Pasha
A Kydd Sea Adventure
Combining historical accuracy with thrilling action and exotic locales, Pasha is sure to stand out as Kydd’s most exciting adventure yet.
Captain Thomas Kydd and company set sail for the Mediterranean in Pasha, the latest from Julian Stockwin’s popular Kydd Sea Adventure series. Set during the Napoleonic Wars, Stockwin focuses on the British Royal Navy’s involvement, this time offering fresh insight into the little known but fascinating Dardanelles Operation with Sultan Selim III playing a pivotal role. Pasha combines historical accuracy with thrilling action and exotic locales, infusing the most routine events with an edginess befitting the dangerous times and turning even the simple act of setting out to sea into nail-biting suspense.
Recently returned from the Caribbean and newly promoted, Kydd finds himself at the mercy of his superiors, in this case Charles Arbuthnot, the British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire who seems oblivious to the dangers of nautical warfare, and the indecisive Admiral Sir John Duckworth. Meanwhile, Kydd’s erstwhile sidekick, Nicholas Renzi, finds himself with an unexpected promotion of his own, and the two part ways, one to sea, one over land, both with the ultimate goal of ridding Constantinople of French influence once and for all.
Stockwin shares a wealth of knowledge and experience that is evident in the details pertaining not only to life at sea but also to life as a member of an active fleet. Although Pasha is a rollicking tale, Stockwin is careful to separate fact from fiction. An index highlights all of the major players with asterisks indicating fictitious characters, and a not-to-be-overlooked author’s note at the conclusion offers additional information regarding the time line, events, and known historical personalities. A glossary of terms ensures that even landlubbers will be able to appreciate the sailors’ lingo.
Pasha combines daring exploits with evolving, maturing characters; Kydd and Renzi go through many changes, none more noticeable than their independence: “In the past Renzi had sat in his place with a quizzical smile as Kydd shared his doubts and hopes. But now came the dawning realisation that he no longer had need of advice, comforting reassurance, the logical perspective. If he felt the necessity for any of them, he would find it within himself.”
Whether Pasha is the first Kydd Sea Adventure you read or the fifteenth, it is destined to be a favorite.
Reviewed by
Pallas Gates McCorquodale
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
