Longitudes Edge

Book 3 of the Nicholas Cruwys Naval Series

By: Adrian Westbrooke

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

Book Three of the Nicholas Cruwys Naval Series

This book continues the voyages and career of Nicholas Cruwys begun in Soundings Edge and Latitudes Edge.
Preliminary peace negotiations have begun in Paris in January 1783 to formally end the global contest that began with the American war of independence, with the terms of peace hanging in the balance. Nicholas Cruwys finds himself temporarily outside naval service, commanding the East India Company ship Ganges on a mission that exists in the shadows between commerce and warfare. Ganges must intercept the heavily armed French merchant vessel Espérance, which has sailed from France for the Far East with a mission to disrupt the China trade that helps sustain Britain's eastern empire.
What begins as a straightforward chase evolves into something far more complex as Nicholas encounters allies whose methods challenge his understanding of honourable warfare, and enemies whose ambitions extend beyond simple commercial rivalry. In ports where East meets West and ancient traditions clash with European interests, he must navigate not only coral reefs and monsoon weather, but the moral complexities of service in waters where survival often demands choices that no regular naval service could anticipate.
When circumstances force a decision that will carry Ganges and her crew into the most dangerous waters on earth, Nicholas faces the ultimate test of command. Some voyages change not only the men who make them, but the very understanding of what duty means when honour and necessity collide.
The third volume in the Nicholas Cruwys series combines authentic period detail with the timeless challenges of leadership under extraordinary circumstances. Based on extensive historical research, it brings to life an age when the furthest reaches of empire demanded everything from those bold enough to venture beyond the edge of the known world.
For readers of Patrick O'Brian, C.S. Forester, and Richard Woodman.