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Book Review of H.M.S. Surprise (Aubrey / Maturin, Bk 3)

H.M.S. Surprise (Aubrey / Maturin, Bk 3)
reviewed on + 211 more book reviews


I enjoyed this book a lot.

This book (the third) is the best so far in the series. The action scenes are so well written you can hear the guns and smell the smoke! Plus the relationship between Aubrey (Captain) and Maturin (Physician and spy) is incredible and well written. Very engaging book, I found it my constant companion until it was done. Maturin grows in his role as a spy and in his hobby as a naturalist. (The sloth interlude is entertaining.)

What I didnt like: OBrian (the author) struggles to write romance. Aubrey and his (sort of) fiancé Sophia Williams and Maturin and his being jilted by Diane Villers. OBrian wisely dedicated a lot fewer pages than he did in book 2, but still too much. Reminds me of the worst of young adult books with all the drama and angst that teenagers have with a first love.

Im sure, but cant remember who else wrote about the Battle of Pulo Aura (the battle with Linois in the Indian Ocean defending the China Fleet/East Indian Company ships). If anyone knows, please contact me. I think it was Kent/Bolitho. Not to worry, they describe the same events, but each in his own style. I would love to compare the two side by side. Im guessing (maybe because I just read it) that OBrian was more naval-technical. Both were compelling.

Tags: those appropriate to a naval war book

I am really enjoying this series; so far each book has been significantly better than the last.