The Fortune of War Audiobook, by Patrick O'Brian Play Audiobook Sample

The Fortune of War Audiobook

The Fortune of War Audiobook, by Patrick O'Brian Play Audiobook Sample
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Read By: Patrick Tull Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc. Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 8.83 hours at 1.5x Speed 6.63 hours at 2.0x Speed Series: The Aubrey–Maturin Series Release Date: December 2003 Format: Unabridged Audiobook ISBN: 9781440780950

Quick Stats About this Audiobook

Total Audiobook Chapters:

20

Longest Chapter Length:

57:51 minutes

Shortest Chapter Length:

01:04 minutes

Average Chapter Length:

39:36 minutes

Audiobooks by this Author:

65

Other Audiobooks Written by Patrick O'Brian: > View All...

Publisher Description

En route home, Aubrey and Maturin find themselves in deep trouble when their ship engages the U.S.S. Constitution in battle-and loses. Aubrey, now a POW in Boston, waits for word of a prisoner exchange, while Maturin renews a most cherished friendship.

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"I was in the middle of slogging through Dune Messiah and needed to read something I knew I would love. So it was time to return to Patrick O'Brian, Jack Aubrey, and Stephen Maturin. The Fortune of War did not fail to be the comfort novel I was yearning for. The book follows Aubrey's vain attempts to return to England to assume command of a plum ship. Of course, in classic O'Brian style, every sort of misadventure befalls the heroes, from a fire at see, to being prisoners of war in Boston. I loved the Boston interlude, with Maturin's espionage against the French catching up with him in dramatic fashion. If O'Brian provided an ounce less detail, the situations that Aubrey and Maturin always find themselves in would seem ridiculous, but because his world is so complete and convincing, O'Brian has a surfeit of good faith from his readers, who indulge him in all of his flights of historical fancy."

— Mike (4 out of 5 stars)

Quotes

  • “A marvelously full-flavored, engrossing book, which towers over its current rivals in the genre like a three-decker over a ship’s longboat.”

    — Times Literary Supplement (London)

The Fortune of War Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 4.25 out of 54.25 out of 54.25 out of 54.25 out of 54.25 out of 5 (4.25)
5 Stars: 27
4 Stars: 26
3 Stars: 11
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Narration: 4.875 out of 54.875 out of 54.875 out of 54.875 out of 54.875 out of 5 (4.88)
5 Stars: 7
4 Stars: 1
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Story: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 (5.00)
5 Stars: 7
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Write a Review
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I am enjoying "rereading" the Aubrey-Maturin series in Patrick Tull's narration. This was another great installment. "

    — ILRose, 8/28/2023
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — David Bamford, 11/30/2022
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — Bruce Jondle, 10/30/2022
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — Doug , 6/21/2022
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — Todd Palmer, 6/8/2020
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — Thomas Hjerpe, 3/24/2020
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " The Fortune of War lives up the usual high standards of the Aubrey-Maturin series by Patrick O'Brian. On top of the staple benefits of the series, this novel gives the reader nuanced and historically accurate views of the War of 1812 from multiple British and American perspectives. A must-read for those interested in that conflict or early American naval history. "

    — Paul, 2/28/2018
  • Overall Performance: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — Anthony Schiro, 11/10/2017
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This continues to be a very enjoyable series. Although, this story seemed to be more of a "bridge" as it doesn't really come to a final resolution (in my opinion). The writing continues to be great and the characters full and real. "

    — Sadie, 2/20/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Napleonic naval "

    — Ron, 2/18/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Another excellent Aubrey/Maturin adventure. "

    — James, 2/13/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Good. It certainly has become a serial at this point instead of stand alone books. Stephen is fascinating. "

    — Michael, 2/11/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Not one of my favorites so far, but still a solid story. Maturin gets lots of good page time, and there's some great material showing the depth of the friendship between him and Aubrey. "

