In the 10th book of the popular series, rumors fly of Napoleon's planned invasion of England, and British naval commander Thomas Kydd is sent to liaise with American inventor Robert Fulton, who has created "infernal machines" that can wreak mass destruction from a distance. Fulton believes that his inventions, namely the submarine and torpedo, will win the day for the power that possesses them, and Kydd must help him develop the devices. Despite his own belief that standing man-to-man is the only honorable way to fight, Kydd agrees to take part in the crucial testing of these weapons of mass destruction, which just may decide the fate of England.
From Publishers Weekly
Stockwin's by-the-numbers 10th Kydd sea adventure opens as commander Thomas Kydd reclaims the helm of his sloop-of-war, Teazer , bringing along old friend and confidant Nicholas Renzi. Kydd, a former rakish corsair, is assigned to join in the coastal defenses of Britain against the invasion by Napoleon's forces, but after engaging in some heavy sea action, Kydd chafes under his new post as nursemaid to the Sea Fencibles, the ragtag local defenses. Meanwhile, scholarly former spy Renzi is dispatched to Paris to secretly meet with American inventor Robert Fulton, who has designed and built a submarine for Napoleon. His mission, to bribe Fulton into switching his allegiances, steals the show as Kydd mucks around with the maritime amateurs. Stockwin doesn't stray from his successful formula in this outing; series readers should be pleased. (Oct.)
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Review
"Stockwinβs richly detailed . . . portrait of life on ship and shore in Britainβs oceanic empire is engrossing. He writes evocatively of shipboard routine, the panic and confusion of combat, and the terrifying approach of a storm at sea, and he knows how to stage enthralling action scenes." β Publisherβs Weekly
"Stockwin continues to display his talents in transporting his audience from the 21st century to the chaotic worlds of Kydd, Renzi, and their imperiled homeland." β Historical Novels Review