Reviews

Commodore Hornblower by C.S. Forester

jvanwagoner's review

adventurous

4.0

 Hornblower goes to the Baltic 

One thing I appreciate about the Hornblower series is how every book covers a different part of the world. I get to experience action and adventure and learn about the intricacies of naval battles in various climates and geographies. His adventures have taken him to the Pacific side of Central America, the coast of France, the West Indies, the Mediterranean, Spain, and now the Baltic. He even gets to experience land battles and a siege. He also exercises his diplomatic skills.

This is a series that I have enjoyed immensely. I'm only sad that I am almost finished with this group of novels. It is highly recommended, but it should be read in chronological order after the other Hornblower novels.

I originally wrote this review on 12/13/2010.

thomas_g's review against another edition

adventurous funny tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

fivetilnoon's review against another edition

adventurous informative reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

I thoroughly enjoyed this book in the Hornblower series. It is one of my favorite so far.

The book has a little bit of everything: battles at sea, land battles, a siege, court intrigue, a royal ball, and a glimpse into Hornblower‘s family life. 

I enjoyed Hornblower getting a chance to deploy a squadron with multiple ships at his command instead of the previous books, with just one ship.

iainkelly_writing's review against another edition

5.0

Napoleon finally meets defeat in Russia, and Hornblower plays his part in the north, this time as a Commodore in charge of a small fleet. Full of adventure as always.

bosermoki's review

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

elizabethk_reads's review against another edition

5.0

I'm still sad about the death of Maria, and it troubles me that Hornblower was not as sad I felt he should have been. Barbara adopting little Richard with such grace was wonderful though. This adventure was so different, yet reminiscent of the blockade duty that was done off the coast of Brest. The end was a bit of a shocker... but I am thankful that all ended well enough.

with_drea's review against another edition

5.0

It's good to see Horatio finally properly getting the recognition he's deserved-- even if only to see him being subsequently overwhelmed by the fact. Just as good is seeing him having to deal with the tedium of politics (with just enough action to make things interesting!) He seems almost content, both personally and professionally (even if his lack of self-worth always keeps him from it entirely) and it's good to see his interactions with the men in this one.

northern_gail's review against another edition

5.0

I'm still sad about the death of Maria, and it troubles me that Hornblower was not as sad I felt he should have been. Barbara adopting little Richard with such grace was wonderful though. This adventure was so different, yet reminiscent of the blockade duty that was done off the coast of Brest. The end was a bit of a shocker... but I am thankful that all ended well enough.

le_fromage_en_fue's review

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

traveller1's review

4.0

My version was the Gutenberg free ebook. The novel---good fun, a bit chauvinistic, but that is what I expected. Read the entire series 2011/12. Enjoyable, but not sure I will reread soon.