The Ionian Mission

The Ionian Mission reminds me of the tempo of the movie Master & Commander. There is some initial action which is heartily disappointing, followed by a monotonous period of blockade and patrol which is heartily disappointing, which is followed by a terribly exciting ship action where our own Jack Aubrey leads a daring attack against dirty Turkish rebels in a twenty page climax of maneuver, bravado, and triumph. Needless to say I loved it. I love how Patrick O'Brian titillates with a long and uneventful section then instantly springs this gripping narrative on you that holds you wonderfully captive to his story-telling. It's beautiful.

I give the Ionian Mission

7.5 / 10

(I am now going to start rating books)