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Sharpe #12
Sharpe's Battle
From
New York Times
bestselling author Bernard Cornwell, the twelth installment in the world-renowned
Sharpe series, chronicling the rise of Richard Sharpe, a Private in His Majesty’s Army at the siege of Seringapatam.
Quartered in a crumbling Portuguese fort, Richard Sharpe and his men are attacked by an elite French unit, led by an old enemy of Sharpe’s, and suffer heavy losses.
The army’s high command blame Sharpe for the disaster and his military career seems to be ruined. His only hope is to redeem himself on the battlefield. So with his honour at stake, against an overwhelming number of French troops, Sharpe leads his men to battle in the narrow streets of Fuentes de Oñoro.
Quartered in a crumbling Portuguese fort, Richard Sharpe and his men are attacked by an elite French unit, led by an old enemy of Sharpe’s, and suffer heavy losses.
The army’s high command blame Sharpe for the disaster and his military career seems to be ruined. His only hope is to redeem himself on the battlefield. So with his honour at stake, against an overwhelming number of French troops, Sharpe leads his men to battle in the narrow streets of Fuentes de Oñoro.
368 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
About the author
Bernard Cornwell
458 books17.8k followersCornwell was born in London in 1944. His father was a Canadian airman, and his mother, who was English, a member of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force. He was adopted and brought up in Essex by the Wiggins family, who were members of the Peculiar People, a strict Protestant sect who banned frivolity of all kinds and even medicine. After he left them, he changed his name to his birth mother's maiden name, Cornwell.
Cornwell was sent away to Monkton Combe School, attended the University of London, and after graduating, worked as a teacher. He attempted to enlist in the British armed services at least three times but was rejected on the grounds of myopia.
He then joined BBC's Nationwide and was promoted to become head of current affairs at BBC Northern Ireland. He then joined Thames Television as editor of Thames News. He relocated to the United States in 1980 after marrying an American. Unable to get a green card, he started writing novels, as this did not require a work permit.
As a child, Cornwell loved the novels of C.S. Forester, chronicling the adventures of fictional British naval officer Horatio Hornblower during the Napoleonic Wars, and was surprised to find there were no such novels following Lord Wellington's campaign on land. Motivated by the need to support himself in the U.S. through writing, Cornwell decided to write such a series. He named his chief protagonist Richard Sharpe, a rifleman involved in most major battles of the Peninsular War.
Cornwell wanted to start the series with the Siege of Badajoz but decided instead to start with a couple of "warm-up" novels. These were Sharpe's Eagle and Sharpe's Gold, both published in 1981. Sharpe's Eagle was picked up by a publisher, and Cornwell got a three-book deal. He went on to tell the story of Badajoz in his third Sharpe novel, Sharpe's Company, published in 1982.
Cornwell and wife Judy co-wrote a series of novels, published under the pseudonym "Susannah Kells". These were A Crowning Mercy, published in 1983, Fallen Angels in 1984, and Coat of Arms (aka The Aristocrats) in 1986. (Cornwell's strict Protestant upbringing informed the background of A Crowning Mercy, which took place during the English Civil War.) In 1987, he also published Redcoat, an American Revolutionary War novel set in Philadelphia during its 1777 occupation by the British.
After publishing eight books in his ongoing Sharpe series, Cornwell was approached by a production company interested in adapting them for television. The producers asked him to write a prequel to give them a starting point to the series. They also requested that the story feature a large role for Spanish characters to secure co-funding from Spain. The result was Sharpe’s Rifles, published in 1987, and a series of Sharpe television films staring Sean Bean.
A series of contemporary thrillers with sailing as a background and common themes followed: Wildtrack published in 1988, Sea Lord (aka Killer's Wake) in 1989, Crackdown in 1990, Stormchild in 1991, and Scoundrel, a political thriller, in 1992.
In June 2006, Cornwell was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen's 80th Birthday Honours List.
Cornwell's latest work, Azincourt, was released in the UK in October 2008. The protagonist is an archer who participates in the Battle of Agincourt, another devastating defeat suffered by the French in the Hundred Years War. However, Cornwell has stated that it will not be about Thomas of Hookton from The Grail Quest or any of his relatives.
