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Balkan Glory

By: Julian Stockwin
Narrated by: Christian Rodska
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Summary

1811. The Adriatic, the 'French Lake', is now the most valuable territory Napoleon Bonaparte possesses. Captain Sir Thomas Kydd finds his glorious return to England cut short when the Admiralty summons him to lead a squadron of frigates into these waters to cause havoc and distress to the enemy.

Kydd is dubbed 'The Sea Devil' by Bonaparte who personally appoints one of his favourites, Dubourdieu, along with a fleet that greatly outweighs the British, to rid him of this menace.

At the same time, Nicholas Renzi is sent to Austria on a secret mission to sound out the devious arch-statesman, Count Metternich. His meeting reveals a deadly plan by Bonaparte that threatens the whole balance of power in Europe. The only thing that can stop it is a decisive move at sea, and for this he must somehow cross the Alps to the Adriatic to contact Kydd directly.

A climactic sea battle where the stakes could not be higher is inevitable. Kydd faces Dubourdieu with impossible odds stacked against him. Can he shatter Bonaparte's dreams of breaking out of Europe and marching to the gates of India and Asia?

©2020 Julian Stockwin (P)2020 Hodder & Stoughton Limited

Critic reviews

"Paints a vivid picture of life aboard the mighty ship-of-the-line." (Daily Express)

What listeners say about Balkan Glory

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

The horrors of war depicted

I have enjoyed all the Kydd series, with both the compelling storylines by Julian Stockwin and the versatile oratory of Christian Rodska causing me to revisit every book a second time rather than seek out new listens.
The battle scene finale of Balkan Glory, brought home the horrors of war as the hellish scenes in the cockpit are graphically described.
I look forward to the next book(s) and the adventures of Kydd and Renzi- not forgetting their daring wives and loyal crew

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Just keeps getting better

I will miss not having the next instalment ready to go. Fantastic characters and a gripping tale. Stockwin just seems to be setting the bar higher and higher. The characters are glorious, intriging and yet maintain a human fallibility that casts the whole in a light of possibility and realism. Then there is the engaging naval environment and ever looming spectre of Bonaparte’s latest nefarious scheme. Superb books. For me the mix evokes a great sense of pride in the antics of characters and fascination with what will happen next.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

My hero worship goes on

I'm just can't get enough if this stuff. And it goes on and it seems.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Enthralling

great storylines on the seas with Kydd and Co, unexpected company at sea too.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

not his best

It took me a while. listened in several bites. But will look forward to the next one.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Gloriously full of intrigue and valour.

Christian Rodska's narration was excellent.
The intrigue and courtly politics of nations discovered, the consequences then played out at sea.
Brilliantly done, well worth a few drams and a quiet evening to listen or read a fine book.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Another Stockwith masterpiece

narration first class, story excellent, just hope for another followup,hope you are listening Julian.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Thunderous!

From the thunder of guns to the howls of pain, the sea spray to the stormy sea and the intrigues of court to artistic leanings this book simply has it all with Stockwin's pen and Rodska's voice painting a vivid, almost cinematic story of Kydd's latest adventure. All the principle characters that we know and love get to have their moments in this book which is an absolute belter!

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7 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

a little fast paced

Great book. A little hurried story in places. Christian R proved he is the best narrator once again.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

The best in the Kydd series so far

This in my opinion is the best of the Thomas Kydd series so far.
I honestly wish I could give it more than five stars.

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