LANDFALL, the series - Nelson's Navy

Conflicting worlds collide in this two-volume episode of the LANDFALL series. The exotic wealth of Jamaica is founded on human misery as slaves toil and their owners indulge in luxury and corruption; slave-ships ply their terrible trade across the Atlantic; and in-between, aboard the frigate HMS Turk, Captain Sir Edward Pelham R.N. tries to run a fair, clean & tight ship - and faces dire choices where duty, chance and conscience intersect. 

The year is 1795: Edward is just thirty, an unhappy marriage behind him and still several years to go before the events of LANDFALL: Calm At The Eye. Filled with the vivid period detail and compassionate sensuality that is Alison James’ hallmark, this is a story of high adventure, cruelty, humanity and profound psychological insight. Action, suffering and humour take turns as compelling characters cross paths by chance and end up forever connected.

Continuing the high drama begun in Check, Checkmate picks up in Tenerife, where Edward Pelham’s life is in danger and an intimate human drama is unfolding at his sick-bed. Lives turn on unlikely events; comedy and heartbreak alternate. After the surprising conclusion of Checkmate’s first adventure, the action moves forward a generation. 

Beloved characters return for a new set of challenges and a wrenching, tender exploration of love, honour, loyalty and betrayal. On the beautiful island of Tenerife, connections are forged and revisited; loyalties and friendships are tested. Love hurts — and heals. As always, Alison James’ luminous and insightful writing transports the reader to another place and time where the people are every bit as human – and as dear – as old friends. Lyrically told, the story follows them through adversity, intrigue and generosity to a touching resolution.