Cornwell was sent away to Monkton Combe School, attended the University of London, and after graduating, worked as a teacher. He attempted to enlist in the British armed services at least three times but was rejected on the grounds of myopia.
He then joined BBC's Nationwide and was promoted to become head of current affairs at BBC Northern Ireland. He then joined Thames Television as editor of Thames News. He relocated to the United States in 1980 after marrying an American. Unable to get a green card, he started writing novels, as this did not require a work permit.
As a child, Cornwell loved the novels of C.S. Forester, chronicling the adventures of fictional British naval officer Horatio Hornblower during the Napoleonic Wars, and was surprised to find there were no such novels following Lord Wellington's campaign on land. Motivated by the need to support himself in the U.S. through writing, Cornwell decided to write such a series. He named his chief protagonist Richard Sharpe, a rifleman involved in most major battles of the Peninsular War.
Cornwell wanted to start the series with the Siege of Badajoz but decided instead to start with a couple of "warm-up" novels. These were Sharpe's Eagle and Sharpe's Gold, both published in 1981. Sharpe's Eagle was picked up by a publisher, and Cornwell got a three-book deal. He went on to tell the story of Badajoz in his third Sharpe novel, Sharpe's Company, published in 1982.
Cornwell and wife Judy co-wrote a series of novels, published under the pseudonym "Susannah Kells". These were A Crowning Mercy, published in 1983, Fallen Angels in 1984, and Coat of Arms (aka The Aristocrats) in 1986. (Cornwell's strict Protestant upbringing informed the background of A Crowning Mercy, which took place during the English Civil War.) In 1987, he also published Redcoat, an American Revolutionary War novel set in Philadelphia during its 1777 occupation by the British.
After publishing eight books in his ongoing Sharpe series, Cornwell was approached by a production company interested in adapting them for television. The producers asked him to write a prequel to give them a starting point to the series. They also requested that the story feature a large role for Spanish characters to secure co-funding from Spain. The result was Sharpe’s Rifles, published in 1987, and a series of Sharpe television films staring Sean Bean.
A series of contemporary thrillers with sailing as a background and common themes followed: Wildtrack published in 1988, Sea Lord (aka Killer's Wake) in 1989, Crackdown in 1990, Stormchild in 1991, and Scoundrel, a political thriller, in 1992.
In June 2006, Cornwell was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen's 80th Birthday Honours List.
Cornwell's latest work, Azincourt, was released in the UK in October 2008. The protagonist is an archer who participates in the Battle of Agincourt, another devastating defeat suffered by the French in the Hundred Years War. However, Cornwell has stated that it will not be about Thomas of Hookton from The Grail Quest or any of his relatives.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews
July 29, 2014
[7/10]
I have lost count of the number of Sharpe books I've read so far. They do tend to repeat themselves, apply the same formula of Richard Sharpe being involved in one of the landmark battles of the Napoleonic Wars, demostrating his professional soldiering talents, and lately his leadership ability. But the books remain entertaining and informative, even if they do not raise to the level of the Warlord or Saxon series, so I guess I will continue to read them until the last installment. They're particularly good for a lazy summer weekend, when you don't feel up to heavier material and you just want to relax with some reliable historical adventures.
In this episode the major battle featured is the one between the Portuguese and their British allies under Lord Wellington and the French Imperial Army (I think lead by Massena), on the border of Spain in the village of Fuentes de Onoro. As I have noticed before, the French have the superior numbers and go on the offensive, while Wellington tactics are to find the high ground and organize a defensive position from where he can rely on the better training (read rate of fire) of his soldiers and on the British bulldog perseverence to deflect the attacks of La Grande Armee and live to fight another day.
