Read by Patrick Tull, This one gets pretty deep into Turkish politics toward the latter half and it's a bit deeper than I care to dive on such topics. I find my mind wandering and losing the narrative. Still, it's O'Brian, and it's great on all the same levels as every other book in the series, and in this one, Pullings will finally get his step. Some great narration of the battle at the end with Jack and the Surprises fighting among the Turks first with cannon and carronades, then hand to hand.

I thoroughly enjoyed the subplot with the ancient Admiral Thornton wanting to battle the French to put a final touch on his life's work, and then not being able to catch them when at last they come out of Toulon. Heartbreaking. Graham, the irascible would-be spy, and one-eyed Martin who will become a regular later, make appearances. Good old Babbington is also there as captain of the Dryad.

Stephen's presence is less felt in this book as Graham, who speaks Turkish, is the prime negotiator for the British. Stephen does get set ashore for some spy intrigues in a march, but fails in the mission because the amateur Graham spoils it. Admiral Harte is also trying to get Jack into trouble by issuing vague orders, and Jack calls him out on his shenanigans in front of the blockade's commander Admiral Thornton. Harte has to back down.

Read this one with a map because the movements are a little hard to follow. This one ends a little too abruptly for my taste. ( )

El capitan Jack Aubrey recibe la orden de hacerse cargo del viejo y defectuoso Worcester y participar en el bloqueo de Tolon, donde le espera una nueva y delicadisima mision: buscar un alidado que le ayude a expulsar a los franceses de aquellas aguas. Stephen Maturin, cirujano, espia y sobre todo amigo, sera de inestimable ayuda para llevar a buen puerto tal empresa; pero el Mediterraneo es un avispero lleno de sorpresas desagradables.

Another good sea adventure historical in this series. ( )

Spectacular - one of the best I've read of the series so far. ( )

Well, this was the first one of these that I had a little trouble finishing. It a lot going on here. I mean, of course the writing is beautiful, the language incredible, but I’ll admit I was a bit bored. ( )