4.39
Part of "Aubrey/Maturin" series
"Blue at the Mizzen" is the twentieth and penultimate novel in Patrick O'Brian's beloved Aubrey-Maturin series. Set during the Napoleonic Wars, the story follows Captain Jack Aubrey and his ship's surgeon, Stephen Maturin, as they sail the HMS Surprise on a secret mission to the Pacific. The novel begins with Aubrey receiving his orders to transport a group of naval cadets to South America, where they will join the British forces fighting against the Spanish. Along the way, they encounter a variety of challenges, including treacherous weather, hostile enemies, and internal strife among the crew. Maturin, a skilled naturalist and intelligence officer, also has his own set of objectives, which involve gathering information about the region and its inhabitants. One of the strengths of "Blue at the Mizzen" is the depth and complexity of its characters. Aubrey and Maturin have a rich and nuanced friendship, and their interactions are a highlight of the novel. O'Brian also excels at creating a vivid sense of place, immersing the reader in the sights, sounds, and smells of the 19th-century maritime world. The novel is also notable for its historical accuracy and attention to detail. O'Brian, a lifelong sailor and scholar of naval history, brings the era to life with his meticulous research and vivid prose. The result is a novel that is not only entertaining but also informative, shedding light on a fascinating period in history. Overall, "Blue at the Mizzen" is a satisfying addition to the Aubrey-Maturin series. Fans of the series will appreciate the continued development of the characters and the rich historical detail, while newcomers will be drawn into the world of the HMS Surprise and its crew. Highly recommended for fans of nautical fiction and historical novels...
Patrick O'Brian
Master and Commander
If you're new to Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey-Maturin series, 'Master and Commander' is a great place to start. This novel introduces Captain Jack Aubrey and his ship's surgeon, Stephen Maturin, and their early adventures together. Fans of 'Blue at the Mizzen' will enjoy going back to the beginning of the series.
Learn MorePatrick O'Brian
The Commodore
In 'The Commodore', the sixteenth book in the Aubrey-Maturin series, Captain Jack Aubrey is given a new command and must navigate both the high seas and the complexities of naval politics. Fans of 'Blue at the Mizzen' will enjoy the continued development of Aubrey and Maturin's relationship in this novel.
Learn MorePatrick O'Brian
The Ionian Mission
In 'The Ionian Mission', the tenth book in the Aubrey-Maturin series, Captain Jack Aubrey is sent on a mission to the Mediterranean. Fans of 'Blue at the Mizzen' will enjoy the political intrigue and the detailed descriptions of naval warfare in this novel.
Learn MorePatrick O'Brian
Treason's Harbour
In 'Treason's Harbour', the twelfth book in the Aubrey-Maturin series, Captain Jack Aubrey and his crew become embroiled in a plot to betray the British navy. Fans of 'Blue at the Mizzen' will enjoy the complex plotting and the detailed descriptions of life in Malta in this novel.
Learn MorePatrick O'Brian
The Far Side of the World
In 'The Far Side of the World', the thirteenth book in the Aubrey-Maturin series, Captain Jack Aubrey and his crew are sent on a mission to the Pacific. Fans of 'Blue at the Mizzen' will enjoy the detailed descriptions of life at sea and the challenges of navigating the vast ocean in this novel.
Learn MorePatrick O'Brian
The Surgeon's Mate
In 'The Surgeon's Mate', the fifteenth book in the Aubrey-Maturin series, Captain Jack Aubrey and his ship's surgeon, Stephen Maturin, are captured by the Americans and must find a way to escape. Fans of 'Blue at the Mizzen' will enjoy the detailed descriptions of life in an American prison and the challenges of escape in this novel.
Learn MorePatrick O'Brian
The Yellow Admiral
In 'The Yellow Admiral', the eighteenth book in the Aubrey-Maturin series, Captain Jack Aubrey must navigate the complexities of the Napoleonic Wars and the political maneuverings of the British navy. Fans of 'Blue at the Mizzen' will enjoy the detailed descriptions of naval warfare and the challenges of leadership in this novel.
Learn MorePatrick O'Brian
The Hundred Days
In 'The Hundred Days', the nineteenth book in the Aubrey-Maturin series, Captain Jack Aubrey and his crew are sent on a mission to the Mediterranean during the final days of the Napoleonic Wars. Fans of 'Blue at the Mizzen' will enjoy the detailed descriptions of naval warfare and the challenges of leadership in this novel.
Learn More