Play Audiobook Sample
H.M.S. Surprise Audiobook
Play Audiobook Sample
(4.00) - 10,408 listener ratings
Quick Stats About this Audiobook
Total Audiobook Chapters:
Longest Chapter Length:
Shortest Chapter Length:
Average Chapter Length:
Audiobooks by this Author:
Publisher Description
Third in the series of Aubrey-Maturin adventures, this book is set among the strange sights and smells of the Indian subcontinent, and in the distant waters ploughed by the ships of the East India Company. Aubrey is on the defensive, pitting wits and seamanship against an enemy enjoying overwhelming local superiority. But somewhere in the Indian Ocean lies the prize that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams: the ships sent by Napoleon to attack the China Fleet...
Download and start listening now!
"This is the 4th entry in the Aubrey/Maturin series of British naval novels set during the Napoleonic Wars. This book is more focused on actual military actions than the immediately preceding HMS Surprise as it chronicles the conquering of French islands in the Indian Ocean. I think I liked the 3rd book a bit more, but this was still a completely engaging and exciting tale. I continue to be impressed with the wonderful characters along with the layering and depth of historical and period detail in these books; this story was even based on an actual campaign undertaken by the British Navy."
— Julia (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
-
“There are two types of people in the world: Patrick O’Brian fans, and those who haven’t read him yet.”
— Guardian, praise for the author -
“The best historical novels ever written.”
— New York Times Book Reviews, praise for the series
H.M.S. Surprise Listener Reviews
-
—
wyatt daniels, 2/11/2024
-
—
Timothy Sly, 12/18/2023
-
—
Doug , 2/26/2023
-
—
David Bamford, 1/9/2023
-
—
Bruce Jondle, 10/14/2022
-
—
Dale Williams, 4/18/2022
-
—
Edwin Gordon, 3/19/2022
-
—
Jerald McCoy, 2/8/2022
-
—
Tim Buckley, 3/23/2021
-
—
John, 10/8/2019
-
—
Herb Schilling, 9/2/2019
-
—
Thomas Hjerpe, 1/9/2019
-
" Not as good as the third book but better than the first two. If the series holds out much this then I think I'll finish it in no time, enjoying every second. "
— Nicholas, 2/19/2014 -
" I love this series, but I have to admit I am somewhat lost on every page with the English and seamen vernaculars, complex military maneuvers, and an endless series of ships and mates. Extremely well-written, amazing detail for the period, and excellent characters make each of these great--but The Mauritius Command was the best so far. "
— Garrick, 2/16/2014 -
" All of the battles in this book, both on land and at sea, are based directly on the real battle for the Mauritius Islands but with the fictional Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin mixed in. This book finds the main characters older and more subdued but still characters that O'Brian has made into likable old friends to the reader. O'Brian's attention to detail and love of the tall ships comes across and makes these highly enjoyable reads. I'm not recommending this one more because the reality got in the way of the story, the strange back and forth of the actual Mauritius campaign made this one drag a little bit at times. "
— Steve, 2/11/2014 -
" I wish I could give this a rating of 4.75 as of its genre it certainly deserves top rating. The action is brilliantly described and the period flavour is unmatched. The characters are all 3-dimensional and there is a great deal of humanity in the writing. A wonderful novel. "
— Winnie, 2/5/2014 -
" bring on the next one! "
— Sean, 1/31/2014 -
" Book 4 in the Aubrey/Maturin series opens with a glimpse of a domesticated Aubrey, but before long, Aubrey is placed in command of a squadron of ships whose mission is to wrest two strategic islands from the French. There is a good amount of action, as well as naval strategy and also politics behind the scenes. And as always, O'Brian's vividly portrayed characters and lively dialogue. Excellent. "
— Stan, 1/27/2014 -
" Solid. Liked it. Will read the next one. "
— Tara, 1/22/2014 -
" Re-read: 7/2012 "
— Sara, 1/19/2014 -
" The series gets interesting again with a new sailing adventure to the Mauritius islands, more skulduggery on the part of the admiralty, unfortunately more emphasis on the love triangle b/w a headstrong widow of an army capt. from India, Capt. Aubrey and the doctor. "
— Kendra, 1/15/2014 -
" Even better.... "
— Jillian, 1/10/2014 -
" This is the fourth book in the extensive series tracing the nautical life and career of Lucky Jack Aubrey and his friend Stephen Maurtin. This series is set in the very late-1700's and early-1800's on board various ships of the British navy in the turbulent struggle against Napoleon. The nautical terms can be daunting but reading through the descriptions you can still feel the hot action of battle or the boring routine of the doldrums. "
— Alan, 1/8/2014 -
" Previously read in late 2008. "
— Greg, 12/30/2013 -
