Inferno

By: Julian Stockwin

Narrated by: Christian Rodska

Length: 11 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's Summary

It's 1807. Captain Sir Thomas Kydd's famous sea action aboard Tyger has snatched his reputation from ignominy. He is the hero of the hour. But though Britain's navy remains imperious, a succession of battles has seen Napoleon victorious on mainland Europe.

In an attempt to prevent the French from taking control of Denmark's navy, Kydd's great friend, Nicholas Renzi - now Lord Farndon - is sent on a desperate diplomatic mission to persuade the Danes to give up their fleet to Britain. But the Danes are caught between two implacable forces and will not yield, opting instead for the inferno of battle....

©2016 Julian Stockwin (P)2016 Hodder & Stoughton

Critic Reviews

"Unputdownable naval action from the master of the sea story - In Stockwin's hands the sea story will continue to entrance readers across the world." ( Guardian)

Siege Mentality

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.

4 of 6 people found this review helpful

Rotten Eggs

A book worthy of the trash heap. I wish I had heard it earlier then I could have got a refund. I buy these books to hear the adventures of Tom Kidd, dismal deceit astounds.

Firstly Kidd has little mention in this book I'd say less than 30% I feel cheated

Secondly Rensi needs to be kidds first luf because as a land bound gentry he has become boring

Thirdly, Cecilia is a pointless extra and should stick to decorating tips to Thomases cabin, and now she has a friend to accompany her travels her part in these novels come close to giving me a haemorrhage.

I think Julian needs to refund everyone who bought this travesty

I hope his next novel redeems him. 3 books now disappoint through boring tirades. I hope a fourth is not in the offing.

I think I will go calm myself with some CS Forester hornblower works

written by an accademiic

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.

Another brilliant book in this series

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

great story

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

Disappointing

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.