The Last Days Of Thunder Child by C A Powell - Book Reviews - Good and Bad)

HMS Thunder Child Story

1. By  John Johnny   on October 20, 2009

Format: Paperback Amazon Verified Purchase 

I really enjoyed this story's take on The War of the Worlds. It is set aboard H.M.S. Thunder Child as it sails around the South coast of England, receiving semaphore messages from shore stations about Martian tripods laying waste to Great Britain. I thought the characters were good and I especially warmed to Mister Stanley's personal journey. I thought the story was well paced and it built to a very exciting climax!

2. By  James Urban   on June 13, 2013

Format: Paperback Amazon Verified Purchase 

Very good book. Telling part of the story about "War of the Worlds" that I think most folks would like have heard more about back even when it was 1st release.

3. By  Mark Chadwick   on May 17, 2013

Format: Paperback Amazon Verified Purchase 

As a big fan of the musical War of the Worlds, when I stumbled across this I was ecstatic.

It's a pretty interesting tale as told from the point of view of one of the sailors on the Thunder Child, but it's a bit shorter than I would have liked, and a large font hid the fact that the story was even shorter than the number of pages would suggest. However, it was a reasonably enjoyable read, with good descriptive visuals that took me back to the musical.

I'd recommend it, but I think if you have never heard the musical, you should do that first to understand what the Thunder Child was, as well as what was going on at the time this story takes place. Without it, it may be a less engaging story for you.

4. By Lindsey 

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This review is from The Last Days of Thunder Child (Kindle Edition)

I have never read The War of the Worlds but still found this to be an enjoyable read.

An intriguing story of sea battles and alien invaders told through the perspective of the Royal Navy Crew, and a character I instantly enjoyed, Mister Stanley. I thought the story was too short, but it was well written and edited. The author did an outstanding job building up this story and it ends with a lot of excitement!!

I would recommend this book, if you're interested in a short fun, science fiction!

5. By Brian G. - See all my reviews

(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

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This review is from: The Last Days Of Thunder Child (Kindle Edition)

Novels like this are like a painting inside of a painting, or a painting inside someone else's painting. C A Powell does a great job in both stepping into Wells' world and handling the sea battle, which is probably the most challenging kind of battle to write. For more detail watch the video I made. For a buck this book is definitely worth it. I got at least seven out of it.

6. By F. J. Bayog of Fantascize - See all my reviews

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This review is from The Last Days of Thunder Child (Paperback)

The Last Days of Thunder Child evoked a feeling of wonder in me when I read it. The settings feel credible. The alien invasion --Well-described; I love its connection with War of the Worlds. There are exciting scenes that moved me while I was reading it. Very enjoyable read. If you love quality sci-fi with a heart-pounding story, check this out. It's definitely one of the best sci-fi novels I've read.

7. By Alan J. Stedall  VINE VOICE

Format: Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

If like me, you have often wondered what brought the torpedo-ram, HMS "Thunder Child", to engage with the Martian invaders, pitting Victorian military technology against advanced extra-terrestrial science far beyond the wit of man, then this is the book for you.

It sets out the last journey of that sturdy little iron-clad, with her breech-loading guns and the brave British sailors who manned her, up to her fateful engagement with the three Martian war machines in the Thames Estuary.

As the officers and crew of "Thunder Child" watched the pitiless tripods with their death-rays wade through the river towards the paddle-steamer, "The Southend Belle", packed with screaming women and children, they knew that, in the best traditions of the Royal Navy, they had no choice but to engage, regardless of their prospect of success. And, as we all know, thank goodness, attack they did.

A very enjoyable read and I learnt much about the history of this famous engagement, e.g. the valiant support we received from our European allies.

But at the end of the day, this was after all a British victory.

God Save Queen Victoria!

