Captain Nathaniel Drinkwater, R.N., now seems to be repeating events in his life. In 1807, he's once again sent on a semisecret mission by spymaster Lord Dungarth (A Baltic Mission), is tempted by a foreign beauty (A Brig of War) and is captured by his enemies (1805). This time, though, the incidents occur in the Pacific Northwest, where Drinkwater is sent to foil Russian attempts at south-of-Alaska settlement and to prevent a Russo-Spanish alliance in northern California. Our hero vies with England's enemies, mainly on the brig Patrician, where he is also preoccupied with a disaffected crew always on the brink of mutiny. Using some real-life Russians and Californios, Woodman spins a plausible what-if tale featuring, as usual, details of seamanship, the requisite gory battle scenes and glimpses of world politics.
~Publishers Weekly
Packed with exciting incident worthy of wide appeal to those who love thrilling nautical encounters and the sea.
~Nautical Magazine
There is no doubt that Nathaniel Drinkwater rates up there with the best of the nautical world.
~Midwest Book Review
Rich in detail, historically accurate, and displaying a masterly knowledge of the technical aspects of ships under sail, Woodman's novel is comparable to sea fiction by masters such as C.S. Forester and Alexander Kent in its evocation of the past age of wooden ships and iron men. Highly recommended for public libraries.
~Library Journal
Well written and exciting.
~Latitudes & Attitudes
Woodman knows his ships and the sea and is a craftsman of great ability.
~Guernsey Evening Press
Brilliantly told . . . the characters are real and lively, the language similar; but above all it is a convincing and compulsive seafaring story.
~Oxford Times
Action to the bone, no romantic bilge-water.
~Observer
. . . for all who like to read about naval action in the 19th century, told with gusto and bravura.
~Publishing News
