The Fortune of War by Patrick O'Brian (My Goodreads Review)

The Fortune of War by Patrick O'Brian

Once again, a spiffing read. I could not put this latest rendition of the Aubrey/Maturin seafarer’s sage down. This is the sixth story in the historical series. It is 1812 and the USA has declared war on the UK. This story is mainly focused on the ship’s physician, Steven Maturin. It is full of exciting intrigue and a real page-turner. Again the dialogue and narration bring the historical era alive. I can’t wait for the seventh story. This sixth tale all builds up to a thrilling climax.

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The Mauritius Command by Patrick O'Brian (My Goodreads Review)

The Mauritius Command (Aubrey/Maturin Series, Book 4) by Patrick O'Brian

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another fine Aubrey/Maturin story. Every bit as good as the others. This time Aubrey is a temporary Commodore and in charge of a small squadron of ships. He must confront a skilled French enemy operating out of Mauritius. The enemy is attacking and capturing British ships upon cargo routes from India to Britain. The islands of Mauritius are strategically placed to capture a wealth of British plunder. Bonaparte's Navy is making good use of the advantage. The Royal Navy is intent on eliminating this French ability. What follows is some strategic confrontations. Battles, where advantages are won, lost and then won again in an ever continuing cat and mouse adventure game upon the high seas. Splendid action scenes throughout and wonderfully atmospheric.

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H.M.S. Surprise by Patrick O'Brian (My Goodreads Review)

H.M.S. Surprise by Patrick O'Brian

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a gripping yarn. We are taken on a journey to the Indian Ocean with confrontations on land and sea. I am truly a fan of these Aubrey/Maturin naval stories. This one is no exception. The battle scenes at sea are presented to a degree where I thought I was there. The small points are taken into consideration by the Captain as the galleons square up to each other. Trying to get abeam of the ship as it leans over from the wind. This prevents it using its bottom line of guns. Thus a smaller ship fights a bigger vessel using the elements to advantage etc. There are so many things like this during the story. Splendid stuff all the way. The characters and the dialogue are marvellous as usual. I can't recommend these naval stories high enough. Well worth reading.

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