King, Ship, and Sword: Alan Lewrie Series, Book 16

In "King, Ship and Sword" we see Lewrie growing into a new role as a senior post captain, but with his usual panache. We see the usual self doubts Lewrie wrestles with throughout the series, but in a new way as his concerns for his children, his grief over Caroline's death, his anger with the French and his growing seniority come together to apply new pressures which, as usual, Lewrie confronts and overcomes, but with his usual self doubts.As part of a small squadron, Lewrie finds himself in the unusual, to him, role of having to play the obedient subordinate to the squadron Commodore, supporting his senior and providing leadership to the junior post captains, while satisfying his innate need to engage in "neck or nothing" action, while doing his part to make the team function smoothly. In addition, we see him coming to grips with his new role as a widower and the father of two "grown" sons both of whom find their way into new lives as midshipmen in the Royal Navy, following in their father's footsteps, leaving Lewrie with all the doubts and concerns typical to any father. Of course, he is concerned about Charlotte and his relationship with her as his little girl moves in with Lewrie's in-laws while he's at sea. Finally, he has to choose between savaging the French as revenge for the murder of Caroline and dealing with the enemy in an honorable manner.As usual and despite his own self-doubts, Lewrie does a credible job in coping with each of these dilemmas, while using his unique talents to win the day for England and himself.

King, Ship and Sword is a fine addition to Dewey Lambdin's exceptional series of naval adventures set in the Age of Sail during the late Eighteenth Century and early Nineteenth Century. This installment will likely be of more interest to long-time readers of the series. It may not be the best place to start for those just discovering Lambdin and his always entertaining -and abundantly human- hero, Allen Lewrie. Rather than a cohesive novel, King, Ship and Sword is a series of three loosely connected episodes, with the majority of the action set on land. Bridging the short lull in the Napoleonic Wars that followed the 1802 Treaty of Amiens, Lewrie concludes his brief tenure as Captain of HMS Thermopylae, settles a variety of personal business on land, and returns to sea with increased motivation and vigor when hostilities between England and France resume. Along the way Lewrie renews past acquaintance, some welcome, most not-so-welcome, with many characters from previous installments in this series. The result of his adventures, as always, is entertaining and will keep readers on the edge of the seat. Typically, Lewrie wrecks havoc on his King's foes while at sea and creates mayhem, most of it quite unintentionally of course, for himself and just about everyone else who comes into contact with him (or who just happens to be sailing In Sight) while on land. In fact, in this adventure one might even speculate that Lewrie, nigh single-handedly, is responsible for bringing England and France back into conflict in June of 1803. King, Ship and Sword is a definite must-read for the long-time Lambdin fan. New readers will also find it entertaining but may be better served to make their acquaintance with Allen Lewrie by starting with an earlier adventure; perhaps with The King's Coat, the initial installment in this series.

This is one that, while well written, Lambdin didn't suspend my disbelief in the sections that occurred in France. It was moving but seemed implausible. Don't get me wrong, it is entertaining but just felt like it didn't fit to me according to my taste but don't stop reading here, there's more to learn. Lambdin's writing in the later chapters excels in capturing human emotion, feelings of helplessness, grief and anger. Lambdin does a great job of capturing the spirit of revenge from the entire family. If you haven't read the book you don't know what I'm talking about but suffice it to say it's time to turn to page one and begin because you'll read one of the best in the series in this book. I really appreciate Dewey Lambdin's story telling ability and count him as one of my favorite authors. I don't think you'll go wrong with this book. I absolutely recommend reading it.

Yes, it's another Napoleonic war series, but, I think, the best. A young man is double crossed by his father and is forced into the Navy. Goes through a lot of misery that even I, having been in the Navy 200 years later, can relate to. This series is much more down to earth, even bawdy. That's one of the things that make it so entertaining. Sea battles masterfully told, also, in my opinion, Lambdin seems to have more nautical knowledge, more sailing experience ... all put together, qualities that make this series so hard to put down.

Nearly missed this book as I was still looking for the next numbered " list in sequence" just love these stories by Dewey Lambdin and the rakish character Cpt Leery....sorry Lewrie so wanted to carry on from where I left off. Previously I started reading one book just to find I had missed the next one in the series....bloody annoying but once you have got in to the first couple of chapters you know what happened and then are reluctant to go back to the that one. Am enjoying every page and have previously reviewed the ones read giving all 5 stars......taking my time reading the last ones because I don't want them to end!,,Amazon please take note of my comments and keep the listing simple for people like me.....no comments there please,

The initial part of the story is a tiny bit too far fetched to be believable. It does get better though I promise you. This instalment finds Lawrie somewhat reconciled with his wife, and during the peace of Amiens they visit Paris, at this point the story goes all scarlet Pimpernel and steer he's credulity a bit too far. Having said that it is still good read. After that part of the story the book returns to its true setting with Lewrie at sea and this part is truly we'll worth reading

The last two books in the series have not been quite as entertaining as the previous novels. There is too much of the story on shore in fact this story was 80% on land. Now when I buy a book advertised as a naval adventure I don't think that it is unreasonable to expect that the bulk of the story takes place at sea!! At times the story was more suitable as a Mills and Boon story. However I will give this series a rest for a while and return to it in the future.

These stories were criticised in early reviews for dragging the same unlikely characters up in every book....but I see the reasoning even if I do agree a couple of books is enough before we kill them off. I'm not a fan of bulk coincidences and this book had these in spades. Still very readable. Let's see if the following books are as good or have we passed the time for quiet retirement.

Couldn't recall where I was upto so reread the book. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Good characters and situations. Thanks Mr lamgdin

Another great Alan Lewrie adventure. Part of it owes a little to the Scarlet Pimpernel; it's a book that you will find hard to put down.