H.M.S. Surprise

Aubrey/Maturin Series, Book 3

By: Patrick O'Brian

Narrated by: Patrick Tull

At the opening of his third novel in an ongoing adventure series by Patrick O'Brian, Jack Aubrey is cruising off Cape Sicie when his friend Stephen Maturin (more serenely situated in Sussex) is informed of the Board's decision regarding Aubrey's prize money, taken after victorious engagement with a Spanish squadron at Cape Santa Maria. The money, five million pieces of eight, is not, as is the custom of war, to be divided among the crews of the four victorious vessels, but is to be treated as droits of the Crown of England. Five million pounds is, after all, five million pounds.

It will be a hard rub for Aubrey, who had counted on that money to clear his debts and make himself a suitable match, but no more hard than for Maturin who spends much of his free time at Mapes Court in the company of the lovely Sophia Williams, Aubrey's betrothed. How could Stephen deliver the news that would break Sophia's heart?

When Jack docks at Portsmouth, he is clapped in irons forthwith, and carried off to a sponging house for debtors. Jack knows a prisoner can rot in jail, so when Sir Joseph graciously offers him escape aboard the H.M.S. Surprise, bound for the East Indies, he makes for the only place where his unsteady virtue remains intact: the sea.

Don't miss the rest of the Aubrey/Maturin series.©1973 Patrick O'Brian (P)2003 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"O'Brian knows his history and sailing, as is evident in the rich particulars....Stretching its genre but never escaping it, the novel will impress those who enjoy swashbucklers." (Publishers Weekly)

The Aubrey-Maturin novels

the Aubrey-Maturin novels are unsurpassed in their lyrical beauty, their ability to not only render Aubrey and Maturin as fully alive characters that you come to know and love as cherished friends, but each character, no matter how minor, is fully realized. such rich stories told in the most limpid, graceful, gorgeous prose. In short, Patrick O'Brian has created geat and enduring literature.

They say he was the greatest living writer !

Believe me when I say you'll enjoy every thing in this book and in this series. And Patrick Tull is such a great reader , they don't get any better than this reader writer combo....you'll not believe the research that went into these books history , geography,
Medicine, politics, what ever he writes about is excellent,,,,Paul T.

like the previous audible, very enjoyable

I tried reading this series at first but it was so hard to read, but the audible books version makes it infinitly easier, I can listen and enjoy the story. definitely recommend the audiblebook.

Best Naval Series Ever

Great story that is written and performed to perfection. Makes you feel like you were in the midst of the story and you feel a real connection to every character.

Best Match of Brilliant Writing and Narration

Best Match of Brilliant Writing and Narration that I have heard. All angles are covered. History. Drama. Action. Personalities. Period details presented interestingly.