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August 1789. The Rights of Man. A new age dawns. And yet, old hostilities persist: England and Spain are on the brink of war. France, allied by treaty with Spain, readies her warships. Three youths – the son of an English carpenter, the son of a naval captain, and the son of a French court tailor – meet in London, a chance encounter that entwines their lives ever after. The English boys find themselves on the same frigate bound for the Caribbean. The Frenchman sails to Trinidad, where he meets an even more zealous Spanish revolutionary. As diplomats in Europe race to avoid conflict, war threatens to explode in the Caribbean, with the three youths pitted against each other. Will the dawn of the boys’ young manhood remain bright with hope? Or will it become tainted with their countrymen’s spilled blood? “…compelling characters and an exciting plot… Much like the Hornblower series, A Tainted Dawn demands sequels. Let’s hope B. N. Peacock is already hard at work on the next volume!” Former U. S. Naval Officer Carl Jensen, Ph.D.
Director, Center for Intelligence & Security Studies University of Mississippi
". . . It's a well-written novel with well-drawn characters, in particular the three focal characters. . . the book is much in the tradition of the Horatio Hornblower and Aubrey stories.This is a great read for any fans of those series, or those with historical iterests in this time period." Michael A. Duvernois Amazon Top 500 Reviewer "As America is born, the superpowers of Europe clash with one another for power and territory. A Tainted Dawn is a historical novel set at the end of the eighteenth century, as the powers of Europe head off to war. Following youths of these nations as they find their way through their lives and the conflict, A Tainted Dawn creates a riveting setting with plenty of twists and turns that should prove difficult to put down, very much recommended." The Midwest Book Review ". . .The author blends a very distinctive style in her balance of narration and dialogue. . .especially in focusing on the cultural tension between the three young men. . .I can think of no better way to learn history than through a well researched, well written historical novel." Edward Kelly, Military Writers Society of America "Peacock captures the essence of late 18th-century shipboard life, from the fo'c's'le to the quarterdeck. . . She deftly draws her characters with finely honed dialogue and authentic details. A Tainted Dawn will appeal to those who relish a rousing yarn or simply a well-told story." George Jepson, Quarterdeck, September 2012. "Peacock seems to have done her homework, with convincing details and dialogue. This is a well-crafted novel with well-drawn characters. . .Once immersed in the story, I found it hard to stop reading. I look forward to reading the next books in the saga." Steven Dunham, Professional Editor
". . .the book was excellent and different from other Napoleonic Era novels . . . it relies on a finely crafted plot, with interesting passages, realistic events, and unexpected twists. . . Overall, this is one of the best naval novels I have read and is far better than some notable authors of this genre. This is the first in a planned 5-book series, and I'm already anxious for book 2! Linda Hornberger, LibraryThing. "Lyrically phrased, this novel was a quiet but gripping read. I found the story brisk and engaging." Katy Koenen, LibraryThing. "For me, history is, in a sense, biography. In this book, the depiction of the lives of three young men, boys awaiting manhood seems to run parallel to a world awaiting liberty and equality as opposed to the prevalent tyranny and oppression. History personalized; well done." Patricia Daly-Lipe, A Cruel Calm:Paris Between the Wars; Messages From Nature; Myth Magic, and Metaphor; La Jolla. ". . .intriguing. . .I enjoyed reading about Edward the most. I also liked the fact it (the book) has historical significance, weaving fact with fiction. Well studied and well written." Katreena Stanbro, Goodreads "The author brings a historian's passion for detail to her fiction and creates characters who step deftly from the eighteenth century into our imaginations. I . . . look forward to the suceeding books in the series." Karl Edwards, Amazon Reviewer "B. N. Peacock has done an extraordinary job in capturing the turmoil preceding the Great War of the late 1790's, and the author's passion for history is evident. . .History buffs will enjoy this book as will anyone just looking for a good read. I certanl look forward to the next book in the series." WAE, Amazon Reviewer ". . .this book paints a vivid picture of the nations who were being rocked by those crying for freedom from oppressive governments. Peacock's characters are finely etched. . .by the end of the book I was completely enthralled. I hope I don't have to wait long for Book 2!" Deborah A. Dessaso, MA. Writing Resource Coordinator and Senior Tutor, UDC. "Barbara Peacock has a masterful knowledge of both nautical lore and the history and politics of the age. Her characters are sympathetic, and they come alive though her writing. She deftly captures the spirit of this fascinating and critical time, both its positive and negative aspects. Her characters inhabit a world that is squalid, gritty , and dangerous, but not without hope." Robin E. Levin, The Death of Carthage "The author has created three very interesting young characters whom I am looking forward to following in her future books. Well done, B. N. Peacock." Sandra J. Luck, The Dogs of St. Augustine "A very solid first work of fiction. I look forward to purchasing the next work in this series, or indeed anything by this author." Thomas Ladegard, Amazon Reviewer "A Tainted Dawn is a world-ranging novel with glimpses of London, Paris, and best of all, the Caribbean. MS. Peacock's ability to juggle more than one story is remarkable and her grasp of all spectra of a now-obscure but excitin period is manifest." Wayne Soini, Porter's Secret: Fitz John Porter's Monument Decoded Follow my Blog Tour: Broken Teepee The Maiden's Court Unabridged Chick Passages to the Past A Book Geek Book Dilettante Confessions of an Avid Reader Confessions of an Avid Read Guest Blog Kinx's Book Nook Flashlight Reader The Bibiliophilic Book Blog Christy English: A Writer's Life Book Ramblings Celtic Lady A Bookish Affair Book Giveaway at Bookish Affair Words and Peace Flash! Meet Edward, Jemmy, and Louis and their world on YouTube. YouTube |
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