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yvettekeller's review against another edition
5.0
Married to the Sea, and a Woman
I enjoyed Hornblower's trials and tribulations as captain of the Hotspur. Highly recommended to those who like reading about the historical struggles of the Napoleonic Wars, and the psychological efforts of being a captain in the British navy.
I enjoyed Hornblower's trials and tribulations as captain of the Hotspur. Highly recommended to those who like reading about the historical struggles of the Napoleonic Wars, and the psychological efforts of being a captain in the British navy.
megadan777's review against another edition
4.0
The third Hornblower book chronologically is back to the perspective of Hornblower himself. It begins with his recent marriage and journey as a Commander of his own ship the Hotspur. It's interesting to see his growth from the first book and his now advanced leadership skills and care for his men and country. With England and France at war again we follow the naval exploits in the French and Spanish coasts. Foresters knowledge of naval history is superb and makes me want to delve further into its history.
thomas_g's review
adventurous
medium-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
3.5
13delathauwere's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
thisotherbookaccount's review against another edition
4.0
If finding your sea legs takes time, then the same can be said about ancient naval terminology. Three books into CS Forester's Hornblower series, and I am finally finding my way around commonplace naval terms that seamen used to yell at each other on deck and below. It's still a work in progress, of course, but now I know what it means when a ship is 'close-hauled', for example.
With some naval literacy in mind, it is now much easier to slip into Hornblower's adventures — and what an adventure thus far! Hornblower and the Hotspur is likely the most exciting chapter yet, with our titular character assuming the lead role onboard Hotspur. Again, this book is filled with battles at sea, some of which even spilling onto dry land. What makes this book a notch above the rest is how Forester develops Hornblower as a character beyond his role as the captain of the ship. As a newly wed, Hornblower is also trying to get used to his new role as husband, and you gradually see him slide into his shoes throughout the story. Maybe it's because this book was the last book Forester wrote for the series (though chronologically the third in the series), but this one feels a lot more mature and thought out.
Looking forward to the next book in this series!
With some naval literacy in mind, it is now much easier to slip into Hornblower's adventures — and what an adventure thus far! Hornblower and the Hotspur is likely the most exciting chapter yet, with our titular character assuming the lead role onboard Hotspur. Again, this book is filled with battles at sea, some of which even spilling onto dry land. What makes this book a notch above the rest is how Forester develops Hornblower as a character beyond his role as the captain of the ship. As a newly wed, Hornblower is also trying to get used to his new role as husband, and you gradually see him slide into his shoes throughout the story. Maybe it's because this book was the last book Forester wrote for the series (though chronologically the third in the series), but this one feels a lot more mature and thought out.
Looking forward to the next book in this series!
ugoglen's review
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.25
filipasduarte's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
mbondlamberty's review against another edition
4.0
I did really enjoy reading this book. Plenty of gripping material, several nail biters and other dramatic moments. Why not 5 stars, well, it does seem to me that Hornblower can be a bit of a prig at times and I prefer my characters a little more nuanced, but his dealings with Maria give him a little more color I suppose. Can't wait until I get to read the next one!
missmelia's review
adventurous
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
4.0