester, will find much to admire in this page-turning adventure. The author crafts great characters who must navigate complex professional and personal challenges while serving their country under precarious geopolitical conditions. As tensions rise with France, the stakes are elevated, requiring swift decisions and unwavering courage from the officers and crew alike. Throughout the 338 pages, Kent maintains a relentless momentum that ensures the book is exceptionally difficult to put down. The pacing is designed to keep readers thoroughly engaged from the opening chapters to the climactic conclusions. Whether detailing the thunderous roar of broadsides, the strategic chess match of naval warfare, or the quiet camaraderie among sailors facing uncertain futures, the novel delivers a comprehensive and thrilling window into the age of sail. It stands as a shining example of why Alexander Kent remains celebrated as one of our foremost writers of naval fiction.

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