Quarterdeck

Kydd must pass a tough examination for his lieutenancy, but aboard the 64-gun Tenacious he faces a more daunting challengematching up to the high-born officers, who have spent a lifetime learning to be gentlemen. When Tenacious reaches the colonies, Kydd is caught up in the intrigue surrounding the birth of the American Navy. There, in uncharted waters, quick wits and superior seamanship once again make the difference between life and death.Review'Stockwin paints a vivid picture of life aboard the mighty ship-of-the-line... the harsh naval discipline, the rancid food, and the skill of the common sailor are all skilfully evoked.' - Daily Express 'I was soon turning over the pages almost indecently fast ... Roll on, the promised adventures of Kydd and Renzi.' - Independent 'The vantage point of the common sailor gives the nautical novel a fresh twist. In Stockwin's hands the sea story will continue to entrance readers across the world.' - Guardian 'Gripping ... Rich in action and full of interesting characters, this thrilling novel leaves you in awe of the 18th-century seaman.' - Peterborough Evening Telegraph 'As with the previous books, Seaflower is a busy story, crammed with events but never predictable. Like all good sea stories, it takes you to strange and wonderful places. There are hurricanes and battles and intrigues ... Fans of naval fiction, or just whose who appreciate a good yarn, will not want to miss it.' West Australian on SEAFLOWER 'The appeal of the story is in the telling, which is atmospheric, authentic and disclosed from the unusual perspective of the ordinary sailor working his way up the ranks... The author had a long career in the Royal Navy, which adds to his prose that extra dash of salty realism.' Publishing News on MUTINY From the AuthorRichard Gore famously overcame modern day hurdles to become an officer and a gentleman, but they were nothing compared to the almost impossible odds two hundred years ago. The Royal Navy, though steeped in custom and tradition, did provide a rare means for someone low born to achieve the hightest status in the land. Right from the start of my series I knew my hero would eventually become an officer and in many ways "Quarterdeck" posed the most writing challenges for me so far. I had to take Tom Kydd from an environment of the lower deck, where he was popular and, as a masters mate, near the pinnacle of his calling, to an alien realm where the talk was of foxhunting and the Season, and where, at first, he was neither liked nor respected. Having served both on the focsle and on the quarterdeck myself, to some extent I was able to draw on these experiences when I wrote the book.