The First To Land

Fans of Clive Cussler, Bernard Cornwell and Wilbur Smith will love this gripping saga from multi-million copy bestselling author Douglas Reeman . The second novel in the Blackwood saga, spanning 150 years in the history of a great seafaring family, this captivating naval adventure at its very best! 'One of our foremost writers of naval fiction' -- Sunday Times 'Mr Reeman writes with great knowledge about the sea and those who sail on it' -- The Times 'Another romping good yarn by my favourite author' -- ***** Reader review 'A real page-turner' -- ***** Reader review 'Magnificent!' -- ***** Reader review 'I was engrossed from start to finish' -- ***** Reader review 'Had me hooked' -- ***** Reader review ******************************************************************************************************* 1899 : The Mandarins in China are becoming troublesome again and there are rumours that attacks will soon begin on British trade missions and legations . Captain David Blackwood of the Royal Marines , is now being packed off to this apparent backwater. But there are plenty of troubles in store for Blackwood in the shape of an errant nephew and a beautiful German Countess who insists he personally escort her up river on a small steamer into the heart of the country. China is a sleeping tiger that will soon awake when the Boxer Rebellion erupts into bloody war in 1900. True to their motto, the Royal marines are the first to land - and the last to leave.