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The Thirteen Gun Salute Review

The Thirteen Gun Salute Review

The Thirteen Gun Salute

Published: 1989

Author: Patrick O'Brian

Book 13 of 21: Aubrey/Maturin Novels

Genres: Action, Adventure, British & Irish, Contemporary, Family Life, Fiction, Historical, Literary, Literature, Medical, Military, Navel, Saga, Sea, Suspense, Thriller, Travel, War


Check the summary of this book here:

The Thirteen Gun Salute Summary


The Review:

One more narrative by Patrick O'Brian “The Thirteen Gun Salute” that provides the reader with a lot of sensory input. Although elements of the tale will be known to fans of the previous volumes, it is an excellent story. To be sure, Patrick O'Brian introduces unexpected twists and leaves the reader with a thrilling cliffhanger at the conclusion. The characters and action, as always, are worth reading. 

I learned more about the geopolitical scenario in Malaysia at the time. There isn't much that happens at sea, and there are extensive paragraphs in the book's at sea section that are largely pointless and appear to be included to stretch the entire plot. The treachery that takes place on land is fit for an espionage tale from any period. Overall, I enjoy Patrick O'Brian's creation of characters, storylines, and narratives in this series.

If you're considering purchasing this book as a representation of the "great era of sail" genre, I believe you'll be disappointed. "The Thirteen Gun Salute" is the thirteenth of the Aubrey/Maturin series, which is more akin to a 7,000-plus page novel divided into 21 "chapters" than a collection of stand-alone stories.

Mr. Patrick O'Brian's writing style is graceful, and his descriptions are enthralling, but the characters in this novel are the culmination of a 12-year creation process. I believe that simply "jumping right in" at this time would leave the reader befuddled and frustrated.

It is significantly better for a newcomer to begin with "Master and Commander" in order to get a sense of the series' tone and style. Then, if you're "hooked," you may enjoy "The Thirteen Gun Salute" in that educated perspective but you must read all the previous books before even touching this one.

When compared to the majority of the other 12 volumes in the series, I thought "The Thirteen Gun Salute" to be a bit monotonous. Mr. Patrick O'Brian's detailed writing technique matches or perhaps surpasses his previous efforts, although the subject matter is very narrow in scope.

Botany and zoology as seen through the perspective of an 18th-century spectator can be fascinating, but in the context of Napoleonic history, it can also be overdone. Similarly, the byzantine maneuverings of French and British ambassadors vying for a treaty with an obscure kingdom are interesting to read, but one is left with major concerns about the event's significance in the context of the period.

Patrick O'Brian has a habit of sending Aubrey on long journeys and in this one, he repeats himself a lot. However, while on the Indonesian islands, Dr. Maturin's espionage takes charge. The excursion to a temple in the forest on the slopes of a volcanic caldera, as well as a huge reward that readers have been anticipating throughout the series, make this one stand out.

Let's face it; if you've stuck with the Aubrey-Maturin series thus far, you're going to adore this one. If you're new to the series, The Thirteen Gun Salute is a wonderful place to start but, actually, they are all good and you can start at any one of the books but it is really not recommended, just read the first and then continue in sequence as I mentioned previously. The first chapter provides a fantastic recap of what has already occurred for those new to the series, and for those returning, it serves as a nice review in case you forgot something.

The tale is filled with the typical interesting combination of espionage, naval history, human relationships, cuisine, music, and comedy. The Thirteen Gun Salute is, as expected, a really engaging story from a gifted author.


Final Thoughts:

This is the 13th book in a series that I've read in order, and they keep getting better. You're there because of the dialogue and the descriptions. I prefer to enhance my reading by checking at the geography on Google Earth and looking up some of the more obscure vocabularies as much as possible.

Many readers say that the Patrick O'Brian novels become 'same' around halfway through. That has not been my experience; yes, we are following the adventures of the same two main characters, but each title focuses on a different element of their life, and I know most readers do not read these novels in order, which is why they feel that way.

These books have also introduced me to the nautical history genre, and I've discovered that I'm enjoying other volumes, such as Joshua Slocum's biography of the first solo circumnavigation, which took place around the same time. And the more I read these novels, the more compelled I am to get my own trimaran.


Synopsis:

“"In length the series is unique; in quality—and there is not a weak link in the chain—it cannot but be ranked with the best of twentieth-century historical novels."—T. J. Binyon, Independent

Captain Jack Aubrey sets sail for the South China Sea with a new lease on life. Following his dismissal from the Royal Navy (a false accusation), he has earned reinstatement through his daring exploits as a privateer, brilliantly chronicled in The Letter of Marque. Now he is to shepherd Stephen Maturin—his friend, ship's surgeon, and sometimes intelligence agent—on a diplomatic mission to prevent links between Bonaparte and the Malay princes which would put English merchant shipping at risk.

