Sloop of War

Richard Bolitho #6

by Alexander Kent, Douglas Reeman

The year is 1778, the ship is the 18-gun HMS Sparrow, England's finest sloop of war, and the Captain is Richard Bolitho, sailing his command into the fury of battle. The American Revolution has turned the Atlantic coast into a refuge for privateers and marauding French warships, and it is up to young Bolitho to fight the colonial rebels, to stave off the treachery of a beautiful woman, and to overcome the dangerous incompetence of a senior officer before it is too late.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Nautical, Adventure, War, Military Fiction

352 pages, Paperback

First published November 30, 1971

About the author

A pseudonym used by Douglas Reeman.

Series:
* Richard Bolitho
* Adam Bolitho

Reviews

[Topher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bolitho finally gets a ship of his own.

I like this series. There are no vampires in it.

[Carlos Magdaleno Herrero · Rating 4 out of 5]

Creo que es la cuarta entrega de esta apasionante saga de marinería que sigue la vida de Richard Bolitho desde su entrada en la marina inglesa como guardiamarina y su continuo progreso y evolución a pesar de su juventud. Aquí obtiene por primera vez el mando de una corbeta como capitán de la misma durante los años de la guerra de independencia de los USA en la que los franceses toman partido y se unen a los americanos en contra de los británicos.
No puedo juzgar objetivamente este tipo de libros ya que me encantan, la atmósfera descrita me envuelve y me cautiva a partes iguales. Puedo imaginar perfectamente que para muchos lectores puedan resultar un tostón, o ser demasiado violentos...

[theduckthief · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Like a raked black finger the sloops long jib-boom swept out and over his head, and for a few more moments he stared up at the figurehead below the bowsprit. A man-size sparrow, beak wide in fury and wings spread as if to fight, its curved claws firmly gripping a gilded cluster of oak leaves and acorns. Bolitho watched until the boat had moved around and under the starboard cathead. He had never thought a mere sparrow could be depicted as being so warlike."

It's 1778 and Richard Bolitho has just been given his first command as captain of the sloop "Sparrow". The American Revolutionary War is in full swing and their French allies are eager to antagonize the Royal Navy. Bolitho revels in his fast, well-armed ship, hunting privateers and the French while patrolling the Atlantic coast. But he must contend with Tyrell, a first lieutenant who is an American loyalist and a senior officer consumed with gaining personal power and glory, no matter whom he must put in harm's way. Amidst the cannonfire and bloodshed, Bolitho also manages to develop a relationship with an aristocratic lady that may be more than she seems.

Kent addresses past events previous to the book, creating a larger world beyond the book and allowing readers to get a better idea of Bolitho's character and attitude towards his crew. "Sloop of War" also reads perfectly well as a stand-alone novel.

As always, Kent's description and character developement are top notch. We not only get to experience Bolitho as a leader, we also see the world from first lieutenant Tyrell's eyes. While his fellow countrymen are fighting King George, Tyrell has remained loyal to the crown, making him despised by one side and mistrusted by the other. Caught in the lonely in between as an officer of his majesty, all he can do is follow orders and try not to get killed.

One part I took guity pleasure in involved Kent speaking well of some Canadian scouts brought along to aid Bolitho. I couldn't help but grin when Foley says, "Good men. If I had a regiment of them I could retake half of America."

This book is action-packed, fast-paced, filled with battles on both land and sea and is a great addition to the Bolitho series. This is a great place to start for those interested in historical naval fiction.

[Ming Wei · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bolitho now commanding a ship, in a very dangerous ocean, whatever situation is thrust upon his ship and crew, he is the one that makes life and death decisions, in a story full of danger and drama, Bolitho throughout the book developes into a very capable leader, the backdrop of the book is how Bolitho character grows up. A very enjoyable book, in a larger series, a sort of Hornblower, Black sails era book, very readable, the story flows at a good pace throughout the book, enough to keep the readers concentration right until the end. No editorial errors, nice book cover. A solid good read, for people that enjoy this period in history.

[Bob Cantrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another addition to a good series set in the Age of Sail. Bolitho has been given command of the Sparrow, a sloop of war. To say it is an adventure story is like calling War and Peace a war story. In this book Bolitho is now in total command of a ship and its crew and that means he has to make the decisions by himself. So it is a story of a man growing into a good officer and leader of men. I will save final judgment on this series until I have read all the books, but for now I will say that so far so good, more adventures await.

