Nor'west by North: The Tenth Carlisle & Holbrooke Naval Adventure (Carlisle and Holbrooke Naval Adventures Book 10)

Maybe it’s a reflection of tThe author and his feelings of inadequacy, but both male protagonists have the inability to be even slightly wise when it comes to relationships. It doesn’t pass the smell test from my life’s experience.Also, how can the two heroes be so good at what they do when they make so many curiously elementary mistakes. Then become almost demigods in their elaborate schemes that work out against all odds?I’m getting tired of so much wordage about halyards, sails and whatnot. After many repetitions in every book. I’d rather that had been cut and the skipped events added to the book to give some detail on how ‘everything’ worked out, instead of going to the next chapter and…all of a sudden the ship is in port and, voila! everything worked out (the difficult report to a senior, or a whole campaign has been completed…or…).Also, I know this is not a romance novel or I wouldn’t be reading it. But to have babies you must have, er, s***** relations which is skipped. Also, there is no real emotional attachments formed, just stiff upper lip discussions and an occasional ‘glance with understanding’ passing between a man and woman. Give us a break and help develop the attachment for the reader…or the reader may not give a rip whether the relationship works out or falls apart.

In this book we’re back with Captain Holbrook as he pursues a French squadron with 4 frigates and troopships up the East coast of Britain in 1760. The Admiralty believes the French intend to make a landing in the north as a diversion from the main effort to invade the south. This main effort was defeated at Quiberon Bay by Admiral Hawke in a famous battle that’s even mentioned in Treasure Island. Three British frigates are sent to intercept the French, and Holbrook is the junior captain.This is maybe the best of the series so far. The naval action is the bulk of the story line, as it should be for this genre of literature. The tactics are authentic and the landmarks are described in enough detail to show readers where they are even if they’ve never actually visited Great Britain. And as the action winds down, the author shows us a believable glimpse of life on shore and of how being promoted to post captain moves Holbrook upward in status in a class conscious society. We’re also given a demonstration of how a successful frigate captain rises further and faster when he collects a fortune in prize money. Now he needs to buy a new place to live to reflect his new status, and he can afford to.The book is a quick, action packed read. A worthy successor to Hornblower stories.

This series of books are well written and a joy to read . It is very easy to get totally caught up in the lives of the main characters. My only regret is there are only two more books left to read!

This series is truly a great work of British naval history combined with fiction to the point of not being able to divide the two. The two now post Captains are historically on a collision course. One Carlisle an American, already in a situation is something only his acts have overcome. This novel set in 1760s is only 10 or so years from the colonies becoming restless. While on the other side is thoroughly British Holbrooke. Where will the situation of national loyalty play into this? I can only imagine... but must wait for Mr. Dublin to weave this tale. I can hardly wait!!Ellis Knox, Texas

Very interesting account of the naval war between England and French in the 18th century. Seems to be very accurate.

#10, NOR'WEST BY NORTH, is a very good story alone but it has enough info to tie it to the other 9 books. If you are new to the series this is a perfectly good place to start. For readers who follow the series #10 has more about the other factors outside and on the ship that cause our hero a little concern at times.NOTE: Let me suggest that you make a note of the first 3 ship names and captains who tackle an assignment together. [Now we are all waiting for #11.]

Enjoyed the whole series. Great insight to the life and times in English history. Author created characters that one can believe to have actually existed . Hard to put the books down. As one who enjoys historical navy history fiction had trouble putting them down something staying up most if the night reading these adventures.

I really enjoyed this latest book in the series. The book really gives a deep dive into the society and the navy of Britain near the end of the Seven Year's War. The good, the bad and the ugly all mixed into a good war story as George Holbrooke edges up the the jump to flag rank. I eagerly await the book that details Post Captain Carlisle's decision making process if choosing to remain a Colonial in the Royal Navy or leaving for the Colonial Navy to be. That decision will dominate the next decade in American history.

Congratulations Mr. Durbin in portraying life at Sea and land in 1760. The naval battle scenes off the coast of Ireland, Scotland and Wales was incredible.

Definitely one of the best historical fiction series I have read. I really enjoyed this and am learning about the Seven Years war which is not often covered in fiction

Well written with interesting characters and accurate descriptions of 18th Century naval life. Very nice to have a series dealing with the Royal NAvy in the pre-Napoleonic era. Can't wait for #11!

I have read and thoroughly enjoyed every book in this series. I am awed by the depth of knowledge and research in the work and would recommend it to all who have an interest in naval history. Series makes this old Quartermaster Gunner wish he had been alive in those days.

Chris Durbin has a remarkable gift of dramatizing historical events with page turning appeal and well researched accuracy. So appreciated!!