The Nutmeg of Consolation is the 14th book of the series and continues much the same from the previous 13 books, which means excellent characters, a very distinct sense of place whether on land or sea, and a plot that is less focused on a single storyline for the book than on telling what happens next in the context of the series.

First off, let me say that if you haven't read the earlier 13 books, then I doubt this book will be of interest to you, and if you have, then you don't need my review, as you know that they are all awesome. However, after having read 14 of the books, I do feel that especially the last few have gotten a bit lighter over time with fewer dark moments.

This book seems to be focused a bit more on Maturin. As always, the characters are distinct and interesting, including all the secondary characters. You never meet a random character on the street who doesn't in some way feel like a real person with an interesting backstory. Of course, after 14 books, it isn't hard to bring up characters who popped up in previous books, but it is so satisfying to see them.

The setting is quite interesting, as they finally reach Australia. I have no idea of what it was like as a prison colony (or what it is like now, for that matter), but O'Brian paints a very vivid picture of the cruelty, violence, and corruption. And, it isn't just that the setting is difficult. The characters really react to it, so that the unpleasantness of the colony is felt by everyone.

As for the plot, I've really noticed how the at least somewhat ordered plot of the earlier books has given way to books that feel like updates, or even like the continuation of a very long story. This book just picks right up where the last one left off. The lack of a driving plot and the focus on the characters and their lives feels somewhat iconoclast. That is probably a bit much, but it goes against the idea that every action in every scene must forward the plot.

Interestingly, even with this very loose plot and continuing-story style, I have to say that the ending wraps the book up quite well, reminding the reader of little bits and bobs that have actually amounted to a theme that wasn't terribly obvious right away. There is also a little hint of what will come next. At least, it might. Very well done.

Who would like this book? Or in this case, the series. You have to be willing to tolerate all the nautical terms, even if you have no idea what they mean. There is violence, infidelity, and addiction. I think those are the worst bits. I am quite sensitive to themes of addiction, but I found that I was able to just barely get through the early books and, with the less fraught tone in later books, am more or less okay now. If you can deal with that, they are some of the most fun and touching books you'll ever read.

It is my intention to start again at the beginning once I get to the end of the series, but we'll see if I actually do. Maybe I'll wait 10 years after I finish them before I start again, as there are so many other books to read. Regardless, I will definitely read the next book in the series.

If you like this book, chances are you will like the Hornblower books by C. S. Forester.