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mlynes's review against another edition
4.0
Rounded up from 3.5. This is an absorbing read that combines adventure, scientific discovery and commentary on the British Empire. Atmospheric, convincing and panoramic. However, is a chore at times as the episodes centring on Fitzroy are far more interesting than those involving Darwin. The debates between them on evolution are repetitive and tedious, this slows the pace of the book. At a 100 pages less this would have been a near masterpiece. Startlingly assured for a debut and I would have certainly wanted to read more by the author.
krissyerika's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
willinthehead's review against another edition
5.0
An absolutely enthralling and transportive epic of adventure, science, friendship, and the expedition that defined the modern world.
282daniel282's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
030ina's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
sam_uel_c's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Suicide, and Violence
jemple's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
ciaraisabookworm's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
maggiemoore's review against another edition
5.0
Great perspective...usually great historical fiction epic types are told from the historical figure we're most familiar with. In this case that would probably be Darwin. But Darwin really takes a back seat, this is Fitzroy's story and it's a good one that kept me turning pages ALL the way through (and it's a long trip, folks). Stick with it, it's worth it if you enjoy historical fiction. I'm not normally a stories-of-the sea fan, but this is more commentary on 'new' world vs 'old' than high seas drama.
redroofcolleen's review against another edition
1.0
Had very high hopes bot got terribly bored instead.