Conquest

By Julian Stockwin

Newly victorious at the Battle of Trafalgar, England now rules the seas and is free to colonize the furthest reaches of the world. Captain Thomas Kydd joins an expedition to take Dutch-held Cape Town, a strategic harbor that will give England a rich trade route to India. With enemies lurking on all sides, Kydd and his men must defend the fragile colony while braving Africa's vast and hostile hinterland. When Renzi learns too much about the enemy's plans, even Kydd may not be able to save him.

• Language: English
• Publisher: RowmanLittlefield
• Release date: Oct 1, 2011
• ISBN: 9781590136461

Julian Stockwin

Julian Stockwin is the internationally bestselling author of Kydd, Artemis, Seaflower, and Mutiny, the first four novels in the Kydd adventure series. Having joined the Royal Navy at age fifteen, he retired from the Royal Naval Reserve as a lieutenant commander and was awarded the Member of the British Empire (MBE). He and his wife live in Devon, England. Visit the author's website at JulianStockwin.com.

Reviews for Conquest

[dwwilkin_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I believe my last review of a book in this series I faulted the author for making the sidekick, Renzi, resort to the cliche of spy. Further he also was rather a milksop where before he had been a pillar of strength for the hero, Thomas Kydd.Well that has changed. Renzi emerged from the shadows and did something worthwhile. I hope that he will continue to do so. As for the rest of the tale, well we see see a great piece of history but I seem to feel that we are being given a little less than a full story once more.Perhaps Julian is not spending as much time as he should at his computer writing. Where was a great naval action. The one that there is, Kydd runs away in the middle giving us tension and drama, but in this sea tale, not enough of cannons, and boarding action.There are a great deal of historical significance, but each time it comes to a fight, it seems this is rather glossed over, and here we also have a land action that could fill the pages.Something seems to have gone missing. Stockwin still ranks above O'Brien in my thought, but this one is good for everything that doesn't happen on the sea, and shouldn't we see more of what does.

[jamespurcell · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Nelson's body is escorted home from Trafalgar byKydd and the L' Aurore. Which ship is then sent to support the successful Imperial invasion of South Africa. Renzi becomes the Colonial Secretary and Kydd meets an exciting French noblewoman. Treachery is afoot as the French try to engender a native revolt. Not much sea fighting but the land battles and political intrigue make this another good read from Julian Stockwin.

[maritimer_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It takes about half this book for Stockwin to find a window of opportunity in the historical record where he can get his fiction truly underway, but when he finds it, the action quickly gains some satisfying traction.