Book #59: Treasons Harbour

Told you I was flying through books at the moment. I finished book #60 last night, so I'll get that one reviewed at some point too! I can't imagine I'll fly through the next couple, but who knows!

I find myself absolutely loving Patrick O'Brian's works, they're absolutely fantastic, and if I'm honest, nothing can come close to them in terms of Napoleonic fiction. Sharpe tries, but it's just not in the same league! There's a new film in the works as well, and I just hope that they can do the books justice! Book number 9 in the series is Treason's Harbour. I have to say, this is one of the weaker books of the series so far.

Rather than being focused on the action, it's much more intrigue based. That's not saying it's a bad thing but I didn't feel quite as engaged in it.

The book sees Jack and his ship dispatched on three separate missions, two of which turn out to be traps, which Jack, living up to his 'lucky' nickname manages to escape from nicely.

I loved one mission which saw the ship's company cross the desert on foot, to capture a Turkish boat. I'm not sure what it was, but there was a certain wit about it.

The final mission sees the British betrayed by a high ranking source, the identity of whom is not made evident in the book. I'm hoping that this storyline may be carried over into the next book.

As ever, O'Brian's mastery of character builds on the brilliant Jack and Stephen, as well as some other regulars. I absolutely love Jack's steward, Preserved Killick (what a name!) who is the yin to Jack's yang. If Jack is in a bad mood, Killick is happy, but when Jack is happy, you get the most grumpy person ever. He's brilliant!

One of the biggest points in the book, is Jack learning that his ship, HMS Surprise, is to be taken out of service. This ship is one that Jack learned his trade in, so it's obviously a touching moment. I'm sure that he'll find some hair-brained way to keep hold of it though, for pure sentimentality!

All in all, not the best of the series, however it was still ruddy brilliant!

Treason's Harbour: 2.5cm

Total read so far: 59 books, 177cm

Total left to read: 61 books, 16cm