A review by jenmcgee
The Wine-Dark Sea by Patrick O'Brian

5.0

I know it's common belief that the Aubrey-Maturin series declines in quality in the later books, but I enjoyed this one very much. The tone has shifted, without a doubt--setbacks are more deeply felt as a sense of mortality begins to hang over the characters, who are no longer at all young. But there are some thrilling sections--Stephen's trip over the Andes is very good, and the naval chase amongst a maze of icebergs is beautifully, tensely written. Jack's son, Father Sam Panda, is a really wonderful character, and his personality shines through the words. Overall, I enjoyed this very much despite the melancholy tone.