Seaflower

Thomas Kydd has given a statement about the sinking of his ship, Artemis.  However he is not called as a witness before the court martial.  Rather, he and his Artemis shipmates are consigned to serve aboard a cutter, not having been given any shore leave.  Assigned to the Trajan, and headed to the West Indies, it isn't long before Kydd is once again appointed a petty officer.

Immediately after arriving at Barbados, the Artemis is sent on to Guadeloupe.  This is a French island the British intend taking from them.  Sent ashore, it doesn't take Kydd long to learn that fighting on land is very different than on a ship.  Later, the Trajan takes a pummelling from a hurricane.  Under a skeleton crew, she sets sail for Antigua for a refitting.  Unfortunately there, the ship is condemned.  The men who were aboard are dispersed amongst other ships.  Kydd is given the opportunity to serve the shipwright as "Master of the King's Negroes".  He sees this as an opportunity to learn more about ships.  Not long after this, Kydd is struck down by yellow fever, which he fortunately survives.  However, it is not long after this that he loses his job.

Meanwhile, Kydd's good friend, Nicholas Renzi has been seconded to work for the admiral on Jamaica.  Not surprisingly, Kydd turns up in Jamaica.  Using his position, Renzi surreptitiously assigns Kydd and several other members of his former crew from Artemis, plus himself to the Seaflower, a cutter in need of crew.

It isn't long before they capture a prize, but are sent out to sea immediately again.  On this voyage, they run into a French schooner.  Fortunately the little cutter comes out the best in the sea battle, but is forced to go to Antigua for repairs.  This is not something that Kydd is not looking forward to.

Author Julian Stockwin has plenty of action remaining for the crew of the Seaflower; three different captains, and a hurricane bring both glory and danger.  Well written, an exciting read, hard to put down.  I'm looking forward to the sequel.