Loving someone, in a time of war and divided loyalties, can be the greatest risk of all.Ordered home by despatch vessel, Captain Jack Aubrey and ship’s surgeon Stephen Maturin have been tasked with bringing the news of the latest victory in the war with America back to the government in Britain. But Maturin is a marked man for the havoc he has wrought upon the French intelligence network in the New World, and the attentions of two privateers who pursue their ship soon become menacing.In this man&apos;s world of seamanship and war, will a dangerous but fascinating woman redress the balance?‘I have no particular interest in the sailing or fighting of square‐rigged ships, but I’ve never been so attached to any fictional characters in my life.’ MAILE MELOY‘A swelling tide of intrigue and adventure in the best tradition.’ Guardian

The Surgeon’s Mate

Whether close to home or far away, there are no safe harbours while Napoleon seeks to dominate the known world.Jack Aubrey, veteran of numerous battles, has been promoted to senior captain commanding a ship that has been sent out to reinforce the squadron blockading Toulon. Compared to the early days of the Napoleonic conflict, the action is slow, cold and dull. But a sudden turn of events takes Aubrey, and ship’s surgeon and spy Stephen Maturin, off on a hazardous mission to the Greek Islands, where the skill, daring and, indeed, luck of both men will be tested to the utmost.With so much at risk, will a Turkish alliance carry the day?‘I envy those who have never read Patrick O’Brian: an enormous pleasure awaits you.’ Irish Times‘Wonderfully spacious, generous, funny, intelligent books.’ JOHN LANCHESTER

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