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  • The Fortune of War

  • Aubrey/Maturin Series, Book 6
  • By: Patrick O'Brian
  • Narrated by: Patrick Tull
  • Length: 13 hrs and 10 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (2,206 ratings)

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The Fortune of War

By: Patrick O'Brian
Narrated by: Patrick Tull
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Publisher's summary

The H.M.S. Leopard pulled into the bay of Pulo Batang looking more like a shabby merchant ship that a man-of-war. The crew had endured a calamitous voyage plagued by gaol-fever, pursued by the Dutch Waakzaamheid, and struck by an iceberg. Suffice it to say, Jack Aubrey was ready for home.

The return journey aboard La Fleche proves delightful for both Aubrey and his particular friend. Stephen Maturin, with high winds and beautiful skies. It is when La Fleche nears the coast of Brazil that tragedy strikes. Accidental fire ravages the ship, forcing the crew into lifeboats. Rescued eventually by the Java, Aubrey and Maturin meet with yet another deterrent to their journey home when the Java engages the U.S.S. Constitution in battle, and loses. Aubrey, now a POW in Boston, waits for word of a prisoner exchange, while Maturin renews his friendship with the raven-haired expatriate, Diana Villiers.

Don't miss the rest of the Aubrey/Maturin series.
©1979 Patrick O'Brian (P)2003 Recorded Books, LLC.

Critic reviews

"The Fortune of War is a marvelously full-flavored, engrossing book, which towers over its current rivals in the genre like a three-decker over a ship's longboat." (Times Literary Supplement)

What listeners say about The Fortune of War

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

fortune

have to agree this is better than desolation. plus, there's murder w/a stone phallus. how can ya top that?

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Unexpected turn of Events

The story goes on with Lucky Jack once again at an amazing location as British naval history unfolds.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Enjoyed it!

I liked it better than the last book more action which I prefer. can't wait to listen to the next one.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent as always.

I've listen to 6 on end now. I absolutely love the stories and Mr. Tull's telling of them.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful series

It is always fun to find a series that matches moments in real history and then have the joy of reading about that as well.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Exciting!

This is a novel with a variety of settings and conflicts: a ship destroyed by storm, Jack and Stephan in great danger, intrigue with French and American spies, and, finally, an exciting sea battle. And through all this, Patrick Tull creates the emotions and actions of a host of characters. An excellent novel in Patrick O'Brien's captivating Aubrey/Maturin series.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

One of the best books in the Aubrey/Maturin series

The story has everything a good story needs - adventure, humor, intrigue, suspense, well formed characters, and amazing writing . The characters come alive with Patrick Tull’s terrific narration. I simply cannot recommend this book more.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic Series!

I've loved ever book of this series so far. About to start the next one!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Clandestine work

Another great story by such an insightful, witty, and remarkable author. The French always get such a bad rep, Hope to see some French resistance to Bonaparte.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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When were steel and ships were wood.

Accurate history and portrayal of seafarers and their way of life both ashore and at sea.

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