I don't know what it is but I love Reeman's books when he writes under the pseudonym of Alexander Kent and have read virtually all those books but when he writes under his own name they rarely seem to grab me in the same way. Perhaps it is the different ages when the books are set, the Kent series are set in the days of sailing ships and Nelson etc whereas Reeman's own are set during or just after WWII or perhaps it is because Kent's are part of a series so we see how the characters grow over several books whereas Reeman's are generally one offs. Who knows?

In many respects this book is stereotypical of so many in the genre. We have a honourable, brave,moody captain damaged by events in his personal life is given an aged ship to command, then fights and wins against impossible odds thus finding both love and redemption but when all said and done it is still a rollicking read, a boy's own adventure told at a breakneck pace. There is little character development other than what's necessary but you still feel for heroes hoping that they will ultimately succeed whilst still giving a reasonable insight into naval life.

If you are looking for some thought provoking, long living in the memory read then this is not for you but if you are looking for an escape into days when honour, duty and comradeship had real meaning then give it a whirl. ( )