8. By Mr R. J. Buckley

Format: Paperback

This book is very enjoyable and moves at a good pace. Any WOTW fan knows what happens to Thunder Child, but the build up in this story is good and the ending is spectacular. I liked the idea of being aboard the ship as she sails towards her heroic confrontation with three alien tripods. The final battle is seen from the crew's perspective and is very gripping. I have to admit to a little adrenalin rush. Good Sci/fi/ or alternative reality, and set during the time of the British Empire

Other reviews on Goodreads, Amazon.co.uk & Amazon.com
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YouTubers

Andrew Givens (from YouTube)

I love the notion of using the Devastation class for Thunder Child - those breastwork monitors perfectly fit Wells' description of a low-lying almost waterlogged ship with a massive central structure. HMS Glatton would be another contender, with her extreme low freeboard. I always visualised Thunder Child as an 'improved Polyphemus', carrying better guns, but have recently hit upon the idea that Wells may have had the Danish torpedo ram Tordenskjold in mind - the name similarity is compelling.

bonesf200 (from YouTube)

Loving this book. I've read all but 1 of the War of the Worlds spin-offs and this is by far the best. It's the only one, I've found, that really captures the mood of the original. Great scares, characters and dialogue with loads of ginger-haired people knocking around. (and I'm also really proud of the fellow Northerner who saves countless lives with his father's makeshift coal gas mask. Top bloke)
 

1960jefbot (from YouTube)

H.M.S. Thunder Child dies, She never surrenders...She dies Hard

Daniel Chapman (from YouTube)

Farewell, Thunder Child!

Genuine criticism is welcome.

(One Not so Good Review)

9. By B. Murphy 

Format: Paperback

I really can't see me reading this book, which is a shame.

It's just arrived and the first thing to strike me was the tiny size of the print. I have never bought a book with such small type.

It's really annoying as there is ample blank space at the top & bottom of each page to have made the print larger. Or they could have spent a few pence adding more pages.

Average letters are a little over 1mm tall as opposed to nearly 2mm in the paperback I'm just finishing. Doesn't sound a lot but it's getting on for double the size.

I'm not that old (Late 40s) but I'd have to read it with a magnifying glass or suffer a *lot* of eye strain.

So instead I'll probably look for a second-hand copy of the version published by emp3books instead. It's 42 pages (27%!) longer which suggests the type is readable. Also, none of the Amazon reviews for it suggest this problem.

Retro Brit Answer

In the above new edition, the old front cover returns. There was this complaint above by B. Murphy that the font was too small. This was noted and the script is now larger with professional work done filling page to proper proportions. The result is; more pages, giving the book a better look. One that the reader would find more kind to the eye.

Genuine criticism is welcome.


10. By Daniel Greenway 

Format: Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Having been a lifelong fan of War Of The Worlds I was delighted to find this book on Amazon, after discovering it on YouTube.
However, having purchased and read it, I was disappointed by the calibre of the storyline. The book itself claims to be the story of the last days of HMS Thundrechild and whilst it skims over this as a baseline, it`s also the story of a group of survivors aboard the little steamship.
I won't divulge any more of the storyline as I don't want to spoil it for those who might be interested in buying it, but suffice to say H.G.Wells it is not! The style of writing reminds me more of the library books I used to read at school than something that seeks to extend the original story, so I`d have to say it`s more for W.O.W. collectors, like myself than for anyone else.

 To sum it up I`d have to say (like my school reports used to say)could do better

Retro Brit Answer

 I would rather like to feel this is the sort of book one might find at a school library. Still, 3 out of 5 stars is average, I suppose. Can't win them all, but thanks for the review.

Kindle USA

For people living in the USA; you can download The Last Days of Thunder Child for just $0.99. That's right, for less than a dollar if you do Kindle USA

Click the link below if you live in the USA and have Kindle.

http://www.amazon.com/Last-Days-Thunder-Child-Victorian/dp/1484088263/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=&qid=

The Last Days of Thunder Child - pastiche novel.

                                                   http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CEIOBGU

Go on, Go on, look at H.M.S. Thunder Child in my mind's eye.

Come aboard and witness her last days through the eyes of the crew.

Moyra Melons' 'My God' Ear Rings.

