Under Enemy Colors

By: S. Thomas Russell

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Length: 15 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

At the time of the French Revolution, one of Britain's most skillful naval officers, Charles Saunders Hayden, is a young lieutenant, the son of an English father and a French mother. His abilities and his loyalty to the king of England are beyond dispute, yet his career seems doomed by his "mixed" heritage and lack of political connections. Consequently, Hayden is assigned to an aging frigate, the Themis, under the command of Captain Josiah Hart, a man known as "Faint Hart" throughout the service.

As the Themis takes to sea to harass the enemy, the disaffection of the crew begins to boil over into acts of violence, and the lieutenant finds himself caught between his superior and a crew pushed toward mutiny. A revolution at sea ensues, and Hayden is wrenchingly torn between honor and duty, as the magnificent Royal Navy engages the French in a centuries-old struggle for power.

©2007 S. Thomas Russell (P)2007 Penguin Audio, a member of Penguin Group (USA), Inc. and Books on Tape

Critic reviews

"Russell's first-rate debut features taut plotting, liberal action and an attractively modest hero." ( Publishers Weekly)

An excellent and well-crafted work!

I have been a Patrick O'brian fan and have read all of his Master & Commander series and as such, approached this book with some trepidation. I didn't know if it would live up to my previous expectations. Let me just say that if you enjoyed the above-mentioned series or if you enjoy historical fiction set in the Napoleonic era, you will thoroughly enjoy this book. It is written (AND READ) very well and is polished. This will not disappoint.

Excellent new series for an experienced author

The author, who writes as S. Thomas Russell in this, the first of a series about a British ship's captain during the Napoleanic War, is an experienced fantasy author as Sean Russell. The characters are well-developed, believable and show depth and humanity. The battles compare favorably with C.S. Forester's Horatio Hornblower series. I am eagerly awaiting his next in the series.

Excellent book

The book was very good. The court marshal proceedings were awesome. I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys the old shops of the line.

If you enjoy the Aubrey Maturin Series this is 4U

If you are a fan of Patrick O'Brian then you should give "Under Enemy Colors" a Listen! Russell seems to be cut from the same "Sailcloth" as O'Brian. While I have not run into anyone, so far, that can top Patrick Tull's Narration of the Aubrey Maturin Series, Simon Vance does an extremely credible performance in Under Enemy Colors. Just finished Under Enemy Colors and immediately purchased the next book in the series. I'm confident you won't be disappointed if you give a listen to Under Enemy Colors!!!

Enjoyed, new subject.

When I first started listening to this audio book, I found it a little boring. The narrator seemed a little monotone. Maybe it was just me because in a short time I was engrossed in the happenings and characters. I have never read a nautical novel, so I really enjoyed the educational part of this historical novel.

if you love British sea novels ....

around the end of the 18th century then you'll love UNDER ENEMY COLORS!! An honorable protagonist... A repugnant antagonist... Throw in all the descriptions of Naval warfare of that period and a flawless performance by the amazing Simon Vance and you have a first rate audio book. I loved it, and I can't wait for the next book in the series.

Wonderful new naval series!

Would you listen to Under Enemy Colors again? Why?

Absolutely! Engaging plot. Charles Hayden is the heir apparent to Hornblower, Bolitho and Aubrey.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Under Enemy Colors?

The court martial.

Which character – as performed by Simon Vance – was your favorite?

First Lt. Charles Hayden

Who was the most memorable character of Under Enemy Colors and why?

Josiah Hart the "shy" captain of the Themis.

Any additional comments?

Simon Vance is to be commended for his narration!

Ripping good yarn!

An enjoyable plot, a solid rooting in history, and promising character development-I hope there are more such novels to come from this author

Brilliant story and naration.

If you could sum up Under Enemy Colors in three words, what would they be?

Exciting, elegant, engrossing.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Under Enemy Colors?

Coming to the aid of a friendly ship face with a hidden threat.

Have you listened to any of Simon Vance’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I also listened to Dust and Shadows. He did a great job on both books. He is easy to listen to and has a wide voice range that takes you into the story.

Any additional comments?

Highly recommend this book.

Fun naval shenanigans

It’s not Master and Commander - but it doesn’t need to be! Engaging and time well spent. Simon Vance is amazing as usual. Great stuff.