Series v Standalone
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Debut book of the Series
Latest title in the Series
It’s a question I’ve been asked quite a few times: Do I need to start at the beginning of the Kydd series if I want to read your books?
Well, this is a personal choice. Each of my books is a standalone, with enough back-story to fill in any gaps if you haven’t read earlier titles.
The series does have a theme – one man’s journey from pressed man to admiral in the age of fighting sail – but each book is a segment of Kydd’s life, a story in itself.
I know some people like to read a series chronologically but I can also see that a newbie Stockwin reader might finish, say, CARIBBEE (my latest book), and then want to read SEAFLOWER, when Kydd was first in those turquoise seas – and a much different person.
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And if a commitment to read fourteen titles might seem a bit much to busy people, I always suggest taking in a random one, picking a cover or location that most appeals and taking it from there…
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. How did you discover the Kydd books? Did you read one and then go back to the first? Or have you read a few in no particular order? Have you re-read the series several times?
I’ve put together this summary of the series to date, with the books in chronological order. You can also download or share this as a PDF.
[ KYDD series books in order PDF download ]
Julian Stockwin 
Ahoy! I’m not sure how I located Kydd (probably from one of my many internet or bookstore searches) but, I prefer to read them in sequence. I have them all and am waiting for the next.I am ex US Navy an an avid Ragsailor sailing in a’73 Catalina 27. Great series-no one writes nautical fiction like a Brit!
My father got me into reading the series, we both share a love for historical military fiction, both at sea and on land, so I was lucky to start with the first book and have read them all in order. I have however re-read the series whilst waiting for the next one to be published, as I love these books so much.
Hi
I picked up Kydd as a book to read whilst commuting, having enjoyed the Hornblower stories many years ago when I was at school. I had to work my way past technical terms to do with rigging and sails which I did not understand but I was hooked and I have read and enjoyed every book since and now have my name down for next year’s installment. Long may it continue!
Phil Curry
I was Googling to solve a puzzle about a photo showing RAN sailors in 1913 on HMAS Australia and trying to find out what kit they were carrying when Julian’s name came up on the search page. Aside from still trying to solve the mystery items I am now a dedicated fan of the Kydd series. Just finished KYDD and now onto Artemis; in the meantime picking up the other books in the series as I visit bookshops. The storyline is enthralling and one has to start at the beginning and work through the series in chronological order. Single column, line astern with KYDD and Duke William leading the column into battle (so to speak). Your research is painstaking and exact Julian providing a graphic tapestry of life on board His Majesty’s navy. One book a year is a mighty effort in itself I would think.
Hi Julian, As you know I am a devoted follower of your Kydd Books and have to have the new one each year. I originally came across your writings in the year of my retirement. At that time I was working as a property manager and one of my maintenance managers knew I was ex RN and particularly interested in the Nelsonian era. He had been given your first three books by one of the owners in the property where he worked for me and passed them on to me when he finished them. I was instantly hooked and still am, just having finished Caribbee. Although you could pick up any one of the books at any time and have an enthralling read, I have found reading them and re-reading them in chronological order suits my taste. I note a number of people responding would like to see two books per year from you. Knowing how deeply you research each book and the time it takes to edit it, get it proof read and printed would, in my opinion, not allow for 2 books per year. It would also cut down the suspense I feel whilst waiting for your new book each year.
Yours aye,
Alan Rootes
Forget the authors advice…………???? LOL LOL . Start at the beginning and read them all. You won’t be sorry, especially if you enjoy this genre of literature.