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| Today: Antoine Vanner |
| About the Books |
The Dawlish Chronicles Series
The adventures of a Late-Victorian Era Royal Navy officer and his indomitable wife, linked with hard-boiled realism to actual events of the period.
The British Empire is reaching its apogee and Nicholas Dawlish is building his career in an era of rapid technological, social and political developments. Old enemies and new empires are challenging Britain’s global power, often through vicious proxy conflicts which offer Dawlish opportunities for advancement, though at the risk of his life and his integrity.
On his way he’ll meet Florence, his pearl of great price, his inspiration. Loyal to the death to each other, they’ll share danger, setbacks and triumphs. In his absences, she’ll fight social abuses and find a role in espionage as a force in her own right.
Twelve novels in the series so far, covering the years 1859-1887.
Click https://dawlishchronicles.com/books/ for details of each book.
Next volume due in December 2025.
Start the series with Britannia’s Innocent, an ideal Christmas or Birthday gift for any lover of realistic historical adventure, a gateway to a long saga.
1864 – Political folly has brought war on Denmark. Lacking allies, the country is invaded by the forces of military superpowers Prussia and Austria. Cut off from the main Danish Army, and refusing to use the word ‘retreat’, a resolute commander withdraws northwards. Harried by Austrian cavalry, his forces plod through snow, sleet and mud, their determination not to be defeated increasing with each weary step . . .
Across the Atlantic, civil war rages. It is fought not solely on American soil but also on the world’s oceans, as Confederate commerce raiders ravage Union merchant shipping as far away as the East Indies. And now a new raider, a powerful modern ironclad, is nearing completion in a British shipyard. But funds are lacking to pay for her armament and the Union government is pressing Britain to prevent her sailing . . .
Denmark is not wholly without sympathizers however. Britain’s heir to the throne is married to a Danish princess. With his covert backing, British volunteers are ready to fight for the Danes. And the Confederacy is willing to lease the new raider for two months if she can be armed as payment for the lease, although the Union government is determined to see her sunk . . .
Just returned from Royal Navy service in the West Indies, the young Nicholas Dawlish is induced to volunteer and is plunged into the horrors of a siege, shore-bombardment, raiding and battle in the cold North Sea – notwithstanding divided loyalties . . .
In later books of the Dawlish Chronicles series, Dawlish is met as an experienced and resourceful officer, but in 1864 he is still an innocent. But he’ll need to learn fast . . .
AND A NEW ADDITION!
I’m glad to announce that Britannia’s Bluff, the 13th volume of the Dawlish Chronicles series will be published on December 6th in hard copy and Kindle.
It can be enjoyed as part of the series or as a standalone story.
Detail further below.
Preorder the Kindle version at 22% Discount, delivery to your phone, tablet or kindle on 6th December, when Hard Copy will also be available.
Kindle Unlimited subscribers will be able to read at no extra cost.
For UK & IRL Click; https://amazon.co.uk/dp/B0G3JCJ566
For USA Click: https://amazon.com/dp/B0G3JCJ566
For Canada Click: https://amazon.ca/dp/B0G3JCJ566
For Australia & New Zealand: Click: https://amazon.com.au/dp/B0G3JCJ566
It’s November 1915: The Great War rages. Britain has failed to break through the Dardanelles Straits to open a supply route to its Russian allies. Over 80,000 allied troops are trapped in tiny footholds on the rocky Gallipoli peninsula. Weakened by disease and exposure, they are dominated by Turkish artillery and entrenchments on higher ground. Repeated attempts to advance have resulted in mounting casualties. Now, with winter looming, victory – at any cost – is unachievable.
But evacuation from the landing beaches could bring yet worse tragedy – bodies drifting in bloody surf, laden boats lashed by enemy fire as they strain towards the safety of allied ships moored in deeper water.
Admiral Sir Nicholas Dawlish, recalled from retirement on the outbreak of war, sees one chance – a colossal bluff – to reduce the risks of evacuation. Drawing on his half century’s experience of conflict, guile, new technology and outright daring, he plans a lightning diversionary campaign at sea, on land and by air. Speed and surprise will be the deciding factors.
As the Great War gathers momentum, new developments – submarines, radio, armoured vehicles, aircraft and ships to carry them to sea – are changing the rules and possibilities of warfare. Under Dawlish, ambitious and thrusting younger men will seize opportunities, and face threats, hitherto undreamed of.
But will it be in time to help prevent a final bloodbath at Gallipoli?
Antoine Vanner had a long career in international business and survived military coups, a guerrilla war, storms at sea and life in mangrove swamps, tropical forest, offshore oil-platforms and the boardroom. He lived and worked long-term in eight countries, has travelled widely in all continents except Antarctica and is fluent in three languages, rusty in a fourth. In retirement he lectured in academia in four continents. He has a passion for nineteenth-century political and military history and has a deep understanding of what was the cutting-edge technology of that time. His knowledge of human nature and his first-hand experience of the locales – often surprising – of the most important conflicts of the period provide the impetus for his writing. He currently lives in Britain with his wife, Eva Lagasseé (a journalist by background), their dog and five horses.
Social Media Links:
Website and Blog: www.dawlishchronicles.com
X, FormerlyTwitter: @AntoineVanner
Newsletter & Free Short Story: https://bit.ly/47ozbNQ
The Dawlish Chronicles https://dawlishchronicles.com/books/
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You might also like booksin a series written by
Helen Hollick
New Website: https://blog.helenhollick.net/
Amazon Author Page: https://viewauthor.at/HelenHollick
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| Amazon Author Page: https://viewauthor.at/HelenHollick |
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