Audible Book Review: Man of War by T. J. London

This is strong, engaging historical fiction.
Man of War
The Rebels and Redcoats Saga Prequel
By: T.J. London
Narrated by: Nicholas Boulton, Kathryn Vinclaire, Patrick Zeller, John Hartley, Tara Langella, Jason Clarke, Dryw McArthur, Marnye Young, James Cheatham

Length: 22 hrs and 52 mins
Release date: 07-05-22
Publisher: T.J. London
Genre: Action and Adventure, Historical Fiction
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.75; Narration 4.75.

Publisher's Summary
The man who wants everything gets nothing….
July 1755
War is brewing between England and France. Impressed into the Royal Navy, Lieutenant Merrick, against all odds, advanced through the ranks to become an officer—but he is not a gentleman. A man with a tainted past from a traitorous family, cast down by King George—a stain no man can remove. Merrick’s thrust into the role of captain, when the HMS Boudica is attacked by pirates off the coast of Nova Scotia. On a captured enemy vessel, he discovers a king’s ransom in treasure and a woman chained in the hold from passenger ship that mysteriously disappeared at sea.
Beautiful, defiant, and hell-bent on revenge, India makes a deal with Merrick to uncover the pirates’ scheme, promising him everything he desires: fortune, glory, and the chance to bring honor back to the McKesson name. Now, they race against time to uncover a plot that links those in the highest ranks of the British aristocracy, to a failed rebellion that is once again trying to topple the monarchy and place an old pretender on the throne. But all that glitters is not gold as passions stir and an impossible love blooms, threatening to undermine all Merrick and India have done to protect their King and a country on the brink of war.
This book contains violence and graphic depictions of war.
Trigger Warning: sexual assault, violence
©2020 Tracey Lasak-Myall (P)2020 Tracey Lasak-Myall

Review:
Dane Merrick McKesson is the youngest of three brothers who was emotionally and sometimes physically abused by his eldest brother, James. When their father died, James threw 14-year-old Dane off the family property. The whole family was disgraced when Merrick revealed to the English that his eldest brother, James, was plotting with the Scots to overthrow King George.

Dane, the young teen, was conscripted into the Royal Navy and managed to work his way up through the ranks to become a Lieutenant. When the ship, the HMS Boudica, is attacked by a pirate ship, Merrick becomes the new captain. He manages to repel the attack and salvages the stores and survivors from the capsizing pirate ship. One of the last second survivors is a fiery, red-haired young woman who was clearly abused and shackled in the hold. 

Although the young woman is relieved to be alive, she wants no man to touch her and isn’t ready to thank Merrick or his men. It is clear she is a woman of the aristocracy, but she refuses to reveal her identity. Merrick names her “India” and she convinces him that she can reward him if he helps her uncover and get revenge on her torturer. India struggles to overcome her self-doubt as she was once under the thumb of her mother who promised her as a bride to a supposedly wealthy older nobleman living in New York. That resulted in her traveling with a rich dowry and being brutally abused by the French pirate.

Merrick loves his ‘queen’, the HMS Boudica, and is intent on becoming her permanent captain. But he slowly begins to love the fierce India, not knowing how far out of his reach she really is. Will they be able to help each other or find insurmountable obstacles?

I mistakenly thought this was an American Revolution story but it is actually set right before war broke out between England and France in 1756. I am thankful I got the chance to listen and share my thoughts. 

I enjoyed the richly described historical setting and the battles on the high seas. I was totally drawn in by the two primary characters. They are both strong, hard-headed, and determined. The plot is fueled with political conspiracy and intense intrigue. I recommend this to those who love swashbuckling action and historical fiction.

Audio Notes: I enjoyed the multiple voices and sound enhancement of this audio production. It is well done and contributed to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: June 2022 audio received from the Author for Caffeinated PR Tour Blitz and Review. This qualifies for 2022Audiobook and 2022Author goals.

Audio Blitz: MAN OF WAR by T.J. London

Today we are joining author T. J. London in celebrating the release of the full cast narration of MAN OF WAR. Narrated by Nicholas Boulton, Kathryn Vinclare, Patrick Zeller, Marnye Young, Tara Langella, Jason Clark, John Hartley, Dryw McArthur and James Chetham, this high seas romantic adventure is the prequel to The Rebels and Redcoats Saga. Huzzah! 

