BADGE OF GLORY

Per mare per terram, the motto of the Royal Marines, sets the stage for this suspenseful mid-nineteenth-century tale of the heroic exploits of Captain Philip Blackwood as he leads his highly disciplined men in bloody land and sea battles against slavers in Africa and Russians in the Crimea. David Rintoul's reading is at its best in the barked commands of the naval officers and marine sergeants. At Captain Blackwood's excited charges and their high speed and bloody aftermaths, the cassette tape almost jumps out of the machine. The operation and destruction in battle of steam-driven side wheelers and screw-driven sailing ships come alive in Rintoul's narration. This book holds you on the edge of your seat throughout. J.D.N. (c) AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC/ JAN 02]