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  • Master and Commander

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Master and Commander is the first of Patrick O’Brian’s now famous Aubrey-Maturin novels, regarded by many as the greatest series of historical novels ever written. It establishes the friendship between Captain Jack Aubrey RN and Stephen Maturin, who becomes his secretive ship’s surgeon and an intelligence agent. It displays the qualities which have put O’Brian far ahead of any of his competitors.

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Master and Commander is the first of Patrick O'Brian's now famous Aubrey/Maturin novels, regarded by many as the greatest series of historical novels ever written.

  • 2 out of 5 stars

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1793 and Europe is ablaze with war. Thomas Paine Kydd, a young wig-maker from Guildford, is seized by the press gang to be a part of the crew of the 98-gun line-of-battle ship Duke William. The ship sails immediately and Kydd has to learn the harsh realities of shipboard life fast. Despite all that he goes through in danger of tempest and battle he comes to admire the skills and courage of the seamen - taking up the challenge himself to become a true sailor.

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Shaking off this label, a shy and lonely 17-year-old, Horatio Hornblower, embarks on a memorable career in Nelson's navy on HMS Justinian. In action, adventure, and battle he is forged into one of the most formidable junior officers in the service.

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  • Midshipman Bolitho

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October 1772, Portsmouth. Sixteen-year-old Richard Bolitho waits to join the Gorgon, ordered to sail to the west coast of Africa and to destroy those who challenge the King's Navy. For Bolitho, and for many of the crew, it is a severe and testing initiation into the game of seamanship.

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Despatched on a secret mission, the company of a 28-gun frigate must face the hazards of conspiracy, treason, and piracy. And recently appointed third lieutentant Richard Bolitho must learn to accept his new responsibilities as a King's officer.

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Summary

Jack Aubrey returns from his duties protecting whalers off South America and is persuaded by a casual acquaintance to make investments in the City on the strength of supposedly certain information. 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?
©1986 Patrick O'Brien (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

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Audible.co.uk reviews
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Mark
  • Ballymacoda, Ireland
  • 24-05-13

Keep them coming

Another great adaptation of the Aubrey/maturin books. Great credit to Ric Jerrom for bringing the characters to life.being on the next one quick please!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant from start to finish.

Having read the entire Aubrey/Maturin series many years ago I was concerned that I might find the repetition tedious. Not a bit of it, to be sure. Ric Jerrom's skilful performance brings the story to life and I shall continue to listen to the others, quite certain of hours of enjoyment.

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

A turning point

I read this in a few days- captivating! So many characters for Jerome to handle and he does so admirably!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Another beautifully crafted story in this saga.

A marvellous window into the 17th century and the political and naval intrigues of those times.

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

The best nautical, historical novels ever written

If you could sum up The Reverse of the Medal in three words, what would they be?

Gripping, accurate, superb

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Reverse of the Medal?

The scene where Jack Aubrey is placed in the stocks (framed for rigging the stock market) and is surrounded and protected by his fellow sailors. 'Hats, off!'

Which character – as performed by Ric Jerrom – was your favourite?

Probably Stephen Maturin, a very complex character and portrayed well.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, definitively, never a dull moment.

Any additional comments?

The 21 Aubrey-Maturin novels are essentially one continuous story. I would suggest starting with the first: Master & Commander and working through them in order. You won't be disappointed..

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars
  • TP
  • Wellington, United Kingdom
  • 19-06-13

Another great story

The narration is excellent from Ric Jerrom and I am hooked on this series. Can't wait for the next one