Verses in the Sand

The United Irishmen, Book 1

By: Darren Beaming

Narrated by: Paul Metcalfe

Length: 12 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's summary

Experience the Napoleonic Wars like never before, through the eyes of two men from opposite worlds, united by fate but destined for conflict.

'Verses in the Sand' is a gripping tale of action, romance, and friendship set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars and the failed 1798 United Irishman rebellion, marking the beginning of a series that will explore British and Irish history between the years 1792 and 1815.

In the year 1799, British army captain William Mason and fiery Irish convict Sean find their fates entwined. The sole survivors of a shipwreck, they find themselves stranded on a deserted island. Despite their mutual distrust toward each other, both men realise they must cooperate to survive and over time, animosity gives way to a fragile camaraderie. To pass the time, William tutors the previously illiterate Sean in reading, arithmetic, and even French, and he discovers an astonishingly brilliant and poetic soul within the young rebel. Each evening, Sean composes exquisite poetry in the sand, reflecting on their lives. The verses vanish with the tide but leave an impression on both men.

However, the island transforms into a battlefield when Lady Elizabeth, a young English aristocrat, washes ashore. She is a captive to the enigmatic yet ruthless pirate captain, Mercier, and his sinister crew. Through several flashbacks, we witness an epic sea battle between a formidable British ship of the line and a swift French frigate — revealing the events leading up to Mercier's arrival on the island.

William and Sean are thrust into the heart of a perilous rescue mission, setting the stage for a confrontational showdown with Mercier and his menacing crew.

At its core, Verses in the Sand is a clean and wholesome romance combined with action and military history with a compelling character study that brings Sean and William to life in all their complexity.

©2023 Darren Beaming (P)2024 Darren Beaming

A bit too long for me

Great historical fiction but I thought it should have been broken up into a series. Aside from that very detailed story with many historical facts attached.

I enjoy it!

This audiobook is fantastic! The narrator's voice is so easy to listen to, and they switch between characters seamlessly. The story itself is thrilling, with vivid descriptions that make it easy to picture everything in your mind. I highly recommend this audiobook—it's definitely worth checking out, and I hope it becomes really popular because it's that good!

Really Brilliant!

This is such a good audiobook! It's perfect frankly....so well narrated! The narrator has a perfect, easy-listening voice and then switches between characters so naturally. He does it just so well. The book is a great story with fantastic descriptions and an exciting, adventurous tale. My mind was easily visualising throughout the whole thing: the voyage, inside the ship, the characters and their look and mannerisms. I really recommend this audiobook. I hope it's a big hit. It deserves it!

Exploration of friendship born amidst adversity

This book transports readers to the tumultuous era of the Napoleonic Wars with breathtaking vividness. Through the intertwining journeys of William and Sean, readers are not only treated to gripping action but also a profound exploration of friendship born amidst adversity.
With its masterful blend of historical detail and compelling narrative that weaves together elements of romance, adventure, and military history to create an enthralling tale, that captivates from start to finish.

Transcends Time

First off the narration of this book was incredible. This has become by far one of my all time favorite historical fiction books. Two people from different worlds coming together and learning to work together despite the past. Great book.

Love a good pirate romance!

If you’re looking for a good pirate romance then I highly recommend checking this one out! Really intriguing storyline, great character development, and of course great romance!

Gripping narrative

The book is a captivating blend of romance, military history, and character-driven storytelling. Through richly drawn characters and vividly depicted settings, the author brings to life the complexities of Sean and William's relationship, as well as the turbulent historical period in which they live.

Loved It.

"Verses in the Sand" emerges as a captivating narrative that intricately weaves together the historical tapestry of the Napoleonic Wars with the personal odysseys of two distinctly contrasting characters. Darren Beaming's novel offers readers a unique vantage point into the era, blending the grandeur of historical events with the intimate dynamics of friendship, rivalry, and survival.

an enjoyable ride

This has been a very enjoyable ride reading/listening through this book. It's about a story happened in the time where there is more chaos than rules, and people have more ways of stepping out of their path and living their own lives. It's the time of exploring new things, new lands, and conquer new adventures. That's what I like most about that period of time in the history. The story has been quite gripping, and there isn't a clear break that would have lost me. So I just kept playing it for a very long time. I'd highly recommend it, enjoy it!

Page Turner for Sure

From the very first page, readers are transported to the desolate shores of a deserted island, where Mason and Sean must navigate the treacherous terrain while facing the harsh realities of their circumstances. What initially seems like an unlikely pairing between a disciplined military man and a rebellious convict soon evolves into a poignant tale of camaraderie and mutual dependence.

One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its richly drawn characters. Mason's unwavering determination and leadership qualities are perfectly complemented by Sean's resourcefulness and resilience. Despite their disparate backgrounds and initial animosity, the two men form a deep bond forged through shared hardships and the shared goal of survival.

The author's meticulous attention to detail brings the island to life, immersing readers in its lush landscapes and unforgiving elements. From the sweltering heat of the day to the bone-chilling nights, every aspect of the characters' struggle for survival is vividly depicted, creating a palpable sense of tension and urgency throughout the narrative. Would recommend for a great day at the beach!