"A fine clear deck, hands all at their stations and all beaming with pleasure"

I just completed my first circumnavigation and what a singular joy it was. This is only the second time when reading a book series where I didn't want to finish because the idea of no longer spending time with these characters, was more painful than not knowing what their final fates were.

I know O'Brian meant for the series to continue but at the same time I don't know if there has ever been a finer ending to an epic tale as the final few pages of Blue at the Mizzen. The way Stephen discovered the news and how he delivered it to Jack, Jack's reaction to the culmination of his life's work, it all concluded so beautifully. I will eventually read "21" but definitely need some shore leave before I embark, perhaps after another Circumnavigation.

There's no real point in this post, it's just me trying to express the appreciation for a truly incredible series of novels with others who feel the same.

A glass of wine with you all.