Step aboard the creaking decks of the Carlisle & Holbrooke Naval Adventures, where the salty winds of 18th-century naval warfare carry you into a world of daring battles and colonial intrigue! Penned by Chris Durbin, this historical fiction series follows Edward Carlisle, a Virginian captain, and his protégé George Holbrooke as they navigate the British Royal Navy during the Seven Years War. With vivid prose and meticulous research, Durbin crafts a thrilling saga that blends maritime action with the political storms of a pivotal era.
Whether you’re a fan of swashbuckling adventures or crave historical depth, this series offers a fresh take on naval fiction, spotlighting a colonial officer’s rise in a British-dominated world. Let’s dive into the origins, tales, and lasting allure of Carlisle & Holbrooke Naval Adventures!
How Carlisle & Holbrooke Naval Adventures Began
Chris Durbin, a retired Royal Navy officer with a passion for naval history, launched the Carlisle & Holbrooke series in 2017 with The Colonial Post-Captain. Drawing on his 24 years of naval experience and studies at prestigious institutions like Cambridge University, Durbin sought to explore the Seven Years War through the lens of a colonial Virginian, Edward Carlisle. His goal? To weave historical accuracy with gripping storytelling, capturing the challenges of loyalty and ambition in a turbulent era. The series, now spanning 16 books, reflects Durbin’s lifelong ambition to craft authentic historical fiction.
The Heart of Carlisle & Holbrooke Naval Adventures
The series kicks off with The Colonial Post-Captain (2017), where Carlisle, a penniless Virginian, commands a frigate in the Mediterranean, facing French invasion threats and personal dilemmas. The Leeward Islands Squadron (2018) sees Carlisle and Holbrooke in the Caribbean, battling French privateers while protecting British trade. Perilous Shore (2019) highlights Holbrooke’s role in pioneering amphibious warfare, leading flatboats onto Normandy’s beaches. Debatable Lands (2024), the 16th installment, wraps up the Seven Years War arc, with Holbrooke confronting a Spanish captain in a tense South American showdown.
Durbin’s tales pulse with themes of duty, loyalty, and identity, particularly Carlisle’s struggle as a colonial officer in a British system. The series’ settings—from the stormy Caribbean to the strategic St. Lawrence River—immerse readers in the era’s global conflicts. Fans praise Durbin’s technical detail, from ship maneuvers to weather patterns, paired with human stories of ambition and camaraderie, evoking comparisons to Patrick O’Brian’s Aubrey-Maturin novels. Yet, the colonial perspective and pre-revolutionary tensions set this series apart, hinting at future loyalty conflicts as the American Revolution looms.
Why Carlisle & Holbrooke Naval Adventures Resonates
The Carlisle & Holbrooke series has carved a niche among naval fiction fans, offering a fresh angle on a less-explored era. Readers, from history buffs to sailors, celebrate its blend of action and authenticity, with reviews calling it “a must-read for naval history enthusiasts.” Its impact lies in bringing the Seven Years War to life, illuminating a formative period for global empires and colonial identities. As audio versions and new releases expand its reach, the series continues to captivate those craving adventure and historical insight.
- First Book Published: 2017 (The Colonial Post-Captain)
- Number of Books: 16 (as of 2024)
- Setting: Seven Years War, 1756–1763
- Author’s Background: Retired Royal Navy officer
Ready to hoist the sails? Grab The Colonial Post-Captain and plunge into the Carlisle & Holbrooke Naval Adventures’ world of naval valor and colonial intrigue!