Book excerpt: Dewey Lambdin has created one of the greatest characters in historical adventure fiction. Naval officer and rogue, Alan Lewrie is a man of his times and a hero for all times. His equals are Hornblower, Aubrey, and Maturin—sailors beloved by readers all over the world. In The King's Commission, Midshipman Alan Lewrie passes the examination for Lieutenancy and finds himself commissioned first officer of the brig o'war Shrike. There's time for some dalliance with the fair sex, and then Lieutenant Lewrie is off to patrol the North American coast and attempt to bring the Muskogees and Seminoles onto the British side against the American rebels. Then back to the Caribbean, to sail beside Captain Horatio Nelson in the Battle for Turks Island.