Philippe Kermorvant serves in the French navy during its most chaotic period. The Revolution transformed the service from a professional force led by aristocratic officers into one where political orthodoxy mattered as much as seamanship. Officers with noble connections faced constant scrutiny from revolutionary commissars, and a single wrong word could lead to arrest or the guillotine. Kermorvant must prove his loyalty to the Revolution while maintaining the standards of naval professionalism.
At sea, the French navy faced the Royal Navy during its period of dominance while dealing with severe internal problems. Ships were undermanned after experienced sailors fled or were purged. Supplies were scarce, discipline was contested, and revolutionary fervor sometimes clashed with naval practicality. Kermorvant operates in this environment while fighting Britain, managing crews with divided loyalties, and trying to maintain his own survival through regime changes.
The series explores how an officer functions when political ideology and military necessity collide. Kermorvant’s story shows the French navy from the inside during its struggles in the Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars, offering a counterpoint to the familiar British perspective. Through his experiences, the books examine loyalty, duty, and survival in an era when both were tested to their limits.
Reading Order
See the complete Philippe Kermorvant reading order for all books in the series.