This collection includes all four stories (Midshipman Quinn, Quinn of the Fury, Midshipman Quinn and Denise the Spy, and Quinn at Trafalgar) of Midshipman Septimus Quinn, a junior officer of the British Navy from 1803-1805.

Septimus Quinn is a "small and studious" 15 year old who finds himself in the midst of all sorts of adventures fighting Napoleon under Lord Nelson. Daring naval assignments take him all over the Mediterranean as he really uses his head to deal with pirates, arrogant shipmates, runaway French patriots, clueless prison guards, etc. Complex escape plans, wild disguises and interesting sub-plots are par for the course. The reader will learn a great deal about ships and life at sea and the danger and excitement of sea battles amidst accounts of true historical events.The strategies of battle and other historical details are quite fascinating. The suspense and drama make it most appropriate for junior high and high school.

I found that it took me a little while to "get into" the story. I think this is because the continuous adventures and excitement make for a somewhat slower character development (READ: It will appeal to boys!). However, by the beginning of the second book, as I got to know Septimus Quinn a bit better, I was "hooked."