"[Nelson's] knowledge of sailing ships and how to handle them is profound, and he writes with such clarity and conviction that even landlubber like the present writer can follow the action and be gripped by it. I hope that Wentworth as well as Jack will feature in the sequel to The French Prize . They could well become as compelling a double act as O'Brian's Aubrey and Maturin." -- The Wall Street Journal "A lively, rapidly paced yarn set in 1799, a year in which America is embroiled in an undeclared war at sea with its former ally, France. This is vintage Nelson, with finely drawn characters and vivid shipboard action written by one who has sailed before the mast. Nelson is at his best describing a ship assaulted in a tempest by howling winds and heaving seas." -- Quarterdeck on The French Prize "This novel immerses the reader into American maritime history with a strong protagonist and a well-told sea-faring adventure story of intrigue. The narrative moves quickly compared to Patrick O'Brian's dense description, and it shares light on the U.

S. presence on the high seas and the delicate balance of powers in Europe. For sea dogs and landlubbers alike." -- Library Journal on The French Prize "Nelson does a wonderful job showing the impact of the French Revolution on their navy, and his sailing experience aboard wooden tall ships adds such realism the reader is transported to Abigail's decks be it during a vicious storm or while fighting for her life against a more powerful foe." -- Pirates and Privateers on The French Prize "If you crave some adventure on the high seas, Nelson delivers, in spades." -- Bangor Daily News on The French Prize "Nelson does a remarkable job of bringing history to life, using the voices of those involved." -- Bangor Daily News on With Fire and Sword "A dramatic and assiduously researched history.Readers will surely find Nelson's objective history exciting and bracing.

" -- Philadelphia Inquirer on With Fire and Sword "Excellent, vivid blow-by-blow account from a fine storyteller." -- American History Magazine on With Fire and Sword "[Nelson] makes history entertaining, exciting and fascinating." -- Kennebec Journal on With Fire and Sword "Most appealing is Nelson's refreshing ability to write about historical events and people in a manner that makes history come alive--entertaining, exciting, and fascinating." -- New Maine Times on With Fire and Sword "Top-notch research and an entertaining narrative capture all of the drama and flavor of this important event. Nelson writes with the clarity and authority of an historian at the top of his game." -- Tucson Citizen on With Fire and Sword "Nelson's finely written narrative is a winner." -- Naval History on Benedict Arnold's Navy "Nelson does a masterful job of storytelling." -- Military Heritage on Benedict Arnold's Navy " Benedict Arnold's Navy is an excellent book and one worthy of its author, James L.

Nelson, who has written several historical books of exceptional quality. Typical of his work, Nelson has taken an episode of history, researched it thoroughly and produced a smoothly told narrative." -- Associated Press "Offers a rousing plot and seafaring detail as authentic as any in the Hornblower or Aubrey/Maturin books." -- Publishers Weekly on Thieves of Mercy "Nelson is a superb writer and weaves a first-rate narrative." -- America's Civil War on Reign of Iron "First-rate maritime fiction in the tradition of Patrick O'Brian." -- Booklist on The Blackbirder "[Nelson's] descriptions have the ring of truth and are conveyed with a sharpness and clarity that even the land-bound can appreciate." -- Chicago Tribune on The Guardship.