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Command a King's Ship

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Command a King's Ship

By: Alexander Kent
Narrated by: Michael Jayston
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Spithead, 1784.

His Majesty's frigate, Undine, sets sail for India and the seas beyond. Europe may be at peace - but in colonial waters the promises of statesmen count for little and the bloody struggle for supremacy still goes on. Richard Bolitho would have cause to remember his admiral's words: 'The task I am giving you would be better handled by a squadron'.

©1975 Alexander Kent (P)2014 Audible, Inc. Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction War & Military

Critic reviews

“One of our foremost writers of naval fiction.” ( Sunday Times, London)

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If you could sum up Command a King's Ship in three words, what would they be?

Action adventure empire

What did you like best about this story?

I liked the area of the conflict, not just the run of the mill sailing but in the east indies with a new empire at stake

Have you listened to any of Michael Jayston’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, but I was impressed with his performace and look forward to listening to many more

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Many, both out of pride and saddness well written

Any additional comments?

Look forward to listening to more

Great story and interesting backdrop of pirates

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Buy extra credits and download as many Kent Bolitho books as you can. Then be transported in time and place(s), you will not regret it for this author is the king of his craft.

Premier Listening

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The book is good to very good --- but the reader stinks!!

The reader seems to be in a great HURRY to get to the end --- "I guess so can get paid or make appointment that he is late for...!

Michael Jayston is NOT for me --- I shall pass on any book he reads in my future with Audible! Hope it is NOT my lose!!!

Love the SeaTell as Told through the British Eyes!

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the next book passage to mutiny isn't on audible just wish it was here so I could listen to it next

just wish the next book was here

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Another great seagoing tale by Mr. Kent. His descriptive writing puts you right on the Quarterdeck for all the action. I love how develops his characters. Bolitho always seems to have all the options sorted out. Mr. Jayston's narration is also very good.

Captain Bolitho never fails to surprise

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Really great series from Alexander Kent. Truly in depth understanding of the topic which adds to the realism of the experience. The narrator is excellent. Delivery is spot on. I always like hearing historical events of the late 18th early 19th century from a British perspective. It sheds a completely different light on the topic rather than the bluster of an American one. You realize that during that time period England wasn’t only dealing with the revolution in America and it’s aftermath but really dealing with enemies all over the world. England hardly gave all its fight to the American problem. She had to deal with France, Spain, the Dutch, and enemy state sponsored pirates. In addition to private tribal warlords. She lost America yes. But through it all England gained the greatest empire the world has ever known. Only relinquished in slow sacrifice to achieve victory in WW2 and its aftermath. Stories like the Bolitho series are able to paint a historical perspective that joins the beginning links of that long chain of world history. Hail Britannia! Carry on Mr Kent!

Bolitho series… good stuff

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Another great story of Richard Bolitho and his experiences in the Royal Navy. Most enjoyable.

Another great sea tale

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The men come to life with all their hopes and dreams. Boat to boat action and men coming to grips with the enemy. A true tale of life on board a King’s ship and a must read.

True characters and thrilling action.

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I love a good sea story. I had finished reading all the Patrick O'Brien books and started on C. S. Forester, now I have discovered Alexander Kent. He is not as well known as the other two but he is a master story teller and as good as the above mention writers. This book takes place in the period between the ending of the American War of Independence and the French Revolutionary War. Many Royal Navy Captains are being beached at half pay. So Richard Bolitho is happy he is assign to Captain the 24 gun frigate Undine to sail to the East Indies. The trip goes down the coast of Africa around the Cape to India then on to what is now Indonesia. Lots of adventures along the way. He delivers the new British governor to the former Spanish post but finds the people almost dead with disease and constant fighting off native pirates. Now the real suspense, action, sea battles begin. Could not stop listening. Kent keeps on entranced in the story. Michael Jayson does a good job narrating the story. I hope that Audible will carry all the Alexander Kent books.

A trip to the East Indies

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I really had a good time with this book and the series thus far. The narration was excellent and plenty of action. My only regret is that I am unable to get the next book in this series. Passage to Mutiny. For whatever reason it's unavailable for download.

Loved it. Want more !

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