The Fortune of War is the sixth book in Patrick O’Brian’s Aubrey/Maturin series. In it, naval officers Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin travel to Cape Town to take on a new assignment, but soon find themselves embroiled in the Napoleonic Wars. As they fight for their country, they must also face their personal challenges, including betrayal and heartbreak.
For who is this book for ?
This book is for those who enjoy travel and tourism, as well as historical fiction. It tells the story of two men fighting in a war, but also offers insight into their personal lives.
Pros :
- The action is non-stop and the plot is well written
- Characters are richly developed and intriguing
- The setting is vividly described
Cons :
- The Fortune of War is a thrilling adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
- O’Brian’s writing is rich and descriptive, immersing you in the story completely.
- This book is a must-read for fans of historical fiction
Learn more about the author
Patrick O’Brian was born in 1914 and spent his childhood in Ireland. He began writing seriously during World War II, when he was stationed with the Royal Navy in the Mediterranean. After the war, he moved to England and continued writing, eventually becoming one of the world’s most acclaimed novelists of historical fiction. O’Brian died in 2000 at age 85.
Reader Reviews
“If you have never read a Patrick O’Brian novel, this is the place to start. This sixth book in his series finds Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin dispatched by the Admiralty to Cape Town with secret orders that soon embroil them in hostilities with Bonaparte’s France.”
“This is an extraordinarily rich and complex novel, one that rewards a second reading even more than the first. Patrick O’Brian has created nothing less than a masterpiece.”
“The best historical series I have read in many years.”
“This novel is an excellent addition to the already superb Aubrey-Maturin series. O’Brian has a fantastic knack for pulling readers into his characters’ lives, making it difficult to put down the book until its conclusion.”