Treason's Harbour

Rating:
Summary: A Highlight of the Series -- So Far...
Review: This is the ninth book in the Aubrey/Maturin series and it stands as one of the best, in my opinion, and nearly a rival for "Desolation Island." With all due respect to most of the other reviews here, this book had me riveted and quite moved by the end. Maybe it has something to do with the main setting: Malta, Eqypt and the Red Sea. Some people may be bored by it. I felt the story played across the desert landscape quite beautifully. This is a gripping read, full of political and personal intrigue, great atmosphere, science (Stephen and that damned diving bell) and pitch-perfect characterizations, especially of the two principal protagonists. While Maturin is usually treated more three-dimensionally in the books, it is rare to see Aubrey as fully. Here you have him whole, and powerfully heroic.

Rating:
Summary: A Highlight of the Series -- So Far...
Review: This is the ninth book in the Aubrey/Maturin series and it stands as one of the best, in my opinion, and nearly a rival for "Desolation Island." With all due respect to most of the other reviews here, this book had me riveted and quite moved by the end. Maybe it has something to do with the main setting: Malta, Eqypt and the Red Sea. Some people may be bored by it. I felt the story played across the desert landscape quite beautifully. This is a gripping read, full of political and personal intrigue, great atmosphere, science (Stephen and that damned diving bell) and pitch-perfect characterizations, especially of the two principal protagonists. While Maturin is usually treated more three-dimensionally in the books, it is rare to see Aubrey as fully. Here you have him whole, and powerfully heroic.

Rating:
Summary: A Highlight of the Series -- So Far...
Review: This novel of the Napoleonic Wars represents one of the very best in this deservedly beloved series. While the plot is dense with intrigue and surprises, the characterizations are what set this book apart from its mates. The closing passages contain some of O'Brian's very finest prose. Highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: A return to form by a modern master
Review: This novel of the Napoleonic Wars represents one of the very best in this deservedly beloved series. While the plot is dense with intrigue and surprises, the characterizations are what set this book apart from its mates. The closing passages contain some of O'Brian's very finest prose. Highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: Treading water
Review: Treason's Harbour is an extremely slow paced story of mild intrigue in Malta. The period details sound a bit strained--would Jack Aubrey really treat his diamond headband so recklessly? And the two minor naval engagements seem thrown in for no other reason than to justify the cover. I certainly feel that I know more about eighteenth century music parties of the Mediterranean than I have any business knowing. Overall, the novel was not terrible, but I wish I'd re-read a Hornblower novel instead.

Rating:
Summary: Interesting period piece, but Hornblower is better.
Review: Treason's Harbour is an extremely slow paced story of mild intrigue in Malta. The period details sound a bit strained--would Jack Aubrey really treat his diamond headband so recklessly? And the two minor naval engagements seem thrown in for no other reason than to justify the cover. I certainly feel that I know more about eighteenth century music parties of the Mediterranean than I have any business knowing. Overall, the novel was not terrible, but I wish I'd re-read a Hornblower novel instead.