Post Captain: Aubrey/Maturin Series, Book 2

My addiction to this series started as soon as I picked up "Master and Commander" on a recommendation for Leo Laporte of TWIT. Its not my usual genre, but Wow have I become hooked. Based on how much I loved the first book, I was bracing myself for a letdown based on the reviews I read here.

After just finishing "Post Captain", I have to say two things:
1) Patrick Tull is a genius - possibly the single BEST narrator I have heard given that he has such amazing command of the British, Scottish, Irish, and French accents particularly. The characters just come alive - judge for yourself.

2) Unless you're ONLY reading these books for the accounts of engagements at sea, you'll enjoy this book. Yes, they spent a little more time on land, but ultimately, the character development, depth, and dimension that we get on these folks is WELL worth it. Obrian is also so skilled at painting the intricacies of dealing in a society that is so constrained by what is "proper" that relationships all ways round become almost as difficult to navigate as a lee shore. And I was quite satisfied with some outstanding high-seas adventure - when you get to the story about the Harbor with the "Inner Road" and "Outer Road", you'll know what I'm talking about!

If you just finished Master and Commander, and you're hoping the series continues to be good, you're in for a treat! I'm ready to dive into the third book now, and I see no end in sight - these are great!

The best historical novel I've ever read. A real step up from the first in character development and plot. Great read.

Hard to believe that I got more out of hearing this book than I did reading it 10 years ago. Patrick Tull is the better of the two choices for narrator, and his narration is clear and entertaining, more so than the other choice offered by audible.com. Well worth it.

I have read many of O'Brian's Aubrey/Maturin series and think he is one of the best. His wealth of detail and the skill in which he paints his characters is truly awesome. Patrick Tull does such wonderful narration, however, that I will listen to as many of these stores on audiobook as possible in the future so as to gain that new dimension.

By my word, a good story well told. You?ll not be becalmed in this second book of the series. However, if you are a landsman, you will need to sail the first or you will have to be lucky to catch a good wind. Stephen Maturin does not revisit the rigging for another lesson in naval jargon. A bit deeper and perhaps darker than the first, more is said about the relationships and personalities of the characters.
I can?t say enough about Patrick Tull?s narration, his voice and acting makes the recording and, as far as I can tell, is flawless. Sound quality is good.

A rivetting story, with very good historical detail. It spends quite a bit of time on shore at the start of the book, but the historical setting is marvellous, and the story told there essential for the rest of the book, and the next books too. Make sure you listen to the unabridged book (you don't want to miss anything), with Patrick Tull reading (an excellent reader).

Exceedingly fine book. Droll, exciting, educational. Wonderful character development. I enjoy Maturin's soliloquys. Gives insights into the ascendent British navy of the early 19th century. Provides an interesting contrast with the leadership models of today.

I enjoyed the first book so much I downloaded this one, and I wasn't disappointed! Patrick O'Brian not only continued on a great story line, but improved on it in this episode with great humor. I enjoyed it thoroughly and look forward to the rest of the episodes. The only downside being that I haven't found the complete set listed on Audible... are they going to torture us, or keep us coming back?

It would have been hard to match the sea battles and action of Master and Commander. I'm not a huge fan of Jane Austin type writing, so the beginning of the book, with it's emphasis on courtship and social life, felt a bit slow...but the relationships created are of great importance later in the series. The novel is great though at showing what a roller coaster ride the career of a naval officer can be. Aubrey, riding so high in the previous book, has a series of dramitic ups and downs. For those who favor naval action, the later part of the book does not disappoint, with a suspense-filled cutting-out expedition and a a creditable, though brief account of a fleet action.

I started this series after a comment by Leo Laport on a TWiT podcast. I have enjoyed the series. If you enjoy the relationships and details of the first, the second is for you. I intend to read all 20.