H.M.S. Surprise cover art

H.M.S. Surprise

Aubrey-Maturin Series, Book 3

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H.M.S. Surprise

By: Patrick O'Brian
Narrated by: Ric Jerrom
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About this listen

H.M.S. Surprise, the third in O'Brian's acclaimed Aubrey-Maturin series, follows the variable fortunes of Captain Jack Aubrey's career in Nelson's navy, as he attempts to hold his ground against admirals, colleagues, and the enemy, and accepts a commission to convey a British ambassador to the East Indies. The voyage leads him and his friend Stephen Maturin to the strange sights and smells of the Indian subcontinent, and through the archipelago of Spice Islands where the French have a near-overwhelming local superiority.

Rarely has a novel managed to convey more vividly the fragility of a sailing ship in a wild sea. Rarely has a historical novelist combined action and lyricism of style in the way that O'Brian does. His superb sense of place, brilliant characterisation and a vigour and joy of writing lifts O'Brian above other writers in this genre.

©1973 Patrick O'Brian (P)2014 Audible, Inc. Action & Adventure Genre Fiction Historical Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Sea Adventures Thriller & Suspense Adventure Fiction Sailing Island

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All stars
Most relevant  
Another classic work from one of the English language's most underrated writers. Beautifully read by Richard Jerrom who puts his heart and soul into these totally convincing characters.

Superb

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Awesome way to enjoy again a book previously read. The voice over infused such life into all the characters. Superb.

Awesome way to enjoy again a book previously read

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Very good the use of language in the old style is good overall enjoyed it

Entertaining

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This is where the series really gets going. So many ups and downs, so much excitement.. wonderful stuff! Ric Jerrom’s narration is superb.

I’m right there with them..

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The action with the convoy was enthralling and will be with me for a while.

Loved it!

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One more cracking yarn skillfully brought to life, very enjoyable. Getting used to ' audible ' looking forward to the next in the series..

"HMS Surprise" - an enjoyable voyage

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As always, a good story very well read, great characterization, atmosphere and action, on to the next one

Well read

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Characters the focus of this 2nd book on the series - sets me up to read all. Far less action but the union between the captain & surgeon fascinating set up the series brilliantly.

Characters the focus of this 2nd book on the series - sets me up to read all

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My royal-navy-loving husband wore me down and got me listening to these books, after finishing the Sharpe series. I'm well and truly hooked on the story and been slowly acquainting myself with nautical vocabulary. Truly suspenseful storytelling, awesome narrator, lots of humourous dialog! Adventure stories GOLD.

Favourite book of the series so far

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Ric Jerrom deserves an oscar for narrating the complete Aubrey/Maturin works
There must be an English award for best narrating !

One of the best books in the series

Ric Jerrom deserves an oscar

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