Step into the thrilling world of the Blackwood Family series, where naval valor and family legacy collide across 150 years of British history! Written by Douglas Reeman, this gripping historical fiction saga follows generations of the Blackwood family as they lead the Royal Marines through epic battles, from stamping out slavery to surviving the trenches of World War I. With heart-pounding action and poignant human drama, it’s a must-read for fans of military adventure.
Reeman, a Royal Navy veteran, crafts a vivid tapestry of duty, courage, and sacrifice, blending historical accuracy with compelling storytelling. Whether you’re a history buff or just love a good tale of heroism, the Blackwood Family series invites you to sail into a world of high-stakes adventure.
How Blackwood Family Began
Douglas Reeman, also known as Alexander Kent, launched the Blackwood Family series (aka the Royal Marines Saga) in 1982 with Badge of Glory. Drawing from his own naval service during World War II and the Korean War, Reeman created a multi-generational saga inspired by the Royal Navy’s storied past. His goal? To capture the grit and glory of the Royal Marines while exploring the personal toll of duty on one remarkable family.
Reeman’s deep knowledge of naval life and meticulous research shine through, making the series a love letter to Britain’s maritime heritage. Spanning from the 1850s to the 1970s, the saga reflects the evolution of warfare and the enduring spirit of those who serve.
The Heart of Blackwood Family
The series kicks off with Badge of Glory (1982), where Captain Philip Blackwood battles slavers off West Africa and faces the brutal Crimean War. In The First to Land (1984), set in 1899, Captain David Blackwood navigates the Boxer Rebellion and a forbidden romance with a German countess. The Horizon (1991) shifts to 1915, with Jonathan Blackwood enduring the horrors of Gallipoli. Finally, Dust on the Sea (1999) follows Mike Blackwood in 1943, leading commandos against Nazi forces.
Key themes include duty, family legacy, and the cost of war. Reeman masterfully balances intense battle scenes—think rifle fire and ironclad ships—with personal struggles, like love and loss. The series’ historical settings, from colonial Africa to World War II, ground the action in real-world events, while the Blackwoods’ relatable flaws make them feel human, not superhuman. Romance often weaves in, adding emotional depth to the gritty military focus.
Reeman’s style is fast-paced yet empathetic, capturing the chaos of war and the quiet moments of reflection. Fans praise the series for its authenticity, with Reeman’s naval expertise lending credibility to every cannon blast and strategic maneuver.
Why Blackwood Family Resonates
The Blackwood Family series has carved a niche among fans of naval fiction, offering a gripping blend of history and heroism. Its focus on the Royal Marines sets it apart from other naval sagas, spotlighting the “first to land, last to leave” ethos. Readers, especially military history enthusiasts, rave about its realistic portrayal of warfare and its nod to Britain’s imperial past.
Though less mainstream than Reeman’s Bolitho novels, the series’ loyal following cherishes its emotional depth and historical sweep. It remains a testament to the enduring appeal of stories about courage under fire and the ties that bind across generations.
- Publication Years: 1982–2004
- Number of Books: 5
- Author: Douglas Reeman (aka Alexander Kent)
- Genre: Historical/Military Fiction
Ready to embark on a naval adventure? Grab Badge of Glory and dive into the Blackwood Family’s thrilling world of duty and destiny!