One less, there are 45 left.

This simple statement holds a certain significance. It could imply that something has been subtracted or removed, leaving a remaining quantity of 45.

Perhaps it's related to a count of objects, a group of people, or a numerical value in a particular context.

The phrase "uno menos" in Spanish emphasizes the reduction by one.

It makes us wonder what the original number was and what led to this decrease.

Could it be a result of a transaction, a decision, or an event that caused one item or person to be taken away?

Whatever the case may be, the fact that there are 45 left gives us a starting point to further explore and understand the situation.

It might prompt us to ask questions, analyze the circumstances, and seek possible explanations or solutions.

In conclusion, this short sentence "Uno menos, quedan 45" has the potential to spark our curiosity and engage us in a deeper思考 about the underlying meaning and implications.

Undoubtedly, the description of hand-to-hand fighting during the boarding of an English and a Spanish vessel that I've read in my life is truly remarkable.

It is so vivid and detailed that you can almost imagine yourself as one of those sailors engaged in the intense combat.

The author's words paint a picture that allows you to sense the chaos, the fear, and the determination of the sailors as they battle it out on the decks.

You can envision the flashing swords, the shouts and cries, and the smell of blood and gunpowder.

It is a thrilling and engaging account that brings the historical event to life in a way that few others can.

This description is a testament to the power of good writing and its ability to transport the reader to another time and place.

A great novel about one of the saddest naval battles in History, which reflects without hesitation: the horror, the blood, the waste of lives, the gratuitous suffering due to decisions that they knew were wrong, the people with names and surnames who become remains...

Unlike History treaties, Pérez-Reverte focuses on humans, with their virtues, their defects and their sorrow. Words like nation, duty, value or flag are redefined in these lines, which make them take on their true meaning, not the patriotic nor the political one.

The end of this novel is so brutal that tears came to my eyes (although I will always swear that it was due to an allergy).

This novel offers a vivid and poignant portrayal of a tragic event, delving deep into the human experience. It forces us to confront the harsh realities of war and the consequences of our actions. Pérez-Reverte's writing is masterful, bringing the characters and the events to life in a way that is both engaging and heart-wrenching. It is a must-read for anyone interested in history, human nature, or simply a great story.

It seems that this novel was written on commission to commemorate the famous battle of 1805, just as the author did with another novel that I loved: "Day of Wrath". Many readers want to compare it with one of the "National Episodes" of Pérez Galdós, but I think such comparisons are unnecessary. (The work of Benito Pérez Galdós is a historical reference that is a must-read). But this one is also.

Masterfully narrated through various characters and filled with nautical terminology that we understand thanks to its essential glossary, (anyone who knows the author already knows that he prefers to sail the waves on his boat rather than walk on the asphalt), Pérez Reverte makes us relive that episode in a thrilling way. Of course, his usual criticism and bad mood against so many inept people who have ruled the government of what we call Spain are not lacking, in the style of "Captain Alatriste" (Another series that I have been passionate about since the first novel). His descriptions gave me goosebumps. Basically, I felt on board the "Antilla", experiencing first-hand the ravages of the battle while trying to avoid the gunpowder. (A very similar sensation to the one I had when watching the magnificent "Master and Commander"). I suppose there will be historical inaccuracies, but overall the result of the novel is a perfect work, full of realism and brutality, that leaves you feeling queasy, but that you know you will read again. So many details and nuances cannot be absolved with just one reading. Really, I enjoyed it a lot!

The first half is a three; the second, a five and perhaps even more.

However, in the end I give three stars because I think the author abuses a bit of the Spanish phonetic as a resource to break the tension.

The reading of the glossary is essential to understand what is happening in the book.

Recommended dryly, preferably after reading the novels of Falcó by Perez Reverte himself. You will see why.

Overall, the book has its strengths and weaknesses. The first half starts off decently with a certain level of interest, but as it progresses, the use of the Spanish phonetic becomes a bit overdone and starts to feel like a gimmick rather than a natural part of the story.

Despite this, the book does have some interesting plot twists and character developments that keep the reader engaged.

The need to refer to the glossary can be a bit of a hassle at times, but it is necessary to fully understand the context and the events taking place in the book.

If you are a fan of Perez Reverte's work and have already read his Falcó novels, then this book may be of particular interest to you as it offers a different perspective and continuation of some of the themes and characters.

However, if you are new to his work, it may be advisable to start with the Falcó novels first to get a better understanding of his writing style and the world he has created.

The first time I read it was about 10 years ago, and I devoured it in one night.

The Battle of the Antilles Ship is a tale of courage and facing adversity, even in the face of very superior enemies. The result, history has already made known.

