In The Letter of Marque, Jack is once again aboard his beloved Surprise but stripped of his post captaincy for a crime he did not commit. Bought by Stephen, the Surprise has become a privateer. Sailing into French waters, the two concoct a desperate mission which, if successful, may redeem Aubrey from his state of disgrace. A nighttime battle with an unusual climax, a jewel of great value and Stephen's fondness for opium make this segment of O'Brian's masterful series both original and profoundly exciting.
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"I am reading the Aubrey-Maturin series of books one by one in order. Except for the first I have been reading the play-away books on flash memory from the Montgomery County Library. This is very good, because I get a consistent narrator. I love this series - and I have looked at many library books that go along with the series - books about the British navy of the time, etc."
— Debbie (4 out of 5 stars)
" This is perhaps my favourite of the Aubrey-Maturin series, for its depiction of the main characters under affliction, along with the usual adventures on the high seas. While the narration was good, I felt that it didn't quite do justice to the secondary characters - but that is quibbling with an overall masterful narration of the series. "
— ILRose, 10/20/2023" This may be my favorite Aubrey/Maturin tale to date. "
— Robert, 2/3/2014" As always, a ton of fun. The series just keeps getting better "
— Tagg, 1/29/2014" A nice and short read, nothing new really. :) "
— Peter, 1/20/2014" Very satisfying resurrection of Lucky Jack Aubrey. "
— Ed, 1/16/2014" Damn, I love these books. After a few accidental rereads I am now back on track with the books I have not read yet. This one is beautifully filled with sly naval tactics, political machinations, and bantering. "
— Isis, 12/21/2013" A much stronger outing than #11, full of sea battles and twists and turns of fortune. A fun read in this great series. "
— David, 12/1/2013" By far my favorite book in the series. Serious focus on Maturin! Lovely sea adventures as always, and the return of Diana. Really, what's not to love. "
— Jennifer, 11/30/2013" Once again a good read from O'Brian "
— Caleb, 11/19/2013" Another absolutely brilliant chapter in the Aubrey/Maturin saga. I worship Patrick O'Brian for his delightful characters, his seamless sea action, his humorous plot-developments and for how much he has made me love these guys. "
— Kiri, 11/16/2013" One of my faves in this series -- several good battles plus Stephen gets a chance at romance. "
— Barbara, 10/14/2013" This book is #13 in the series...and I was (still) engaged. By itself it was a good read; as part of the series, it was another puzzle piece put in place. "
— Sandy, 9/22/2013" While I drive, I'm re-listening to all of Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey/Maturin series read by Patrick Tull (and you have to get Patrick Tull who knows the naval jargon and all the characters) - for me this was the best way to experience the books. "
— Carolyn, 4/8/2013" Back aboard Surpise. What fun. "
— Mackay, 12/18/2012" I can't get enough of Patrick O'Brian. I'm trying to pace myself now that there are only five or six books left to go. This one starts with Jack Aubrey killing time (and raking in prizes) as a privateer. Good intrigue, action, and plot to keep you sailing through. "
— Emily, 12/17/2012" This series has become my reliable source of comfort reads. It is just as I'm typing this that I've realized that it's rather odd that I chose a series about naval warfare as comfort reads. "
— benebean, 10/24/2012" Well written, this installment of the series ties up a number of loose ends from previous story arcs. Looking forwards to the next one! "
— Mike, 7/18/2012" These books keep getting better and better. So far, I've "read" them all as audio books, which means that someday I'll avail myself of the treat of reading them all in print. Historically accurate, yet character-driven, the best of both worlds. "
— Jane, 3/9/2012" This one seemed like it was a little too easy. "
— Aneel, 1/14/2012" Another excellent seafaring adventure by O'Brian. However, this book felt more like a bridge between others in the series and less like its own tale. "
— Jen, 1/7/2012" Felt there was more freedom for Aubrey in this book, although he seemed more dour not his usual happy self. Do enjoy reading the further adventures of the two men. "
— Deanne, 8/23/2011" 1st Recorded Reading: August 2001 "
— Kathryn, 8/21/2011" You don't get to page 4,139 of the series if you don't enjoy them. "
— Gregory, 4/17/2011" I think i need to take a break from these books. "
— Aaron, 4/14/2011" A relieving and satisfying tying off of the tragic loose ends from the previous book. "
— K.M., 1/12/2011" Credo che l'unico modo per non restare delusi da questo libro è leggerlo seguendo il giusto ordine della serie.<br/>Non è stato il mio caso, purtroppo. "
— vania, 11/15/2010" I listened to the audio book read by Patrick Tull. He does a fantastic job bringing the charactors alive. I am totally hooked on this series now. "
— Josie, 10/30/2010" This book is #13 in the series...and I was (still) engaged. By itself it was a good read; as part of the series, it was another puzzle piece put in place. "
— Sandy, 9/1/2010" Half way through the series which makes me sort of sad. <br/>This is a very good one -- could be a movie all on its own. "
— Elizabeth, 8/9/2010" This one seemed like it was a little too easy. "
— Aneel, 2/9/2010Patrick 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.