Colours Aloft! (Volume 16) (The Bolitho Novels, 16)

Another great book in the Bolitho series. A must-read for any fan of historical naval fiction, but start at the beginning! Twenty-seven books in the series, all very entetaining novels!

I have read all of the Bolitho novels up to this one. This has to be the worst, in terms of credibility. There is no way, NO WAY a Vice Admiral is going to lead a shore raiding party. And Bolitho's constant self-examination, gloom, and depression is wearing. Plus, is there no honorable man who doesn't worship the ground he walks on? Must not be, because the reader is constantly reminded of what a great guy he is and how everyone who ever serves under him loves him to death.

I had not heard of Alexander Kent until I complained at a book store that they had no copies of Patrick O'Brian's books. The owner said, "Have you read any of Alexander Kent?" I had not, and that began a wonderful new adventure. Kent writes naval stories about the same historical time period as O'Brian, but Kent often has more action scenes, which I thoroughly enjoy. If you like O'Brian, you will love Kent.
Prentice Kinser III, D.Min., Author of:[[ASIN:0979858402 Limitless Living, A Guide to Unconventional Spiritual Exploration and Growth]]

As advertised

Book was in good condition.

not bad

Stand Good read by Alexander Kent.

I can only say that if you are history buff or a sailor at heart or in fact the books by Alexander Kent are well worth the money. Kent has a way with words that make you feel like you are there among the action and soon love or hate some characters.

Good installment in the series.

In 1803, Vice-Admiral Richard Bolitho suffers great personal losses in his cruise against the French in the Mediterranean.

Even as Nelson tries to lure the great French fleet out to sea, Bolitho -- with a tiny fleet of his own -- is tasked with patrolling the Mediterranean for French ships that have slipped free of the British blockade. French Admiral Jobert is also at sea, and he bears a grudge against Bolitho that must come to a head before either man is satisfied. Meanwhile, Bolitho's nephew, Adam, is given his first command, a brig, and is serving in a different capacity close by.

But a personal matter -- involving a noble but technically illegal action by Bolitho's fleet captain, Valentine Keen -- forces Bolitho and Keen to abandon the rest of the fleet to answer charges at an official hearing, painfully overseen by one of Bolitho's oldest and dearest friends -- and of course, it's during their absence that Jobert chooses to strike.

There are heartbreaking losses in store for Bolitho and his men, including the death of a longtime friend and supporting character in the series, and an injury to Bolitho himself that could forever change the course of his career in the service.

Like pieces of a chessboard, the various ships and players in the story are drawn together for a dramatic, vividly written conclusion at sea. The book, especially near the end, is hard to put down, solidifying Alexander Kent as one of the best writers in the surprisingly vast market for British naval fiction.

Kent also has penned one of the longest-running series in the genre, and there's still plenty more to go.

by Tom Knapp, the Rambles.NET guy