A Darker Sea

Master Commandant Putnam and the War of 1812

By: James L. Haley

Narrated by: Paul Boehmer

The second installment of the gripping naval saga by award-winning historian James L. Haley, featuring Commander Bliven Putnam, chronicling the build up to the biggest military conflict between the United States and Britain after the Revolution—the War of 1812.

At the opening of the War of 1812, the British control the most powerful navy on earth, and Americans are again victims of piracy. Bliven Putnam, late of the Battle of Tripoli, is dispatched to Charleston to outfit and take command of a new 20-gun brig, the USS Tempest. Later, aboard the Constitution, he sails into the furious early fighting of the war.

Prowling the South Atlantic in the Tempest, Bliven takes prizes and disrupts British merchant shipping, until he is overhauled, overmatched, and disastrously defeated by the frigate HMS Java. Its captain proves to be Lord Arthur Kington, whom Bliven had so disastrously met in Naples. On board he also finds his old friend Sam Bandy, one of the Java's pressed American seamen kidnapped into British service. Their whispered plans to foment a mutiny among the captives may see them hang, when the Constitution looms over the horizon for one of the most famous battles of the War of 1812 in a gripping, high-wire conclusion. With exquisite detail and guns-blazing action, A Darker Sea illuminates an unforgettable period in American history.

Critic reviews

“Haley is an erudite historian who can craft fiction so real that you're ready to pull the grapeshot-packed 18-pounder's lanyard… Another real-enough-to-be-true, rollicking tale from the days of sail and sword.” — Kirkus Reviews

“Haley’s enthralling blend of well-drawn characters, nautical combat, and period detail will appeal to both Patrick O’Brian and American history enthusiasts.” — Booklist

“[O]ne discovers many little-known facts in this exciting and informative book. …Strongly recommended.” — Historical Novels Review

“The history is thoroughly researched, the fiction inventive, the style at once easygoing and rapid….This is a marvelous and richly enjoyable novel, and the intended series to follow promises to do for the American Navy and the Marines what C.S. Forester and Patrick O’Brian did for the Royal Navy….More, please.” –Wall Street Journal on The Shores of Tripoli

Superb

Would you consider the audio edition of A Darker Sea to be better than the print version?

The narrator's performance is excellent, enhancing the story. No maps with the audio version but the added value of the narrator is excellent.

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Darker Sea?

The very last of the story. Well Done! Economy of words to convey deep sentiments and meaning.

Which character – as performed by Paul Boehmer – was your favorite?

Yes, I will not distract by comparison with other narrators, Boehmer was outstanding, surpassed only by the story lines.

If you could take any character from A Darker Sea out to dinner, who would it be and why?

The author to collect insights in the story development and how specific details were selected.

Any additional comments?

A great book. My hope is that it becomes a national run away best selling series. The first book was equally as good.

Great!

This book and the other one in the series are both outstanding reads.
I can’t wait for the next one.

Great, lively read, InterestIng fiction entombed in history. Worth the wait everytime.

Hard to set aside for needed rest! Worth the wait as one is quickly engaged in the exciting narrative Characters are believable and develop as naturally as the British Navy allows.

Fascinating insights

..into details of life in that day and culture. And the accounts of the nautical engagements were very realistic without being gory. I can’t wait for his next book-I will definitely explore his histories while I wait.

A Darker Sea

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this engaging account of our early naval history and would wish everyone the opportunity to read it!