Preview
  • The French Prize

  • A Novel
  • By: James L. Nelson
  • Narrated by: John Lee
  • Length: 11 hrs and 24 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (43 ratings)

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The French Prize

By: James L. Nelson
Narrated by: John Lee
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Publisher's summary

Acclaimed, award-winning author James L. Nelson—praised as “a master of both his period and the English language” by Patrick O’Brian—returns to the world of sea and sail in The French Prize.

Jack Biddlecomb has much to live up to, being as he is the eldest son of the esteemed Captain Isaac Biddlecomb, wealthy merchant captain, leading light of the War for American Independence, and newly minted congressman. Jack finds himself off to a promising start, however, when he’s given command of the merchant vessel Abigail bound from Philadelphia for Barbados.

But even before the dock lines are cast off, the voyage, which should have been routine, begins to look like a stormy passage indeed. Jack is saddled with two passengers, one as unpleasant as he is highborn, the other a confidant of the Abigail’s owner who cannot help meddling in the running of the ship. What’s more, with the French making prizes of American merchantmen, Abigail’s owner has armed the ship and instructed Jack to fight if need be, thrusting the first-time captain and his small crew into a naval war for which they are totally unprepared.

What Jack does not know, but soon begins to suspect, is that he is being used as part of a bigger plot, one that will have repercussions on an international scale.

©2015 James L. Nelson (P)2022 Blackstone Publishing
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What listeners say about The French Prize

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Narrator

I really liked it the narrator but didn't really like the accent the Americans got sounded really cringy

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Exciting

A little too disjointed for my tastes but exciting nonetheless. Definitely worth a read though and I will look for some more.

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Fabulous an more

The story line was classical and adventurous and the narration was as fine as I have heard. Nelson and crew have achieved a level of excellence that left me shouting for more. This is Nelson’s best. Bravo!!!

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Thoroughly enjoyable!

Excellent on all accounts. Nelson delivers an enjoyable tale. The characters come alive and there is sufficient intrigue to jeep the pages turning.

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INCREDIBLE. EXCITING. EPIC STORYLINE.

Listened straight through - stayed up most of the night. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS NOVEL. JAMES L. NELSON gives details, verbiage, fighting sequence and on-sea happenings like no other author. LOVE THIS BOOK! Was sad when it ended. 😊

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What a great story

I liked the details of life at sea, not unlike the master and commander series

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Another wonderful tale.

Another amazing sea tale. Love them. John Lee……just so bloody great. Thank you James Nelson.

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Great story of early American sailors

Well researched story of American sailors of merchant ship. Promising beginning to the second part of great series. Looking forward to the next book.

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wtf is John Lee doing with this American accent

most annoying accent I've ever heard. no one in history has talked like that. ruining the book. Nelson my fav author but John Lee's (one of the best I know) taking great liberties with the American accent it's like baby talk for eg. he will say "door" but like doouwah or "water" like wuatah. hard to spell it our but making me hate all the Americans who were supposed to like lol f off Lee

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