Man of War by T. J. London

Release Date: July 5, 2022

Amazon | Audible

The man who wants everything gets nothing…

July 1755

War is brewing between England and France. Impressed into the Royal Navy, Lieutenant Merrick, against all odds, advanced through the ranks to become an officer–but he is not a gentleman. A man with a tainted past from a traitorous family, cast down by King George–a stain no man can remove.

Merrick’s thrust into the role of captain, when the HMS Boudica is attacked by pirates off the coast of Nova Scotia. On a captured enemy vessel he discovers a King’s ransom in treasure and a woman chained in the hold from passenger ship that mysteriously disappeared at sea.

Beautiful, defiant, and hell bent on revenge, India makes a deal with Merrick to uncover the pirates’ scheme, promising him everything he desires: fortune, glory, and the chance to bring honor back to the McKesson name.

Now, they race against time to uncover a plot that links those in the highest ranks of the British aristocracy, to a failed rebellion that is once again trying to topple the monarchy and place an old pretender on the throne. But all that glitters is not gold as passions stir and an impossible love blooms, threatening to undermine all Merrick and India have done to protect their King and a country on the brink of war.

***This book contains violence and graphic depictions of war*** 

caffeinatedpr · Man of War: The Rebels and Redcoats Saga Prequel by T.J. London

About the Author

T.J. London is a rebel, liberal, lover, fighter, diehard punk, and pharmacist-turned-author who loves history. As an author her goal is to fill in the gaps, writing stories about missing history, those little places that are so interesting yet sadly forgotten. Her favorite time periods to write in are first and foremost the American Revolutionary War, the French Revolution, the French and Indian War, the Russian Revolution and the Victorian Era. Her passions are traveling, writing, reading, barre, and sharing a glass of wine with her friends, while she collects experiences in this drama called life. She is a native of Metropolitan Detroit (but secretly dreams of being a Londoner) and resides there with her husband Fred and her beloved cat and writing partner Hamilton.

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Giveaway

One lucky US winner will receive a signed hardcover copy of Man of War. Giveaway ends July 14, 2022.

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Audible Book Review: Brothers in Valor, Man of War, Book 3 by H. Paul Honsinger

This Space Marine Sci Fi provides great entertainment.

Brothers in Valor, Man of War, Book 3
By: H. Paul Honsinger
Narrated by: Ray Chase

Series: Man of War, Book 3
Length: 10 hrs and 6 mins
Unabridged
Release date: 06-30-15
Language: English
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Sci Fi, Military, Space Opera
My Rating: Entertainment/Story 4.5 of 5.0;
Performance 5.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Sometimes Captain Max Robichaux fights by the book - and sometimes he throws the book away. This makes him one of the Union Space Navy's rising stars. It's also what has kept him and his green crew alive...thus far.
When Max and his ship - the twenty-fourth-century space destroyer USS Cumberland - are boxed in by eight enemy battleships, the odds are against them at a million to one. It takes all their skill and guts just to escape...and surviving won't get easier. Sent on a covert mission behind enemy lines, Max and his crew are poised to strike a blow so hard that, if successful, it could turn the tide of the war. But if they fail, it will cost them their lives...and the lives of every human in the galaxy.
©2015 H. Paul Honsinger (P)2015 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved

Review:
Max Robichaux is a young space Captain on the space destroyer USS Cumberland, a ship that was previously mocked for its losses. The crew knew more about polishing the rivets than fighting the enemy of the Union until Max became their Captain. Since then they have faced danger and come out alive through Max’s quick, sometimes out of the box thinking.

The action starts as Max has to help the ship and crew escape from overwhelming odds. He will have to pull a rabbit out his hat – or try a trick that has never been done- to succeed.

Next the Cumberland is sent on a covert mission that takes them into the heart of the enemy. There is initial conflict as the other Captain he is paired with is a seasoned man who doesn’t want to take orders from Max. Once that conflict is resolved, they proceed with a daring plan. Although it means they may end up stranded with the enemy they have to take the risk to capture a key leader to have a chance of stopping the war.

