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juliasilge's review against another edition
4.0
This is the 4th entry in the Aubrey/Maturin series of British naval novels set during the Napoleonic Wars. This book is more focused on actual military actions than the immediately preceding [book: HMS Surprise] as it chronicles the conquering of French islands in the Indian Ocean. I think I liked the 3rd book a bit more, but this was still a completely engaging and exciting tale. I continue to be impressed with the wonderful characters along with the layering and depth of historical and period detail in these books; this story was even based on an actual campaign undertaken by the British Navy.
greybeard49's review against another edition
5.0
Second time around and just as wonderful as ever. Atmosphere, characterisation, plot lines, creation of historical setting and dialogue delivered in the vernacular of the period are all of the highest literary quality.
O’Brian is a genius in all ways.
O’Brian is a genius in all ways.
loper100's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Literally perfect. My absolute favorite so far.
lekakis's review against another edition
3.0
It was uneven and inconsistent as the sea/ocean itself. Overall not the worst of the first 4 so far but not the best either
deltatime's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
bibliofeel's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
3.75
leesmyth's review against another edition
5.0
Really lovely for the relationships between Jack and Stephen and between the men and their officers; all very closely observed and very shrewd and funny at times. This bit reminded me of the movie Airplane:
‘She is making a steady nine knots,’ said Jack, coming below after quarters.
‘How happy you make me, Jack,’ said Stephen. ‘And you might make me even happier, should you so wish, by giving me a hand with this. The unreasonable attiutude, or lurch, of the ship caused me to overset the chest.’
‘God help us,’ cried Jack, gazing at the mass of gold coins lying in a deep curve along the leeward side of the cabin. ‘What is this?’
‘It is technically known as money,’ said Stephen. ‘And was you to help me pick it up, instead of leering upon it with a stunned concupiscence more worthy of Danae than a king’s officer, we might conceivably save some few pieces before they all slip through the cracks in the floor.’
‘She is making a steady nine knots,’ said Jack, coming below after quarters.
‘How happy you make me, Jack,’ said Stephen. ‘And you might make me even happier, should you so wish, by giving me a hand with this. The unreasonable attiutude, or lurch, of the ship caused me to overset the chest.’
‘God help us,’ cried Jack, gazing at the mass of gold coins lying in a deep curve along the leeward side of the cabin. ‘What is this?’
‘It is technically known as money,’ said Stephen. ‘And was you to help me pick it up, instead of leering upon it with a stunned concupiscence more worthy of Danae than a king’s officer, we might conceivably save some few pieces before they all slip through the cracks in the floor.’
fredosbrother's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0