Definitely 'HMS Surprise'. In this novel, the story of Jack Aubrey and his crew on the ship HMS Surprise is full of action. The ship's voyages, the challenges they face at sea, and the cultural encounters during their travels are all very interesting. It also delves deeper into the relationship between Aubrey and Maturin, making it one of the most engaging Jack Aubrey novels.
Well, 'The Far Side of the World' is considered one of the best. It has a great plot where Jack Aubrey is on a long - distance mission. The descriptions of different places they visit are really vivid. It gives a sense of the vastness of the ocean and the different cultures around the world during that time.
Another excellent one is 'Post Captain'. In this novel, we see the further development of the characters. Aubrey's career progression and his personal growth are well - depicted, along with Maturin's adventures on land and sea as he pursues his scientific and espionage interests.
Since I don't know much about Aubrey Mauturin novels, a general approach to ranking them could be to consider elements such as the complexity of the plot, the depth of the characters, and the quality of the writing. If a novel has a really engaging and multi - layered plot that keeps you guessing, it might rank high. Also, well - developed characters that readers can relate to or be intrigued by are important. And of course, good writing style, with vivid descriptions and engaging dialogue, can also contribute to a novel being considered one of the best.
The last Jack Aubrey novel is likely to be special as it could bring a kind of closure to the world that has been built around the character. It may contain elements that are more about the legacy of Jack Aubrey. For example, how he will be remembered in the fictional universe. It might also deal with the passing of the era that he represents. There could be a bittersweet feeling as readers say goodbye to a character they may have followed for a long time.
Some of the highly regarded ones are 'Master and Commander'. It's a great start to the series, introducing the main characters Aubrey and Maturin vividly, with exciting naval battles and a vivid portrayal of life at sea in the Napoleonic era.
One of the best is 'Master and Commander'. It really sets the tone for the series, introducing the dynamic between Aubrey and Maturin vividly. The naval battles and the period details are superbly described.
Definitely 'The Thirteen - Gun Salute'. There are so many elements that make it great. The political intrigue, the naval action, and the exploration of different cultures as the characters travel. It's a very rich and engaging story.
The best way is to buy the complete collection if you can afford it. This way, you have all the novels at your fingertips. You can also look for second - hand bookstores as they might have some rare editions. Check online forums dedicated to these novels to see if anyone is selling or trading their copies.