I loved the non-stop action and danger in this story. Max is a great character who comes up with ingenious tactical solutions and is willing to trust his crew to know their jobs and make effective suggestions. Dr. Sahin, chief medical officer and special ambassador, adds good humor with his side comments and views from a nonmilitary aspect. I like the other crew ‘family’ and shared in their emotions.

I am only sorry that Mr. Honsinger has no other books for me to get. I do recommend this series to readers who enjoy action packed military space battles.

Audio Notes: As with Book 2, Ray Chase does a great job with the narration. He captures the intensity, the dry wit and the quirks of the characters. The listening experience enhanced the entertainment of the story.

Source: Audible TBR, 2016 Sale. This qualifies for my 2018TBR, Audiobook and Alphabet Challenges.

NetGalley Review of Book 1: To Honor You Call Us (Man of War Book 1) by H. Paul Honsinger 5.0
Audible Review of Book 2: For Honor We Stand: Man of War, Book 2 by H. Paul Honsinger 4.5

Audible Book Review: For Honor We Stand: Man of War, Book 2 by H. Paul Honsinger

I enjoy the action and smart characters in this space military series.
For Honor We Stand: Man of War, Book 2
Written by: H. Paul Honsinger
Narrated by: Ray Chase

Length: 14 hrs and 37 mins
Series: Man of War, Book 2
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:03-11-14
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Sci Fi, Military Space Opera
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
In 2315, the Earth Union is losing a 30-year-long war with the Krag Hegemony.
Having encountered the Krag before, Space Commander Max Robicheaux now faces daunting challenges aboard the USS Cumberland: The dangers from the enemy without…and clashes with crew and superiors within.
Meanwhile, Doctor Sahin receives a coded message summoning him to a secret meeting which aims to forge an alliance that could change the balance of power in Known Space. But first, he must circumvent the fighter ships and heavily armed troops of the traitorous emir bent on killing him before he reaches the negotiating table.
Both men must call upon their developing skills and growing friendship to bear the burden of carrying between the Krag Hegemony and the Earth Union a fateful ultimatum and the shocking answer: An answer that could spell eternal slavery, or even extinction, for all humankind.
The second novel in the Man of War series, For Honor We Stand continues the galactic naval adventures of Robicheaux and Sahin.
©2013 H. Paul Honsinger (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Review:
Space Commander Max is continuing to face danger in this action packed series. Max has to think - on his feet in tight circumstances and with his sly cunning - in order to prevail in the face of being outnumbered and outgunned by the Krag, a vicious reptilian enemy. The Krag, with their superior technology and weapons, continue to seek annihilation of inferior species.

The ship doctor, Doctor Sabin, receives a cryptic message calling him to a clandestine meeting. Max and Sabin are then ordered to proceed as an ambassador to negotiate a new alliance. Although the kingdom has long said they would remain neutral they are beginning to recognize that the Krag are a threat to all human species, including their own. The new leader seeks an alliance but there is a traitorous rival power who has set out to block any alliance. This is just one more obstacle for Max to overcome…or maybe ram his way through to pursue mission goals.

Max’s ship, the Cumberland, fresh from repairs, receives orders for a new mission. Not into battle this time but as an escort. And more problematic, Max isn’t the commander of the mission. Instead he and another battle escort ship have to take orders from a pompous leader who has never served in battle. Max is sure that the plans of this unskilled leader spell disaster for the mission and he and his new friend, the other escort captain, may have to risk their careers if they want to safely complete the mission.

Max’s antics gain respect even from the fearsome Krag. There are fascinating interactions with the Krag which give depths to their motivations and lead to an intense ending moment for this book.

While all of the battle action continues, the author shares crew dynamics as they continue to improve in their training. The author does a wonderful job showing the importance of respect and caring that make the crew successful under Max. I love the dialogue between Max and Sabin (see screen shot below) and I love how Max cares for and interacts with the young members of the crew. The author does a great job sharing insight to Max's past through some of this interaction.

This series offers a full range of elements: wonderful action, engaging war and battle tactics, creative nations and heartwarming crew relationships. In addition to all of that I like the prose and phrasing that you might not expect in a military space story. I will definitely be getting book three for more wonderful entertainment.

