Listen to a sample
The French Prize
- Author
- James L. Nelson
- Narrator
- John Lee
- Publisher
- Blackstone Publishing
- Publish Date
- 9 August 2022
- Run Time
- 11 hours 25 minutes
- Format
- Audiobook
- Genre
- Adventure fiction, Historical fiction, Sea stories, Thriller / suspense fiction, Historical crime and mysteries
- Rating
- 5.0 (1 review)
What to expect
Acclaimed, award-winning author James L. Nelson—praised as “a master of both his period and the English language” by Patrick O’Brian—returns to the world of sea and sail in The French Prize.
Jack Biddlecomb has much to live up to, being as he is the eldest son of the esteemed Captain Isaac Biddlecomb, wealthy merchant captain, leading light of the War for American Independence, and newly minted congressman. Jack finds himself off to a promising start, however, when he’s given command of the merchant vessel Abigail bound from Philadelphia for Barbados.
But even before the dock lines are cast off, the voyage, which should have been routine, begins to look like a stormy passage indeed. Jack is saddled with two passengers, one as unpleasant as he is highborn, the other a confidant of the Abigail’s owner who cannot help meddling in the running of the ship. What’s more, with the French making prizes of American merchantmen, Abigail’s owner has armed the ship and instructed Jack to fight if need be, thrusting the first-time captain and his small crew into a naval war for which they are totally unprepared.
What Jack does not know, but soon begins to suspect, is that he is being used as part of a bigger plot, one that will have repercussions on an international scale.
Critics Review
-
“[Nelson’s] knowledge of sailing ships and how to handle them is profound, and he writes with such clarity and conviction that…[one] can follow the action and be gripped by it.”
Wall Street Journal
-
“A lively, rapidly paced yarn…This is vintage Nelson, with finely drawn characters and vivid shipboard action written by one who has sailed before the mast. Nelson is at his best describing a ship assaulted in a tempest by howling winds and heaving seas.”
Quarterdeck
-
“This novel immerses the reader into American maritime history with a strong protagonist and a well-told sea-faring adventure story of intrigue. The narrative moves quickly…[and] sheds light on the US presence on the high seas and the delicate balance of powers in Europe.”
Library Journal
User Reviews
Book 5.0
Narration 5.0
- No written reviews yet.
Details
- Author
- James L. Nelson
- Narrator
- John Lee
- Duration
- 11 hours 25 minutes
- Release Date
- 9 August 2022
- ISBN
- 9798200948376
- Format
- Audiobook
- Publisher
- Blackstone Publishing
- Genre
- Adventure fiction, Historical fiction, Sea stories, Thriller / suspense fiction, Historical crime and mysteries
- Rating
- 5.0(1 review)
- Narration
- 5.0(1 review)
Synopsis
Acclaimed, award-winning author James L. Nelson—praised as “a master of both his period and the English language” by Patrick O’Brian—returns to the world of sea and sail in The French Prize.Jack Biddlecomb has much to live up to, being as he is the eldest son of the esteemed Captain Isaac Biddlecomb, wealthy merchant captain, leading light of the War for American Independence, and newly minted congressman. Jack finds himself off to a promising start, however, when he’s given command of the merchant vessel Abigail bound from Philadelphia for Barbados.But even before the dock lines are cast off, the voyage, which should have been routine, begins to look like a stormy passage indeed. Jack is saddled with two passengers, one as unpleasant as he is highborn, the other a confidant of the Abigail’s owner who cannot help meddling in the running of the ship. What’s more, with the French making prizes of American merchantmen, Abigail’s owner has armed the ship and instructed Jack to fight if need be, thrusting the first-time captain and his small crew into a naval war for which they are totally unprepared.What Jack does not know, but soon begins to suspect, is that he is being used as part of a bigger plot, one that will have repercussions on an international scale.
About xigxag
xigxag is an independent, UK-based audiobook platform and the UK's only B Corp certified audiobook company. We offer nearly 150,000 audiobooks, all with professional human narration. No AI-generated voices. xigxag is rated an Ethical Consumer Best Buy for audiobooks and a top-rated ethical bookshop.
There is no subscription. You buy the audiobooks you want, you own them permanently, and prices start at $13.95. The more you listen over the year, the less you pay per book, and there is always a selection in Listen for Less from $7.95. You can also send audiobooks as gifts using our audiobook gift cards or in-app gifting.
Every audiobook on xigxag has honest reviews covering both the book and the narration, and our community features make it easy to share what you are listening to, discover what others recommend, and find your next listen.
Download or stream on iOS, Android, or in your browser. Browse the full catalogue at xigxag.co.uk.