H.M.S. Surprise by Patrick O'Brian

I have started the third book in O'Brian's Aubrey/Maturin series, H.M.S. Surprise. I have thoroughly enjoyed the books so far, and I am pleased to see there are so many in the series that I have not yet read.

I am astonished at the detail O'Brian pours into his stories. His description of Napoleonic naval warfare rings with a degree of truth and authenticity seldom seen. And while many authors have a firm grasp of thier subject matter, it is a joy to read a tale where that authority is combined with great skill in characterization, dialogue, and plot.

That is the simple truth of the Aubrey/Maturin novels I'm read so far. Yes, they are fantastic in regards to descriptions of sailing, gunnery, and life aboard ship, but they are also damn good stories. O'Brian has created characters that you love and hate - and he makes even his secondary characters seem real.

If you are interested in high seas adventure, you really should take a look at these novels.