The journey of the Diane encompasses a great and satisfying diversity of adventures. Maturin climbs a Thousand Steps of the sacred crater of the orangutans; a killer typhoon catches Aubrey and his crew trying to work the Diane off a reef; and in the barbaric court of Pulo Prabang a classic duel of intelligence agents unfolds the French envoys, well entrenched in the Sultan's good graces, against the savage cunning of Stephen Maturin.”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords:

Action, Admiral Harte, Age Of Sail, Anyone Who Loves, Aubrey And Maturin, Billy Boyd, Botany Bay, Blockade Duty, British Navy, Captain Aubrey, Captain Jack, Character Development, Desolation Island, diplomatic mission, Diving Bell, Drama, Diana Villiers, Early 19th Century, Entire Series, Far Side Of The World, Fortune Of War, French Agents, gun salute, High Seas, Historical Fiction, HMS Surprise, Horrible Old, Indian Ocean, Ionian Mission, Jack And Stephen, Jack Aubrey, Jane Austen, Letter Of Marque, Lucky Jack, Master And Commander, Maturin Series, Mauritius Command, Napoleonic Era, Napoleonic Wars, Nautical Terms, nutmeg of consolation, Old Leopard, Patrick Brian, Patrick O’Brian, Patrick Obrian, Patrick O Brian, Patrickoobrian, Paul Bettany, Peter Weir, Post Captain, pulo prabang, Red Sea, Reverse Of The Medal, Royal Navy, Russell Crowe, Simon Vance, Stephen Maturin, Stock Market, Surgeon Mate, Takes Place, thirteen-gun salute, Treasons Harbor, United States, USS Constitution, Well Written, Years Ago


Rating: 95/100
Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

Buy The Kindle Version Here:

Free With Free Audible Trial:

The Complete Aubrey/Maturin Novels (Hardcover):

Master and Commander (2003) (PG+):

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The Letter of Marque Review


The Letter of Marque

Published: 1988

Author: Patrick O'Brian

Book 12 of 21: Aubrey/Maturin Novels

Genres: Action, Adventure, British & Irish, Contemporary, Family Life, Fiction, Historical, Literary, Literature, Medical, Military, Navel, Saga, Sea, Suspense, Thriller, Travel, War


Check the summary of this book here:

The Letter of Marque Summary


The Review:

Patrick O'Brian’s ‘The Letter of Marque” picks up right where “The Reverse of the Medal” left off, with Jack Aubrey kicked out of the Navy and H.M.S. Surprise decommissioned and serves as the second part of the story in a much more straightforward manner than the other volumes in the series. As a result, many loose ends are wrapped up, and Patrick O'Brian takes readers on a different path with the next novel but that is for the next time.

It's no easy task to keep a reader's attention twelve books into a series, but Patrick O'Brian makes it look simple. Despite the fact that readers are traveling with both Aubrey and Maturin around the world and in dozens of engagements, the characters remain fresh as they evolve and grow.

After his humiliating discharge from the army, Aubrey is understandably sad and concerned; even when an opportunity to return is presented to him if he simply asks for a pardon, he firmly rejects, and such is the intensity of his conviction. To seek forgiveness would be to accept he'd made a mistake in the first place.

One of the many reasons why the books are so successful is because of such characterization. Another is Patrick O'Brian’s depictions of naval combat, which are exquisitely detailed in The Letter of Marque, Aubrey's luck holds in a wonderfully fascinating and audacious encounter. I'm hesitant to say much more for fear of giving too much away about the narrative.

Letter of Marque is a typical part of the series, full of intriguing characters, fights, maritime mythology, and insights into early modern sea life and the events that surround the persons involved. There is hardly any mystery or suspense, but there is plenty of tremendous adventure. Many readers may hope Stephen would simply divorce Diane and forget about her, but that is easier said than done. This is a wonderful classic that you should buy in hardback and pass down to your generations.

I prefer to read in bed, and this series is ideal for bedtime reading (and anytime reading, too), but it's tough to put down when it's time to turn off the lights. While reading this series, one lives at sea, on the ‘S.M.H. Surprise,' as well as at court-martials, jails, ports, and far-flung locations where espionage, botanizing, doctoring, and warfare take place. The letter of Marque is a heartfelt tale of profound loyalty, deep friendship, and a few heart-stopping cliffhangers. It is not to be missed. It's fantastic, much like the rest of Patrick O'Brian’s works in this series.

The way Patrick O'Brian managed to tie all of the twenty-one volumes together is just remarkable. It's as astounding as what we've heard about Mozart's scores, namely that they're all one piece, having appeared to be dictated from on high. I know Patrick O'Brian did in fact cross stuff out, he couldn't have had the entire canon thought out in his head ahead of time, yet it appears that way and I think he actually had a plan of what he will do with the series from the start.

