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Verses in the Sand

The United Irishmen, Book 1

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Verses in the Sand

By: Darren Beaming
Narrated by: Paul Metcalfe
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About this listen

Experience the Napoleonic Wars like never before, through the eyes of two men from opposite worlds, united by fate but destined for conflict.

'Verses in the Sand' is a gripping tale of action, romance, and friendship set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars and the failed 1798 United Irishman rebellion, marking the beginning of a series that will explore British and Irish history between the years 1792 and 1815.

In the year 1799, British army captain William Mason and fiery Irish convict Sean find their fates entwined. The sole survivors of a shipwreck, they find themselves stranded on a deserted island. Despite their mutual distrust toward each other, both men realise they must cooperate to survive and over time, animosity gives way to a fragile camaraderie. To pass the time, William tutors the previously illiterate Sean in reading, arithmetic, and even French, and he discovers an astonishingly brilliant and poetic soul within the young rebel. Each evening, Sean composes exquisite poetry in the sand, reflecting on their lives. The verses vanish with the tide but leave an impression on both men.

However, the island transforms into a battlefield when Lady Elizabeth, a young English aristocrat, washes ashore. She is a captive to the enigmatic yet ruthless pirate captain, Mercier, and his sinister crew. Through several flashbacks, we witness an epic sea battle between a formidable British ship of the line and a swift French frigate — revealing the events leading up to Mercier's arrival on the island.

William and Sean are thrust into the heart of a perilous rescue mission, setting the stage for a confrontational showdown with Mercier and his menacing crew.

At its core, Verses in the Sand is a clean and wholesome romance combined with action and military history with a compelling character study that brings Sean and William to life in all their complexity.

©2023 Darren Beaming (P)2024 Darren Beaming
Action & Adventure Historical Fiction War & Military Destiny Island Military
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What listeners say about Verses in the Sand

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Enjoyed every minute

This book throws you right into the heart of the Napoleonic Wars, but with a unique twist. You'll experience the conflict through the eyes of two men on opposite sides: a proud Irish rebel and a stoic British captain. Fate throws them together in an unexpected way – shipwrecked on a deserted island. Despite their initial distrust, a fragile camaraderie develops as they fight for survival. This unlikely bond takes center stage, forcing them to confront their own beliefs and the complex history that divides them. If nothing else, I think this book is a testament to the power of words and the stories they tell. I hope I'll read book 2.


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Leaves you wanting more...

Great tale of friendship, love and loss and overcoming societal beliefs and class structure to see the people underneath. The story builds and really gets exciting when Elizabeth comes on the scene creating a love triangle that threatens the bond of friendship between Sean and William. The book leaves you wanting more and anxious for the next book in the series.

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Really enjoyable listen

The story builds and develops as it goes. What starts out as a shipwreck type of story turns into something quite unique. The unlikely friendship that develops between William and Sean kept me engaged right to the end. Already im wondering what will become of these characters in the future. I would definitely recommend this story.

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Great Ending! Loved it

The story starts well but it really hits another level once the pirates and Lady Elizabeth land on the island. Loved the flashback chapters for Elizabeth and then Mercier. Fantastic characters, superb attention to detail and fascinating history. Such a great ending that definitely wants me wanting more. Can't wait for next book in the series!

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a thrilling napoleonic adventure!

This audiobook really immersed me in the Napoleonic Wars with its gripping story of British army captain William Mason and fiery Irish convict Sean. Stranded on a deserted island after a shipwreck, they must join forces when Lady Elizabeth (captive to a ruthless pirate captain) washes on shore. What follows is an exciting rescue mission set against the backdrop of war.

Darren Beaming's storytelling is vivid and engaging, blending action, romance, and friendship seamlessly. The characters are well-developed, and the pacing keeps you hooked. If you enjoy historical adventures, this audiobook is a must-listen!!

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Really good product

I haven't finished yet, but it gets more interesting every time I really like it. Totally recommended.

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Recommended!

Verses in the Sand" is a captivating blend of action, romance, and history. The characters are richly drawn, and the story keeps you hooked from start to finish. I enjoyed it loads. Highly recommended!

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This Would Make A Brilliant Movie!

This is one of my favorite genres, compelling fictional characters in an adventure story set in accurate history.
The title comes from the writings of a rough character who has been tutored and shows a knack for poetry. But he writes his words on the beach and the waves wash them away.

Shipwrecked, Sean is the Irish rebel, William, the British Captain.
Then another character is introduced which will create a dramatic lover’s triangle: Lady Elizabeth.
The tension is ratcheted up further with a fierce villain and his pirate crew.

The words written on the beach are a metaphor for the temporary nature of life. But when Captain William discovers that Sean has a literate gift, the creations, though temporary, give Sean meaning. “The knowledge that the words had touched another soul was reward enough.”

Eventually, more footprints come on the sand that bring the story to an end. They will soon wash away as well. But the story will sail on.

A brilliant beginning to what should prove to be an epic series.

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Epic Story

This is an epic tale that captivates from the beginning. A story of conflict between a British Officer and an Irish Rebel. They form an unlikely bond which is built upon throughout the book.
The historical details and attention to detail make this an interesting read.
I have deducted a star for some repetition which would have reduced the overall length and made the listening more enjoyable.
Overall, a great story with a perfect narrative performance.

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