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of fighting action in this one. Near run thing when an unscrupulous officer triex to put blame on Bolitho for losng a ship in pursuit of prize money and glory. Fortunately, there was a witness to the truth. There's also a smidgeon of romance, but that fizzles thankfully. That's one of the reasons that I like this series--not much romance unlike some books supposedly about Britain's wooden walls.

[Christian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall a pretty entertaining book, watching Bolitho growing into the role of a ship’s captain. The action is settled against the backdrop of the American revolution, so one already knows that this isn’t going to be a story the British will be victorious in.
There is plenty of action, but Bolitho is largely outgunned when it comes to the field if intrigue and scheming.

[Jeffrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good naval/Age of Fighting Sail novel. This is my second Bolitho novel, and I like this character even more after the second book. Fun stuff.

[Marshall T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read - it is clear that Alexander Kent mastered his storytelling in this book. The tempo and the details of the story make it a page-turner and clearly sets up all the future books.

[Viva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spoilers ahead:

I'm reading this series in chronological order and Richard Bolitho (RB) has just been promoted commander into a sloop. But not any sloop that I've read. This one is a purpose built military sloop and carries 12 pdrs in its side as well as two 32 pdrs as bow chasers. This is far heavier than I've seen any sloop armed in books.

I've always wondered why sloops and other unrated ships don't carry larger ordinance and I thought that they didn't do so because of the weight of the larger cannons as well the larger number of men needed to serve them. If that was the case, then I wondered why they didn't carry smaller number of cannons. For example I would have replaced some 6 pdrs with one or two 32 pdrs (or lesser heavy guns) instead of all 6 pdrs in most of the sloops or brigs I read about.

This was partly solved later on by carronades. (The action in this book is dated before carronades were invented, the book mentions this.) But even so I would have carried larger but less number of bigger carronades. Anyway back to the book...

The action takes place on the Atlantic American coast during the time of the American Revolution and once again I'm conflicted because usually I root for Bolitho and the Royal Navy but in this case, we are the bad guys!

The writing flows well and is easy to read. Kent does his usual good job with fleshing out all the characters and making them interesting. There are only two things I didn't like. One is that RB is new minted as commander but he acts as a seasoned and much older captain. I suspect that this book was written later when Kent had already established him as a seasoned captain and it was hard to go back And the other one is hero worship. This is particularly bad with the Ramage series. The problem isn't really the worship but the way it's done. Hornblower is worshiped by his men, but you feel it in the writing and the way the men behave. In both Ramage and Bolitho, the men have to say it out, which is bad writing and a bit cringy.

There is a bit of romance but it has unexpected ending. As usual, the hero (RB) falls in love immediately after meeting once or twice and RB even thinks of marrying her but his object of romance dismisses him immediately and is only interested in having him as one of her legion of fans.

Overall a good book with a lot of action. Elements of conflict in this book are bad feelings between his lieutenants, corrupt and incompetent superiors, and larger frigates that he has to fight. He was even pulled into a court martial where a superior lied to get him into trouble.

RB is recommended to be promoted to captain around the middle of the book but never posted, which I guess will happen in the next book. The promotions in the RB series comes pretty fast, midshipman, lieutenant and commander are only one book each so I guess RB is a post captain in the rest of the series.

[Christopher Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read a couple of books in this series out of order over the years, so I figured I would read this as its the earliest in the series I could get my hands on. This is the first novel where Richard Bolitho is a captain of his own vessel, a Commander of the sloop Sparrow.

He's part of the English Naval forces off the Americas, dealing with the American revolution and trying to handle the French Navy as well as privateers from the USA. He becomes entangled with some politics and finds friends on both sides of the conflict.

Overall there are some great scenes and events. The characterization of various side characters is well done, and they have interesting, varied, and complex motivations. Kent does a good job of keeping you guessing; you can't ever really be sure who someone is or what they're really like right away. Some who seem troubling or antagonistic end up being a solid friend of the captain. Others like Lieutenant Tyrell you're never really sure of until the end of the book.

However, the main character Bolitho is kind of unlikable, not because of his personality, but because of the way he's written. Kent is so eager for you to like him, to be impressed by him, and to consider him the consummate hero that he goes overboard. Even the most mundane things he does amazes his crew. Everyone is impressed by him, even with a brief encounter.

