Who here has read Alexander Kent's Bolithio novels and how do they compare to Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey-Maturin series and C.S. Forrester's Hornblower series?
The Bolitho novels - Wikipedia
The Bolitho novels - Wikipedia
Richard Bolithio Novels
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OP
Above are series of novels, adventures, about British naval officers in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. C.D. Forrester's Hornblower is more action packed, originally written for adolescent boys, and O'Brian's Aubrey-Maturin series is more cerebral, more immersive in the humdrum of quotidian life at sea in a sailing ship, though interspersed with battles and intrigue.
I like them both a lot, although in my case I prefer O'Brian.
I think, from my reading, Kent's Bolithio is probably more like Forrester's Hornblower, but I like a good ripping adventure yarn, too. (Sort of like while I prefer Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, I enjoy Robert B. Parker.)
I like them both a lot, although in my case I prefer O'Brian.
I think, from my reading, Kent's Bolithio is probably more like Forrester's Hornblower, but I like a good ripping adventure yarn, too. (Sort of like while I prefer Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, I enjoy Robert B. Parker.)
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OP
So I got the second novel in the Bolithio series, Stand Into Danger, for $1.99 on sale for my Kindle. Bolithio is not quite 18, and has just been appointed third lieutenant on a frigate, I think it is.
They're on some sort of secret mission, have just arrived in Madeira, and the purser, who was carrying dispatches ashore, has had his throat cut by unknown assassins who have made off with the dispatches...
So far, it's light, conventional and enjoyable reading. Fun to pass the time.
(Not too many nautical historical fiction buffs here, I see...
)
They're on some sort of secret mission, have just arrived in Madeira, and the purser, who was carrying dispatches ashore, has had his throat cut by unknown assassins who have made off with the dispatches...
So far, it's light, conventional and enjoyable reading. Fun to pass the time.
(Not too many nautical historical fiction buffs here, I see...
)
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Read the Hornblower and Bolito series whist in the UK many years ago. The Maturin series built on C. S. Forester but I still prefer Hornblower. Dave_n
I have read a few Hornblower books but I am a great fan of the O'Brian Maturin series. I have read the entire series at least three times and greatly enjoy the insight into the daily life and customs of the era in Britain. The series is extremely interesting with the added knowledge brought in by the adventures of his companion, the ships doctor who is a naturalist, an explorer and a secret agent! I learned many of our daily expressions have there origin in 16th century Britain, such as the sponging house for debtors where they were ensconced to pen plaintive letters to friends to help relieve their debt! Now that I know of the Bolitho series I have already placed the earliest three books in the series on my local library hold.
cmdrcody
US Veteran
I read all the Richard Bolitho series and all of Douglas Reeman’s Royal Navy novels starting with “A Prayer For the Ship” which was based on his experiences as an Officer on MTB’s in WWII.
Inusuit
Member
I've read all the Hornblower and Aubrey novels. I prefer the Aubrey. I don't read much fiction these days, preferring Western history and American wars.
OP
I finished the second Alexander Kent Bolithio, Stand Into Danger, a coupla days back. Ripped through it in a day. It was a fast, fun, entertaining read. I'll be reading the rest of them, too, I'm sure.
My own ranking of the three series, in terms of how much i enjoy them, is:
1. Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey-Maturin series
2. C.S. Forrester's Hornblower
3. Alexander Kent's Bolithio (A bit unfair to judge after only one book, I suppose.)
There's also a series of SF novels by David Drake, known as the RCN (Republic of Cinnabar Navy) Series that look pretty good. These are inspired by O'Brian's work. I've read the first one, With the Lightnings, and enjoyed it.
RCN Series - Wikipedia
My own ranking of the three series, in terms of how much i enjoy them, is:
1. Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey-Maturin series
2. C.S. Forrester's Hornblower
3. Alexander Kent's Bolithio (A bit unfair to judge after only one book, I suppose.)
There's also a series of SF novels by David Drake, known as the RCN (Republic of Cinnabar Navy) Series that look pretty good. These are inspired by O'Brian's work. I've read the first one, With the Lightnings, and enjoyed it.
RCN Series - Wikipedia
