Until the Sea Shall Give Up Her Dead

Another great Age of Sail novel by S. Thomas Russell. The change of scenery to the Caribbean allows for some new story elements, and some interesting plot twists and events make for an engaging adventure. Only criticism would be some unoriginal (but well-handled) plot elements, and a feeling that some of the descriptions of engagements were rushed and not as detailed. However, the description of the position of ships in battle – an important element – was as good or better than ever in terms of clarity generally. The rousing and exciting concluding chapters – I could hardly put it down near the end – make up for any criticisms.

I rate Russell second only to C.S. Forester's Horatio Hornblower series (of which I have read all), and better than what I have read of Alexander Kent's Bolitho (one book read) and O'Brian (gave up partway through the second book). Will await the next outing anxiously!