Inferno: Thomas Kydd, Book 17

After the sheer brilliance of Tyger Julian Stockwin set himself a serious challenge in writing a follow-up book to match it. I think the game was up when he chose the Siege of Copenhagen as the main historical event to set it around. This was no glorious British victory won against the odds, it was a critical expedience in which there was little honour and certainly not much place for our dashing frigate captain hero. I would guess that the author was sorely tempted to twist things around so that Kydd became a more central character to the siege but admirably he didn’t yield.

What we are left with then is a slightly curious book centred around the siege and the build up to it with two Kydd mini-adventures tacked on. I really enjoyed it, of course I did! There was so much of what we’ve come to expect in terms of finely crafted historical action and intrigue. Some new characters emerged and the main parts of the action were told from multiple points of view covering both sides. The action is very well done and each part of the book delivered quality and varied entertainment. The fighting around the city was described in excellent detail and once again Stockwin educates about some of the less well known naval and military items.

The narration? I think if ever they coin a term to cover the expert reading of historical naval fiction it will be along the lines of “Steering a Rodska”. I think he is that good.

So, another fine, if slightly disjointed addition to the series. A series I would recommend to anyone who enjoys the genre. If you are tempted to invest in this series for the first time then I genuinely envy you the journey ahead.

it came across as 2 unrelated stories that did not come together very well. the first part left too many questions unanswered with a central character being reintroduced in the 3rd part of the story with little back ground as to why and how he got there.
it was a confusing read that put this author on my blacklist.

Absolutely brilliant; can't wait to listen to the others in the series. Stockwin is an exceptional author.

so many twists and side lines. I couldn't stop listening. I definitely recommend it. thank you Julian Stockwin

Minimal storyline to do with Kidd at sea. Not a single sea battle or even a single cannon fired aboard his ship.
This book was more of a story about the taking of Copenhagen in the broad, as opposed to a sea novel.
The role of Nickolas, seemed to be an almost exact replica of his last book. Except for the fact that it had no bearing on the outcome of the story and his role became obsolete by the first half of the book.
Well written and researched, but by far the worst book in the series.
Overall disappointing.