Ramage is dispatched with Marches di Volterra and her cousin to Gibraltar in a cutter. On the way he encounters a capsized Spanish frigate and decides to capture it and take it in tow. However he and his crew are captured, but an American sailor helps him pose an a pressed American. Paroled in Spanish town they are able to learn of Spanish plans, steal a boat and sail to Gibraltar. Sent with the fleet to intercept the Spanish, Ramage once again disobeys orders when he realizes that smoke is preventing the Commander from realizing the Spanish fleet may escape. He rams a Spanish 2 decker with his cutter and materially aids the victory after risking what seems to be certain death for himself and his crew. I begin to see a pattern here.

"Drumbeat" is the second book in the Ramage series. Another remake of the Napoleonic War with the usual point of view. Although a naval story, it starts of as a romance. Ramage has a lot of internal rants, his mind obsessed with love for a girl that he has met only six days prior. He seems prone to losing ships and although a Captain, he still wants to be one of the boys. He stumbles from one obstacle to another, gifted enough to keep both himself and his crew alive.

It was an entertaining read and there were moments when I found it hard to put down. At the end the story seemed to be cut short. Could have used another chapter and I assume that will be the first chapter of the next book. ( )

I don't know a lot about naval history, but this historical fiction book includes the Battle of Cape St Vincent(14 February 1797). Although it starts out as a romance, men in the navy when sailing ships ruled!

The second in the Ramage series and every bit as good as the first on. The battle scenes are vivid but what I really like is the description of Ramage and his men. Pope does not make this a one person book. You do get into the head of Ramage as he struggles with his decisions but he allows supporting crew to have their own part in the story.

A great read. ( )

Ramage takes command of the cutter Kathleen and is off to rescue the beautiful Marchesa di Volterra. Excellent series, sometimes based upon actual events. Always a good story with interesting characters, puzzling quandaries, and sometimes quirky solutions. Age of sail tyros should read early in their literary questing for his knowledge and insights into fighting, sailing, and British Navy life during these quite fascinating times. Many set in the Caribbean where Pope lived for most of his writing career enabling him to provide very helpful maps, not often found in fiction, for his scenarios. ( )