Almost everyone has at least one glowing, awestruck thought about Bolitho at some point in the book. Bolitho does not make mistakes, he makes the right choice, he comes up with what no one else thinks of (even when its fairly obvious). His naval choices, although some are rather mundane and typical for captains at the time, are considered the work of some great genius. Overall it becomes a bit wearying and my memories of the series are that this is more or less constant.

If Kent had let Bolitho show his ability in a more modest way, and keep the other characters from telling so much (the number of conversations in which someone praises him or talks about how great he is are very numerous) it would have been significantly less tiresome. Overall, its not very well done.

I can't really recommend this series very highly, some such as the O'Brian, Forester, and even the Fox series are much more entertaining, effectively told, and interesting books. But they aren't horrible, and if you can look past the desperation by the author that you be terribly amazed and enraptured by his main character, they're pretty solid sea stories.

[Michael Koch · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this, fifth book in the series, Richard Bolitho, Lieutenant just shy of 22 years old and based in Antigua, is made Commander and given the Sloop Sparrow. The French have entered the war of American Independence in earnest. The growing fleet of American and French privateers has made the British role more and more difficult. Their small agile ships easily outsail the large, ponderous British two and three deckers, especially in the dangerous island chains of the Caribbean. With the Sparrow, Bolitho has the chance to prove his abilities as a new captain.

On his first voyage with Sparrow, Bolitho sank a privateer and saved his flagship and Captain from destruction. This earns him more freedom of action but the enmity of his Captain who considers him a glory hound and longs for victory for himself. After this action, Bolitho is sent to New York (army HQ) with important despatches. While in New York he manages to uncover a major theft smuggling ring along with theft and resale to the Americans of substantial military material. While this is welcomed by the army, it has been funded by a wealthy elite who are profiting the war and manage to keep Bolitho in dock by delaying and prolonging what should have been minor repairs after its actions in the Caribbean.

After three years of successful patrols and actions in the Caribbean Bolitho is sent to New York again with important despatches. While there he captured another privateer masquerading as a merchantman. He also learned of the disposition of the French fleet that was out to assist the Americans. As Sparrow met with the army in Chesapeake Bay and took off some wounded, the Sparrow’s consort was sunk by a French frigate while protecting her back. By clever maneuvering, Sparrow was able to destroy this ship. However, she barely escaped the French fleet before the British fleet was able to catch it and do battle, without the little Sparrow.

Interesting insights into the British army of the day and how it was supplied and equipped. The role of class, or wealth, just shows its head. There is obvious need for change before Britain can fight and beat Napoleon in another 15 years or.

This was a very good story, very well told. Two days to read this 300 page book. Kent is a master at this. Five stars.

[Joe Santoro · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the 2nd book read, and its a bit odd... the author definitely had an idea of Richard's history, but not the details. The broad strokes are there, but the details are mostly left off, or when they do exist, they are not exactly what happened. I suspect that won't happen as much from this point on (as while the next book was first written, they are closer to chonological going forward), it is interesting.

As far as the book goes, this one takes us through the American Revolution. Richard gets his own Sloop (though of course its a special one) and makes a name for himself (mostly off camera). The 1st half of the book is an ongoing story after saving some army troops and having a bit of a conflict with a British general (and of course his pretty daughter). He ends up saving the day for the troops, and taking out the big scary privateer with a trick (and losing the General a bunch of money in the process).

The 2nd half fast forwards 3 year later... after Richard has made his fortune and reputation capturing prizes, and has been officially promoted to Captain. His superior is jealous of him and there's a big thing.. then the author goes all Forest Gump and makes sure Richard is at the battle of Yorktown.

I feel like the time skip was a bit odd (especially since there could be lots of naval engagements that were never written later, despite all the filling in the story later). The author writes a good naval battle though, which is more than enough to carry the book through. Richard is a pretty standard protoype for a young, gallant Captain during the age of sail, but that's ok, that's what he's supposed to be.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Continuing my voyages into Age of Sail fiction! This was okay, nothing too special. I felt like quite a few sequences were recycled throughout it - lots of battles described in the same way, and I didn’t warm to the simplistic style of narrative and dialogue too much. It seemed a bit bland, but I did enjoy the characters! Captain Bolitho was a great lead, young and brave and vulnerable at times with a mean streak despite his overall mildness and honour. The three-way tension with him and his two lieutenants was g o r g e o u s as well. Him and Lieutenant Tyrell had some major ust going on there. The highlight chapter for me was the court martial and Bolitho laying into the Admiral, which you don’t usually see in these kind of novels, where the officers tend to be civil on the outside and only angry and emotional on the inside. Overall though, it was okay, and it is always good to see how authors deal with this period in time on the high seas!

