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ielerol's review
3.0
This one is heavier on the specifics of naval strategy and battles than the previous two books in the series, which is part of why I didn't enjoy it as much. Also Stephen is for sure m favorite character, and while I still liked his scenes with Jack, they spend more time apart in this one, and between that and Stephen's very evident depression, there's just not as much humor and it feels like overall everyone spends more time unhappy and stressed out. Granted there was a lot of tension between Stephen and Jack over Diana Villiers, but that was a compelling conflict. Stephen in this book is just...sad, in a way that makes me sad. The secondary characters are also mostly unpleasant. I still liked it, but it was less fun for me. In a way the naval battles were a relief even if I never am going to be able to follow the action closely or feel any real suspense over the outcome, because I listened to the audiobook and Simon Vance reading a bunch of incomprehensible naval jargon is honestly very soothing to me.
The writing quality is still excellent, and there were some moments I enjoyed very much, like Stephen's precious dodo feathers, the wry commentary on the vague "benefits" of being an English colony, Jack Aubrey trying very hard to come up with a brilliant pun. Overall I think one of the things I appreciate the most about this series as a work of historical fiction is the way O'Brian depicts characters whose beliefs are historically appropriate but uncomfortable to a modern perspective, while clearly not endorsing those beliefs himself. Characters will occasionally question or challenge each other on those points in relatively low-key ways (also historically appropriate! the world has never been uniformly racist, sexist, etc at a given point in time), or rhetorical asides in the narration will undercut a character's thoughts or words. It's a tough needle to thread, and O'Brian does so with consistent ease.
The writing quality is still excellent, and there were some moments I enjoyed very much, like Stephen's precious dodo feathers, the wry commentary on the vague "benefits" of being an English colony, Jack Aubrey trying very hard to come up with a brilliant pun. Overall I think one of the things I appreciate the most about this series as a work of historical fiction is the way O'Brian depicts characters whose beliefs are historically appropriate but uncomfortable to a modern perspective, while clearly not endorsing those beliefs himself. Characters will occasionally question or challenge each other on those points in relatively low-key ways (also historically appropriate! the world has never been uniformly racist, sexist, etc at a given point in time), or rhetorical asides in the narration will undercut a character's thoughts or words. It's a tough needle to thread, and O'Brian does so with consistent ease.
mbondlamberty's review
5.0
This was also a good read. Yes you have the seamanship and the friendship and the war drama.
But this one also has politics. The issues that Aubrey has to deal with vis a vis the other captains and their attitudes towards their own men are reflective of the age and really show the baser instincts of some in leadership positions. Love the psychology in this one.
But this one also has politics. The issues that Aubrey has to deal with vis a vis the other captains and their attitudes towards their own men are reflective of the age and really show the baser instincts of some in leadership positions. Love the psychology in this one.
don_diego's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Fast paced and full of action! A must read!!
doodlebuginarug's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
isloc's review
adventurous
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
kittenscribble's review
4.0
Aubrey, stuck ashore without a berth and with his mother-in-law at home, is more than happy when Maturin shows up with a difficult mission. What follows is a typical rollicking O'Brian naval adventure, in which Aubrey is given command over some questionable captains, and Maturin pursues science and intelligence ashore.
armchair_vibes's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Another great installment in the series. Narrator Ric Jerrom really brings it to life. If you are this far into the series you know what to expect. More epic battle scenes and classic O'Brian storytelling.
hein's review
adventurous
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-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
3.0
The 4th and weakest of the Master and Commander series, with a long middle section of ACTION! but still plenty of fun and relaxing escapism.