Mutiny, by Julian Stockwin
By Peter on Apr 27, 2009 in Alexander Kent, Excellent book, Historical Fiction, Julian Stockwin, book review
Most of the historical fiction series 
The Thomas Kydd series
- Kydd (2001)
- Artemis (2002)
- Seaflower (2003)
- Mutiny (2004)
- Quarterdeck (2005)
- Tenacious (2005)
- Command (2006)
- The Admiral’s Daughter (2007)
- Treachery (2008) (US title The Privateer’s Revenge)
This fourth book in the Kydd series is probably the best book so far. Kydd is very busy here. Initially he serves as a master’s mate on board the 64 gun ship Achilles. He helps an Italian nobleman escape Italy before the arrival of the French – and becomes involved with a married woman as well.
Then he becomes embroiled in the fleet mutiny at the Nore. And now he, as a newly appointed officer, has to decide whether his loyalty is to the navy or to his former mates. His decision is very difficult. And Stockwin’s way of dealing with this is extremely interesting (no spoilers!). And it is exactly the twists that Stockwin do in his writing about the mutiny that makes this book so great! It is perhaps the best description of the events at the Nore I have read!
Without revealing more, the book ends with Kydd taking charge of a gun deck at the battle of Camperdown. And what a battle it is! Kydd does a great job, is noted, and steps up to a temporary rank of lieutenant.
In my opinion Stockwin’s writing is getting better as the series progresses as well. His grip is surer, his prose more pointed, and his style more appropriate. (Read more about the Kydd series at Leserglede.)
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.Praise:
‘Julian Stockwin tells his sea story with a proper amount of salt and nice attention to historical detail. His hero Tom Kydd takes us inside the action at two of the defining events of 1797 – the Nore Mutiny and the Battle of Camperdown – for a thrilling read.’
– Tyrone G. Martin
‘Leaves the reader almost tasting the sea-salt on the wind and wanting to search out the previous books … Long live Kydd’
– Good Book Guide
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