By Force of Arms

The Revolution at Sea Series, Book 1

By: James L. Nelson

Narrated by: John Lee

As the War of Independence begins in earnest, American merchant seamen prepare to strike the first blows.

None strikes more deftly than Isaac Biddlecomb, captain of the Judea, whose smuggling activities are making a mockery of His Majesty’s Royal Navy. Pursued by HMS Rose, he sacrifices the ship he loved to the depths, together with the fortune he stood to gain, rather than surrender.

On the run from the enraged forces of King George, Biddlecomb disguises himself as a merchant seaman. He is reunited with Ezra Rumstick, a comrade and fierce rebel, as the revolution gathers momentum. On a brig bound for Jamaica and now serving as a lowly mate, Biddlecomb finds that fate tests his mettle as he is captured by the enemy and faces a life of servitude under the deranged captain and sadistic crew of the HMS Icarus.

©1996 James L. Nelson (P)2022 Blackstone Publishing

Great sea story at the birth of the Nation

Great beginning to the saga of American sailors. Well researched and written story of the sailors and sailing ships.

Good story, mediocre reading

The story is good, though a bit predictable. The narrator is too stiff in his delivery.

great yarn

a huge fan of James Nelson for about 15 years now been reading his Viking books on audible but first read his revolutionary at sea saga and paperback own all of his books and paperback and I'm so excited to see them in audible I love how historically accurate he is and his writing style just flows so well I can't say enough about how good it was can't wait for the rest of the series hopefully his pirate round series will come on audible as that is my favorite

Amazing!

This is an entertaining book. I absolutely loved the bits about Pendexter’s bad ship handling. I hooted with laughter!

“The bottle stands by you!!”

I am an Aubrey and Maturain myself. I was drawn into Patrick O’Briens writing and have made the circumnavigation once through the cycle.
Nelson has added to my “sea story” collection. What wonderful characters and the way that the ships play their part in the story.
I did not believe that there would be another series that might even come close to A&M but this is a near run thing.
Well done sir well done!