Admiral Hornblower in the West Indies (Hornblower Saga)

Book Description

"The eleventh tale of naval adventure in C.S. Forester's Hornblower series finds Horatio Hornblower an admiral struggling to impose order in the chaotic aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars. As commander-in-chief of His Majesty's ships and vessels in the West Indies, he must take on pirates, revolutionaries, and a blistering hurricane. The war is over, but peaceful it is not."

Customer Reviews:

Five Desperate Adventures in the Twilight of Hornblower's Career.......2007-02-12

This, the last in C. S. Forester's Hornblower series, is very unlike the novels which proceeded it. This book is segmented into five stand-alone short stories, the first four of which could be read in any order. The fifth story needs to be last as it relates Admiral Hornblower's retirement from active duty and return to Britain with his wife, Barbara, whom we first met in "Ship of the Line." The Napoleonic wars are over, Bonaparte is in prison for the second time, in St. Helena, and our aging (46) hero is in the twilight of his career. He is effectively waging a police action defending British interests in the Caribbean and fighting stateless piracy (the terrorism of that age). In the first story Hornblower discovers through stealth that a French ship in New Orleans has taken on six hundred muskets and bales of French uniforms. When he learns the the captain plans on racing to St. Helena, freeing Bonaparte, and restoring the French Empire, we are off to the last naval engagement of the Napoleonic wars. In the second story Hornblower engages a large topsail schooner, the Estrella del Sur, in a desperate race to prevent her cargo of slaves from reaching it's destination, Havana. Flying Spanish colors, she takes refuge in San Juan. Hornblower's plans to capture this much faster ship pits his daring and ingenuity against his opponent's two knots superiority in speed. The third story takes place entirely on land, on the island of Jamaica. Hornblower and his secretary, Mr. Spendlove, are captured and held for ransom by pirates. The pirates' impregnable lair is on a ledge on the face of a high cliff. The conclusion involves a weapon we see here for the first time, a ship mortar, which fires bombs with a timed fuse. The fourth story has a more historical setting, Bolivar's defeat of royalist forces in Venezuela's fight for independence from Spain. Readers familiar with Lord Cochrane's campaigns in Chile and Peru will see his persona recreated in Mr. Charles Ramsbottom. He is the wealthy son of a Bradford wool merchant, and arrives in Kingston harbor in his private yacht, a decommissioned brig. Eventually we discover that he is what was then called a "Liberal," come to the assistance of the revolutionary, Bolivar.

C. S. Forester hasn't lost his knack for a tale: "There was something just over the horizon of his mind, some stirring of an idea. And within a second the idea was up over the horizon, vague at present, like a hazy landfall, but as certain and as reassuring as any landfall. He could not help glancing over at the Estrella, sizing up the tactical situation, seeking further inspiration there, testing what he already had in mind."

A Wonderful Friendship .......2006-09-09

This is the next Hornblower chronologically, it was not the next one written. Now that the series is completed it makes sense to read it as Hornblower's career progresses in the Royal Navy.

The whole series is a pleasure to read full of action and adventure; with enough time for a little romance.

Get acquainted with one of the most popular characters in modern literature.

After reading this you will be back for more. And that is a wonderful thing.

A collection of short adventures.......2006-08-07

Napoleon is securely in exile, and Admiral Hornblower is in charge of the Royal Navy in the Caribbean. It is the end of the pirate age and in the midst of the rebellions of the Spanish colonies. It's a series of short stories without a larger theme, but they're well-written and worth reading.

Dissappointing End to an Otherwise Brilliant Series.......2005-08-22

I found this book to be excrable. It was inconsistent, badly designed, and really a let down, after the other 10 books which were (mostly) surperb.

Spoilers ahead: One of Hornblowers firmly established character traits was his beating himself up over those he perceived as having "failed," his dead wife Maria, his dead lover Marie, his dead best friend Bush. And his sad remembrances of his two dead children. He thought of all those "ghosts" often.

In this book, he's facing death in a hurricane. Through the days of this storm, he gives not a single thought to any of these people, or even to his one living son, who will in all likelihood, be left an orphan.

All he can think about is how jealous he is that his wife was once married. HELLO? HE (Hornblower) WAS ALSO MARRIED, and had children, no less. But, his biggest thought is how happy he is when she callously says she never loved her (dead) husband.

This overjoys HH who now feels "healed." Very disturbing. Very lame.

While I never enjoyed HH's exploits and infidelities, I did relate to his love of those people he'd lost. This last book he was so self-absorbed, even the cool pirate battle couldn't redeem it for me.

