Customer Reviews

The Complete Midshipman Bolitho (The Bolitho Novels, Volume 1)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I recently got "The Complete Midshipman Bolitho," my first taste of the Bolitho series, and I am impressed. Having read completely through the Aubrey-Maturin 21-book series writtten by that most iconographic of historical fiction writers, Patrick O'Brian, I was prepared for something of a letdown in this series. Not so! I have been turning pages compulsively since I opened the cover. This book combines the first three chapters in Richard Bolitho's naval career ("Midshipman Bolito'" "Midshipman Bolitho and The Avenger" and "Band of Brothers"), and I'm left wanting more.

It is clear that I will have to chew my way through the entire series in order to satisfy my craving for Richard Bolitho's further adventures.

This is the omnibus edition of the first three Richard Bolitho novels by Alexander Kent (Midshipman Bolitho, Bolitho and the Avenger, and Band of Brothers). The first two were written decades ago, but Band of Brothers only a couple years ago. I am not sure why kent waited so long to wrap up Bolitho's career as a Midshipman. Well, he finally did and this is the way it should have been from the start. Since each book by itself was rather short, this collection is not too big. We get a clear picture of our hero as he begins his ascent up the rank ladder. There is a lot of action. For anyone who wants battles and plot twists, this is the series for you. Kent doesn't bore the reader with unnecessary descriptions. Everything moves along at a good pace. A great introduction to the naval fiction genre.

I am a big fan of Hornblower and was not sure what beginning this series with a new "hero" would be like. Would I enjoy him or would I spend too much time compairng Bolitho with Hornblower. Frankly, I did at first but by the time I got to the third novel or section I was hooked and quite anxious to turn the page see where and what Bolitho was up to and I was not disappointed as he worked himself through his personal relationships and realized his leadership potential and charisma.

The author does well in laying out the scenes so that you can easily see in your mind all that is taking place. He also shows a very good knowledge of all things nautical and picked up the essence of His Britanic Majesty's Navy during the late 1700's.

This is a good read.

Alexander Kent (Douglas Reeman) is a consummate story teller. His ability to identify with his character, to get into the mind of the character and to portray the people who mould and shape him is what makes these books such an excellent read. That and his encyclopedic knowledge of the ships, the guns and the conditions aboard them puts the reader right alongside the hero and his people as they are soaked by freezing spray, battered by wind and waves or skinning their shins and their knuckles clambering among the rocks of a forbidding coast seeking smugglers and traitors.

Kent has been a favourite read of mine since I first encountered his writing and he has never dissappointed me yet! He can still move me to rage with the corruption and treason of the politicians his heroes must deal with and move me to tears with the description of friendships interupted by death - a constant companion in those wooden ships manned by iron men in cramped and crowded conditions difficult for us to envisage today.

This is a rewarding read for anyone who loves naval historical fiction.

I have sworn off tobacco and alcohol. I hate illegal substances and have surrendered to complete sobriety. Sugar and chocolate, too much coffee, excessive red meat, more than modest amounts of dairy products, obsessive exercise and other anti-social habits--I have put them all behind me.

But please, dear Lord, please allow me a singular pleasure in life. Let me revel in by Bolitholism and enjoy each adventure ad infinitum. Amen.

For those who enjoy naval fiction and are expecting something of quality (an O'Brian or Forester, perhaps) you are likely to be disappointed. It's not bad; just not very well written. In addition to an abundance of clichés, Kent/Reeman employs bizarre similes which regularly `slap' the reader out of the narrative, straight back to the printed page. In addition, the novels tend to be predictable and over sentimental. They are not bad but they are not that good, either.

Wonderful book. Thanks for sending it in a timely manner. Have enjoyed all the books in this series. Alexander Kent is one of the best authors and would highly recommend any of his books.

this is a great book and different approach to what we normally read about check it out if ya like this kinda stuff

With this book I began my journey into nautical fiction. I have currently read most of Kent's books, along with other authors such as Pope, Forester and more current newcomer's to this genre, such as Valerie Roosa and others. Carefully written with much historical fact made my pathway into these books easy and understandable. I felt a part of each of Kent's books and highly recommend anyone looking for an engrossing subject to read them. Having spent much of my life on the water myself, I could smell the sea and feel the wind on my cheek as I went back into a believable world of the past.SHADOW on the WATER[[ASIN:1425714188 True Colors]]

I thoroughly enjoyed this triple play of the first 3 novels (chronologically) by Alexander Kent. The stories were fun, clear,and the action vivid. Nothing too challenging., They remind me of the Richard Sharpe novels by Bernard Cornwell, more than the Patrick O'Brien books (which I couldn't get through). I expect to read the whole series eventually.

The Kindle conversions are excellent with NO problems.