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Treason's Tide cover art

Treason's Tide

By: Robert Wilton
Narrated by: Cameron Stewart
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Summary

July 1805: Napoleon's army masses across the Channel - Britain is within hours of invasion and defeat. Only one thing stands in the way - an obscure government bureau of murky origins and shadowy purpose: The Comptrollerate General for Scrutiny and Survey. And, rescued from a shipwreck, his past erased, Tom Roscarrock is their newest agent.In England, the man who recruited Roscarrock has disappeared, his agents are turning up dead, and reports of a secret French fleet are panicking the authorities. In France, a plan is underway to shatter the last of England's stability. Behind the clash of fleets and armies, there lies a secret world of intrigue, deception, treachery and violence - and Roscarrock is about to be thrown into it headfirst.

Robert Wilton has held a variety of posts in the British Ministry of Defence, Foreign Office and Cabinet Office. He was advisor to the Prime Minister of Kosovo in the lead-up to the country's independence, and has now returned there as a senior international official. He divides his time between Kosovo and Cornwall.

What the Narrator Says

"Robert Wilton does for cloak-and-dagger skulduggery in the Napoleonic Wars what George MacDonald Fraser does for later 19th century episodes such as the Crimea and the Indian Mutiny in his Flashman novels. Treason’s Tide brought the era to life for me; the intervening couple of centuries just melted away. Human nature hasn’t changed, and espionage is not an exclusively modern phenomenon. I loved narrating this book....more, please!" Cameron Stewart on narrating Treason's Tide

©2013 Robert Wilton (P)2013 Audible Ltd

Critic reviews

"A sparkling gem of a novel; not only a gripping espionage thriller that has the extra thrill of being grounded in genuine history, but a beautiful, lyrical novel alive with the sheer joy of language." (MC Scott)

What listeners say about Treason's Tide

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Surprisingly enthralling

This was first published under the title "The Emperor's Gold".
I had borrowed the second book in the series from the Library, but on realising that there was an earlier title, ordered that from Audible. It was so brilliantly read by Cameron Stewart that I ordered the second as an audiobook as well.
The story, based around Napoleon's proposed invasion of England in 1805, is interesting in itself. That it is based on a secret archive from the Comptrollerate-General for Scrutiny & Survey ( a precursor of MI5 and MI6), leads to a fascinating book. It is a long and complicated one, with plots and counter-plots, but is well worth persevering with.

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Land, sea and life

This has been a most interesting listen,to
A remarkable tale, well written and beautifully
Read, looking forward to next one

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Disbelief not suspended for a moment.

Gave up on this one after less than 3 hours. There is an initial fascination with the idea of a secret intelligence system of great age (which I haven't researched, don't know if it is factual, but it had some interest). However, the dialogue is completely unrealistic- modern expressions recur frequently enough to prevent the reader becoming immersed. High-born characters speak almost believably in Jane Austen, but the common characters sound more like 20th century detectives. The narrator did not take time to understand and properly pronounce a lot of period words and names. Sadly, for someone who does know a little about the Napoleonic period in general and the Navy in particular, there is absolutely no depth of understanding of the subject. Technicalities are smudged over and all the usual weary and erroneous received wisdoms about the period get another airing.

If you want a pure thriller, this may appeal, but if you are looking for a historical novel, look elsewhere.

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Another brilliant story

The books in this series are fantastically written and performed here flawlessly. I highly recommend!!!

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Complex

Well written complex tale of spy’s and betrayal in the run up to the battle of Trafalgar. Exciting and cunning.

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Tedious

Ponderously written, poorly researched. Well narrated but even the narrator cannot make up for a plot that is frankly boring.

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decent discount read

What did you like best about Treason's Tide? What did you like least?

it was an interesting take on the espionage genre, setting the book in the time of napoleon was a not something i would ever have thought of. the problem i had was that it was rather slow to get started, i was over hallway through the book before i become interested and really enjoyed it. also the use of excerpts from military journals of the time although adding a certain authenticity to the story really for me just made the stories progress jerky.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

as i mentioned, it took rather a long time to 'hook' me, the beginning was somewhat confusing and long.

What about Cameron Stewart’s performance did you like?

i enjoyed cameron's voice, his accents added to the story and were fitting, helping the immersion.

Do you think Treason's Tide needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

no, the story is complete as it was.

Any additional comments?

if you can get it cheaply and don't have anything better to read its interesting enough.

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  • Overall
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Very enjoyable night time listen

Would you try another book written by Robert Wilton or narrated by Cameron Stewart?

yes I also have Treason's Field

If you’ve listened to books by Robert Wilton before, how does this one compare?

I listening to Treason's Field I let you know when I'm finished

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

Yes, he's really good very expressive, but not to over the top. He has a good voice to listen to.

Did Treason's Tide inspire you to do anything?

no

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  • Overall
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Good read

Who was your favorite character and why?

Roscarrock is the main character but you don't know where he comes from, or how he fits into the plot until the end stages.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

This is not a sitting up all night listen but still an excellent story.

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Political duplicity never changes

Lots of twists and turns of plot here with a particularly good opening. The shift of perspective between characters was well handled except in the case of the hero. Roscarrock remained a shadowy figure, as he was doubtless meant to be, but at the beginning especially there seemed to be no reason for his actions and I found myself asking why he had said or done something. The one woman and romantic interest in the story is a cliched stereotype and irritating. In fact the characterisation altogether is a bit thin. But it's an enjoyable enough listen, and very well read.

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