The Royal Marines get a 'walk on' part in many Age of Sail naval novels but there are not many series where they are the focus. In the first novel of a proposed new series, First Fleet, M. Howard Morgan joins this select group.
The story starts by setting out the family background of Jack Vizzard and a certain young lady then continues in two threads as it follows their fate. Jack joins the service and sails with the first convict transport fleet to Australia. Of neccesity a large proportion of this book is land based but it sets out the characterisations well and will form a firm base for the sequel.
This was an enjoyable book and if you want to know more about the early colonisation of Australia was also informative.
Description of: First Fleet
Author: M. Howard Morgan