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Summary: Commanding!
Review: Master and Commander is yet another fascinating novel by Patrick O'Brian. I love series novels, and just finished The Triumph and the Glory, the first in a series of Cold War novels, but that's another story. Master and Commander is classic fiction, Aubrey and Maturin will live forever for generations of readers, because these books are so good they will be read a hundred years from now with the same fervor.
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Summary: For Many of Us, a Cassette Version is the Answer!
Review: Reading "Master & Commander" can be hard because he tells you a lot about sailing ships and the navy, using terms that are unfamiliar. But I listened to an (unabridged) book-on-tape of this book, and it was splendid. You roll with the story! You get in the tempo and feel the excitement of a wind coming up! (And I've never been on a sailboat!) If, at times, I was confused with the sailing jargon, I rewound and listened again, or kept going, depending on how interesting the arcane tidbit seemed to me. I highly highly highly recommend this book - though, if you're like me, a cassette version will better suit.
Rating: 
Summary: A disappointing book with trite characterisations.
Review: This book was well recommended to me, and I suggested it to my bookclub. Few of the members of the bookclub were able to finish the book due to its over dependence on naval terms. My main objection to the book is that it never seemed to reach the potential it seemed to have. I was left hanging wanting to learn some useful insight into Jack or Stephen. The book completely missed the potential it had to develop an enthralling and enlightening characterisation of men in adverse conditions. Basically not much fun, worthwhile adventure or depth of perception in this read.
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Summary: Even if you think you have NO interest at all--TRY IT!
Review: I am always surprised by the people who like these books--people from such diverse backgrounds and interests. Sure, there's fun in going back to another time, another place, and having incredible adventures... fun in trying to distinguish a top-gallant from a mizzenmast, fun in the language and the word-play... but the whole seems to add up to something even greater, if you can believe it! Give it a try! And have fun!
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Summary: This series nearly cost me two friends...
Review: I made the mistake of recommending these books to two close friends. One bought the entire series to date and disappeared into the Napoleonic Wars for two weeks, to emerge a broken, haunted man with nothing left to live for - save the periodic release of another installment.The other was more casual initially, yet he later sent me a scathing E-mail chastising me for taking such a huge chunk from his personal and professional life, in that he now had to round up every title and read them nonstop. The characterizations are all to human, the dialog delightful. From the first we are made aware of Aubrey's and Maturin's flaws as well as their gifts, and yet we love and respect them all the more for them. No cardboard cutout heroes here, but flesh and blood. This is where the series begins, in the sunny Mediterranean. Soak up the olive oil and red wine while you can, because if you follow our heroes' journeys you will find yourself in the chill drizzle of England, the glassy oppressive heat of the Indian Ocean, the driving squalls of the Cape of Good Hope, and the languid sultriness of the South Pacific. All in all, a worthwhile trip in good company.
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Summary: Potential Traffic Hazard
Review: 'Snopes' in California (comment - 30 Nov '98) puts it well: revel in 'Master and Commander' such that you get well and truly hooked; don't draw comparisons with Austen (it's not fair to Mr O'Brian); definitely read the 2nd in the series, 'Post Captain' but do not take it as setting the tone for the rest of the series. Far from it. It was my best friend who suggested I read a book from the series and I was luke warm about it at the time. Nosing around a shop in ST. Katherine's Dock (of all places) in London on a boring Sunday afternoon, I spotted an abridged version of 'Master and Commander' on audio tape. Taking this as an omen I thought it wouldn't hurt, especially as I used to spend so much time in my car driving to and from work. After playing one tape, I almost came to grief whilst frantically searching for the next in the passenger footwell. In terms of pace, mood and immediate subject matter, the difference between the first and second books in this series is something akin to Chalk and Cheese. After finishing Master and Commander, you're left outside the nearest bookshop fairly willing the clock to strike opening time for the second helping; you won't be prepared for Post Captain. You will read through diligently in the vain hope that some 'orders' will arrive for the intrepid duo, but alas... The truth is that readers are not prepared for the change in pace, but my personal feeling is that 'Post Captain' is probably the most accomplished book in the series and the best example of just how much Patrick O'Brian is a master of his chosen subject and period. True evidence, I feel, of a wonderful, three-dimensional author (billyjnyc, please take note - try Post Captain if you want more depth and roundness to the characters - trust me). Post Captain is oftened maligned because of the structured expectations we form before delving into it after Master and Commander, but it is a beautiful piece of work, a fascinating window on the localised society of the time and a solid and important foundation for the rest of the series. As for the rest of the series? Giving up smoking could never have been as traumatic as closing the cover on the last book: hands together, praying for another. sc.
Rating: 
Summary: What is all the fuss about? VERY overrated.
Review: What a boring book!! Having to read the other 16 or whatever books in the series would be like a punishment. Only reason I read this was that it was selected by our book club. Aubrey and Maturin are not very profound or complex characters. I was not impressed with O'brian evolution of characters - the arcane language gave the story a gloss but no substance. This is like the Hardy Boys series for adults.
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Summary: Jesus, Mary and Patrick be with you: read these books!
Review: The shame of the world then, if you have never treated yourself to a Patrick O'Brian before. In this delectable 18 volume series (may it never end) one finds the best of all possible reads. Begin with Master and Commander, get comfortable and give yourself up to a very great pleasure. Mr. O'Brian, my glass to you, sir!
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Summary: Even if you don't care for Jane Austen . . .
Review: I couldn't add any accolades for Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey/Maturin series that haven't been expressed here already. I do have a few words for the undecided, however: 1) If you like "Master and Commander," you definitely want to read the rest of the series. 2) Don't be put off by comparisons of O'Brian to Jane Austen. I don't care for Austen's works at all, but I love the Aubrey/Maturin series. 3) The second book in the series, "Post Captain," is the longest (and in my opinion, the least interesting, most Austen-like) book of the series. Don't give up on the series if this entry isn't to your liking. - snopes
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Summary: The beginning of the greatest series of sea adventures
Review: To Mr. Holmes who asked the question of what happens when he has read the last page of the last of the O'Brian sea adventures, based on his fictional characters Capn. Aubrey and Dr.Maturin. For one hope that Patrick O'Brian continues to live a long healthy life. He manages to turn out a new book each year. When I had completed reading all 18 books, I simply started with Master and Commander and read them again. When I was bed ridden due to my Cancer,I reread them a third time. Each reading enhances your appreciation of O'Brian and his magnificent use of language and detail of the times our heros lived in. I have read every author of books in this genre, no one comes close to O'Brian. Amazingly, his books have only become very popular in the past five years. His following has grown and his books will be read for decades to come. Mr. O'Brian, thank you for all the reading pleasure you have given me for the past 10 years.
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