A Prayer For The Ship

Douglas Reeman passed away earlier this year and it prompted me to reread some of his earliest titles. A Prayer for The Ship was his first book based loosely on his own war time experiences. Knowing this, the book has great credibility with some many, so young risking their lives on every patrol. We live the period through the eyes of a young RNVR officer, Royce as he progresses from inexperienced novice to veteran. There is a romantic interest which adds a human, almost naive side to our young hero. A splendid book written by one of the foremost naval fiction authors. The book hasn't dated in the 60 years from its original publication.

This is the ninth Douglas Reeman book I've read in the past three months, and in my opinion simply doesn't shape up to his usual standard. I read "Rendezvous - South Atlantic" immediately prior to "A Prayer for the Ship", the former being better written, a great deal more exciting, and in general altogether more typical of Reeman's works, which I generally find to be excellent. "A Prayer for the Ship" is reminiscent of something out of a Boys' Own annual, and while the romantic interest in Reeman's books is usually (and thankfully) short and sharp, here it is long and dull. Oh, dear...

I have always loved Douglas Reeman stories and own most of his early tales in paperback form. This is my first Douglas Reeman EBook and I found myself being drawn into the story, you can almost imagine being on the deck of the MTB as it powers into action. Great story - well worth 5 stars but, I must comment on the quality of the translation, it's full of strange characters - lots of ? marks in little boxes and also missing words, typos etc. I'm surprised the other reviewers have not noticed this! It does tend to spoil the story a little.Come on AMAZON get it right - this is not the first EBook I have purchased that is full of error!

A gripping story line. Well written. Characters great. Have read many of Reamans Books and they all have excellent storys

Douglas Reeman has always written a good novel. This was his first and the rest of his books get better with time

spot on for a recent short stay in hospital

Avery good book I like Douglas Reeman

Douglas Reeman at his best. Set in the Royal Navy abord an MTB during the 2nd WW, if you've read any Reeman before you'll know what to expect. A slightly wounded (not physically) hero, one or two baddies and a loverly heroine. A tale of daring do that will while away a few hours most enjoyably without taxing anything approaching ones mental faculties.