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Sloop of War cover art

Sloop of War

By: Alexander Kent
Narrated by: Michael Jayston
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Summary

As the French enter the American War of Independence, young Richard Bolitho is given command of the fast, well-armed sloop Sparrow. He has a chance to prove his ability, but danger threatens - as real and deadly as the enemy itself.

©2006 Alexander Kent (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

“One of our foremost writers of naval fiction.” ( Sunday Times, London)

What listeners say about Sloop of War

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Take off!

This is where I think that the Bolitho series really gets into top gear. Bolitho is in command and able to use his tactical thinking to the full. Kent displays excellent historical and technical sailing knowledge as he brings the American Revolution to life from a slightly unusual angle.

Like many of our historical conflicts the navy is sorely stretched and its role perhaps not fully appreciated, but Kent's Bolitho is of course at his best when the odds are against him!

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6 people found this helpful

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Bolitho

Yet again, another excellent listen, finding hard to fault.The characters are perfect for this series

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2 people found this helpful

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Recommended

Another excellent adventure in the Bolitho series. The different characters seem to get more interesting as you progress. I hope they are planning to reproduce more in the series narrated by Michael Jayston.

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Brilliant descriptions of the horror, fear and bloodshed during engagements with the enemy at sea.

Many of the nautical terms and geographical descriptions made it very difficult to really appreciate how the ships were moving and what the tactics were .
Perhaps a simple glossary for land lubbers like myself would have helped .

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Does not disappoint.

Another adventure of Richard Bolitho, sympathetically narrated. I couldnt stop listening and finished it in two sessions! Now going on to book 7!

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The best of the Bolitho series.

I love Alexander Kent's writing and his characterisation, and I think it reaches its peak in plucky little Sparrow. Jayson at his finest too, with a dynamic performance. A great jumping off point if you're wondering whether this series is for you.

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Splendid seafaring yarn.

I enjoyed every moment of this. A very atmospheric feel taking me back to the day. Great action scenes. A perfect read.

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Good story

The progress of Richard Bolitho's career makes a good story and is well narrated.

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Good writing with excellent reading

Having read the whole series of the Bolitho saga I was eager to hear them read. This book does let one down. As the characters are developed by the author, they are enhanced by the the excellent reading by Michael Jayston. Though not authentic in all respects, it doe give a good idea of life aboard a wooden warship and superb seamanship. The story rattles along at a good pace and though the book is part of a 29 book series, it does read as a standalone story. Well recommended.

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