While I'm sorry to see the incredible Hornblower saga reach its conclusion, I can't say I'm sorry to see Admiral Hornblower sail off into the sunset. This one had way too much "Your Excellencies", "Your Lordships", and "My Dearest's" in it for me. Not getting to see the old Hornblower actually in command of a ship was sad - he was such a great Captain and Commander. I miss seeing him in the middle of the action, he's much more of a figurehead in this one. Overall, I must give the entire series four stars, with "Lieutenant Hornblower" and "Flying Colours" achieving five stars. ( )

This was one of the most dramatic Hornblower novels of the series. I quite enjoyed it. ( )

The last of Forester's Hornblower novels and the first that I've read. An easy read about a time and place that I've never thought about. The story lines and the characters are not the most complicated but the settings and descriptions of action were well done. My father read these as a kid and actually gave me a couple years ago but I never read them. I was given this copy a few years ago after turning MM onto Raymond Chandler. Well worth the read and good enough to start the first book of the series and to see how that reads. ( )

The final (chronologically) book in the series just doesn't have enough action in it to hold up to the rest of the series. ( )

Rear Admiral Hornblower has taken up his last command as commander of His Majesty's fleet in the West Indies. With his small fleet Hornblower does his best to rid the Caribbean of pirates and slavers, foil a desperate French plot to free Napoleon, and save his good name from an impostor using his authority to meddle in the delicate political situation in the Americas. Even on his way home Hornblower finds himself facing a desperate peril that may take from him what he loves most.

I was sad to see this series end, but this was a definite step up from Lord Hornblower. There are plenty of adventures at sea as Hornblower polices the West Indies, and even the scenes with Barbara turn out well as Hornblower finally comes to peace with his emotions. I liked Hornblower's awkward but paternal relationship with his young secretary. What better way to round out Hornblower's adventures than pirates, revolutionaries, and a desperate hurricane? ( )