Hornblower and the "Atropos"

By: C.S. Forester

Narrated by: Nicolas Coster

In the wake of a humbling incident aboard a canal boat in the Cotswolds, young Captain Horatio Hornblower arrives in London to take command of the Atropos, a 22-gun sloop barely large enough to require a captain. Her first assignment under Hornblower's command is as flagship for the funeral procession of Lord Nelson.

Soon Atropos is part of the Mediterranean Fleet's harassment of Napoleon, recovering treasure that lies deep in Turkish waters and boldly challenging a Spanish frigate several times her size. At the center of each adventure is Hornblower, whose blend of cautious preparation and spirited execution dazzles friend and foe alike.

©2009 C Forester (P)2009 Phoenix Books, Inc.

The little ship

C.S. Forester description of the Hornblower family travelling on the canal boat and the information about the canals was fascinating. When Hornblower arrives in London he takes command of the 22 gun sloop Atropos. He is assigned to plan and command the funeral for Adm. H. Nelson. The description and information about the funeral was great. Then Hornblower is off to the Mediterranean to join the fleet. He is assigned to retrieve the payroll off a ship that sunk in Turkish waters, the suspense of the salvage and the sea battles and long chase were great. Forester has the ability to paint pictures with words. If you enjoy a sea story or are a history buff you will enjoy the book.

Perfect pacing…

Mr. Coaster’s narration is a masterpiece of voicing and timing. Could not have been done any better.

Another great book!

Forester has so many adventures awaiting the clever Captain. Don't miss the excitement and daring.
It says I can't post this until I'm finished writing my review. So there it's done.

Hornblower in the Mediterranean

Captain Hornblower finds himself commanding the sloop of war Atropos on a mission to recover treasure from a British wreck off the Turkish coast. This was the highlight of this adventure for me because of how it was done and the tension that was ever present. Ends on a sad cliffhanger, at least when going though this series chronologically.

This story made me laugh

I enjoyed the story but didn't enjoy the narrator as much as the previous narrator. He just made Horatio seem very old. And very British.... Very Donald Sutherland.

A good number of parts of the book made me laugh. Another great Horatio Hornblower story.