Right now I am rereading Michael D. O’Brien’s Father Elijah after many years.
US HERE
I wonder… is it time to reread the Aubrey/Maturin series? Which it’s one of the best I’ve ever.
Farewell to England – HMS Victory leaving St. Helen’s at dawn, 15 September 1805.
A new picture by Geoff Hunt#Nelson #Ageofsail #RoyalNavy #Trafalgar pic.twitter.com/sL0uK0KrSC
— Philip K Allan (@PhilipKAllan) September 25, 2025
Yes, I know that’s HMS Victory and not the dear Surprise.
Here is the first book in Patrick O’Brian’s magnum opus
Master and Commander – HERE.
This image is of the hardback. It looks like the published got rid of Geoff Hunt’s fantastic paintings in favor of some stupid, puerile, ugly “Cracker Barrel Disaster” update. Dumb. Look for yourselves and get back to me.
BTW… the whole series is read by Simon Vance. He really hits his stride in the second book in which he has everyone’s voice figured out. Two others tried reading as well, namely Patrick Tull and John Lee. Nope, to both. I looked for Vance’s version on Audible and didn’t find it. Back when, I had to check the CD discs out from the public library. More effort, but worth it if you want audio versions. But try the book first. Always. Book first, to form your own mind pictures and voices.
How important was that for us who had the privilege of reading The Lord of the Rings unsullied by the movies? Or any other great book, from Jane Austin to Jack Reacher. Although the new Reacher series is pretty good.
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As an O’Brien I am biased.
Michael O’Brien has a son a Priest. He travels with the relics of John DeBrebeuf.
Where is the Simon Vance version? I see Patrick Tull as the narrator.
[You might want to review the post, above.]
I loved this book. I want to read the entire series in chronological order. Can anyone tell me the order of his novels, I mean, the ones that are meant to be in order?
Publication Order of Children of the Last Days Books
I did find this for a digital version of the entire series (Vance reading) from public library: HERE
I listened to the Aubrey/Maturin series on audible read by Ric Jerome which I found quite good.
Oh derp. Thx. I skim.
I reread Fr Elijah and Elijah in Jerusalem not so long ago. I am a great fan of O’Brien. Read Letter to the Future when it came out earlier this summer.
Now I’m about to reread Monsignor Robert Hugh Benson’s Lord of the World, 1907. He described our world today! It is very interesting the choice of the pope at the end of the novel. If you know what I mean. I truly believe it is a prophetic work. The topic of euthanasia is almost exactly as it is today in Europe. Wow!
Fans of ripping good yarns — O’Brian more than O’Brien — might check out the historical fiction of Conn Iggulden. I’m finishing The Falcon of Sparta, about Xenophon and the Ten Thousand, and it’s terrific.
Do you suggest reading the O’Brien books in order? I’ve wanted to read them.
I’m not familiar with the O’Brian series. Need to check out. O’Brian’s original cover is gorgeous! What is wrong with people? Please bring back beauty!
Currently finishing Persuasion by Jane Austen.
Reacher is a book series!!!!
I’ve never figured out what I’m supposed to be doing if I’m listening to the narration of a book? Just sit in my recliner and listen for an hour? If I’m doing something like driving or laundry or dishwashing, I’m likely to be distracted and miss something that was said.
In the past I have read Father Elijah and Elijah in Jerusalem, wow I hadn’t realized there were all these books in between.
I just recently read Letter to the Future, I hope there will be more in this theme, to find out what happens to the people in the story.
Voyage to Alpha Centauri is still my favorite. I have always liked science fiction going back to my childhood reading Heinlein’s stories. Nothing like finding one that also has a Catholic bent.
My husband and I both love the Aubrey-Maturin books. Which it’s the loveable characters and fabulous action sequences that make them so great. Long live Killick!
Which it’s a Gold Star for you.