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Sloop of War

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Sloop of War

By: Alexander Kent
Narrated by: Michael Jayston
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About this listen

As the French enter the American War of Independence, young Richard Bolitho is given command of the fast, well-armed sloop Sparrow. He has a chance to prove his ability, but danger threatens - as real and deadly as the enemy itself.

©2006 Alexander Kent (P)2014 Audible, Inc. Fiction Historical Fiction

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Critic reviews

“One of our foremost writers of naval fiction.” ( Sunday Times, London)
All stars
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As always I listen to the story and in my minds eye I can almost see the story unfolding as if I was there and doesn’t disappoint.
Never lets me down on with the next adventure .

You can see the story in your minds eye.

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Another adventure of Richard Bolitho, sympathetically narrated. I couldnt stop listening and finished it in two sessions! Now going on to book 7!

Does not disappoint.

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Having read the whole series of the Bolitho saga I was eager to hear them read. This book does let one down. As the characters are developed by the author, they are enhanced by the the excellent reading by Michael Jayston. Though not authentic in all respects, it doe give a good idea of life aboard a wooden warship and superb seamanship. The story rattles along at a good pace and though the book is part of a 29 book series, it does read as a standalone story. Well recommended.

Good writing with excellent reading

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This is where I think that the Bolitho series really gets into top gear. Bolitho is in command and able to use his tactical thinking to the full. Kent displays excellent historical and technical sailing knowledge as he brings the American Revolution to life from a slightly unusual angle.

Like many of our historical conflicts the navy is sorely stretched and its role perhaps not fully appreciated, but Kent's Bolitho is of course at his best when the odds are against him!

Take off!

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Many of the nautical terms and geographical descriptions made it very difficult to really appreciate how the ships were moving and what the tactics were .
Perhaps a simple glossary for land lubbers like myself would have helped .

Brilliant descriptions of the horror, fear and bloodshed during engagements with the enemy at sea.

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I enjoyed every moment of this. A very atmospheric feel taking me back to the day. Great action scenes. A perfect read.

Splendid seafaring yarn.

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The story - not just the battles, but also the seamanship, even depicting small details such as boat protocol (senior person in last & out first. . . . though there was the occasional miss pronouncing of nautical words this in no way detracted from the overall enjoyment. It was a classic case of never wanting the book to end.

Thoroughly enjoyable

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Yet again, another excellent listen, finding hard to fault.The characters are perfect for this series

Bolitho

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The progress of Richard Bolitho's career makes a good story and is well narrated.

Good story

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I love Alexander Kent's writing and his characterisation, and I think it reaches its peak in plucky little Sparrow. Jayson at his finest too, with a dynamic performance. A great jumping off point if you're wondering whether this series is for you.

The best of the Bolitho series.

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