    — Kathryn, 2/9/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This used to be my favourite of the series, but now that position is taken by Destination Island. It's still pretty good, but a lot of it is Aubrey and Maturin waiting for things to happen. "

    — Erik, 2/4/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This was another good book in the Aubrey-Maturin series. I never get tired of the quality of the author's writing, or with the tales of derring-do. "

    — John, 1/27/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " continues to make me dream of sailing into the sunset... "

    — Andre, 1/27/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " another wonderful aubrey and maturin saga. terrific dialog and interesting vignettes of the sea. our boys are captured in the war of 1812 after being sunk by the uss constitution. they spend a winter in boston, but eventually 'escape' and take some modest revenge on an american ship. "

    — Jrobertus, 1/25/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This novel focuses on the English/American war of 1812 and it provides an excellent view of the darker side of Stephen Maturin's life. The descriptions of the dangerous, fog filled city most of the book is set in are a perfect metaphor for the shady world of espionage O' Brian explores. "

    — Maeve, 1/15/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Lots of good spy stuff in this one, although Jack also gets a chance to shine. A little different from the rest of the series in that most of the action takes place on land, but really excellent. "

    — Brackman1066, 1/8/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Another great installment from the Aubrey-Maturin series. Here the War of 1812 has broken out and we find Aubrey & Maturin prisoners captured by the Americans. A good chunk of the book takes place in Boston, crawling with American-allied French, where Maturin deals with enemy French spies and runs into the love of his life, but there are still a couple of very exciting naval battles. I was struck in this book by the violence and ubiquity of death, both at sea and on land. Death in these books is sometimes casual and sometimes tragic, but there is plenty of it. This book is again so, so funny and delightful and gripping. I was reading part of it waiting for a doctor's appointment and I was so engrossed that I literally started and couldn't quite remember where I was when they called my name. "

    — Julia, 1/4/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Just finished this one, I've read a lot of these books, can't remember sometimes which ones's i've finished. In this one he is at war with the French and America. Has a battle with two American ships, loses one and wins one. "

    — Mike, 1/3/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Yes, this series is as amazing as everyone says it is. If you like boats, start at book one. If you don't, start at book two. "

    — John, 1/3/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I just really like all of these books. Interesting characters and complex plots. "

    — DC, 12/31/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Good book on tape. "

    — Wendy, 12/11/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Read the first five books in the Aubrey-Maturin series and am now listening to the sixth, wonderfully narrated by Patrick Tull. Listening let's me savor O'Brien's rich language more fully. "

    — Webster, 11/1/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Stephen understands so much about life.... and Jack, so little! But Jack is the ultimate sailor, and Stephen, despite years on board with Jack, still doesn't know a halyard from a sheet! "

    — LDuchess, 10/19/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Excellent, as expected! "

    — Kathleen, 10/16/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " One of the best of the navy series by Patrick O'Brian. In this book, Jack and his surgeon friend are in the USA as prisoners of war. I like the diplomacy and personal parts of the book more than the straight out naval battles. "

    — Jimmy, 8/16/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Previously read in late 2008. Read again in September 2010. "

    — Greg, 6/14/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " 1st Recorded Reading: August 2001 "

    — Kathryn, 3/26/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Yes, this series is as amazing as everyone says it is. If you like boats, start at book one. If you don't, start at book two. "

    — John, 1/21/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This novel focuses on the English/American war of 1812 and it provides an excellent view of the darker side of Stephen Maturin's life. The descriptions of the dangerous, fog filled city most of the book is set in are a perfect metaphor for the shady world of espionage O' Brian explores. "

    — Maeve, 1/4/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I can't believe I was rooting against the USS Constitution! Very cool that ship still exists and it's docked less than an hour away from where I live. "

    — Larissa, 12/8/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Much more focused on Maturin, than Aubrey. "

    — Wendy, 11/28/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " So witty and wonderful, beyond "great" "

    — Don, 11/18/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Conflicts with America escalate to open war and Dr Maturin's espionage during Desolation Island is starting to have repercussions on Aubrey. "