When Moyra Melons met her husband on a summer night. She wondered about her rather large earrings. She thought they went well with her rather exquisite white crop top, but had a nagging feeling that they might have been a little too big and showing against the delicately cut white crop top. When her husband showed up he was pleasantly surprised too.

"My word," he said smiling. "When you said they were big and dangly; you were not kidding about darling."

"No," she replied coyly. "I feel a little self-conscious with them bouncing about. People might think I'm showing off." Moya's retro British modesty always come to the fore when she spoke of her earrings.

"Oh, mere trifles," replied her delighted husband. "Let them know you have big earrings and are not ashamed of them."

"I feel as though everyone is looking at me," she added needing reassurance.

"That's because they are darling. I saw you coming around the corner twenty seconds beforehand."

She looked perplexed. "How?"

"Well let's go home and I'll explain why" he replied with a nervous twitch in his eye. He was coming over in a hot flush again.

"Oh dear," replied Moyra. "Let us get you home where you can calm down and explain."

She managed to get her excitable husband home, but he did not calm down and she did get a vague inkling of what he meant by seeing her twenty seconds before she came around the corner. Moyra could not work out what it had to do with large bouncy earrings.

  

Meeting Boudicca

The Last Days of Thunder Child 

King Richard III Remains Identified

King Richard III's remains are identified from a car park in Leicester when the Richard III society won right to do archaeological dig. They got results almost straight away with a find that has thrilled all of England and the world.

Soul Train - Retro America of the 70s

This is a terrific soul music program from the U.S.A. Most of the shots are from 1970s line dancing and they do look good.

John Wyndham - Great British Science Fiction Writer

John Wyndham 1903 - 1969

John Wyndham was born in Warwickshire England, UK in 1903. His parents separated at an early age and he went to several different boarding schools. In his time, he wrote some wonderful science fiction stories, two of which, I can remember reading during our GCE curriculum at secondary school. Our English lit teacher was great and had us all take part in reading sessions so the whole class got engrossed in the stories. We did 'Day of the Triffids and The Chrysalids' each by John Wyndham. I was blown away by the world created in The Chrysalids and thought it could not be beaten - such was my enjoyment of this story. I have read it several times science.

Later I was delighted to find another John Wyndham story that bettered even this. It is The Midwich Cuckoos. I saw the book on display so many times when I visited book shops and new it was not set in any type of post apocalyptic world. So I kept putting it back on the shelf for years, until one day, I decided to take the plunge and purchase a copy. 

Oh my - what a delightful surprise. It is so well written and I could not put the book down. It was great and surpassed even the very enjoyable 'The Chrysalids.'

John Wyndham died in 1969 aged 65. He has had many of his stories made into movies and tv series.      

Web Site Value Calculation for

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http://www.amazon.com/The-Last-Days-Thunder-Child/dp/1907140050

How Ancient Phoenicians Traded with Primitive Britain Using Bireme Boats to Travel the Seas and Collect Tin

Main areas of Phoenicians

The Phoenicians were a Mediterranean race of seafarers that travelled many seas in search of trade. They were among the first of the great cargo transporters developing complex international trade among the great and emerging civilisations of ancient times. The lands that these people came to occupy during their greatest era was Lebanon (mainly) but also parts of what is today, Israel, Palestine and Syria. The prominent times of the Phoenician sea traders were between 1200 BC and 800BC. After this time, the Phoenicians began to be swallowed up or ruled by other Mediterranean powers, though their seamanship skills were still hailed and used.

In their heydey; the Phoenicians sent out explorers to settle the various area and even went beyond the Mediterranean sea in search of trade. They were known to go along the west coast of Africa, Spain and France. It is also believed that some settled in Ireland too. There is also a strong belief that the Phoenicians began to trade with Britain for tin, which was abundant in Cornwall. Some historians believe that the tin was traded for in the north west of France as a secondary seller, acting for south west Ancient Britain - a sort of middle man. However, if a seafaring race like the Phoenicians know that tin can be got across a channel of water, it is very likely that seafarers would go directly to the source once known. I, therefore, believe that the Phoenicians and probably Israelites travelling with them might have come to Britain and traded for tin.

