• The French Admiral

  • By: Dewey Lambdin
  • Narrated by: John Lee
  • Length: 15 hrs and 20 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (554 ratings)

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The French Admiral  By  cover art

The French Admiral

By: Dewey Lambdin
Narrated by: John Lee
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Publisher's summary

It is 1781, and the British-held American port of Yorktown on the Chesapeake Bay is under siege. Pounded by the American colonists on land and the deadly warships of their French allies at sea, the once proud city is in flames and near ruin. But on the horizon, the King's own fleet of heavily armed frigates heads full sail to blast through France's blockade. Aboard His Majesty's swift flagship DESPERATE, midshipman Alan Lewrie quickly sets his gunners to their lethal work, firing rapid broadsides of 24 pound shot at the enemy vessels. Cannon fire lights up the death-filled night as the fate of the King's Colonies hangs on the bravery of one young midshipman leading his ships into the fiery jaws of battle.

"Jack Aubrey, Stephen Maturin, Horatio Hornblower, and now Alan Lewrie - the four new musketeers." (Amazon.com)

©2002 Dewey Lambdin (P)2010 Random House

What listeners say about The French Admiral

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Great Read but CAUTION!

If you are a fan of Patrick O’brian, you will love Dewey Lambdin equally if not more. In the Alan Lewrie series Lambdin is equally historically accurate and perhaps even more engaging, but without the problem I often found of wondering who is speaking at a given time. Lambdin’s characters are very clear and concise. One major word of caution however. These books aren’t cheap, and after reading the first 10, Audible dropped the remaining eight of the series. So, unless you want to take an ending of the series on faith, until the remainder of the series reappears, I suggest not starting.

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

British Viewpoint

“The French Admiral” is book two in Dewey Lambdin’s Alan Lewrie series. Lewrie was sent off by his father to the Royal Navy. Alan finds he is a born sailor and is enjoying his life at sea.

As a Midshipman we find him in this book at the siege of Yorktown, near the end of the American Revolutionary War. The Royal Navy, with heavily-armed frigates, is posed to break the French blockade. The French Navy is commanded by Admiral de Grasse.
Lewrie is aboard HMS Desperate. Midshipman Lewrie is in charge of 24 pounder guns firing broadsides at the French vessels.

The book is well written and researched but I am still having trouble liking the hero of the book Alan Lewrie. I shall read a few more books in the series while I look for another series about the Royal Navy vs. Napoleon.

One of my favorite narrators, John Lee is narrating the book. That alone keeps me listening.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great !!!!

What did you like best about this story?

I have just finished The Gun Ketch as well as books 1 thur 4 in the Alan Lewrie Series.
Dewey Lambdin is great! The best sailing writer I’ve found to date.
I’ve listen to the complete Alexander Kent Bolitho series as well as the complete Master and Commander, Hornblower, Two years before the mast and many many others.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

More than I expected!

If u enjoy the British war novels of the late 18th and early 19th century this one stands out. Set in revolutonary, colonial america east coast waters, this is an opportunity to learn what war against the rebels was like for the brits and the loyalists.I enjoyed both the sea and land military battles. My only complaints was that this cost 2 credits, but worth it. A trip to the library for more audio fare filled my needs for the rest of the month. I already have spent another 2 credits for the next book in the series..II've become an Allen Lewrie fan. Of course having been in the US Navy myself I'm a sucker for stories of sea adventure. Reading this author is recommended.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Spectacular

What did you love best about The French Admiral?

Another installment in the Alan Lewrie series. Addiction.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The French Admiral?

Don't remember any one thing that sticks out. I'm sad when the book ends and can't wait for another to start.

What does John Lee bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He is an excellent narrator.

Who was the most memorable character of The French Admiral and why?

Alan Lewrie of course

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

love the series so far!

I can't speak to its historical accuracy but I find the story and the performance quite enjoyable. Very much so! I highly recommend for any fan of fiction from this period!!!

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Combines British Navy with American Revolution

In this book, the British come out the losers as they are kicked out of America by the French and Americans. It is a good addition to the series and gives some fairly good historical perspective about the war in Maryland and siege of Yorktown. The British come off as fairly incompetent in their war in America. The Hero, Alan Lewerie manages to escape, just barely. Of course I can't possibly spoil the ending since we all know the British lost the war of Independence. The British Admirals are shown as timid whose ranks are determined by political influence rather than competence. There might have been a different outcome if they had an Admiral Nelson in instead.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Live history.

Ghv Ghv and you are right about the average amount of money you have.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great read

More or this type of history. Am a history buff early American and Roman. Thanks

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Addictive story and well read

John Lee makes this book enjoyable and addictive. His reading brings the characters to life.

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