By Force of Arms, James L. Nelson
By Force of Arms, James L. Nelson
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By Force of Arms

Author: James L. Nelson

Narrator: John Lee

Unabridged: 10 hr 15 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 02/23/2022

Synopsis

As the War of Independence begins in earnest, American merchant seamen prepare to strike the first blows.None strikes more deftly than Isaac Biddlecomb, captain of the Judea, whose smuggling activities are making a mockery of His Majesty’s Royal Navy. Pursued by HMS Rose, he sacrifices the ship he loved to the depths, together with the fortune he stood to gain, rather than surrender.On the run from the enraged forces of King George, Biddlecomb disguises himself as a merchant seaman. He is reunited with Ezra Rumstick, a comrade and fierce rebel, as the revolution gathers momentum. On a brig bound for Jamaica and now serving as a lowly mate, Biddlecomb find that fate tests his mettle as he is captured by the enemy and faces a life of servitude under the deranged captain and sadistic crew of the HMS Icarus.

About James L. Nelson

James L. Nelson is the award-winning author of more than twenty works of maritime fiction and history. His books cover the gamut from Vikings to piracy in Colonial America, the naval action of the American Revolution, and the Civil War. He currently lives in Harpswell, Maine, with his former Golden Hinde shipmate and wife, Lisa.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Christopher on February 19, 2017

This is the first of Nelson's books I've read and I enjoyed it considerably. The content is fresh: a naval story set in US Revolutionary War era, from the US side, no less. The captain is a smuggler and merchant captain who is loyal to England, but things go badly and by the end of the story he's on......more

Goodreads review by Carol on August 29, 2020

My favorite historical fiction series begins with this book, set on Narragansett Bay just before the Revolutionary War. Captain Isaac Biddlecomb is an "ordinary American living in an extraordinary time." Plenty of sailing details without being overwhelming.......more

Goodreads review by Renee on January 17, 2018

Great action, great characters, and a story that will pull you right in. Loads of ship detail that will appeal to folks who know sailing vessels--but I didn't feel like that made it hard to read for someone (like me) who is a fancier rather than an expert. A fantastic read for anyone who likes a rol......more

Goodreads review by Al on January 08, 2016

The beginning book in a series of naval adventure novels set in the time of the Revolutionary War. Comparisons with Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey/Maturin series are unavoidable, since his novels are the gold standard of this genre, so I'll dive right in. Although O'Brian generously (although vaguely) bl......more

Goodreads review by Jeff on August 20, 2023

James L. Nelson takes us across oceans with the love of sailing and the fear of God's wrath when the waters turn nasty. His understanding of square riggers and the wooden ships that fought early wars is outstanding. In this first book of his seafaring trilogy we meet Captain Isaac Biddlecomb a smugg......more

Quotes

“A rollicking good sea story.” Naval History Magazine

“Rousing plots, historical authenticity, and seafaring as vivid as a slap of salt spray…Delivers plenty of action…Nelson’s page-turner brings the Revolution to life on the high seas.” Portsmouth Herald (New Hampshire)

“Nelson’s seagoing experience is evident in his clear, convincing description of the sailing…The characters are strong and realistic, the plot and action believable and brisk…An engaging start to what promises to be a fine adventure series in a neglected milieu.” Publishers Weekly

“Nelson has done an excellent job of combining historical authenticity with firm characterization and lively action…This is a fine yarn, deftly told.” Nathan Miller, author of Sea of Glory

“Lively and highly readable…Exploring the lives of seamen, merchant captains, and Royal naval officers, By Force of Arms offers a realistic and minutely detailed account of shipboard life during the period.” John G. Kolp, former professor of history, US Naval Academy

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