The Chains of Albion
Reluctant Adventures of Lieutenant Martin Jerrold Book #2)
by Edwin Thomas
GENRE : #Historical-adventure-mystery #NavalSetting
Romp-fast, funny, and intentionally lighthearted adventure novel. My rating: ★★★★☆
😃Once again, Edwin Thomas has kept me entertained with the chaotic exploits of British naval lieutenant Martin Jerrold, who’s basically a magnet for trouble.
This book is a light, fun, and fast-moving historical mystery, perfect if you want something enjoyable without too much thinking, especially if you like stories tied to real historical events.
THE PLOT IN A NUTSHELL :
It’s July 1806. Just a few months earlier, Lieutenant Martin Jerrold had to clear his name from a false murder charge and, despite a series of mishaps and bad luck, managed to uncover a traitorous plot against the English crown favoring Napoleon.Now promoted to captain, he’s in charge of a prison ship in the Medway filled with French prisoners. He couldn’t be happier: away from battles, storms, and all the headaches of naval life, plus he gets to spend time with his lover Isobel, who visits him regularly under the guise of being his “cousin.” But this peaceful setup isn’t going to last. Jerrold’s luck runs out when one of the prisoners escapes due to his own careless mistake.
Stripped of his command and summoned back to London by the First Lord of the Admiralty, he’s tasked with tracking down the fugitive by any means necessary.
Reluctantly, he sets off on a chase that takes him from the murky swamps of Chatham, through the grimy London slums, across the bleak Dartmoor, and finally to Brighton, a rising, elegant seaside resort.
At the post office, Mr. Nevell, a spy from the Secret Office and Jerrold’s partner from the last adventure, shows up with an interest that matches the political powers both in the royal court and the opposition.
Why is this escaped prisoner so important that everyone’s willing to go to any lengths to catch him?
____ MY THOUGHTS ___
Like I said at the start, this book is a fun ride with plenty of moments that might seem a bit silly. But don’t write it off as a “goofy” story, because even without a murder mystery to solve, the question of why the prisoner matters keeps you curious and on edge until one of the last chapters.
Then, when someone finally spills the truth to Jerrold, he surprises us again by doing what’s right, just when taking the easier, wrong path would have been so much simpler.
THE MAIN CHARACTER : MARTIN JERROLD
He’s lazy, clumsy, and pretty much a disaster as a soldier, especially one with big responsibilities.
You might think he’d be one of those annoying characters, but he actually won me over from the first book.
He’s young and good-looking, but beneath it all, he’s got a heart of gold, and you can’t help but root for him. Every move he makes, even when he’s trying, seems cursed by bad luck.
In both the previous book and this one, the "villain" isn't just one person, but several people from different factions and all of them treat him with merciless arrogance and a sense of superiority.
WHAT YOU CAN COUNT ON:
One thing I really like about Edwin Thomas is that bullies and villains always get what’s coming to them, and despite all the crap Jerrold goes through, he ends up rewarded in the end.
The author calls this reward “undeserved,” but honestly, Jerrold’s charm is that even though he’s pushed around by orders, fate, and circumstances beyond his control, he still gives his best, often without even realizing it.
He might be the first to doubt himself, thinking himself a “cunning coward,” but the story proves otherwise. You can’t help but love him and cheer when he finally gets his moment of moral victory.
WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER :
1 _ SIDE CHARACTERS:
Isobel, Nevell, and Jerrold’s little personal servant, the friends and supporters, don’t get as much screen time in this second adventure compared to the first book.
I would have loved a longer story with more action scenes involving these familiar faces.
I was glad to see them again though; having returning characters really helps the series feel connected.
2 _ THE MAIN VILLAIN:
Major Lebrett, a cavalry officer obsessed with catching the prisoner, is probably the toughest on Jerrold. He’s painted as a skilled soldier but completely without scruples or conscience.
Maybe the author could’ve dug deeper into his character as the main antagonist to Jerrold’s reluctant hero, but with so many villains in the mix, it’s understandable that not everyone gets a full personality spotlight.
That’s just a small note from me, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story.
THE HISTORICAL BACKDROP:
Even though the backdrop is the Napoleonic Wars, when England and France were bitter enemies, you don’t actually get thrown into battle scenes here. Instead, picture the salty sea breeze mixed with tense political plots, the sweat and danger of daring escapes, and the occasional sharp scent of gun smoke.
There’s a brief but intense and suspenseful action moment between two brigantines that made me want to dive into classic naval stories like those by Patrick O'Brian (Master and Commander) or C.S. Forester (Horatio Hornblower).
WHO DO I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO?
If you’re a young adult or adult looking for a quick, unpredictable read that you can finish in a couple of days and walk away feeling light and happy, this is for you.
The language is clean for younger readers, and there’s nothing too graphic or upsetting for sensitive folks.
Thanks for checking out my review, I hope you enjoyed this journey into 19th-century England with me!
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