This is the first of the wonderful Aubrey-Maturin novels. Set during the Napoleonic wars, the series is based round the unlikely friendship between Jack Aubrey, a naval captain and Stephen Maturin, a physician and spy. There are sea battles and wild escapades but also music, food, humour and romance, each story as good as the last. You don’t need to know about ships, or the Navy, or the wars, you simply need to enjoy a good adventure with great characters. This review comes with a warning though; once you read the first in the series you will want to read all twenty-one – immediately.

This is the beginning of the greatest series of historical novels set at sea. The characters are incredible, especially, in my opinion, Dr Stephen Maturin, who is both brilliant and flawed as a person, vastly interesting and tragic. It’s the relationships between the characters that elevates it above others of the same genre, including the legendary Hornblower. The friendship between Jack and Stephen and the romances and friendships between future characters are what kept me coming back, as well as the bulwark that is HMS Surprise, novel after novel.

Master & Commander is a book I have just fell in love with. It pulls you into a world that you never want to leave. I look forward to ordering my next book in the series 'Post Captain'

This is the first of a twenty book series, the like of which I have never read. The series is set on a Nelsonian warship but embraces relationships, flora, fauna, music, espionage and magnificently described naval episodes. The description, characterisation, wit and elegance of the writing is unsurpassed. Truly wonderful

I read only 50 pages of this book, found it hard to read as his style is descriptive and portrays many scenes. I did try again but just could not continue. Having encountered this book I was excited but it just was not for me. The opening felt really good I liked it but then I just could not continue, I might try again see if I can get through a few more pages or I will try some other books. However please give this book read because you might like it and you can write a review about and I look forward to read it.