The Bolitho series, now focused on the nephew, Adam Bolitho, after the death of main protagonist Richard Bolitho a few volumes back, continues its decline into melancholy in Man of War, the 26th book in the series.

Following the events of Relentless Pursuit, including the dramatic bombardment of Algiers, Adam sails his frigate Unrivalled home to Plymouth, where he learns he's been assigned as flag captain on the ship-of-the-line Athena under Vice Admiral Sir Graham Bethune -- an old friend of the family. Adam takes no joy in the promotion, however; he mopes and mourns unceasingly for the loss of his frigate.

He's also all moon-eyed over Lowenna, the sad artist's model he met in the last book and immediately fell in love with. Still, it's a refreshing change, in that Adam usually falls for married women, but in this case the relationship is fraught with tragic overtones that make readers wonder if these two crazy kids can ever find true happiness together.

Oh, and they're also fighting the illegal slave trade in the Caribbean, but that all seems secondary to the captain's feelings.

Alexander Kent (in reality, Douglas Reeman) is still one of the top writers of nautical fiction out there. When he puts his mind to it, he can provide some of the finest literary glimpses into sailing and sea battles, and Man of War does offer a few memorable episodes. But in the end, the book is more about introspection than action, and I have to wonder what changed in the author's life to send his writing into a gloomy downward spiral.

I have grown to love his characters, and Kent is among the very best in the field when it comes to planting readers at the heart of naval action. I will -- out of loyalty, if nothing else -- finish the Bolitho series, which has two more books before its final chapter. Let's hope he gives the Bolitho name a proper sendoff!