Any Approaching Enemy
A Novel of the Napoleonic Wars
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4.5 • 55 Ratings
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- $8.99
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- $8.99
Publisher Description
“Jay Worrall depicts the hearts and minds of the late eighteenth century with a facility I have seldom seen equaled. Readers of Patrick O’Brian will find themselves back in familiar gunrooms and wardrooms. Well done, Jay Worrall!”—David Poyer, author of That Anvil of Our Souls
The year is 1798. The war between England and revolutionary France has reached a stalemate. With rumors swirling that the French are secretly amassing a powerful fleet, the Admiralty dispatches a group of ships under the command of Rear Admiral Horatio Nelson to investigate. But after a ferocious storm blindsides the squadron, Nelson’s flagship and two other ships go missing.
Putting his career on the line by disobeying direct orders, Captain Charles Edgemont sets out in pursuit of Nelson and the French fleet on a treacherous voyage along the Tuscan coast. As tensions among the crew rise from a simmer to a boil, Edgemont makes an unexpected discovery in Naples that may compromise his mission. And when the French fleet turns up off the shores of Egypt, Edgemont is suddenly thrown into a crisis of conscience. As circumstances grow dire and require heroic action, the fate of the crucial battle effectively lies in Edgemont’s hands—as does the course of history.
Praise for Any Approaching Enemy
“A thoroughly enjoyable venture into the venue made famous by C. S. Forester . . . [evoking] the same admiration and sense of adventure [as] the Forester books do.”—The Roanoke Times
“Combining engaging characters, witty dialogue and rousing action, Worrall’s nautical series continues its promising start.”—Publishers Weekly
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Worrall brings dashing British naval Capt. Charles Edgemont back in this clever sequel to Sails on the Horizon. This time out, Edgemont joins rear admiral Horatio Nelson's squadron in the Mediterranean to search for a French fleet up to no good. When a storm scatters the squadron, Edgemont sails his frigate, Louisa, in search of Nelson a search that becomes even more crucial when he learns the location of the French fleet at Alexandria, Egypt, from an English spy. After a series of adventures and misadventures, Edgemont finally stumbles on Nelson, and the squadron sails to Alexandria where it engages the French fleet in one of history's great naval battles the Battle of the Nile. Worrall is well-versed in nautical history and writes with scrupulous authenticity without confusing the novice (despite the occasional "Haul the reef cringle"). The arrival on board of Edgemont's new wife, Penny, an independent and headstrong Quaker, gives Worrall an opportunity to have some fun as Penny attempts, as she says to Edgemont, to "manage thy properties." Combining engaging characters, witty dialogue and rousing action, Worrall's nautical series continues its promising start. (On sale Apr. 18)
Customer Reviews
Best of the best
All three of these books are outstanding, but this is the best of the collection. You WILL enjoy it!
Fun and a Quick Read
As a Navy Veteran and a life long sailor; the age of sail is fascinating to me. I have read endless accounts of the Napoleonic wars and search endlessly for new stuff.
The author does not walk in the path of Forester or O'Brian, and I actually believe he is not trying to. He writes in his range, does not over extend himself and produces a fun and quick read. I actually prefer Worrall's character to Kent's big emotional baby Bolitho.
Does not hurt to read, go for it.