For whatever we lose, it is our self we find in the sea. 'The best swashbuckler of the year ... There are echoes of Horatio Hornblower in Nightingale's introspection and doubts. The gay love story is beautifully written and the evocation of life on board the
Scylla
is equally good'
The Times
'An extraordinary work, absolutely breathtaking ... it beggars belief' Conn Iggulden,
New York Times
&
Sunday Times
bestselling author 'Achingly beautiful. A delightful, romantic, queer historical adventure' Mackenzi Lee,
bestselling author
Captain Hiram Nightingale
is a veteran of the wars which have raged throughout Europe and the Americas. But a grand victory at the Battle of the Nile in 1798 comes at a devastating cost. Plagued by wounds both physical and mental, he attempts to recover by accepting command of HMS
. His task is to hunt down a mutinous ship and bring the crew to justice.
However, it soon becomes clear that the mission is just one danger in an immense web. Nightingale finds himself in the middle of a network of secrets that will affect everyone onboard the
. He has to battle against the perils of the war-torn seas, a crew who he fears does not accept him, and meddling, powerful figures from his past.
And in the centre of all this, his new lieutenant, the popular
Arthur Courtney
, stirs up long repressed feelings. On his journey, Nightingale must confront his own demons. For it seems, during his dangerous adventure, his greatest enemy might just be himself.
A deeply poignant tale of naval warfare, political intrigue and a love between two men that stands tall in an unaccepting world. Perfect for fans of Hornblower, Sharpe and
Outlander
.
Praise for
Leeward
'There is a weight of human insight here that is quite
dazzling
. A story told with such panache
deserves a bestseller mass audience
'
Conn Iggulden
One of the best debut novels I have read in many years
. A magnificent, compelling read'
Ben Kane
,
Profound, intricate, artful
. A truly original story of forbidden love and adventure. I urge you to sail into the storm!'
A. J. West
A stunning book
. In an utterly authentic voice, Katie Daysh brings to life the terrifying power of the sea, and the bonds of both love and duty that tie a captain to his ship'
Damion Hunter
, author of
Shadow of the Eagle