Those who enjoyed the novel Captain Kilburnie will welcome this stand-alone sequel about the swashbuckling Scotsman Fergus Kilburnie as he returns to Nelson's Navy to do battle with England's enemies. The days of sail and cannon are vividly brought to life by a writer whose sea-literature credentials were long ago established. Adm. William P. Mack has sailed the seven seas in the defense of his nation during three wars. He writes with an authenticity that leaves readers with the taste of salt on their lips and the smell of gunpowder in their nostrils. Walking slippery wooden decks and climbing swaying ratlines, the reader goes on vicarious voyages to sea in some of His Majesty's frontline ships as they seek battle against Napoleon and his allies.
A colorful cast of fictional characters intermingles with the likes of Collingwood, St. Vincent, and Nelson as history is masterfully blended with good, old-fashioned story telling in the tradition of Forester and O'Brian. In his unique style, Mack vividly portrays life at the turn of an earlier century in terms comfortable to modern readers. From the lochs of Scotland to the seas off Cape Trafalgar, Commodore Kilburnie's adventures are edifying, entertaining, and exciting.
Followers of Admiral Mack's sea adventures since the debut of his now-classic South to Java will want to add this newest novel to their collection. Those new to the Mack tradition will acquire an enjoyable habit as they get underway with Commodore Kilburnie.
