The sixteenth volume in the Aubrey/Maturin series, and Patrick OBrians first bestseller in the United States.
At the outset of this adventure filled with disaster and delight, Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin pursue an American privateer through the Great South Sea. The strange color of the ocean reminds Stephen of Homers famous description, and portends an underwater volcanic eruption that will create a new island overnight and leave an indelible impression on the readers imagination.
Their ship, the Surprise, is now also a privateer, the better to escape diplomatic complications from Stephens mission, which is to ignite the revolutionary tinder of South America. Jack will survive a desperate open boat journey and come face to face with his illegitimate black son; Stephen, caught up in the aftermath of his failed coup, will flee for his life into the high, frozen wastes of the Andes; and Patrick OBrians brilliantly detailed narrative will reunite them at last in a breathtaking chase through stormy seas and icebergs south of Cape Horn, where the hunters suddenly become the hunted.
The Wine-Dark Sea (Vol. Book 16) (Aubrey/Maturin Novels)
Not a terribly happy ship on this voyage, as prizes are missed and there is conflict aboard. Nevertheless, the account books show black, even though Aubrey and Maturin consider this a costly failure. The Wine-Dark Sea (Vol. Book 16) (Aubrey/Maturin Novels) Good lengthy account of travelling through the Peruvian Andes which takes away from the nautical in nautical fiction. Another account of getting caught in the ice during fog around Cape Horn. Another loss of a rudder in the southern latitudes and another sea battle that almost happened. There were two sea battles actually; an incredibly easy one in the beginning and an incredibly non existent one near the end. This book felt mostly like it was just another in a series of filler material. As I always say, the writing is excellent and it shows such an incredible amount of research necessary to tell the story in such detail. I have to admit to tiring of the perpetual filler material in each of the last three books. I hope O'Brian gets back to writing nautical adventures in this series. This is another book you could easily live without in this series if you so chose. The Wine-Dark Sea (Vol. Book 16) (Aubrey/Maturin Novels) Every Patrick O'Brien novel especially all of the Aubrey Maturin series should be required reading for anyone who loves a great story with compelling characters, adventure, suspense and just the slightest touch of romance. Add to that that they are steeped in actual history based on the logbooks of the RN captains who sailed in the era about which he writes these are history lessons in the most entertaining form imaginable. Highest recommendation i could possibly give. The Wine-Dark Sea (Vol. Book 16) (Aubrey/Maturin Novels) I am thrilled with this series. I finish one book and head right in to the next. Patrick O’Brien has recreated such a world of the sea that the characters are now old friends and their sea battles, family concerns and episodes of espionage are ingrained into my memory. The Wine-Dark Sea (Vol. Book 16) (Aubrey/Maturin Novels) These novels are the best of breed, bar none. If you've read the first and haven't read every single one of the serieswell, I'll never love you, nor will any of the other thousands and thousands of fans. As a blue water sailor, I join the legions of other sailors who revere these books. It's all about those who go down to the sea in ships, but with cannons and cutlasses. But if you're not a sailor you will nevertheless less love these books because they create unforgettable characters who complexly evolve as the books move along in what is a continuing story full of danger, mystery, love, despair, honor dishonor, failure and Phoenix like success. Read these, you won't be sorry. The Wine-Dark Sea (Vol. Book 16) (Aubrey/Maturin Novels)
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For a description of a sailing ship on a seriously difficult sea this is unreal. Apart from the seafaring the whole series provides a wonderful insight into the flora and fauna of places visited and the way of life in England of the early 1800s. Far better at the social aspects than Jane Austen. The Wine-Dark Sea (Vol. Book 16) (Aubrey/Maturin Novels) You need not be a long time fan as I am , even first time readers will come away wanting of these
most intriguing tales. Obrian is in a catagorie by himself ,write classic sea going history.. The Wine-Dark Sea (Vol. Book 16) (Aubrey/Maturin Novels) Yo ho, matey! I adore the characters, the action's breathtaking, and fulfills all of my questions about the history of this era, especially from the standpoint of British History! Huzzah Patrick O'Brian! The Wine-Dark Sea (Vol. Book 16) (Aubrey/Maturin Novels) One of the best yet in this series. O'Brian was clearly enjoying the adventure here: volcanic eruptions, deadly ice floes, Andean blizzards, lightning strikes: it's a breathtaking read, and both Jack and Stephen have it rough this time around. Nothing really goes according to plan.
What I love most about these books is that the sophistication of prose and storytelling never gets in the way of readability. They're real page turners AND works of art. To be honest, I find some of Maturin's spy exploits a tad vague and dry, but he's always a wonderful character. The onshore sequences tend to be the least gripping, as they are here. I can remember of the birds and beasts than I can the Peruvian secret agent plot.
IMO, the series is most alive whenever we're at sea. There's a rhythm and a pulse (naturally) running through even the most jargon filled paragraphs. It's the most vivid recreation of a historical time and place I've ever come across. Just a few books to go in the series, then I'll be starting them over again. Can't wait to see what happens next. The Wine-Dark Sea (Vol. Book 16) (Aubrey/Maturin Novels) His wit and insight is so subtle that I am appreciative this the 3rd go round than I was in either the 1st or 2nd. True brilliance on multiple levels. The Wine-Dark Sea (Vol. Book 16) (Aubrey/Maturin Novels)