" I really enjoyed this installment, but not as much as other novels in the series. I think it's because nothing really happens. OK, a lot happens, but no significant plot development. This is surprising, as the ship has finally reached the destination where Stephen can fulfill the commission he received three books ago. The book, however, is more notable for its unusual weather: a lightning strike; a blizzard in the Andes; a volcano. As always, there is the interesting human element -- including, in this case, a surgeon's assistant who doses himself for an imaginary complaint (which I see as O'Brian's way of retiring the character, who was getting a bit tedious) and a charismatic prisoner who causes trouble by talking up his vision of a democratic society. "
— Jocelyn, 1/31/2014