Customer Reviews

An Awkward Commission

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Naval history buff David Donachie presents An Awkward Commission, the latest historical novel set in following the life of reluctant seaman John Pearce. Though Pearce is finally free to follow his dreams rather than serve in King George's Navy, his closest friends have the misfortune to be shanghaied off to the Mediterranean under the command of a ruthless tyrant. Unable to call in aid from any higher authority, Pearce must board a ship and follow them. A complex and at times deadly naval adventure, filled with power plays and plot twists; pure excitement from cover to cover.

Now a lieutenant, John Pierce wakes up after a drunken binge in a inn and discovers that he has allowed his friends to get pressed back into the navy. For a landsmen with no particular love of the sea, what is a young officer supposed to do? Follow, of course! After finagling a Admiral into giving him the job of mail carrier, John travels to the Mediterranean to liberate his buddies, but soon becomes embroiled in Naval politics.

This was an entertaining, albeit short read. John is a fun character, although I felt in this book he was a tad whiny. I know being pressed into the navy in book 1 was awful, but he really needs to get over it. His resentment and complaining just make him seem a bit of a loser. I also was bored with his vow of revenge against Barclay. Yeah Barclay was a jerk... But does he deserve death? I don't think so. I'd rather see John focuse his attention on something more worthwhile...Such as his career.

Overall, this was a fun, fast-paced read.... I can't wait for the sequel.

Good character creation and interesting story line. I will be reading all of this series I can get my hands on.