The Ionian Mission

Aubrey/Maturin Series, Book 8

By: Patrick O'Brian

Narrated by: Patrick Tull

Length: 15 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

For the first time in Jack Aubrey's long, illustrious career, the sea, to which he had escaped with very little more than his dignity in tact, brings small solace to him because of his increasing despondency over debts and troubles at home.

Shoved into a temporary command in "that rotten old Worcester," Aubrey is off to the Mediterranean to join the Royal Navy's blockade of the French port of Toulon, where he will be dispatched by Admiral Harte (unfortunately the same Admiral Harte he cuckolded years ago) on a secret mission that promises to embroil Aubrey in political conflict. His friend Stephen's help notwithstanding, Aubrey faces some of the choppiest waters of his career.

This is the eighth book in O'Brian's 20-volume Aubrey/Maturin series.

Don't miss the rest of the Aubrey/Maturin series.

©1981 Patrick O'Brian (P)1994 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"Splendid adventures at a stately pace." (Kirkus)

Ionian Mission

Grand story, exceptional telling of it. I have enjoyed all of Mr. Ó Brian’s works! With the Audible version I can work and listen to stories at the same. Excellent telling, with the narration including nuances of accent and maritime slang as well as the technical jargon.

This series is addictive

I think this is my 3rd go round listening to the series. You are given such a wealth of info and story, each book forms a wonderful whole. You begin to wish they were real

Reluctant Reader

I have to admit that I have been a reluctant reader these days due to time and life getting in my way. I hope to get back into my hobby again. Trying to finish "The Ionian Mission" before I forget everything was a bit of a chore, but as soon as I heard Patrick Tull's voice again, I remembered where I left off. As others mentioned before, the eighth book of Aubrey/Maturin Series is more like a setup for the next mission to come. I actually enjoyed the long conversation on land, instead of the constant battle in the sea.

Good book

Overall it was a good book. Some spots were a bit slow. I still do recommend it.

Slightly diffuse

The storytelling in this episode is slightly diffuse as though the author was padding. But the book contains outstanding characters and moments. And of course Patrick Tull is amazing.

Fabulous!

I never thought I would enjoy audible books but the great storyline of the Aubrey Maturin series with a amazing narrator like Patric Tull has me hooked.

One of the Best

Aubrey and Maturin in their prime. Even the lesser characters are great. The reading is flawless, a revelation. The accents are perfect. The battle scene is one of my favorites in all of literature, it's unforgettable. Just get it.

Least favorite so far

This story was a little flat to me, but maybe that was the point, to feel the duty assigned to Jack?? Anyway if you are this far you're going to read it regardless.

I love this series

I read the entire series through and through some years ago and now I am thoroughly enjoying Patrick Tull’s narration. Well done!

The Ionian Mission

This story was less dramatic than the prior books. Mostly they were on blockade which I gather from the book is boring for the crew. I did enjoy all the extra information O'Brian provided about the ships, sailing and the Royal Navy in the early 1800's late 1790s. Patrick Tull did an fantastic job narrating the story. Felt the ending was abrupt, wish there was more follow up of what happened after the battle. But maybe that comes in the next book.