Phoenician Bireme used to travel across great seas

There are, of course, no written records in existence of Phoenicians visiting Britain because when Carthage fell, to the Roman Empire many of the historical writing of Phoenician explorers was lost in the destruction of the great city, long after the time of the great Phoenician trade routes and explorations.

Imagine what the Phoenicians might have thought of the Celtic Neolithic stones of Gaul, Ireland and Britain - especially Stonehenge, for I believe these Mediterranean traders would have seen such places. But then coming from lands of Pyramids and other great building feats of monumental achievement; perhaps the stones would not have been too amazing to such well travelled people.

I try to visualise the scenes of Ancient Britain through the eyes of a Phoenician sailor or Jewish trader looking for things of interest to buy and sell. The lands of North West Europe would have seemed very lush green and densely forested - a raw untamed view of mystical Celtic Britain via the eyes of a first time visitor.

   

The Most Beautiful Music In The World

This is very beautiful music that reminds me of Chinese garden scenes of imperil and historic times played on a bamboo flute with classical instruments in background. The sound is very dreamy and wonderful.

 

Why Mary Rose Ship of War Sank - Henry VIII & England's Tragic Pride



The Mary Rose



England was a land of virtual irrelevance during the 15^th century and was no more than a fringe island on the edge of Europe – a small nation that had spent years fighting a civil war of the Roses between House York and House Lancaster. This finally ended with the death of Richard III in battle and the accession of Henry VII of the Tudor dynasty. During this turbulent time, England had neglected her navy and had only constructed six ships for the crown in a period of eighty-seven years. The new king, Henry VII maintained a precarious peace with the dominant powers of Europe and managed to keep the island nation free from trouble allowing England a small time to establish breathing space and rebuild. At least, begin to rebuild.

Midship Section of Mary Rose

When Henry VII died his second son – became King Henry VIII. His first son, Arthur had died before ascending to kingship. Arthur had briefly married the Spanish princess, Catherine of Aragon. In this day and age, Spain was the super power of the world and France challenging for dominance too. Because Henry VIII wanted to join a powerful Spanish alliance against France, he decided to marry his late brother’s wife Catherine of Aragon – he was six years her junior. By doing this, Henry the VIII had made a powerful enemy of France but had many strong allies including the Holy Roman emperor Maximillian alongside the superpower of Spain. Little England was trying to punch above her weight, but for those who dare; sometimes things work out. This did in the long run but in twisted ways that none designed or could have predicted at the time.   

Henry VIII had received the start of a navy from his father Henry VII, but early into his new alliance with Spain and the Holy Roman Empire, his small country decided to start by showing ambitions to the navy. England had two large warships to boast of and they were the Regent and the Sovereign. Henry VIII decided to add two more substantial battleships of the day. One was called the Peter while the other would be the Mary Rose. After this, more ships were started and the beginnings of a Royal Navy ensued.

Inside Part of Mary Rose

The grand warship ‘Mary Rose’ was launched in the summer of 1511. She went to London and received adulation in a grand ceremony as she was towed up the River Thames. The glorious array of flags and streamers must have been a colourful sight to behold as citizens of London flocked to see the modern battleship. For the times, this ship was a real state of the art building and engineering, lovingly crafted from fine English oak and craftsmen who were very proud of the profession and able to work for the grand king and country.

Some people believe the name ‘Mary Rose’ came from Henry VIII sister, Mary Tudor and the Rose of the Tudors. However, eminent historians say that it was the fashion throughout Europe to name ships from everyday common Christian names. England was trying to play alongside the big boys of Europe now and tried to emulate them in all ways.

For twenty-five years the ship patrolled and did her national duties taking part in actions against the national enemies of France and Scotland. She had castle style protection at the stern and bow with a lower mid-ship section. She would have looked resplendent in this day and was brought back into dock for a major rebuilding and enhancement programme in 1536. She was to be upgraded from a 500-ton vessel to 700 tonnes. After this, the Mary Rose continued in her duties against the main enemies until a fateful day in 1545 when the grand ship of war took a lead to attack a French invasion fleet.