Honestly, I'm sorry I read it and in the future, will stop with Book 10. Trust me on this.

C.S. Forrester makes a clever joke.......2004-12-02

This final book of Hornblower's advertures is structured into 5 relatively self-contained episodes concerning his final posting before retirement at half-pay. The final story contains a really good joke, too. A young marine bandmember faces court martial for refusal to play exactly as the music is written. Hornblower and Lady Barbara take an active interest in his case. The joke here is that the musician who bucks the system in order to maintain his sense of dignity plays the cornet. He literally is a HORN BLOWER!

The indomitable Hornblower: Commodore Hornblower, Lord Hornblower [and] Admiral Hornblower in the West Indies, complete novels

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The indomitable Hornblower: Commodore Hornblower, Lord Hornblower [and] Admiral Hornblower in the West Indies, complete novels
C. S. (Cecil Scott) Forester
Manufacturer: Little, Brown
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
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ASIN: B0006AYT92

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Admiral Hornblower in the West Indies

Manufacturer: Bantam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000DZSWOS

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Admiral Hornblower in the West Indies
C.S. Forester
Manufacturer: Bantam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000K711U6

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ADMIRAL HORNBLOWER IN THE WEST INDIES
C.S. Forester
Manufacturer: PINNACLE
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000QE9CGS

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Admiral Hornblower in the West Indies
C. S. Forester
Manufacturer: Bantam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000R56X6S

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Admiral Hornblower in the West Indies
C. S. Forester
Manufacturer: Pinnacle
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000KF221K

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Admiral Hornblower in the West Indies
C. S. Forester
Manufacturer: Little, Brown and Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NZ29OW

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Hardcover book

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Admiral Hornblower in the West Indies

Manufacturer: Bantam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000GYAVPO

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Admiral Hornblower in the West Indies
C.S. Forester
Manufacturer: Bantam Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000GSUH2W

Book Description

Martin Michael Plunkett is a product of his times -- the possessor of a genius intellect, a pitiless soul of brushed steel, and a heart of blackest evil. With criminal tendencies forged in the fires of L.A.'s Charles Manson hysteria, he comes to the bay city of San Francisco -- and submits to savage and terrible impulses that reveal to him his true vocation as a pure and perfect murderer. And so begins his decade of discovery and terror, as he cuts a bloody swath across the full length of a land, ingeniously exploiting and feeding upon a society's obsessions. As he maneuvers deftly through a seamy world of drugs, flesh, and perversions, the media will call him many things -- but Martin Plunkett's real name is Death. His brilliant, twisted mind is a horriying place to explore. His madness reflects a nation's own. The killer is on the road. And there's nowhere in America to hide.

Customer Reviews:

Autobiography of a Serial Killer.......2005-09-05

I think it was his best book, even better than L.A. Confidential. Ellroy is an expert on the subject. His mother was murdered when he was ten years old. He's a strange dude (read his piece, "My Life As a Creep" in his collection of stories, articles, DESTINATION MORGUE), but an excellent writer. I like the small touches he adds, like when the main character was working at the Hollywood Public Library (where the true life teen Ellroy used to hang out with his glue sniffing friends). Or when he crosses paths with another serial killer. Almost as scary as BTK.

Not good - but possibly worth it for perspective on Ellroy.......2004-12-10

Probably only worthwhile to offer readers perspective on one of America's greatest living writers, currently at the height of his powers (can he possibly get better?).

Too long, repetitious, with unnecessary slaughter/clutter, silly at times and without surprise. If you're just getting into Ellroy, maybe - but only so you can later discern the massive heights this guy scales in AT and TC6000. But if you're looking around for the rest of the catalogue and found this re-badged re-issue, don't bother, IMO.

Flawed but interesting - yada yada yada.......2004-09-15

Several reviews have spun the "flawed but interesting" angle, and they're right. My only contribution to the body of reviews is that it's my first Ellroy book, my first serial killer book, and even my first real crime book! And I couldn't have been happier reading it.

I didn't find it particularly scary, and only a little bit chilling. Either I'm a psyco sympathiser or -- more likely -- I just didn't find the thriller aspect of it very convincing. There's a gap between the first person description conveyed in the book and what one surmises would be the endless horror felt by an objective witness. Partially that gap is deliberate; the recordings of a screwed-up mind will obviously (hopefully?) seem a bit alien. But partially, I think the writing could be a bit more convincing, and place you more in the "scene" than in the killer's mind. It's a very fine line, and I don't pretend to suggest exactly what Ellroy could have done better. Using newspaper reports and a detective's diary as narratives is clever, useful, and interesting, but I believe Ellroy relies on this technique just a bit too much.

