I don’t read a lot of historical fiction, because it pains me to read about the poor treatment meted out to women during this time. However, now and then I come across one that calls to me. I read several glowing reviews for the previous books in the series and had plans to pick them up. When I learnt that 🎧︎Man of War was the prequel to the series, I thought, what better place to start? I am so glad I gave it a chance as 🎧︎Man of War by T. J. London more than delivered. Steeped in history, 🎧︎Man of War served up action, adventure, suspense, intrigue and romance.Â
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. This post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.
Title: 🎧︎Man of War:
Author(s): T.J. London
Series: The Rebels and Redcoats Saga Prequel
Narrator(s): Nicholas Boulton, Kathryn Vinclaire, Patrick Zeller, John Hartley, Tara Langella, Jason Clarke, Dryw McArthur, Marnye Young, James Cheatham
Published by Tracey Lasak-Myall on July 5, 2022
Pages: 645
Length: 22 hours and 52 minutes
Genre(s): Historical Romance
Source: Caffeinated PR
Format: audio book 
Purchase: Amazon|Audible
Rating: 
Series Rating:
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The man who wants everything gets nothing...
July 1755
War is brewing between England and France. Impressed into the Royal Navy, Lieutenant Merrick, against all odds, advanced through the ranks to become an officer--but he is not a gentleman. A man with a tainted past from a traitorous family, cast down by King George--a stain no man can remove.
Merrick's thrust into the role of captain, when the HMS Boudica is attacked by pirates off the coast of Nova Scotia. On a captured enemy vessel he discovers a King's ransom in treasure and a woman chained in the hold from passenger ship that mysteriously disappeared at sea.
Beautiful, defiant, and hell bent on revenge, India makes a deal with Merrick to uncover the pirates' scheme, promising him everything he desires: fortune, glory, and the chance to bring honor back to the McKesson name.
Now, they race against time to uncover a plot that links those in the highest ranks of the British aristocracy, to a failed rebellion that is once again trying to topple the monarchy and place an old pretender on the throne. But all that glitters is not gold as passions stir and an impossible love blooms, threatening to undermine all Merrick and India have done to protect their King and a country on the brink of war.
***This book contains violence and graphic depictions of war***
This was my first experience with London’ s work. Despite this being a long book, at almost 23 hours’ worth of listening, there was never a dull moment. From the first chapter, the story consumed me with its multi-faceted and complex characters, intriguing plot and stellar narration.
I won’t go into much detail as it’s my belief that 🎧︎Man of War is a story that one should go into blindly. I will mention, however, that the main characters, (Merrick and India), won my heart. From their heartbreaking pasts to their current struggles, one could not help but feel empathy for them. Their resilience, determination and chemistry shined throughout the story. Merrick’s need to restore his family’s honor, India’s desire for revenge against the persons responsible for the loss of her virtue, and their romance drove the story. The secondary characters, some of whom were likeable and some not so much, brought their own blend of intrigue to the story.
🎧︎Man of War is filled with excitement from start to finish. This is one of those stories where the suspense has your heart jumping in your throat. It will keep you on your toes while you hope nothing happens to your favourite characters. The story was far from predictable and had me guessing at the outcome. This may have been a fictional story, but London’s vivid descriptions, attention to detail and weaving in of historical events gave the story an authentic feel.Â
I read and listened to 🎧︎Man of War, and the narration blew it out of the water. Absolute perfection. The sound effects gave the story a natural feel. This combined with the voices of the narrators made the narration absolute perfection.
A story of delightful proportions, 🎧︎Man of War will take you on a journey filled with adventure on the high seas, political intrigue, revenge and romance. If you enjoy historical fiction this book is not to be missed.
“There’s no winning for a woman. Without her virtue, she’s nothing, but when it’s stolen from her, she is even less-even in death.”
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About T.J. London
T.J. London is a rebel, liberal, lover, fighter, diehard punk, and pharmacist-turned-author who loves history. As an author her goal is to fill in the gaps, writing stories about missing history, those little places that are so interesting yet sadly forgotten. Her favorite time periods to write in are first and foremost the American Revolutionary War, the French Revolution, the French and Indian War, the Russian Revolution and the Victorian Era. Her passions are traveling, writing, reading, barre, and sharing a glass of wine with her friends, while she collects experiences in this drama called life. She is a native of Metropolitan Detroit (but secretly dreams of being a Londoner) and resides there with her husband Fred and her beloved cat and writing partner Hamilton.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
Fantastic review. Welcome to the fandom Rebel!!
Thanks, Kim.
oh you have SOLD me on this one. I have been wanting to read more historical fiction and this romance sounds delightful. I will definitely be adding it to my list here.
I am super happy that you loved this one and that it was such a solid read even if it was longer of a audio than expected
Lovely review Nadene! Hope you had a great weekend.
I’ve been following the series and it is so exciting and grabs at the emotions. I still need to listen to this one.
Yes! You need to read this one. It was fantastic.
I’ve read the next two which happen 20 years in the future roughly and I read them before this one. I knew I loved this author and the narrations. It’s interesting getting this story later, after knowing some future events and I’ll need to listen to the next ones again now. My review is tomorrow.
Looking forward to read your thoughts on Man of War. I will definitely be reading the other books as the prequel whetted my appetite for more.
I’ve heard so many good things about this book and the series. I’m so glad you enjoyed it too!
Thanks Wendy. It was an enjoyable experience.
Wasn’t this fantastic?! I have really enjoyed all of the audiobooks in this series so far.
Yes! It definitely was a fantastic listen.
Great review, Nadene. I have read/listened to all the books in this series thus far and it is definitely a saga, full of action, adventure and some difficult scenes depicting treatment of women and indigenous people, but true to the time. I agree, the length of these books would normally turn me off, but they move so quickly and the narration – amazing! I hope you read or listen to the rest of them.
Thanks Carla. I do plan to read the other books in the series.