How Patrick O'Brian is able to weave in and out of the story's numerous characters in naturalistic ways. His ability to write about nautical technical jargon in such a casual and off-handed manner, as if they were as second nature to him as they were to Jack. And he appears to be capable of doing so despite never having had much firsthand experience with sailing vessels.

It makes me question whether Patrick O'Brian wasn't a sailor in a prior life and has now reconnected his conscious mind to that past existence. At other times, his writing is pure literary lyricism, like in Letter of Marque, when he describes Steven's state of mind during the days after he fell from the tower while he was semi-conscious. That is the greatest writing I've ever read and one of the completest ways an author can write.


Final Thoughts:

The story's true heart isn't the war or the trials and issues Aubrey experiences; it's the bond between Maturin and Aubrey, as well as the steady development of the people that surround them: Sophie, Diana Villiers, and Aubrey's children. With each subsequent volume of the series, these people, as well as the soldiers with whom Aubrey and Maturin have served, become more and more real. Reading this book is highly recommended.


Synopsis:

“"Fine stuff...[The Letter of Marque] leaves the devotee of naval fiction eager for sequels."—Jonathan Yardley, Washington Post Book World

Captain Jack Aubrey, a brilliant and experienced officer, has been struck off the list of post-captains for a crime he did not commit. His old friend Stephen Maturin, usually cast as a ship's surgeon to mask his discreet activities on behalf of British Intelligence, has bought for Aubrey his former ship the Surprise to command as a privateer, more politely termed a letter of marque. Together they sail on a desperate mission against the French, which, if successful, may redeem Aubrey from the private hell of his disgrace.”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords:

Action, Admiral Harte, Age Of Sail, Anyone Who Loves, Aubrey And Maturin, Billy Boyd, Botany Bay, Blockade Duty, British Navy, Captain Aubrey, Captain Jack, Character Development, Desolation Island, Diving Bell, Drama, Diana Villiers, Early 19th Century, Entire Series, Far Side Side Of The World, Fortune Of War, French Agents, High Seas, Historical Fiction, HMS Surprise, Horrible Old, Indian Ocean, Ionian Mission, Jack And Stephen, Jack Aubrey, Jane Austen, Letter Of Marque, Lucky Jack, Master And Commander, Maturin Series, Mauritius Command, Napoleonic Era, Napoleonic Wars, Nautical Terms, Old Leopard, Patrick Brian, Patrick O’Brian, Patrick Obrian, Patrick O Brian, Patrickoobrian, Paul Bettany, Peter Weir, Post Captain, Red Sea, Reverse Of The Medal, Royal Navy, Russell Crowe, Simon Vance, Stephen Maturin, Stock Market, Surgeon Mate, Takes Place, Treasons Harbor, United States, USS Constitution, Well Written, Years Ago


Rating: 100/100
Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

Buy The Kindle Version Here:


Free With Free Audible Trial:


The Complete Aubrey/Maturin Novels (Hardcover):


Master and Commander (2003) (PG+):


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Any kind of support, even a simple 'like, thumbs up or a small comment' is enough and helps me grow, create and freely do more stuff and work on projects for the benefit of many.
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The Reverse of the Medal Review

The Reverse of the Medal Review

The Reverse of the Medal

Published: 1986

Author: Patrick O'Brian

Book 11 of 21: Aubrey/Maturin Novels

Genres: Action, Adventure, British & Irish, Contemporary, Family Life, Fiction, Historical, Literary, Literature, Medical, Military, Navel, Saga, Sea, Suspense, Thriller, Travel, War

 

Check the summary of this book here:

The Reverse of the Medal Summary


The Review:

Patrick O'Brian’s The Reverse of the Medal is mostly set on land, although it has one of the series' longest chase sequences to date and it reminded me of another great chase sequence in the novel "The Chase" by Clive Cussler.  This is a superb example of Patrick O'Brian's creative style, which he employs in the same way that a painter applies depth to a canvas. I enjoy it when the plot takes a break on shore; it allows the already rich character development to shine even more.

This book, like H.M.S. Surprise comes within the experimental book categories like Fortune of War. It's experimental because it exists on its own, rather than jumping straight from another book. While the entire series is essentially one big tale, some of the volumes delve deeper into the human condition than simply being at sea and combating other ships.

Patrick O'Brian is a remarkable narrator, and his mastery of the craft is part of what makes this series so addictive. When I originally began this reading journey, I was convinced that the plot would grow repetitive and predictable as the volumes went. I had this feeling because there are only so many stories about sea trips and conflicts that one can think of. Not only was my suspicion incorrect, but it is plainly part of his tendency to create completely distinct circumstances, thereby including every literary method known to man.