On the other hand, it is a very interesting plot and characterisation, although reviews have been polarised on both these points. Tracking the thoughts and fantasies, highs and lows of such a deviant gives an invigorating and challenging point of view on "normal" society.

I hope that adequately conveys the impressions of a first-timer. It won't be my last Ellroy or serial killer book, and I was certainly happy for this to be an introduction.

Should have a warning label.......2003-01-11

This is one of the most unpleasant books I have ever read. Nowhere have I encountered a narrative depiction of the crimes and motivations of a serial killer more realisitc than KILLER ON THE ROAD. What worries me about this book is how realistic it is. I am sure that there are readers who are not revolted by the acts portrayed in this book, or worse, find them somehow amusing or exciting. If you know someone like that, someone who says, "Yeah I loved that book, it was really cool," STAY AWAY FROM THEM BEFORE THEY DECIDE TO CUT YOU INTO LITTLE PIECES!

Not Ellroy's best effort, but a worthwhile read nonetheless.......2002-07-30

First off, I must state that I am a fan of James Ellroy. This may cause me to appreciate his lesser works more than if they had been written by someone I hold in less regard. While "Killer on the Road" is certainly one of Ellroy's lesser works, there are certain aspects of the book that I find compelling and make it worth reading.

A convention that Ellroy employs throughout his works is to further the plot through the use of newspaper articles. This detached "journalistic" writing can provide a lot of important facts in a short amount of space and also serves as a contrast to the remainder of the novel which is generally presented subjectively through the eyes of one character or another. In general, it is a highly effective approach to develop the action of the story as well as being quite entertaining.

In "Killer on the Road" this convention is taken one step further. Virtually all chapters are preceded with a series of articles describing the discovery of bodies and descriptions of the deceased, police leads or suspects (if any), and other facts related to the crime. The remainder of the chapter follows Martin Plunkett as he perpetrates the crimes the reader has just read about in a "newspaper." I found myself returning to the beginning of each chapter constantly to review the detached account of the slayings in light of the subjective version that Martin has just provided. The juxtaposition of the two accounts is an effective narrative device that adds depth to the story.

Customer Reviews:

poorly written.......2007-09-06

This book is touted as a chilling account of life on the road with a serial killer, I did not find any of this book to be chilling, nor well written. Sandy Fawkes is listed as a writer, technically speaking she is, although she is/was a fashion writer, specifically I didn't think she related her experiences all that well, the only thing she kept ranting about was how boring she thought Knowles was and how much smarter she was then him. I found that she was more pre-disposed to talking about his clothes and lack of sexual prowess. Do not waste your money buying this, there were no insights into the mind of Knowles, and as a "investigative journalist" Fawkes failed at securing an interview with Knowles before his death. For anyone thinking this book would have anything of value in profiling or the thought process of of a socio-path look somewhere else.

The Online Business Setup, Killer Headlines, Accounting for Road Bikes Businesses

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The Online Business Setup, Killer Headlines, Accounting for Road Bikes Businesses
J Bowman J Orr
Manufacturer: LTBR, Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000WZ4GR6

The Online Business Setup, Killer Headlines, Amazon Sales for Road Bikes Businesses

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The Online Business Setup, Killer Headlines, Amazon Sales for Road Bikes Businesses
J Bowman J Orr
Manufacturer: LTBR, Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000W6PTQ2

The Online Business Setup, Killer Headlines, Business Networking for Road Bikes Businesses

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The Online Business Setup, Killer Headlines, Business Networking for Road Bikes Businesses
J Bowman J Orr
Manufacturer: LTBR, Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000WL26VS

The Online Business Setup, Killer Headlines, Cheap Marketing for Road Bikes Businesses

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The Online Business Setup, Killer Headlines, Cheap Marketing for Road Bikes Businesses
J Bowman J Orr
Manufacturer: LTBR, Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000W1ZST0

Book Description

Ancient records kept by Lan, the Prince of Atlantis, tell us a tale of beings from another universe whose struggles helped shape earth?s legends. Tashar: City Of Mystery (Book 1) starts this recollection by introducing our heroes: Dragon Wizard, Trax, Krena, V-bot, Ja? Ti, The Twins (Lan & Tia), and Princess Celeste. We also meet their nemesis Dark Shadow. Whether you enjoy reading science fiction, fantasy, and/or young adult stories you will be tantalized by its magic, technological gizmos, action, and suspense. This book awakens us to an extraordinary legacy filled with awesome technology and unforgettable characters while bringing us to a universe of inspiration.

