I read this book because I liked the tv series. If you like Patrick O'Brien's Aubrey/Maturin books, you'll probably like this series too. ( )

Fun but choppy: This book introduces Horatio Hornblower to life at sea, where he must face down his own seasickness and the oppressions of an angrily underperforming senior midshipman. That accomplished, he embarks on a series of adventures and generally comes out on top. Each of the episodes is entertaining and well-written, but the book has a choppy feel and is easy to put down from time to time.

If you are interested in reading the Hornblower series, I would recommend starting with Beat to Quarters, which Forester wrote first but is located in the middle of the series, and then reading Midshipman Hornblower.

The sixth published but first chronologically in the Hornblower series, this book covers the very beginning of Horatio Hornblower's naval service from when he was 17 to 20. The book is episodic, each chapter almost its own short story, and I was somewhat surprised by the tell-rather-than-show description of characters in what I knew to be a classic. At the same time, the story was a quick read, funny, and I could see recommending it to someone who wanted a sea-faring adventure to read. Purposely read to broaden my knowledge of the adventure genre, it's not the type of book I would typically choose. ( )

Not being a big fan of historical fiction, I wasn't sure I would like a book about sailing during the Napoleonic Wars. Turns out, though, that I absolutely loved this book. It's the first in the Hornblower series and it's a great introduction to the character of Horatio Hornblower. The book is made up of several interconnected short stories that take place over several years. They begin with 17-year old Horatio boarding his first ship, and end with an older, though not always wiser, Horatio captaining a captured French vessel into Spanish territory. What makes these stories so good is how well Forester writes of Horatio's experiences. His writing is so vivid that it's hard not to see yourself by Horatio's side, suffering as he does. I plan to eventually read the remaining novels, especially since this was such a good introduction. ( )

The first of the Hornblower series. Told in an episodic fashion it gives a glimpse into what the life if the sea may have been like in the late 18th century. Foresters descriptive writing of tall ship command during the Napoleonic wars and of Hornblower's dauntless career makes for a good read. If only Forester would have written a book covering a complete episode. ( )