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
All stars
Most relevant
As good as ever wonderful characterisation in the narration Will read them all thanks again

Derring do

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Patrick O'Brien was a writer at the very top of his game. He really knew how to draw the reader into the Napoleonic era and his descriptions of life at sea is exceptional.

His style has become a little dated but that is to be expected and becomes part of the charm of his books. To the modern reader, the pace can feel a little plodding at times but his battle scenes are worth the wait.

O'Brien always has the ability to make the reader feel thoroughly, entertained, educated and satisfied when the final page is turned.

An oldie but a goldie

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I disliked nothing … excellently read. A true adventure. I would recommend the series to anyone who loves historical novels.

The quality of writing and the reading. I’m

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Patrick O’Brian was one of the most beguiling authors, with a turn of phrase equal to Woodhouse. And Jerome voices it magnificently. Jack is very believable, Stephen the querulous genius and Mrs Williams gets the voice she deserves.

Rollicking good yarn, beautifully told

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Ric Jerome is brilliant...giving life to the characters, wonderful detail perfect escapism from life on land in 2017!!!

Completely addictive listening!

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.