Customer Reviews:

Well written and colorful...........2003-02-10

"Tashar" is a well written, colorful tale that will delight readers of all ages. Won't be long and it will more than likely be seen as an animated feature. GOOD job, author!

Imaginative!.......2003-01-28

Marc Phoenix has a fascinating book going in this one. There's obviously a series in his future! Imaginative storyline. . . .

Great work Marc!.......2003-01-24

This story weaves a tapestry of characters that are as colorful as the universe they are portrayed in!

Dragons, Wizards, and Shape-shifters! Oh my!.......2003-01-15

This is a sci-fi/fantasy story that is rife with colorful descriptions of ancient civilizations, alien races, space flight, and the fight for freedom. Fast paced and energetic, Mr. Phoenix has crafted a tale that begs for a continuing series... which he promises is in the works. Young adults should enjoy this.

A World of Worlds.......2003-01-11

What I enjoy most about science fiction is that, if written well, the world is not fiction to the heart - it jumps, and grinds, and fills the atmosphere with a [taste] of reality that cannot be denied. This is such a story. Exciting and full of mystery and grit! Anyone for a dragon ride?!

Book Description

Drawing from questions her patients ask most, the author teaches how to deal with the issues you car about. With compassion, wisdom and enlightening ideas, this book encourages you to be true to yourself, develop social interests and discover the positive, capable, confident human being you are meant to be.

Customer Reviews:

The Portable Therapist.......2007-05-14

Very useful as a Therapist and written in terms anyone can relate to.

Wise and useful little book.......2006-09-20

It's a great, wise, simple, highly readable book.

Still, I cannot give it 5 stars because I found it at times a little simplistic -- probably a function of the book's restricitve format that keeps each chapter very short, and therefore generic and thus a little shallow. It's good reading for people who don't have time for big volumes and intellectually challenging explantions -- but at a price.

Things in life are often more ccomplicated than this book suggests. However, the priamry principle that it promotes (the crucial and necessary need for Self-Esteem that's not based on external factors) is very true. Kudos to the author for making it so clear. Any effort aiming to expose and undo the harm of most people's upbringing -- which overemphasizes high achievement and competitivenss while neglecting spiritual development -- is a valuable contribution to our culture.

I appreciated the author's effort to avoid references to God (she allows atheistic readers to replace the concept of God with the notion of Goodness) -- but then, alas, she forgot that rule in the last chapter. That last chapter was also rather disappointing in content, the weakest of all -- just a pep talk with no concrete advice.

Throughtout the book, the author ascribes the often harmful "Model of Doing" to the Western culture, and the more benficial "Model of Being" to the East -- but that is a simplification too. Anyone familiar with high-driving, competitive, and sometimes cruel Asian societies knows that the East is in the grips of the "Model of Doing" just as we are in the West. (One can also think of some western saints, like St.Francis, who were very much into a "Model of Being".)

Also, I am concerend that the author's often repeated advice to "take care of yourself first" will be interpreted by many people as a permission to be selfish and self-centerted. She certainly understands the difference (and attempts to explain it at one point) -- but in her apparent effort not to undermine any reader's Self-Esteem, she stops short of telling her readers that having no compassion for others, and never giving of yourself is not a way to live. She just says "accept yourslef as you are". Then why change for the better?

This book will be of only marginal value to people who are well read in psychology, but it will be very useful and eye-opening to an average person trying to come to terms with the pain of living. It's like Psychology 101 -- a basic course for everyone, but it doesn't have enough depth to satisfy those who need to probe for deeper reasons and solutions. Nevertheless, I highly recommend it as a first step towards mastering "the art of living".

Truly inspiring!.......2006-03-30

I finally decided to buy this book after receiving many copied pages from my therapist. The small chapters are light reads and they have helped me in more ways than I can count.

A wonderful little book.

Good idea to read this book........2005-12-06

This book has the possibility to change your life in a very dramatic and positive manner. It is simple, concise and to the point. The author is well qualified and speaks to your very soul if you allow her. It may be a good idea to make an investment in this book.

It's a wonderful book........2004-10-21

Author's language is so clear and understandable. She makes things so simple.
She takes the most important questions and gives the answers without making complicated.
I got a lot more help from this book than I got from my therapist I have seen for 1,5 years.
This book has changed my life.
Although I red it twice already I still read it.
Everyone can learn something from this book.
Thanks to Susanna McMahon for writting such a book.

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