Book #53: The Ionian Mission

I'm going to set myself another goal for the year, to read over 120 books. At the moment, I believe I'm well on track to do this. According to my goodreads, I'm 4 books ahead of schedule to hit 120. My height in books will be done soon enough, so I need something else to aim for. Don't ask my why I've chosen 120, it's probably because I want to beat mum, who has 100 as her goal. But here's book #53...

Once again, I find myself immersed into the world of 19th Century Naval life, with Jack, Stephen and their escapades!

This time, rather than gallivanting halfway around the world, Jack and Stephen find themselves posted to blockade duty, this time on board HMS Worcester, a Third Rate Ship of the Line.

In all honesty, the book reflects the true nature of blockade duty. Not a huge amount happens, the officers and crew endure the same monotony of blockade duty.

This all changes when a mission is given to Jack, after HMS Worcester has to go in to port for repairs. Taking command of HMS Surprise, Jack and Stephen must embroil themselves in the political intrigue of the Ottoman Empire, to assist the British in taking Corfu from the French.

Naturally, despite the odds being completely against him, Jack manages to do this, and of course manages to foil a coup within the Ottoman powerstruggle.

It wasn't my favourite of the series so far, I found it quite monotonous at times, however it was still enjoyable, and certainly once aboard HMS Surprise, the book picked up a lot of pace and became much better. One of the highlights of the book involved an engagement with a French boat, towards the beginning. Jack has bought some powder to use for gunnery practice on the cheap, from a firework manufacturer in Portsmouth... however this powder is used at the start of the engagement, forcing the French to flee as the Worcester's broadside fires not normal smoke, but brightly coloured, firework coloured smoke. I'd absolutely love to see this happen, but I can imagine that it would've been a cause for concern!!!

All in all, enjoyable, and onto the next one. I'm getting behind in reviews, I think I've got another two to do, so I'd better crack on!

The Ionian Mission: 3cm

Total Read so far: 53 books, 159cm

Total left to read: 34cm

Total to new goal of 120 books: 67 books to go... ouch!