An Eye of the Fleet: A Nathaniel Drinkwater Novel

By Richard Woodman

Nathaniel Drinkwater's life at sea begins with the HMS Cyclops' capture of the Santa Teresa during Admiral Rodney's dramatic Moonlight Battle of 1780. Subsequently, Drinkwater's courage and initiative are put to the test as the Cyclops pursues American privateers threatening British trade and is later dispatched to the swamps of South Carolina, where many lives are lost both at sea and ashore.

Gradually, Drinkwater matures into a capable and self-assured sailor. As he contends with enemy forces, the tyranny of the Cyclops' midshipmen, and the stark contrast between the comfort of home life and the brutality of naval service, he finds strength and sustenance in the love of his beloved Elizabeth.

• Language: English
• Publisher: RowmanLittlefield
• Release date: May 1, 2020
• ISBN: 9781493056569

Richard Woodman

Richard Woodman has previously worked for The Trinity House Service. He is also the author of the Nathanial Drinkwater stories and other maritime works.

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Reviews for An Eye of the Fleet

[rsstick · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

What this novel may lack in full, detailed narrative it makes up in authenticity and honest moral conflict. This 185 page book in the hands of an author who was a writer first and a sailor second, or not at all, would have been 400 pages long, but I'm not sure we would have been the better for it.This novel introduces Nathaniel Drinkwater, the responsible son of a widow holding on to her gentile status by her fingernails due to the profligacy of her late husband. He enters the King's service as an adolescent midshipman during the latter part of the American Revolution, a refreshingly different time to begin a fictional naval career. Over the two year period of the story Nathaniel proves himself repeatedly, struggles with a major moral dilemma, meets the woman he hopes to marry, and grows up.This is the finest nautical historical fiction I have read in a long time. I have ordered the next three books in the series and look forward to their arrival.

[penelopemarzec · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A gritty look at life on board a British frigate. The story centers around Nathaniel Drinkwater, the self-effacing hero, who matures into a lieutenant under trying conditions.