In the previous novel, the fictional characters assumed they would get a share of what they seized, as was usual. The huge amount of the gold led the Admiralty to see this otherwise, as in the novel. Aubrey gains command of HMS "Surprise", a fictional version based on the historical HMS "Surprise", but with a different back story. She becomes the most important fictional ship in the Aubrey–Maturin series. The "cutting out" (capturing while in port, either at anchor or berthed) of HMS "Hermione" refers to an actual event involving HMS "Surprise" in 1799. The capture of the Spanish treasure fleet, with Jack in command of HMS "Lively", is based on the 1804 Battle of Cape Santa Maria (battle recounted in "Post Captain"). Aubrey's attack on the French squadron is a fictionalisation of the 1804 Battle of Pulo Aura. Valerie Webster writing in "The Scotsman" found that "His books can absorb and enthral landlubbers like myself who do not even know the difference between a jib-boom and a taffrail." "Library Journal" reviewed this novel as part of an abridged audio edition, finding "superb depictions of life" and highly recommended it, mentioning "O'Brian's exquisitely accurate historical detail". Mark Pumphrery, writing for "Library Journal", remarks the friendship of the Aubrey and Maturin, which "plays out against an expanse of ocean, from India to the Atlantic, with a full complement of battles and adventures at sea for devotees of naval fiction." "Publishers Weekly" liked the plot but, unlike the other reviewers, found the nautical detail sometimes overwhelming. They enjoy seeing the environment through Maturin's eyes, and appreciate what drives Aubrey to engage with French admiral Linois, as Aubrey wants enough prize money to marry his true love. In sum, "Stretching its genre but never escaping it, the novel will impress those who enjoy swashbucklers." Helen Lucy Burk writing in the "Irish Press" said "Few, very few, books have made my heart thud with excitement. "H.M.S. Surprise" managed it. I read it cruising through the tame Adriatic, and several times found myself forced to pace about the deck to calm my pulse...Patrick O'Brian's erudition is phenomenal, as is his capacity for creating another completely believable world.