Books Should Be Free
Loyal Books
Free Public Domain Audiobooks & eBook Downloads
Search by: Title, Author or Keyword

A Lieutenant at Eighteen   By: (1822-1897)

Book cover

A Lieutenant at Eighteen by Oliver Optic is a compelling and thrilling coming-of-age novel that takes readers on an unforgettable journey through the life of a young lieutenant in the United States Navy during the Civil War. While the title may seem simple, the story that unfolds within its pages is anything but.

The protagonist, an eighteen-year-old lieutenant named Frank Nelson, is a charming and dynamic character who captures the reader's attention from the very first page. As he embarks on his naval career, we witness him grow from an inexperienced and naive young man to a confident and courageous leader. Optic masterfully captures the challenges and triumphs that Frank faces, making him a relatable and likable character.

One of the most impressive aspects of this novel is Optic's ability to vividly depict the naval battles and the life aboard a warship. The author's attention to detail is exceptional, ensuring that readers are fully immersed in the intense action and the dangerous situations that Frank finds himself in. From the booming cannons to the fierce sea storms, every scene is brought to life with rich imagery and palpable tension.

Furthermore, the themes explored in this book are thought-provoking and relevant. Optic delves into the complexities of loyalty, duty, and personal sacrifices, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the toll that war takes on individuals and their relationships. The exploration of Frank's relationships with his family, his comrades, and his love interest is particularly compelling, adding depth and emotional resonance to the narrative.

While A Lieutenant at Eighteen is undoubtedly a thrilling and captivating read, it is not without its flaws. The pacing of the novel could be uneven at times, with some sections feeling rushed while others were dwelled upon for too long. Additionally, the dialogue occasionally felt stiff and unrealistic, detracting from an otherwise engaging story.

In conclusion, A Lieutenant at Eighteen is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and naval adventures. Oliver Optic's intricate storytelling and well-developed characters make for an engaging and immersive reading experience. Despite a few minor shortcomings, this book succeeds in delivering an enthralling tale set against the backdrop of an extraordinary time in American history. This is a novel that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next chapter in Frank Nelson's journey.

First Page:

[Illustration: "SERGEANT FRONKLYN DRAGGED THE FORM OF LIEUTENANT LYON OUT OF THE MÊLÉE." Page 299. ]

The Blue and the Gray on Land

A LIEUTENANT AT EIGHTEEN

BY

OLIVER OPTIC

AUTHOR OF "THE ARMY AND NAVY SERIES" "YOUNG AMERICA ABROAD, FIRST AND SECOND SERIES" "THE BOAT CLUB STORIES" "THE GREAT WESTERN SERIES" "THE WOODVILLE STORIES" "THE ONWARD AND UPWARD SERIES" "THE LAKE SHORE SERIES" "THE YACHT CLUB SERIES" "THE RIVERDALE STORIES" "THE BOAT BUILDER SERIES" "THE BLUE AND THE GRAY AFLOAT" "A MISSING MILLION" "A MILLIONAIRE AT SIXTEEN" "A YOUNG KNIGHT ERRANT" "STRANGE SIGHTS ABROAD" "THE YOUNG NAVIGATORS" "UP AND DOWN THE NILE" "ASIATIC BREEZES" "ACROSS INDIA" "HALF ROUND THE WORLD" ETC., ETC., ETC., ETC., ETC.

BOSTON LEE AND SHEPARD PUBLISHERS

COPYRIGHT, 1895, BY LEE AND SHEPARD

All rights reserved

LIEUTENANT AT EIGHTEEN

TO

MY PATRIOTIC FRIEND

MRS. SARA WHITE LEE

THE MASSACHUSETTS REGENT

OF THE

DAUGHTERS OF THE REVOLUTION

THIS VOLUME

IS RESPECTFULLY AND CORDIALLY

DEDICATED

PREFACE

"A LIEUTENANT AT EIGHTEEN" is the third of the series of "The Blue and the Gray on Land." The stirring events of thirty four years ago, when the first gun of the Great Rebellion awoke the nation from its slumber of thirteen years of peace, transformed the older boys of the day into men... Continue reading book >>




eBook Downloads
ePUB eBook
• iBooks for iPhone and iPad
• Nook
• Sony Reader
Kindle eBook
• Mobi file format for Kindle
Read eBook
• Load eBook in browser
Text File eBook
• Computers
• Windows
• Mac

Review this book



Popular Genres
More Genres
Languages
Paid Books