    — Nicole, 11/13/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Good book on tape. "

    — Wendy, 6/23/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " These are consistently good stories. "

    — Tom, 6/10/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " My favorite Aubrey/Maturin book so far. "

    — Floyd, 6/3/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " As ever with O'Brian, he doesn't write what you expect. This was not the book I expected after Desolation Island...but it's charming. "

    — Mackay, 2/15/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " another one of my favorites from the Aubrey-Maturin series "

    — Lucas, 11/20/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This was another good book in the Aubrey-Maturin series. I never get tired of the quality of the author's writing, or with the tales of derring-do. "

    — John, 10/15/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Goodness, I can't get enough of these books. Where have they been all my life? "

    — Tiffin, 10/12/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This continues to be a very enjoyable series. Although, this story seemed to be more of a "bridge" as it doesn't really come to a final resolution (in my opinion). The writing continues to be great and the characters full and real. "

    — Sadie, 7/13/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Typically fantastic. But, even given the incredibly diverse subject matter of these books, the heart and soul of the series is sailing and ship to ship battles, and most of this book is set on land and concerns espianage. (There are a couple of battles, but they are peripheral to the main story.) "

    — Bill, 6/2/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Conflicts with America escalate to open war and Dr Maturin's espionage during Desolation Island is starting to have repercussions on Aubrey. "

    — Nicole, 3/29/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " If I remember correctly, this one has less sea action and more spy intrigue with the French figuring out that the doctor isn't just a ship's surgeon and noted natural philosopher but also their nemesis in espionage. Capt. Aubrey and the doctor are captured and tossed in a French tower. "

    — Kendra, 3/28/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " continues to make me dream of sailing into the sunset... "

    — Andre, 3/16/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " continues to make me dream of sailing into the sunset... "

    — Andre, 3/16/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Previously read in late 2008. Read again in September 2010. "

    — Greg, 3/1/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Previously read in late 2008. Read again in September 2010. "

    — Greg, 3/1/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This novel focuses on the English/American war of 1812 and it provides an excellent view of the darker side of Stephen Maturin's life. The descriptions of the dangerous, fog filled city most of the book is set in are a perfect metaphor for the shady world of espionage O' Brian explores. "

    — Maeve, 1/9/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This novel focuses on the English/American war of 1812 and it provides an excellent view of the darker side of Stephen Maturin's life. The descriptions of the dangerous, fog filled city most of the book is set in are a perfect metaphor for the shady world of espionage O' Brian explores. "

    — Maeve, 1/9/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Another great Aubrey Maturin novel. I love the descriptions of historic sea battles, but particularly this installment as it involved the USS Constitution. "

    — Tagg, 10/12/2010
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Another great Aubrey Maturin novel. I love the descriptions of historic sea battles, but particularly this installment as it involved the USS Constitution. "

    — Tagg, 10/12/2010
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " My favorite Aubrey/Maturin book so far. "

    — Floyd, 10/11/2010
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " My favorite Aubrey/Maturin book so far. "

    — Floyd, 10/11/2010
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Much more focused on Maturin, than Aubrey. "

    — Wendy, 9/28/2010
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Much more focused on Maturin, than Aubrey. "

    — Wendy, 9/28/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I am really enjoying this series and feel like I am catching on a bit (just a bit) to the unusual terms the author uses. "

    — Marianne, 3/30/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I am really enjoying this series and feel like I am catching on a bit (just a bit) to the unusual terms the author uses. "

    — Marianne, 3/30/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " So witty and wonderful, beyond "great" "

    — Don, 3/22/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Book 6 in the famous sea-faring series. I just love this series; such a great example of historical fiction! "

    — Kellyreaderofbooks, 3/22/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " So witty and wonderful, beyond "great" "

    — Don, 3/22/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Book 6 in the famous sea-faring series. I just love this series; such a great example of historical fiction! "

    — Kellyreaderofbooks, 3/22/2010

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.