Bellerophon’s Champion

Pennywhistle at Trafalgar

By: John Danielski

Narrated by: Nigel Peever

Deep within each man, lies the secret knowledge of whether he is a stalwart or a coward. Three years an un-blooded Royal Marine, 1st Lieutenant Thomas Pennywhistle will finally “meet the lion,“ protecting HMS Bellerophon at the Battle of Trafalgar.

Not only will Pennywhistle be responsible for the lives of 72 marines aboard Bellerophon but their direction will fall entirely on his shoulders since his fellow Marine officers consist of a boy, a card shark, and a dying consumptive. If he has what it takes to command, it will take everything he’s got. In the course of battle, he will encounter marvels and terrors; from valiant foes to women performing miracles, from the skill of acrobats to the luck of the ship's cat, from a dead man still full of fight to a coward who has none.

He and his marines will meet enemy élan will with trained volleys and disciplined bayonets. Most of all, he will meet himself; discovering just how dark his true nature really is. Europe will be changed forever by Trafalgar, and so will Pennywhistle.

©2019 John Danielski (P)2022 Penmore Press

Makes you realize how lucky we are

Not an easy time to live in especially if you were on a war ship. The surgeon cutting off arms and legs with saw and the men just having a bit of a drink of rum. So vivid you can nearly see it happening in your mind.
It is well worth listening to it. I really enjoyed it.

A well rounded tale of naval warfare

Loved this tale of life and death in Benson's navy. Well rounded and gripping throughout.
The narration is excellent with Mr Peever voice giving the gravitas to the officers stories, and the common sailors and marines a bit of rough.
Thoroughly entertaining every page of it.
I received a free copy of this audio book at my own request and happily leave my honest review.

Fun and Riveting

I really enjoy this twist on Nautical Historical Novels. The Royal Marines in most books serve as a supporting role for the Navy. Danielski does a wonderful job taking history and marrying it with fiction in his novels. Pennywhistle is a character that you naturally cheer for, he is brave, learned, and yet has appropriate compassion for his men as a good military leader.
As usual, the narration of Nigel Peever is masterful and his production is a cut above. Peever is one of those few actors that leave you searching for other books that he has produced.
Overall, this book is excellent and I can't wait to hear the next in the series.