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Alexander Kent is no Patrick O'Brian, who wrote the magnificent and highly literate Aubrey-Maturin series of sea novels, but he is prolific and can be read with pleasure. Kent's style can be alarmingly clumsy at times, leaving the reader wondering who is speaking or where the action is taking place. The characters including the hero Bolitho lack the depth and complexity of O'Brian's heroes, or even secondary characters. Kent would stand out more, because his knowledge of the sea is extensive and his output enormous, if not for O'Brian's work, which covers roughly the same late 18th-early 19th century period. I have not been able to warm up to the hero of the series, Bolitho, the way I have to O'Brian's characters. Bolitho is brave, humane, a leader who inspires an almost unbelievable level of loyalty (cut the "almost"), and comes with a good backstory. He just doesn't spring fully alive from the page. Despite the negative tone of this review, I am reading my way through all the Bolitho novels. There's plenty of action and Kent doesn't make you wait endlessly for a climax. One novel can have several decisive points, which is welcome when the characters can't carry the narrative all that well. When I want more human and literary depth, I switch to the Aubrey-Maturing series, which I have read in its entirety half a dozen times. I literally carry a Kent and a O'Brian novel around together, switching off as the felt need arises. If you like this genre, historical fiction about the days of sail, Kent's books are must reading. Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
all alexander kent books are excellent.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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