Post Captain

Maturin series continues the naval action. It's 1803, and Jack Aubrey's agent has gone bankrupt, leaving Jack to flee from his creditors to avoid debtor's prison. Both he and Dr. Maturin get involved with women, and they continue to make music aboard ship as they get embroiled in one skirmish after another. Lee's performance is outstanding on every level. His characters' voices are totally convincing, and his perfect timing conveys the humor that threads through the story. In addition, he handles the emotional and romantic scenes sensitively, reading masterfully the many technical passages regarding sailing and sea battles. Listeners will have to pay close attention to follow scene, time, and character shifts that occur within chapters without warning, and some may tire of the descriptions of rigging, sails, etc. Still, with Lee reading, this stands out as one of the best audiobook performances ever. S.S.R. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award (c) AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine

Life in the British Navy in the early nineteenth century, adventures at sea, and a dash of romance highlight this historical novel. The two main characters are called back into sea service from retirement to help the British repel Napoleon's invasion. Richard Brown's reading is clear; his very proper English is appropriate for the story. There is quite a bit of dialogue, and characters are usually distinct although his rendition of female voices is unsuccessful. The pace is consistent throughout, with excellent transitions from tape to tape and good sound. Just the thing for a long afternoon on the porch. J.A.R. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

This series follows the careers of Aubrey, a Royal Navy officer, and Maturin, a naval surgeon, during the Napoleonic Wars. POST CAPTAIN covers the ups and downs of both men's lives and careers as they deal with debt, women, promotion and demotion and, finally, a command for Aubrey. British actor Robert Hardy is superb in reading this abridgment. He gives each character consistent and believable accents, bringing out the character of each. He is just as adroit when performing non-British accents and the wonderful narrative sections. Period music is used as a transition between episodes. All in all, this is a fine listening experience. M.T.F. (c) AudioFile, Portland, Maine