[Adam K · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a bit torn by this one. On one hand, the action was fun, dramatic, and exciting--even more so than previous installments in this series. On the other hand, Bolitho's character development is pretty lackluster. Only a few weeks after the events of the previous book, he seems to have taken on the guise of a grizzled captain with a stark suddenness. I might be able to accept an explanation of it being just nerves from the pressure of being newly in command, but everything else about his character is pushed to the point of cliché. Bolitho is such a Mary Sue that I find myself being taken out of the story to roll my eyes. That being said, I think the battles are well-done, and there is still some fun to be had here. I will likely continue on to the next book.

[Mike Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sloop of War

Sloop of War is, in m opinion, one of the finest books of its type that I have ever read. I have been glued to every page and at times shaking with excitement at the devastating description of our heroes warfare at sea. The final few chapters have made incredible reading. It takes the writing of someone at the top of their game to impress me but this writer has. I have enjoyed this book immensely and they just get better and better although I can’t see how the next one in the series can match this one. We will have to see. Absolutely superb, so pleased to have found this series. Congratulations to Mr Alexander Kent.

[Earl Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carried along by history and a young man continuing his naval career, this novel held me tight until its final pages. Suspense, even knowing that there are more books to come. Early America and late British naval activities are carefully and skillfully drawn with a hero and other characters that complete an ensemble of young men brought to war before their youth is even beginning to flourish. Bolitho is a fine hero and we get to see him grow in knowledge as well as spirit as he moves through his career.

[Jim Mann · Rating 4 out of 5]

After his actions in the previous book, Richard Bolitho is promoted to captain and given command of the sloop Sparrow. The action takes place in the Caribbean and North America, during the American Revolutionary War. Bolitho expands his role as commander in several actions, and in his testimony in a court martial.

Kent does a fine job of developing not only Bolitho’s character but of those around him. The action sequences are well done, and tension is increased by the fact that the reader is never sure who, other than Bolitho himself, will survive.

[William Howle · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoy books about the British navy set during the Revolution, then this is the one for you. Richard Bolitho, the main character, makes great strides in his climb up the naval ladder, through his ability and audacity to command his own ship, the sloop, Sparrow. There is a love interest, but to no avail. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite of the Bolitho books so far, reading them in chronological order. He now has his own ship a fast sloop of war and has a series of adventures that take place during the American Revolution. From picket duty to spy missions to saving soldiers being hunted by the enemy a nice series of adventures is told.

[Jim Hartman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Mr. Kent tells a great story with perfect character development and interaction. Captain Bolitho’s time in the Americas allowed us to see his struggles with the burden of command. We thought we were getting a much needed love interest, but it was just a tease from our author. Looking forward to the next adventure of Richard Bolitho.

[Robert Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

I simply devoured this book. After reading the earlier two volumes I couldn't wait to read this book. Each turn of the page captured my imagination and compelled me to read another chapter. Before I knew it the book was finished. Alexander Kent has made me a fan of Richard Bolitho! Well done.

[Jill Rowles · Rating 5 out of 5]

very enjoyable read

this is a story that grabs you right from the beginning and keeps your attention all the way through, a real swashbuckling naval tale that I can recommend as a very good read!

[Simon Pitman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bolitho books are superb. The picture painted by the author makes you feel you are aboard ship and can feel every roll of the wave and heat every creak of the timber.
Highly recommend. On to the next one.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good storyline, good characters. Quite enjoyable.

[Murat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the best of the series so far

[Doreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

More derring-do

Don't get too fond of any of the secondary characters in the Bolitho books, because it's odds on that something unpleasant will happen to them. Great book though.

[Charlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's not Aubrey/Maturin, but good reading none-the-less.

[David Hull · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexander Kent, at his very best! Erudite in the extreme, superb!

[Rick Chagouri-Brindle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far my favourite Bolitho book, well worth reading, great fun!