Reviews

The Yellow Admiral by Patrick O'Brian

dotorsojak's review

adventurous funny reflective slow-paced

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

3.0

I love the Aubrey/Maturin series, but this one was just okay. I'd put it in the lowest third of the series.

Seriously recommended for fans of the series; otherwise, try HMS SURPRISE

jeffreyk's review

adventurous emotional funny reflective tense medium-paced

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

4.5

cauldhamer's review

adventurous funny lighthearted tense 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? Yes

5.0

juliasilge's review against another edition

4.0

This is the 18th installment in the Aubrey/Maturin naval adventure series set during the Napoleonic wars, and it is as amazing as ever. This episode is a bit slower moving than some, involving a lot of domestic life (Diana redeemed herself! At least sort of!) and Jack's career and political issues, but I will never not love these stories-- their humor, some of the most wonderful characters I have ever had the privilege to read about, the beautiful/smart language. I can't believe I am so close to the end of this series!

wearsteel's review against another edition

5.0

While lacking the normal tension found in the series this tale strikes a more than pleasant balance of pace and colour. Giving breathing space to many characters while allowing the main characters full comfort. A true delight.

robintchappell's review against another edition

slow-paced

4.25

leesmyth's review

3.0

Blockade duty with ever-dwindling rations doesn't exactly reach the heights of some of the other books, even when the rancor and misery is exacerbated by a dispute over fencing in land, but I did like that Jack and Stephen's families got to take a little sea excursion at the end.

sandin954's review against another edition

2.0

Not one of the top-tier books in this series. Lots of the action was on land and much of the book consisted of Jack explaining various things to Stephen like the process of enclosing common areas for farming which was not exactly scintillating. While the narration by Simon Vance was OK I really missed Patrick Tull's way with the characters. The ending though made me think that the next book in the series will get back on track.

lindajanebob's review

adventurous

5.0

mordshunger's review

adventurous tense slow-paced

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

2.0

This reads like filler, and in this filler Jack is a dick. But as usual, he is quite lucky.