Reviewed by Gaius Konstantine for Readers' Favorite

“Hurry and wait—that was the way of the Royal Navy.” For Lieutenant Joseph Duncan, the protagonist of Sailing Toward the Tempest by Kent M. Schwendy, things are much more complicated than that. The story begins in 1795 aboard HMS Fidelity, where Joseph serves as a junior officer during the war against revolutionary France. As his frigate patrols the Caribbean in search of prey, fate intervenes, and young Lieutenant Duncan unexpectedly finds himself in command of the ship on the eve of battle. Through a series of skillful maneuvers and audacious acts, Duncan manages to defeat an entire squadron of French ships, capturing them as prizes and earning a captaincy as a result. However, wars are funny things; they are not only fought in the field or at sea but also behind closed doors by men who whisper in the shadows.

Sailing Toward the Tempest by Kent M. Schwendy is a shining example of historical fiction and one of the most immersive books I have read in years. The only thing missing was the smell of salt water on its pages. The plot follows a young officer who, in addition to serving his nation during a time of war, is also a genuinely good human being. The story weaves together themes of loyalty, friendship, and camaraderie while balancing the darker aspects of petty politics, treachery, and loss. The character development is outstanding, with memorable supporting characters like Jeremy, Cole, and Cahill leaving a lasting impression. Pacing and attention to detail are exemplary, and, as I read, I forgot that I was reviewing this novel and found myself simply enjoying a great story. For fans of action-adventure, historical fiction, and ships sailing the seas, I recommend this book without reservation.