Before this battle, the grand ship had performed admirably during the first and second French Wars – this was the third French war when Mary Rose was to meet her fate.

The Mary Rose lay on the Solent bed for many years.

As the Mary Rose went into action, a Flemish eye witness had his version of events written down. He saw the Mary Rose fire all one side of her guns as the battle began – a salvo. Then as the grand ship manoeuvred to present her opposite side of guns, she was caught by a strong breeze which caused the vessel to extravagantly heel to her starboard side, where many of the lower deck gun ports were still open. These were water tight when shut, but during the confusion of the battle they remained open and were, of course, in use. The sudden intake of water caused the ship to heel further over to her broadside as the weight of the water intake caught the mighty ship off balance. All people on board would have been flung about. Heavy guns and other bulk items would have broken from their fastenings and slide starboard too, causing more weight on this starboard side. Men would have been crushed and killed during the horrendous twist of fate. Those that escaped being crushed would have been struggling in a blind panic as their world, inside the ship, turned upside down. It was all over, very quickly, as the Mary Rose capsized and sank in the Solent off of the Isle of Weight and from a crew of four hundred and more; only thirty-five men survived the capsizing of the Mary Rose. The vice Admiral George Carew went down with his ship and crew as well.

Salvaged part of hull in Portsmouth museum

This terrible event rocked the entire nation and the great battleship lay on the seabed for hundreds of years until she was raised by scientists in 1982 after being re-discovered in 1971. Many of her artefacts and much of her hull are on display at the Portsmouth naval museum today.

Scientists working on Hull Preservation

Andy Murray gets to Wimbledon Final

Andy Murray gets there

The entire country will be at a standstill today as the UK watches Super Scot - Andy Murray. Many might not be able to watch as Andy Murray tries to become the first Brit since 1936 to win the prestigious title. He must play the formidable Swiss tennis star; Roger Federer.

I'm not the most avid of tennis fans, but even I can appreciate the tremendous hard work that Andy Murray has constantly been putting in over the years to his achieve his goal of becoming the first Brit to win Wimbledon since Fred Perry way back in 1936.

I will not watch the great Scot because I always bring bad luck when I witness these tournaments. Just a superstition, but I do want him to win and if not watching helps; I'm going to do it...  :)  

Tour de France -stage seven win for Brits Sky Team.

Chris Froome wins 'King of the Mountains' red dotted shirt

I sat spell bound by the fitness and energy of all the participants in the Tour de France bike race in this stage seven - Tomblaine to La Planches des Belles Filles. It was up a huge mountain pass - a gruelling uphill slog all the way by super fit bike riding athletes - each individual was super fit. I felt exhausted just watching it. There is a Team Sky - a Brit professional road racing bicycle team. As this race went on I was gripped, hoping Bradley Wiggins would steal enough points to go into an over all lead in the competition.

Then in the final sprint GB rider Chris Froome stole the show with a finishing burst that earned him the red polka jersey for 'King of the Moutains' point accumulation. Bradley Wiggins came third gaining enough point to wear the yellow over leading jersey. 

Bradley Wiggins wins overall lead up to stage seven of Tour de France and wears the yellow jersey during the next stage of the race.

Tony Robinson Reflects British Taxpayer's Anger About the UK Banks

In the UK, there is a new scandal that has blown up concerning British banks. This threatens to rock the core of the British banking establishment and may cause criminal investigations into unlawful interest rate fixing. The consequences of this will anger the British public who have seen tax payers foot the bill for these failing banks. Above Tony Robinson reflects the angry mood of the British nation in Question Time.

WWII Heavy Bomber Avro Lancaster in Colour R.A.F.

