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Leeward

A Times Historical Novel of the Year 2023
4.22 goodreads logo

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( 746 ratings, 160 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Captain Hiram Nightingale is a seasoned naval officer bearing the scars of countless battles. After a costly victory at the 1798 Battle of the Nile, he takes command of HMS Scylla to track down a mutinous crew. But his mission unveils a treacherous web of secrets onboard, while he wrestles with his own physical wounds, mental anguish, and a crew wary of his leadership.

Amidst political intrigue and naval warfare, Nightingale’s heart is stirred by his new lieutenant, Arthur Courtney. Together they navigate perilous seas and forbidden feelings in a society that refuses to accept them. Nightingale’s greatest battle may be with himself in this deeply poignant tale of love, loyalty, and survival.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

Ideal for readers who enjoy historical naval adventures with complex characters and a compelling LGBTQ+ love story. Fans of Hornblower, Sharpe, and Outlander will find much to admire.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
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, New York Times 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 Scylla. 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 Scylla. 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 audienceConn Iggulden

One of the best debut novels I have read in many years. A magnificent, compelling read’ Ben Kane, Sunday Times bestselling author

Profound, intricate, artful. A truly original story of forbidden love and adventure. I urge you to sail into the storm!’ A. J. West, Sunday Times bestselling author

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

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781804365700

Publisher: Canelo

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 02 November 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Canelo

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 7.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 0g

Pages: 384

About the Author

Katie Daysh works part-time in retail, but her two passions in life are history and writing historical fiction. Her debut novel, the queer Age of Sail adventure Leeward, is soon to be published by Canelo in 2023, followed by two more naval adventures featuring Hiram Nightingale and Arthur Courtney. She lives on the Isle of Wight.

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