Winged Escort by Douglas Reeman (My Goodreads Review)

Winged Escort by Douglas Reeman

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A BIG WOW! For this Douglas Reeman story. I always enjoy most of his War stories, but this one was exceptional. I think it is because I always feel compelled by aircraft carriers and have a particular interest in HMS Ark Royal and her Fairy Swordfish (Stringbags) during World War II. Therefore, I was seduced by the front cover. I know this is wrong but the story is even more exciting than the lavish and dramatic front cover.

In this tale, we go aboard an American made aircraft carrier, called HMS Growler, as she prepares for her mission to protect a convoy on route to Murmansk in the Soviet Union. We are introduced to various characters. The main man for the reader is twenty-six years old RNR pilot Tim Rowan.

HMS Growler uses the famed Fairy Swordfish and Seafires. Seafires are Fleet air arm marine version spitfires. The action throughout the story is splendid and very gripping indeed. There are submarine attacks, attacks in the Norwegian Fjords, head to head, cruiser and destroyer action. And this is just in the first half of the story on the Barent sea run. We then go to the Pacific where HMS Growler is with another battle group facing Japanese Kamikaze attacks.

If you love seafaring stories, this one is an absolute must. One of the most dynamic war stories I've ever read. Heroes, Villains, wet behind the ears boys coming of age and some not getting the chance. Plus a backdrop of winning the lady of his dreams. GREAT STUFF!

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The Thirteen-Gun Salute by Patrick O'Brian (My Goodreads Review)

The Thirteen-Gun Salute by Patrick O'Brian

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another splendid continuation of the Jack Aubrey and Steve Maturin adventure. It is 1813 or 1814. The War with France and the USA is still happening. Aubrey and Maturin are on a new ship and must meet with the HMS Surprise after the fulfilment of a diplomatic mission in the South China Sea on Java - a Dutch-influenced area of the world. A man named Fox is in charge of the negotiation. On the competing French side are two British traitors, one of whom, is the arch-cad and card cheat from Treason's Harbour story and others. Edward Ledward, once of the Treasury and Andrew Wray, (The arch-cad)

Some diabolical climax concerning the devious dealings of these traitors comes to an almighty and surprising climax. We are left on the edge of a new adventure and wanting more.

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The Letter of Marque by Patrick O'Brian (My Goodreads Review)

The Letter of Marque by Patrick O'Brian

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'm profoundly in love with Diane Villiers. Steve Maturin's estranged wife. Both these characters turn over another leaf in this glorious tale of the continuing Aubrey/Maturin saga. Captain Jack Aubrey has been struck off the naval list because of enemy agents framing him for a stock exchange crime he did not commit. Many know he has been framed and the enemy agents guilty of the entrapment have fled the country. Aubrey is presented with HMS Surprise, which Steven Maturin has bought out of his inheritance. Therefore, Jack Aubrey is sailing the ship as a Letter of Marque - a privateer. He is still fighting for his country and trying to clear his name and win reinstatement back into the Royal Navy.

Once again I was enthralled by this twelfth story of the Royal Navy saga set in the time of Napoleon and the British/American War of 1812 to 1814. I can't wait to start on the next one. Splendid stuff.

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The Far Side of the World by Patrick O'Brian (My Goodreads Review)

The Far Side of the World by Patrick O'Brian

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another great story in the Aubrey/Maturin saga. This time HMS Surprise is chasing an American commerce raider called USS Norfolk. It is 1813 and Britain is at war with the fledgeling nation USA. The crew of the Suprise endure all sorts of onboard dilemmas as the go around the Cape Horn and into the Pacific where they know the Norfolk is after the lucrative British Whaling ships. 

The movie starring Russel Crow was loosely based on this plot for the beginning, though it was very different in many ways. Please do not get me wrong. The movie was splendid and I really enjoyed it immensely. But in reality, it is a very different story because the enemy is a Frenchman and the year is 1804 in the movie. Also, many of the characters are different and the ending is dramatically different. I think the movie took snippets from many books and put together a rather fabulous film.

Anyways, back to the actual novel of the name. It is also splendid and a dynamic read. Another piece in the saga's jigsaw of events surrounding Captain Jack Aubrey and Steven Maturin's marvellous adventures. 

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Treason's Harbour by Patrick O'Brian (My Goodreads)

Treason's Harbour by Patrick O'Brian

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Espionage on the island of Malta plus conflict at sea. The whole saga is captivating. Steven Maturin really shines in this. On land that is. Where he excels.

Jack Aubrey is the same at sea, but rather like a fish out of water on land. These stories seem to switch between Maturin being the star in port or land with Jack Aubrey being a total master and commander aboard ship.

The espionage angle of this story is very gripping. Maturin is aware of all the deceit and complications too. A skilful enemy agent and his recruits want to infiltrate the Admiralty on the island of Malta. They are blackmailing a Sicilian Lady who is married to a captured British seaman. As Maturin uncovers things we are presented with more puzzles for future stories.

Jack Aubrey is ordered to come to terms with a titled middle eastern man who they suspect is allying with the French and who is demanding vast sums of money for neutrality or alliance etc. This leads to a great duel of ships at sea.

Another enjoyable part of the Aubrey/Maturin saga. I've already got the following story to this. The Far Side of the World. Truly splendid seafaring yarns.

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The Ionian Mission by Patrick O'Brian (My Goodreads Review)

The Ionian Mission (Aubrey/Maturin Series, Book 8) by Patrick O'Brian

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Splendid Historical Read.

This was book eight in the Aubrey/Maturin saga. It was most enjoyable throughout. A bloody and gripping sea action too. All set in 1812. Much of the first half of the story is on blockade duty aboard HMS Worcester, but then the HMS Surprise comes back into the story. This is much to the delight of Jack Aubrey and the reader. We then go on an adventure to the Greek Islands and Adriatic where Greek and Turkish pirates are the danger. Aubrey is on a diplomatic mission of sorts, but when the action comes, it is fast and furious.

Steven Maturin is married to Diane Villiers and is establishing his grounds with his wife before we set off for the Mediterranean Sea. This saga is wonderful andI've been reading it in the proper order. There always seems to be something else for the reader to get into. If you enjoy seafaring sagas, then I could not recommend anything more highly than the Aubrey/Maturin series. They are truly tales to behold.

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Desolation Island by Patrick O'Brian (My Goodreads Review)

Desolation Island by Patrick O'Brian

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Once again, a superb historical read. These Patrick O'Brian novels set on the high seas of the Napoleonic times are a marvel. The language and whole presentation of the stories are very special. I felt as though I was there among the fabulous characters. This tale is wonderfully interwoven with Maturin devising a cunning plan of espionage. Aubery must pit his wits against a pursuing Dutch Man-of-War battleship. His ship is old and undermanned and those who are aboard are riddled with disease. He also has a compliment of prisoners being transported to Botany Bay.

The ever pursuing and skilful Dutch ship is always chasing. It has the vastly superior firepower to the fleeing HMS Leopard. Captain Jack Aubrey must try and stay one step ahead of the awesome enemy ship. I can't praise these books high enough. I've just bought the next title to follow this adventure. If you enjoy seafaring tales then I would highly recommend these Aubrey/Maturin sagas. They are so compelling.

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