Ships of War – Murky Waters
‘It is a noble thing you do for your officer, Coops, I honour you.’
Lieutenant Hayden Reginald Cooper of the Royal Navy stands in Portsmouth, braving the harsh winter chill as Bonfire Night approaches, waiting for his next deployment. With the revolution raging in France, everyone agrees that it is only a matter of time before England is drawn into a war against its French neighbours. Rumours suggest that the life of King Louis XVI may soon be cut short by Madame Guillotine. The British government will not allow the revolution to cross the Channel under any circumstances.
Cooper hopes for advancement, but the chances are slim, and he has almost given up hope. However, he has caught the attention of the Admiralty, and while promotion may be on the horizon, so too is the high possibility of death.
Faced with life-and-death situations, Cooper must confront his fears and demonstrate to the Admiralty what he is truly capable of and why he is worthy of a promotion.
In his captivating novel, Ships of War: Murky Waters, Bradley John delivers a compelling and insightful exploration of the British Royal Navy during the tumultuous times of the French Revolution. This fresh perspective sheds light on the naval intricacies and heroics that shaped an era, making it a must-read for history enthusiasts and fiction lovers alike.
For the most part, the story is told from Lieutenant Hayden Reginald Cooper’s point of view. He’s portrayed as charismatic yet reckless, ready to gamble and employ unorthodox strategies when necessary. His internal monologues display his sharp mind, his wry humour, and a subtle tiredness that sometimes surfaces beneath his cynical exterior. There is also an underlying compassion to Cooper’s character, which makes him more relatable to the reader. He is also a loyal friend, and his friendship with Poulain certainly drives the narrative forward. Cooper is both a skilled strategist and incredibly decisive: if something needs doing, he is the man to do it.
This novel features numerous supporting characters, some with minor roles and others with more significant roles in the story. Marquis de Lafayette is cunning and manipulative, yet also displays loyalty and compassion. Chevalier Lafayette is portrayed as a man fractured by imprisonment, yet he retains the capacity for impactful decisions despite his appearance. Captain Douglas represents the pragmatic, by-the-book English naval officer. Holt is an exceptionally skilled individual who brings added depth to the story. Di Buonaparte is presented as a charismatic and ambitious individual, although he does not yet show the makings of the man he will become. The ambiguity of Trogoff’s character is highlighted by his wavering between loyalty and self-preservation. Danton, with his pompous and cruel behaviour, is a clear representative of the revolutionary regime in France. Poulain’s plight and his bravery are a testament to his character. Prince William’s presence adds humour and authority to the narrative. And Nelson is as one might imagine him to have been. Every character contributes to the story’s progression, but while dialogue and internal monologues are the primary means of character development, occasional descriptions of these characters would have been beneficial.
The possibility of war between England and France is extremely high, with some people eagerly anticipating it. Yet, the question lingers: are the Jacobites, the Whigs, or the privateers the most dangerous adversaries? And if you can’t trust your countryman, then who can you trust? The detailed descriptions of naval terminology and procedures immerse the reader in the world of naval life. Likewise, there is a clear distinction between the officers and the crew, and this is more notable when the ships are in the dock, where the crews’ drunkenness, fighting, and upsetting the harbour inhabitants, as well as the sheep, become a chore for the officers to control. It is as if everyone wants a war, simply so they have something to do!
This novel is very dialogue-heavy, and while the dialogue is sharp, witty, and characteristic of the characters, revealing their personalities and relationships, it can sometimes overwhelm the reader leaving them feeling slightly adrift. In certain scenes, the lack of description leaves the reader unsure about what the setting looks like. For instance, in the auction house, the dialogue is so abundant that by the end of the scene, one is left unable to describe the auction house itself. However, there are moments when the author combines dialogue with descriptive language very well, making it much easier to read and thus allowing the reader to gain a true sense of the setting. While the setting can function to support the action and dialogue of the characters, incorporating more descriptive text to break up the dialogue would help the reader become more immersed in the story.
The author’s writing style is, for the most part, engaging, utilizing a sophisticated vocabulary and vivid descriptions. The rich and precise vocabulary adds authenticity to the period setting, it is very easy for the reader to be drawn into the era just by the dialogue alone. When writing descriptive passages, the author skilfully employs metaphors and similes with great effect. Although the novel is set in a nautical environment, the author explains relevant details in both direct and subtle ways. The writing is lively and cinematic, especially when the author effectively blends dialogue and descriptions, this allows the scenes to play out vividly in the reader’s mind. The author successfully captures the atmosphere of any naval encounters, while also maintaining a humorous tone through witty banter and the occasional ironic situation.
The attention to historical detail in this novel is exceptional. The author has clearly done thorough research, and although the story itself is fictional, the era and some of the notable figures in it are real. At times, the book reminded me of C. S. Forester Hornblower series; for example, Holt’s experience during his wait and examination for Lieutenant parallels a scene from Forester’s classic. However, aside from this resemblance and the nautical themes that run through both novels, the stories are quite different. The author demonstrates a solid understanding of the nature of the navy and the chaos in France during this era, as well as the political influences of the time. He also clearly demonstrates his skill as a writer.
The strengths of this story far outweigh the minor areas that could be improved upon, as previously mentioned. The vivid setting, compelling characters, and intriguing plot create an enjoyable and engaging read. With some small refinements in sentence structure, pacing, and descriptive language, this novel could be significantly enhanced, resulting in an even more enjoyable reading experience.
If you love historical fiction with a nautical twist, the Ships of War: Murky Waters by Bradley John should be your next go-to read. I am eagerly anticipating Book 2, as it promises to take this unforgettable series to new heights.
I recommend.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde
The Coffee Pot Book Club
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Congratulations on your review. Your book sounds really interesting.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by. :-) I agree, it sounds like a thrilling adventure.
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