This one takes a turn for the worst since Jack appears to be being set up and is on his way to military disgrace and most likely jail time. Steven, like H.M.S. Surprise takes the stage now that Jack is in prison. Sure, it's a little depressing, but it's still packed with witty banter. I adore how his tough crew or key ones like Killick and Bonden practically lives with him even when he's not at sea. To return to Patrick O'Brian's method, he knows things are going to become heavy, which is why he spends about a third of the book or the early half of the book on a pursuit. Given that there are twenty-one novels and this is only the eleventh, I'm certain that Jack and his crew will be able to break free.

The pace of The Reverse of the Medal is very dissimilar from that of the other volumes in the series. This isn't to say it's boring or tedious; far from being, but the rhythm of life at sea, punctuated by storms, chases, and battles, is strangely lacking here. It appears like the series is poised to take a new direction. Apart from the detailed depictions of life at sea, the friendship between Aubrey and Maturin, as well as the defects that each man possesses, is what brings them to life for me. Aubrey is framed with terrible implications in this scene.

It's perplexing that Aubrey, who is a beast at sea, is such a fragile infant on land. The narrative revolves around his nearly childlike trust, as well as the political instability caused by his father. As Aubrey observes, his desire to trust his fellow officers adds to the chaos. As a result, seeing a character (as imperfect as he is) humbled and publicly humiliated is heartbreaking.

Final Thoughts:

While The Reverse of the Medal ends with a rabbit punch to the kidney, there remains a ray of optimism that things will be put right and our hero will be able to return to the sea once again. As one might imagine, this lifeline comes in the person of Dr. Maturin, whose hidden existence as an intelligence officer gives some background and (perhaps) atonement. The narrative ends on a virtual cliffhanger, which is maybe the most annoying aspect. I find it reassuring to know that readers will not have to wait years for the next chapter because all of the books have already been published.

This book appears to be one of the stories written in an attempt to lengthen the series. Unlike book ten, this one is jam-packed with Aubrey's personal defects, flaws that we've learned to like. Outside of command at sea, he is far too trustworthy, loyal, and naïve. Patrick O'Brian skillfully placed a brief by calendar tale within the wider Aubrey timeline, which reveals a great deal about both Aubrey and Maturin. We also get a peek at a real stock exchange scandal, which brings out the best and worst in the people around Aubrey.

I liked how Patrick O'Brian depicted loyalty among sailors, Aubrey's companions, and his family. We get an up-close view of society in the era, which accomplishes in portraying a picture we wouldn't have known without tales like these. It's a fantastic story, so read it and be amused. This book is highly recommended, but remember to read the other novels in the series in order before starting this one.


Synopsis:

“"An overwhelming, outstanding novel!" —Irish Times
Captain Jack Aubrey, R. N., ashore after a successful cruise, is persuaded by a casual acquaintance to make certain investments in the City. This innocent decision ensnares him in the London criminal underground and in government espionage—the province of his friend Stephen Maturin. Is Aubrey's humiliation and the threatened ruin of his career a deliberate plot? This dark tale is a fitting backdrop to the brilliant characterization and sparkling dialogue which Patrick O'Brians readers have come to expect.”

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords:

Action, Admiral Harte, Age Of Sail, Anyone Who Loves, Aubrey And Maturin, Billy Boyd, Botany Bay, Blockade Duty, British Navy, captain Aubrey, Captain Jack, Character Development, Desolation Island, Diving Bell, Drama, Diana Villiers, Early 19th Century, Far Side Of The World, Fortune Of War, French Agents, High Seas, Historical Fiction, HMS Surprise, Horrible Old, Indian Ocean, Ionian Mission, Jack And Stephen, Jack Aubrey, Jane Austen, letter of marque, Lucky Jack, Master And Commander, Maturin Series, Mauritius Command, Napoleonic Era, Napoleonic Wars, Nautical Terms, Old Leopard, Patrick Brian, Patrick O’Brian, Patrick Obrian, Patrick O Brian, Patrickoobrian, Paul Bettany, Peter Weir, Post Captain, Red Sea, Reverse of the medal, Royal Navy, Russell Crowe, Simon Vance, Stephen Maturin, stock market, Surgeon Mate, takes place, Treasons Harbor, United States, USS Constitution, Well Written, Years Ago


Rating: 95/100
Recommended: 95/100 Yes.

Buy The Kindle Version Here:


Free With Free Audible Trial:


The Complete Aubrey/Maturin Novels (Hardcover):


Master and Commander (2003) (PG+):


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Any kind of support, even a simple 'like, thumbs up or a small comment' is enough and helps me grow, create and freely do more stuff and work on projects for the benefit of many.
Help me grow into a global force: https://www.patreon.com/namsu
Support with crypto coins/tokens: https://cointr.ee/namsu
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