Audio Notes: Ray Chase does a great job of narrating the touch of snark as well as the ingenious smarts of Max and the rest of his crew. He also successfully portrays the other species and makes the listening flow with excitement.

This is from my Audible TBR Library (credit pick in 2015). It qualifies for my Audio Challenge and “F” in Alphabet Soup Challenge.

A sample of dialogue between Max and Doctor Sabin:

Book Review: To Honor You Call Us (Man of War Book 1) by H. Paul Honsinger

I really loved this book that is packed with danger, action, resourcefulness and honor.

To Honor You Call Us (Man of War Book 1)

by H. Paul Honsinger

• File Size: 1151 KB
• Print Length: 453 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1477848894
• Publisher: 47North (February 18, 2014)
• Publication Date: February 18, 2014
• ASIN: B00DQUKZMY

Genre: Sci Fi, Military, Space Opera

My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

The Terran Union is engaged in a vast interstellar war against the Krag, ruthless aliens intent on exterminating humankind. In 2315, the wily Max Robichaux is given command of the USS Cumberland, a destroyer with state-of-the-art capabilities but a combat record so bad, she’s known as the “Cumberland Gap.”

Capt. Robichaux’s first mission: to take his warship to the Free Corridor, where the Krag have secretly been buying strategic materials, and to seize or destroy any ships carrying enemy cargo. Far from the fleet and under enforced radio silence, Max relies only on his determination and guile…and the support and friendship of his chief medical officer, the brilliant Dr. Sahin.

Because even as he deals with the ship’s onboard problems and the stress of carrying out her risky assignment, Max and the doctor discover that the Cumberland and her misfit crew are all that stands in the way of a deadly Krag attack that threatens to end the war—and humanity—once and for all.

A far-future story in the tradition of “ships of wood, men of iron” novels, To Honor You Call Us and the Man of War series combines the adventure of exploration, the excitement of war, and the dangers of the unknown through the eyes of a ship and her crew.

Review:
Max Robichaux is a young, bold officer who thinks fast on his feet and pushes the edge of authority. Fortunately for him and his crew mates, he has a lucky streak that more often than not helps pull his backside out of the fire. Some ‘by-the-book’ superiors might not appreciate Max’s ingenuity but in a war where human forces are dwindling, brave and creative Captains may be just what is needed. Max has been promoted to command his first ship for just these reasons.

The ship, the Cumberland, has developed a reputation of failure and the nickname of the Cumberland Gap. It will take strong leadership to get the demoralized crew to believe in themselves and their ship again. Knowing this, Max’s commander assigned a great group of sharp officers to help him turn the crew around. His XO, Garcia, is a bright, alert young man who quickly recognizes Max as a worthy leader. The new medical officer, Dr. Ibrahim (Bram) Sabin, is a brilliant physician who believes in the best care for each patient. He is an extraordinary man who knows at least five languages that could be very helpful on their mission. There are other officers, old and new, who are given the chance to improve their specialties under Max’s skillful direction and delegation. Weaknesses are uncovered in the crew along the journey and remedial action and training is a high priority as they prepare to face their enemy, the brutal Krag.

The ship’s mission is to move stealthily into neutral territories to find where the Krag have been illegally sneaking through cargoes of precious supplies. Although part of the task is intelligence gathering, Max is quick to take advantage of the opportunity to capture a few prizes. This is a big boost to the crew and one they are going to need when Max stumbles upon a treacherous enemy plot to annihilate another, neutral, species. The species doesn’t welcome any combat vessels into its borders and it is going to take every thing Max and Bram can think of to get into the space, save the planet and stay alive.

I loved the technical and tactical military details and elements of this story as well as the fast-paced, non-stop, breath-holding action. When there isn’t an active battle there are internal issues (i.e. crew lack of skills, sabotage and drug trafficking) to be addressed or character history blended in. The characters are well developed even at the secondary level. This became a team or family that I was rooting for and I empathized with the losses and joys of the crew.

I was sorry when the book came to an end and immediately bought the next book in the series so I could read it soon. I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy strong military space opera.

I am glad I received this title at NetGalley. It is part of my NetGalley Challenge.