HMSCody
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Post by HMSCody on Nov 2, 2013 3:09:10 GMT
I've been working my way through this series this year. Has anyone else read them? What do you think of the stories?
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Post by Sharpiefan on Nov 10, 2013 13:07:14 GMT
I've read 'em - I like them. The different POV (of a pressed sailor) is partly what attracted me to them, but the writing is good - very vivid. I know some people don't get on with the way the dialogue is written, but it does (I think) suit the style of the books and the focal point, which is of a man working his way up in a service he didn't expect to join.
Stockwin is definitely, IMHO, on a level with Alexander Kent, CS Forester and others, a cut above Peter Smalley (who's just too simplistic for my liking) and easier to get to grips with than Patrick O'Brian.
SF
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HMSCody
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Post by HMSCody on Nov 11, 2013 16:32:16 GMT
I'm reading Privateer's Revenge right now (I think the title is Treachery in the UK) and just last night I was appreciating how Stockwin takes the time to write thoughtful descriptions of landscape, sea conditions, and the men. I get a kick out of how he has Kydd deep in thought and then interrupted with a "Saaaail Hooooooooo!" when another ship is sighted.
I'm glad there are more books in the series and that Stockwin is still writing them!
You're right on when you say that Stockwin is easier to get into than O'Brian -- it took me two-and-a-half books to be hooked on Aubrey, but the Kydd novels had me at the first chapter. The books aren't lazy reads; you do have to remain alert because of the way Stockwin writes his dialog. I can see why some wouldn't appreciate it. Another author who does that (not AOS) is Craig Johnson with his Longmire series.
HMSCody
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mmt
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Post by mmt on Nov 12, 2013 16:40:38 GMT
It has been a while since I read Stockwin and as long as he keeps writing, which I hope he does, a full set is some time in the future. I have audio tapes of some of the early books and I used to listen to them when I put out stock at work before the store opened.
I have an ereader which is a handy device for certain sure and I've downloaded single books on it but I do like to see a full set of a series by an author like Forester, Kent, Pope, Stockwin, O'Brian or Woodman looking out at me from my bookshelf.
I like these 'buddy' series where characters develop in tandem; Horatio and Bush (or Horatio and Archie), Kydd and Renzi, Aubrey and Maturin.
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Post by Academic Fangirl on Nov 18, 2013 9:30:11 GMT
I have a full set of Stockwin in hardback on my shelves - most of which are the collectors editions (from tenacious onwards) - I started them because I heard him being interviewed on Radio 4 driving home one day before the first book was published. It is one of the few actual (as opposed to ebooks) I buy in a year - Mr AF and I have an agreement that I can only buy real books when it is continuing a series I already own. Just reading his latest which was published in October(Carribee) before my Dad comes up this end of the country and walks of with it
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Post by Sharpiefan on Nov 18, 2013 21:51:31 GMT
Haven't got the latest one yet...! *sticks fingers in ears and starts singing loudly*
I generally can't wait for 'em to come out in paperback and so end up with them twice - one hardback copy and one paperback - I started getting them in paperback originally, and like to have a whole series to match, if possible. Um.
SF
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HMSCody
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Post by HMSCody on Feb 26, 2014 22:03:07 GMT
Still making my way (s-l-o-w-l-y) through the series. I finished Invasion last week and have started Victory. HMSCody By the way, Sharpie, I started reading Stockwin on your recommendation. This one is down to you!
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Post by Sharpiefan on Feb 27, 2014 10:52:02 GMT
Woohoo!! *is totally unrepentant* Back atcha, HMSCody! SF
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Post by Biki on May 22, 2014 20:25:07 GMT
I took two of them on vacation with me to Hawaii once. And I just really couldn't get in to the voice of the books.... it doesn't help that I suffered a bad accident during the vacation, and ended up not being able to walk, go to the beach, get in the water or enjoy the sun (antibiotics) and the only thing I had to fall back on at the time was those two books, while everyone else was out enjoying fun in the sun. So I'm not a good person to ask about those books. I still prefer the Dewey Lambdin's the best.
Biki
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HMSCody
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Happy to be of service, as ever.
Posts: 427
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Post by HMSCody on May 23, 2014 13:11:06 GMT
I couldn't get into the Dewey Lambdin books. I got tired of the epic sex scenes being written more carefully than the action ones, but that is just my opinion. Didn't I pass on my Lambdin books to you at the San Diego con, Biki?
Meanwhile, I'm still getting through the Kydd series... just started Conquest.
HMSCody
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Post by HMS Lydia on May 23, 2014 15:37:02 GMT
I have the first volume of the Lambdin series to read next. I have to say I am rather interested in theory to seeing a more rakish 18th century gentleman as hero. I was always interested in the colossal value shift between the 18th and 19th century ('two centuries armed against each other' called them French-Italian literary critic and patron Mme de Stael) and the Napoleonic era is the crisis point. Yet another reason to keep reading/writing about it. Lydia
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Post by Biki on May 23, 2014 21:04:23 GMT
But he grows within the series, you have to slog through the first few books before the young man starts thinking with more then his wedding tackle. I thought the author did an excellent job of showing that aspect of a young boys life. Does he stay a horny dog through the whole series? You betcha, but he grows and becomes an excellent officer in the process. Biki
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Post by HMS Lydia on May 23, 2014 21:35:22 GMT
Now I am even more curious! And hey, nothing wrong with being horny. Lydia
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Post by Biki on May 25, 2014 9:39:13 GMT
Now I am even more curious! And hey, nothing wrong with being horny. Lydia hahahahaha! Then it's time to crack The King's Coat open and start reading! The series opens with him in trouble for trying to bed his step-sister to his father's benefit. Biki
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Post by HMS Lydia on May 25, 2014 13:53:33 GMT
Now I am even more curious! And hey, nothing wrong with being horny. Lydia hahahahaha! Then it's time to crack The King's Coat open and start reading! The series opens with him in trouble for trying to bed his step-sister to his father's benefit. Biki PAGING LORD BYRON. Lydia
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