2.5, rounding up to 3 stars. Better than the last one, primarily I think because it felt like there was less emphasis on the tedious Aubrey. Him and his interminable battles I still find rather tiresome, but when he's pushed to the background it gives the wonderful Dr. Maturin more time to shine. I would rather read about his island adventures in natural history any day of the week, than Aubrey doing, well, anything really.

Oh, Dr. Maturin... if only these stories were about you and the sloth.