Picture a seasoned Royal Navy officer trading the high seas for the quill, weaving tales of 18th-century naval adventure—meet Chris Durbin! This South Wales native turned historical fiction author has captivated readers with his Carlisle and Holbrooke Naval Adventures series, blending meticulous research with thrilling maritime exploits. From the turbulent waters of the Seven Years’ War to the brewing tensions of the American Revolution, Durbin’s stories sail readers into a world of courage, loyalty, and colonial intrigue.
With a 24-year naval career and a passion for history, Durbin crafts novels that feel as authentic as a ship’s log. Now living on England’s south coast, he and his wife, a retired U.S. Navy officer, continue their love for sailing while Durbin pens tales that bring the Age of Sail to life.
The Making of Chris Durbin
Born in the seaside town of Porthcawl, South Wales, Chris Durbin’s love for the sea began early. As a sea cadet, he navigated the treacherous Bristol Channel, and at 16, he spent a week aboard a topsail schooner. After serving on the Porthcawl lifeboat, Durbin joined the Royal Navy, where he spent over two decades as a warfare officer, serving on everything from aircraft carriers to minesweepers. His operational campaigns spanned the Falkland Islands, the Middle East, and the Adriatic, and he taught tactics for two years at a U.S. Navy training center in San Diego.
Durbin’s academic credentials are equally impressive, with degrees from the Britannia Royal Naval College, the British Army Command and Staff College, the U.S. Navy War College, and an MPhil in International Relations from Cambridge University. After retiring from the Navy, he spent 18 years in the aerospace and defense industry, including two years designing the Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers. This rich blend of maritime experience and scholarly rigor set the stage for his writing career.
Chris Durbin’s Unforgettable Stories
Durbin’s Carlisle and Holbrooke Naval Adventures series, launched in 2017 with The Colonial Post-Captain, follows Edward Carlisle, a Virginian commanding a British frigate, and his protégé George Holbrooke. Set during the mid-18th century, the series vividly captures the Seven Years’ War and the lead-up to the American Revolution. With 16 books and counting, Durbin’s meticulous research and firsthand naval knowledge shine through, making each novel a masterclass in historical accuracy and storytelling.
Key works include The Leeward Islands Squadron (2018), where Carlisle faces the challenges of higher command, and
Readers praise Durbin’s ability to make the Age of Sail accessible yet immersive, with richly drawn characters navigating political and personal storms. His novels stand out for their depth, covering the Seven Years’ War more comprehensively than most naval fiction series, while hinting at the revolutionary tensions to come.
Why Chris Durbin Matters
Chris Durbin’s work breathes new life into historical naval fiction, a genre beloved by fans of Patrick O’Brian and C.S. Forester. His unique perspective as a former naval officer and scholar brings authenticity that resonates with readers, from history buffs to adventure enthusiasts. By focusing on a colonial Virginian protagonist, Durbin explores the nuanced loyalties of the pre-revolutionary era, offering fresh insights into a pivotal historical moment.
His growing fanbase, evident in glowing reviews and audiobook releases narrated by David Lane Pusey, reflects his impact. Durbin’s dedication to his craft, coupled with his homage to naval fiction giants (he even names his pet tortoise Aubrey after O’Brian’s character), ensures his place as a rising star in the genre.
- Birthplace: Porthcawl, South Wales
- Key Works: The Colonial Post-Captain, The Leeward Islands Squadron, Treacherous Moon, Debatable Lands
- Fun Fact: Durbin’s pet tortoise, Aubrey, is a nod to Patrick O’Brian’s Master and Commander.
Ready to set sail with a master storyteller? Grab The Colonial Post-Captain and dive into Chris Durbin’s thrilling world of naval adventure!