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charlieteuthis's review against another edition
2.0
I was mostly bored, though occasionally I was intrigued enough that I will try out the second book.
weslaf's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
4.25
timinbc's review against another edition
3.0
I'd call this a book more to admire than to enjoy. I'd call it unbelievable if I didn't know that one of the most unbelievable scenes was based on a real event, Cochrane's Speedy taking a large Spanish ship.
The first 100 pages or so are a slog, with bosuns streaming out of the fo'c'sles to clew up the to'glnt cro-sticks by squinging the crossharps on the backstay so they could frammis the prooglefunders and get the studsls to stop luffing when the tremontana backed into a faffington. Of course most readers will realize that the preceding could only happen on a sloop (that isn't a sloop at all but is called one anyway), and never on a snow or a xebec or a tartan or ....
Stay with it, reader. After proving beyond all necessity that he's done his homework, O'Brian gets on with the story. The political side is a lot of the novelistic tradition of making the reader go "oh, it's so unFAIR!" but again, a lot of that really did happen.
Mid-book, an admiral quite accurately observes that Aubrey's main strength seems to be that he is incredibly lucky. Indeed, his luck for most of the book does seem like quite a stretch. It is, really, a version of the modern trope whereby the bad guys never hit anything and the good guys never miss. Because who's going to write a 20-book series in which the good guy in book 1 gets unlucky in book 2 and dies? I'll grant artistic licence and we'll agree that Aubrey is a representation of many commanders.
Another historical thing that's hard to believe is the combat, that is all "Argh! Hack! Maim! Destroy! Explode!" until it's "oh wait, she's struck her colours!" and it's instantly down swords, handshakes all around and a "well fought sir, I say aren't you that chap who collects butterflies?"
So ... an interesting read, but I won't read any more of the series.
The first 100 pages or so are a slog, with bosuns streaming out of the fo'c'sles to clew up the to'glnt cro-sticks by squinging the crossharps on the backstay so they could frammis the prooglefunders and get the studsls to stop luffing when the tremontana backed into a faffington. Of course most readers will realize that the preceding could only happen on a sloop (that isn't a sloop at all but is called one anyway), and never on a snow or a xebec or a tartan or ....
Stay with it, reader. After proving beyond all necessity that he's done his homework, O'Brian gets on with the story. The political side is a lot of the novelistic tradition of making the reader go "oh, it's so unFAIR!" but again, a lot of that really did happen.
Mid-book, an admiral quite accurately observes that Aubrey's main strength seems to be that he is incredibly lucky. Indeed, his luck for most of the book does seem like quite a stretch. It is, really, a version of the modern trope whereby the bad guys never hit anything and the good guys never miss. Because who's going to write a 20-book series in which the good guy in book 1 gets unlucky in book 2 and dies? I'll grant artistic licence and we'll agree that Aubrey is a representation of many commanders.
Another historical thing that's hard to believe is the combat, that is all "Argh! Hack! Maim! Destroy! Explode!" until it's "oh wait, she's struck her colours!" and it's instantly down swords, handshakes all around and a "well fought sir, I say aren't you that chap who collects butterflies?"
So ... an interesting read, but I won't read any more of the series.
ianlewis's review against another edition
4.0
Master and Commander was a great read. O’Brien is an excellent writer, one can tell he researched and is extremely knowledgeable of all things nautical and navy, and knows well how to bring scenes to life (especially the battle sequences).
I have two main critiques of the book. The first being that I did not connect with Aubreys character which I believe for me was the lack of character background. I am sure if I read the next few books in the long series there would be more.
The first few chapters are so full of nautical terms that it was hard to read - maybe O’Brien was a little excessive? In the end, it is a naval book and much of his knowledge was showcased in these sections but I did feel it slowed down the story.
The last half of the book was excellent and incredibly engaging. It was hard to put down!
I’m still on the fence if I want to pick up the next book - but was worth the read!
I have two main critiques of the book. The first being that I did not connect with Aubreys character which I believe for me was the lack of character background. I am sure if I read the next few books in the long series there would be more.
The first few chapters are so full of nautical terms that it was hard to read - maybe O’Brien was a little excessive? In the end, it is a naval book and much of his knowledge was showcased in these sections but I did feel it slowed down the story.
The last half of the book was excellent and incredibly engaging. It was hard to put down!
I’m still on the fence if I want to pick up the next book - but was worth the read!
joeymcallister's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
jeffs_300's review against another edition
Lingo is intense and INCREDIBLY well informed. The story is interesting but slow. I mean, the story takes course over the time of 20 BOOKS!! I’ll get back to reading these. I just feel I have too many other series I’m trying to read right now.
testaroscia's review against another edition
4.0
A hoot of a tale. For a sailing nerd I loved the unapologetic technical accuracy even though 80% went sailing over my head (or googling like mad) The characters, so far, are pretty one dimensional, the plot is no more deeper than a shipping log, but I understand that both are fleshed out in subsequent books. It is, however, a very cozy read, familiar, even though I cannot quite put my finger on why. I can myself dipping into the next ones as I get a chance.
mfeezell's review against another edition
2.0
Probably just not my thing. Felt like there was very little in the way of a main storyline up until the very end. Seemed more like an anthology than anything, and while the characters are compelling, there is very little development of them in this book. I know they probably have more over the course of the series, but its not worth it to me to spend the time reading 20 more books just to find out.
oliver'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? Yes
4.0