 

Colour footage of the Avro Lancaster bomber of WWII. I put this on the blog because the other day, when I was in my garden, I heard the extreme noise of propeller aircraft engines. There was an air display going on at Southend-on-Sea where I live. Suddenly, just above my roof, this WWII Lancaster bomber flew over. It was so low; I almost jumped out of my skin. I got a clear view of this classic plane as it flew directly above my garden and climbed into the clear blue sky. There is a two day air display every year in Southend-on-Sea and we often see old antiquated planes. I've seen Spitfires, Hurricanes, American Mustangs and German Me 109 from the more antiquated times. I've even seen a Fairy Swordfish or 'String bag' as sometimes called.  

 

Italy Mugs Germany - Euro 2012

Germany shell shocked by semi-final defeat

The fabulous German steamroller machine has been stopped in its tracks by the calm and almost modest Italian team. A say 'calm and modest' because that is how they seemed to walk out onto the pitch against this colossal looking German team of Euro 2012 tournament. I should have known that the Italians never do scared against Germany. They are the one nation that has always managed to throw a spanner in the works against German sides. To be fair, Italy deserved the win because they played wonderfully. Two fabulous goals in the first half from Mario Balotelli virtually killed Germany off. They looked shell shocked throughout the rest of the game and could not get anything against the strong defence of Italy.

Mario Balotelli puts Italy up 1-0

In the second half Germany came out and tried to attack but the Italian defence held firm and almost caught the Germans for a bigger goal deficit on several occasions in the second half. Germany got a consolation penalty in the dying seconds of the second half injury time to make it 2-1. That score flattered Germany in this particular game. I do not mean this disrespectfully against Germany because they are truly a great side. It was just this one game that went terribly wrong for them. As a neutral I was spell bound by the audacious Italians and could not help but admire the skill of this team - they were dynamic against an extremely prestigious German side.

Retro British Motor Car - Austin 7 Built 1929

Austin 7 built 1929

As Carole and I was walking back to Leigh-on-Sea from Chalkwell in Essex, UK; this little gem of a car pulled up beside us and out jumped the driver who had been giving the car plenty of TLC for a number of years. He said it was his Austin 7 and it was made in 1929. He was taking it to a car show. Obviously, it is a good old retro Brit car so why not have it here on the Retro Brit blog. You don't see such splendid machines every day unless you are the gentleman that owns such a grand little car. 

Coming Home to the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

I came home from my sister's farm in Lincolnshire and walked straight into my street's Diamond Jubilee Street Party to commemorate our Queen's reign of sixty years. If Queen Elizabeth II reigns for three more years, and I'm sure she will, her reign will exceed that of Queen Victoria. Queen Elizabeth II will be the longest ruling monarch of the UK.

In the above picture, I am at the back on the crowd's right, in front of the black car, in a white cardigan. Carole is in front of me and slightly to my left with copper coloured hair. Further to my left and at the back, by the side of the car is Lloyd, my first son, holding up a beer. And just down to Lloyd's left, in front of the dark haired boy waving, is my third son, Robbie. He is waving to the camera and has ginger hair with a dark top.

Ronnie Barker - Mispronunciation Comedy

Mispronunciation is always a cause for a giggle, but if you can do it and keep a straight face it becomes so much more laughable. I think British retro comedians explored these things and exploited them wonderfully. We still have fine comedians today, but much is based on cheap and vulgar hits on people, or so it seems. I'm not saying they were not vulgar in the past; but they often used more clever innuendo to soften the blow.

The Beatles - Singing Paperback Writer

One of my favourite Beatles songs was Paperback Writer. I can remember when I was a kid and this song first came on the radio. I asked my mum who sung it. She was in the kitchen pottering about. When she said it was the Beatles, I felt a little dumb. For of course it was and I knew of them from news clippings and 'She Loves You - Yeah Yeah.' and 'I Wanna Hold Your Hand' and many, many, more.

Sir Prancelot UK kiddie TV series

I always remember this episode with Bert and Harry - the two soldiers on the Sir Prancelot odyssey in the travelling balloon. They aid the escape by sling shooting spaghetti at their assailants. Every evening there was a different episode. I used to like the end theme tune with the jester playing his lute like an electric guitar.