Scan barcode
deltatime's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
njk125'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? It's complicated
5.0
juliasilge's review against another edition
4.0
Oh, Stephen Maturin, you had me at "underwater diving bell".
This is book nine in O'Brian's naval adventure series about British captain Jack Aubrey and his friend/surgeon/spy Stephen Maturin set during the Napoleonic wars, and it is wonderful. This installment was a quicker read than usual for me, for whatever reason, but just as enjoyable as I have come to expect. There is lots of on-shore spying and intrigue in this one (hooray!) as Maturin deals with French spies in Malta, but it does not skimp on the seafaring adventure (bad weather, battles, sharks). I must admit that even nine books into this series that is rich with period and naval language, I really have only the vaguest notion what a topgallant or a staysail is, but it doesn't matter-- these books are so funny and smart and exciting and fantastic. Onward to number 10!
This is book nine in O'Brian's naval adventure series about British captain Jack Aubrey and his friend/surgeon/spy Stephen Maturin set during the Napoleonic wars, and it is wonderful. This installment was a quicker read than usual for me, for whatever reason, but just as enjoyable as I have come to expect. There is lots of on-shore spying and intrigue in this one (hooray!) as Maturin deals with French spies in Malta, but it does not skimp on the seafaring adventure (bad weather, battles, sharks). I must admit that even nine books into this series that is rich with period and naval language, I really have only the vaguest notion what a topgallant or a staysail is, but it doesn't matter-- these books are so funny and smart and exciting and fantastic. Onward to number 10!
wearsteel's review against another edition
5.0
This has all the hallmarks usual to the series & accomplishes them with the usual verve. Read alone or enjoy as part of the series.
leesmyth's review against another edition
4.0
I liked it, but perhaps not as much as some of the others. I found myself somewhat disappointed that Jack and Stephen both wanted to get together with Mrs Fielding. Stephen of course steels himself and successfully resists, but creates the appearance of an affair for his own purposes. I think this may be the first time we're openly told that Jack is a habitual philanderer; he is simultaneously encouraged and dismayed by the thought that Stephen has finally fallen. (I preferred to think more highly of Jack in general, despite his one truly egregious dalliance with Amanda Smith.)
Best passage on pp. 120-121, Stephen to Jack: 'If any man so far forgot himself as to make a licentious suggestion to Sophie, she would not understand him for a week, and then she would instantly lay him dead with your double-barrelled fowling-piece.'
Best passage on pp. 120-121, Stephen to Jack: 'If any man so far forgot himself as to make a licentious suggestion to Sophie, she would not understand him for a week, and then she would instantly lay him dead with your double-barrelled fowling-piece.'
quadruploni's review
adventurous
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
nlbullock1's review against another edition
4.0
Another fun Aubrey/Maturin novel. Another interesting entry into the series.