" I do love a good sea yarn. The audiobook was read by the amazing Simon Vance, reason enough to listen. He really makes this series come alive. "
— Holly, 10/24/2013 -
" it's like hornblower for grownups. or star trek for nautical nerds. well done, considering it's the 4th installment in like a 37 part series. "
— dead, 10/17/2013 -
" I like Patrick O'Brian's books, but not a must read for me. "
— Rod, 10/7/2013 -
" Best book in the Aubrey-Maturin series so far. "
— Jack, 9/24/2013 -
" God bless Lucky Jack Aubrey! "
— Phil, 9/21/2013 -
" I wish I could give this a rating of 4.75 as of its genre it certainly deserves top rating. The action is brilliantly described and the period flavour is unmatched. The characters are all 3-dimensional and there is a great deal of humanity in the writing. A wonderful novel. "
— Winnie, 9/4/2013 -
" Previously read in late 2008. "
— Greg, 9/1/2013 -
" My least favorite volume in the Aubrey/Maturin series so far. At times a listless read, though the inclusion of early pyschology regarding Captain Clonfert sparked an interest. More like watching war exercises than real warfare. "
— Michael, 8/18/2013 -
" I am loving these books. This book deals with one specific set of orders. Well contained. Patrick O'Brian is a first class writer. "
— Ashley, 8/15/2013 -
" Another great tale of action and adventure. I particularly like this novel because it so closely follows an actual navy/army campaign East of the cape of good hope. "
— Michael, 8/5/2013 -
" I have to think this might be the best in the series. O'Brian is at his best here. "
— Nick, 6/23/2013 -
" Patrick Tull's reading is marvelous, especially during the battle scenes or any nautical maneuvering. "
— Jamie, 6/22/2013 -
" Maturin is the klutziest spy ever, and Aubrey still makes bad puns. I love them. "
— Lara, 12/31/2012 -
" Another great sea lovers story. "
— Wendy, 12/27/2012 -
" Napoleonic naval "
— Ron, 12/19/2012 -
" Excellent read, as usual, but more than usual to do with military history than the personal battles. "
— Emily, 12/9/2012 -
" My most addicting series. Almost makes a Tory out of me. "
— Wrpainting, 12/8/2012 -
" Was disappointed. The plot line didn't hang together very well and it ended abruptly and oddly. I was also disappointed by the depiction of Mauritius. Its beauty and amazing micro climates are wholly absent. A bit like read a book about Hawaii and thinking it wasn't much different from Nebraska. "
— Roy, 11/24/2012 -
" Another fine adventure with Lucky Jack and his surgeon Maturin. Beware when you pick up this series they are addictive and they are hard to put down. "
— Murdock, 8/6/2012 -
" This is a very enjoyable book. Each story has stood on its own without the necessity of reading the series. But the fact that it is part of series is a real bonus. "
— Tom, 7/23/2012 -
" The series gets interesting again with a new sailing adventure to the Mauritius islands, more skulduggery on the part of the admiralty, unfortunately more emphasis on the love triangle b/w a headstrong widow of an army capt. from India, Capt. Aubrey and the doctor. "
— Kendra, 7/4/2012 -
" Absolutely brilliant character development and plotting--as ever. O'Brian hits his stride and the pacing is fabulous. "
— RachelAnne, 6/19/2012 -
" First book I've finished in forever! What on earth have I been doing with myself for the last month??? "
— Ali, 6/15/2012 -
" A great adventure - one of my favorites in the series so far. "
— DC, 5/18/2012 -
" Still loving the Aubrey/Maturin series :) "
— Scott, 3/22/2012 -
" it's like hornblower for grownups. or star trek for nautical nerds. well done, considering it's the 4th installment in like a 37 part series. "
— dead, 9/14/2011 -
" So hard to put down . . . "
— Kathy, 8/29/2011 -
" My least favorite volume in the Aubrey/Maturin series so far. At times a listless read, though the inclusion of early pyschology regarding Captain Clonfert sparked an interest. More like watching war exercises than real warfare. "
— Michael, 7/9/2011 -
" Another great one in the Aubrey/Maturin series "
— Jackivers, 6/21/2011 -
" Read...well didn't finish. As fascinated as I was about the Mauritius history of the English taking over the island from the French as I've been there and heard all about it...just couldn't get through it even though I'm a sailor and all.......snore! Just not my style. "
— Janeen, 5/26/2011 -
" I'm sorry, I'm just not going to give any of this series less than five stars. There. I've said it. "
— Horton, 5/8/2011 -
" I'm sorry, I'm just not going to give any of this series less than five stars. There. I've said it. "
— Horton, 5/8/2011 -
" Here, among other things, he dips into Kipling. Does he really maintain this quality for 20 books? "
— Fred, 5/4/2011 -
" Here, among other things, he dips into Kipling. Does he really maintain this quality for 20 books? "
— Fred, 5/4/2011 -
" Naval action, evocative descriptions of British-held India, romance, and a sloth. All are terrific, but the sloth may be my favorite. Another five stars for Aubrey/Maturin #3. "
— Brackman1066, 4/16/2011 -
