Reviewers were positive about this novel, finding it "a shining jewel", "an intricate, multifaceted work -- one of those rare novels that actually bear up under close scrutiny." The "deeper sense of the culture of the age" that marks the series is also true of this novel, which shows the "period of deflation, both economic and emotional" for the Royal Navy and its associated businesses after the victory. The new midshipman introduced in this novel, and Maturin's new love, are well-liked. The young man is "a dashing young foil for the ship's elders", who shows that the main characters have aged and their pace has changed. The voyage to Chile treats readers once again "to O'Brian's talent for life on board, incidents and accidents". Aubrey has earned a "just reward" at the end, made an admiral of the blue. Feelings about the series as a whole are also positive, and strongly stated: ""There is nothing in this century that rivals Patrick O'Brian's achievement in his chosen genre."; and readers can so easily enter this fictional world, because "O'Brian did the hard learning long ago and then began to write with fully justified assurance and pleasure."