The characters easily attract us and manage to generate such an attachment to their cause that it is one of the few books that has made me suffer their misfortunes and celebrate their feats. It perhaps appeals a little exaggeratedly to patriotism bordering on chauvinism, but that's how myths were created and that's Pérez-Reverte.

Criticisms of the government and admirals in turn are not lacking, but the characters show that when everything failed, they were the ones who sold their dignity and the flag with pride. The jargon of Cádiz is a bit difficult to understand but it adds realism to the novel.

Few books could elicit such strong emotions of loss and pride, to Spaniards and non-Spaniards alike.

It was truly a momentous and heart-wrenching event. The end of the greatest empire to rule the world was a cataclysmic occurrence. The land that was once so vast and powerful was now being lost at sea. The tears shed by the people were like an additional volume to the already vast oceans, intermixed with the blood of those who had fought and sacrificed.

This was a time of great upheaval and change, a time when the world was witnessing the downfall of a once-mighty empire. The emotions of loss and pride were palpable, and they would continue to resonate throughout history.

Even today, when we look back at this period, we can still feel the impact of those events. The story of this empire's decline serves as a reminder of the transience of power and the importance of learning from the past.

Loved it!

The book takes readers on an immersive journey through one truly horrible day in the Spanish history. It presents the events from the viewpoints of four distinct characters. There is a French Admiral, a ship's captain, a 13-year-old lower official, and a man who was unceremoniously scooped up from a tavern just a few nights before and brought aboard the ship without a single word being said to him.

This book is incredibly detailed, with every aspect of the story carefully crafted and well written. It not only offers a vivid account of the naval battle but also features a dry humor that adds an interesting touch. Moreover, it contains profound reflections that go beyond the mere description of the battle, making readers think about the broader implications and human experiences involved.

I highly recommend it to anyone who has an interest in history, naval warfare, or simply enjoys a well-written and engaging story. It is a book that will surely captivate your attention and leave you with a deeper understanding and appreciation of this particular moment in history.

I suppose it's not my literary style. There are so many names, data, and characters, and there is a lack of that connection with history that I haven't found in this novel. Now, indeed, the theme is really interesting and one can notice the documentation that lies behind it.

Perhaps I was expecting something more from a literary work. Something that would not only present a captivating story but also make me feel a deep connection to the historical context. However, in this case, it seems that the abundance of details and the focus on facts have overshadowed the emotional and narrative aspects.

Nevertheless, I can still appreciate the effort that has gone into researching and documenting the background of the story. It shows the author's dedication and knowledge. Maybe with a bit more refinement and a stronger emphasis on the human element, this novel could have been a truly remarkable piece of literature.

Excelente novela. It consists of 250 pages dedicated exclusively to a battle, yet the reading is light. Pérez Reverte is exceptional in rigorously explaining the technicalities of this naval episode. Moreover, he especially shows the social context of those who fought that day to defend a declining Spain.

The detailed descriptions of the battle bring the events to life, allowing the reader to vividly imagine the chaos and excitement on the naval battlefield. The author's in-depth knowledge of the subject matter is evident, as he seamlessly weaves together the technical aspects with the human stories.

By presenting the social context, Pérez Reverte gives the reader a deeper understanding of the motivations and struggles of the characters. We see how they are affected by the decline of their country and how they strive to make a difference. This adds an extra layer of complexity and depth to the narrative.

Overall, this novel is a captivating read that combines historical accuracy with engaging storytelling. It offers a unique perspective on a significant event in history and is sure to appeal to fans of historical fiction and naval warfare alike.

After reading "A Day of Fury" which I loved, this one has disappointed me a little. It seems to convey less. However, I still recommend it.

Perhaps it's because my expectations were set so high by the previous work. But upon closer examination, this piece does have its own merits. The writing style is still engaging, and there are some interesting ideas presented.

It may not have had the same impact on me as "A Day of Fury," but that doesn't mean it's not worth reading. Different works have different strengths and weaknesses, and it's important to approach each one with an open mind.

In conclusion, while this article didn't quite meet my expectations, I would still encourage others to give it a try. You may find something in it that I missed.

Without a doubt, one of the best books I have read is this one. The narrative, the fluidity, and the way Pérez-Reverte entangles you make this book a sentimental journey across the high seas, full of epic battles.

It offers a great vision of the greatest naval conflict of the era. The story unfolds with vivid descriptions and engaging characters that draw you in from the very beginning. You can almost feel the wind in your hair and the spray of the sea as you follow the adventures of the protagonists.

The author's attention to detail is remarkable, making the historical setting come alive. You learn about the strategies, the weapons, and the lives of the sailors during that time. It is not just a story, but a window into a bygone era.

This book is a must-read for anyone who loves historical fiction, adventure, or just a good story. It will take you on a thrilling ride and leave you with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the naval history of the past.