" Naval action, evocative descriptions of British-held India, romance, and a sloth. All are terrific, but the sloth may be my favorite. Another five stars for Aubrey/Maturin #3. "
— Brackman1066, 4/16/2011 -
" This is possibly my favorite book in the canon. It strikes an excellent balance between Naval Warfare and Naval Intelligence (which is not very different than striking a balance between focus on Aubrey and Focus on Maturin). "
— Blah, 4/6/2011 -
" This is possibly my favorite book in the canon. It strikes an excellent balance between Naval Warfare and Naval Intelligence (which is not very different than striking a balance between focus on Aubrey and Focus on Maturin). "
— Brett, 4/6/2011 -
" This is possibly my favorite book in the canon. It strikes an excellent balance between Naval Warfare and Naval Intelligence (which is not very different than striking a balance between focus on Aubrey and Focus on Maturin). "
— Blah, 4/6/2011 -
" This is possibly my favorite book in the canon. It strikes an excellent balance between Naval Warfare and Naval Intelligence (which is not very different than striking a balance between focus on Aubrey and Focus on Maturin). "
— Brett, 4/6/2011 -
" Much better than I thought - not too much fighting! "
— Carey, 4/4/2011 -
" Much better than I thought - not too much fighting! "
— Carey, 4/4/2011 -
" A calmer book than either of the first two, mostly about sailing to India and what it's like there, and then at the end OMG SOME STUFF HAPPENS just to get our hearts pounding pleasantly. Oh, those French. Oh, Diana. This is the book from which the movie took Stephen's auto-bullet-removal. "
— Megan, 3/30/2011 -
" A calmer book than either of the first two, mostly about sailing to India and what it's like there, and then at the end OMG SOME STUFF HAPPENS just to get our hearts pounding pleasantly. Oh, those French. Oh, Diana. This is the book from which the movie took Stephen's auto-bullet-removal. "
— Megan, 3/30/2011 -
" Always pleasurable. <br/><br/>Previously read in late 2008. "
— Greg, 3/13/2011 -
" Always pleasurable. <br/><br/>Previously read in late 2008. "
— Greg, 3/13/2011 -
" It doesn't get much better than this. "
— Lance, 3/2/2011 -
" It doesn't get much better than this. "
— Lance, 3/2/2011 -
" Is there anything more fun then a Patrick O'Brian romp with Aubrey and Maturin? This is one of my favourites. "
— Robert, 2/20/2011 -
" Is there anything more fun then a Patrick O'Brian romp with Aubrey and Maturin? This is one of my favourites. "
— Robert, 2/20/2011 -
" Aubrey and the Doctor travel to India. O'Brian's desciptions are very vivid, demanding that we do not apply the 'West" to the sub continent.. Agood ripping yarn.. "
— Mark, 1/15/2011 -
" Aubrey and the Doctor travel to India. O'Brian's desciptions are very vivid, demanding that we do not apply the 'West" to the sub continent.. Agood ripping yarn.. "
— Mark, 1/15/2011 -
" better than the second one, not as good as the first "
— David, 1/14/2011 -
" better than the second one, not as good as the first "
— David, 1/14/2011 -
" Great Book a little dry while he's still on land but finishes up with some great actions.<br/> "
— Andy, 1/6/2011 -
" Great Book a little dry while he's still on land but finishes up with some great actions.<br/> "
— Andy, 1/6/2011 -
" Book three same as one and two. "
— Daniel, 12/20/2010 -
" Book three same as one and two. "
— Daniel, 12/20/2010
About Patrick O'Brian
Patrick O’Brian (1914–2000), a translator and author of biographies, was best known as the author of the highly acclaimed Aubrey–Maturin series of historical novels. Set in the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars ,this twenty-volume series centers on the enduring friendship between naval officer Jack Aubrey and physician and spy Stephen Maturin. The Far Side of the World, the tenth book in the series, was adapted into a 2003 film directed by Peter Weir and starring Russell Crowe and Paul Bettany. The film was nominated for ten Oscars, including Best Picture. He wrote acclaimed biographies of Pablo Picasso and Sir Joseph Banks. He also translated many works from the French, among them the novels and memoirs of Simone de Beauvoir and Jean Lacouture’s biographies of Charles de Gaulle.
About Patrick Tull
Patrick Tull (1941–2006), born in the United Kingdom, was a multitalented actor of the stage, screen, and television, as well as an award-winning audiobook narrator. He acted in numerous American television shows from 1962 to 1996, including Crossroads, and he had roles in six Broadway plays between 1967 and 1992, including Amadeus. His film credits from 1969 to 1996 included roles as Cecil in Parting Glances and Jerry the bartender in Sleepers. He served as narrator for the television series Sea Tales. He narrated nearly forty audiobooks, and his readings of The Canterbury Tales, The Letter of Marque, Monk’s Hood, The Vicar of Wakefield, and How Green Was My Valley each earned him an AudioFile Earphones Award. His narration of Patrick O’Brian’s Aubrey/Maturin novels was praised by novelist Stephen King as among his ten favorite audiobooks of 2006.