The particulars of this battle that are worth mentioning are as usual the clarity of the presentation by Cornwell, who sets out the layout of the field, the organization of the opposing forces, their tactics, their mistakes and the consequences. But what brings it all in focus to me are the details on the ground, the 'thick of it' where he usually puts Sharpe and his rifle company. I made note here of the extremely bloody street battle for control of the village, a very orderly retreat under fire and cavalry attacks by some infantry regiments, the always futile attempts of the French columns to attack uphill against musket squadrons set in line. This is not the first time Bernard Cornwell sings the praise of the British footsoldier, but I believe I can insert yet another example of what he considers the reason they won so many battles in the nineteen century:
He bit the bullet off the cartridge, then held the round in his mouth as he pulled the rifle's hammer back one click to the half cock. He could taste the acrid, salty powder in his mouth as he poured a pinch of powder from the cartridge into the lock's open pan. He held tight to the rest of the cartridge as he pulled the frizzen full up to close the the pan cover, then, with the rifle so primed, he let its brass stock fall to the ground. He poured the rest of the cartridge's powder into the muzzle, crammed the empty waxed cartridge paper on top of the powder to serve as wadding, then bent his head to spit the bullet into the gun. He yanked out the steel ramming rod with his left hand, spun the ramrod so that the splayed head faced downwards and thrust the rod hard down the barrel. He pulled it out, spun it again and let it fall into its holding rings, then tossed the rifle up with his left hand, caught it under the lock with his right and pulled the hammer back through a second click so that the weapon was at full cock and ready to fire. It had taken him twelve seconds and he had not thought once about what he was doing, nor even looked at the gun while he loaded it.
Because one battle is not really enough to justify a full length historical novel, we are offered here an adversary for Sharpe, a romantic interest of sorts, a side quest with political implications and a pitched night battle specially aimed at Sharpe. The adversary is Brigadier General Guy Loup whom we meet in the opening chapter where he swears bloody revenge on Sharpe for killing two French prisoners from his brigade, caught raping a village girl during a patrol. Loup is an anti-guerrilla specialist, spreading terror on the border by indiscriminate killing, raping and destruction of property among the civilians he suspects are aiding and abetting the partisans. His mentality comes uncomfortably close to what we are still witnessing today in the Middle East and elsewhere. The duel between him and Sharpe colours most of the novel and is reasonably well integrated into the larger conflict.
The romantic interest, or should I say woman troubles, for Sharpe is embodied in the stunningly beautiful but morally suspect Dona Juanita, a Spanish lady who likes to dress in men's uniforms she gains trough her bedroom talents. She is involved both with the allies, with the French and, by the end, she gets one of Sharpe's uniforms, despite its rather patched and faded aspect.
The political sidequest puts Sharpe in charge of training and supervising a company of Spanish saloon soldiers, the one time palace guards for the deposed King of Spain. La Real Compania Irlandesa is formed by Irish outcasts, led by Lord Kiely, a young aristocrat more interested in wine, hunting, parties and loose women than in the martial arts. Wellington doesn't trust them, so he sends the company to an abandoned fort, with instructions to Sharpe to make their lives miserable until they decide to leave on their own accord. Their presence is complicated by the the news from Ireland where the English are spreading their own brand of terror in putting down one more Irish attempt at independence. Sharpe tries to train them as soldiers instead, and use them both against Loup and in the final battle of Fuentes de Onora.
One last quote I have here is a discussion between Sharpe and his Irish friend, sergeant Patrick Harper, about the rumours of British atrocities circulating in the camp, probably spread by a French spy:
That's how you and I live. We're practical men, Pat, not bloody dreamers! We believe in the Baker rifle, the Tower musket and twenty-three inches of bayonet. You can leave superstitions to women and children.
Conclusion: not the best in the series, too little personal development for Sharpe, very good battle scenes as usual, but rather forgettable and repetitive plot. Will continue with the series.
I have lost count of the number of Sharpe books I've read so far. They do tend to repeat themselves, apply the same formula of Richard Sharpe being involved in one of the landmark battles of the Napoleonic Wars, demostrating his professional soldiering talents, and lately his leadership ability. But the books remain entertaining and informative, even if they do not raise to the level of the Warlord or Saxon series, so I guess I will continue to read them until the last installment. They're particularly good for a lazy summer weekend, when you don't feel up to heavier material and you just want to relax with some reliable historical adventures.
In this episode the major battle featured is the one between the Portuguese and their British allies under Lord Wellington and the French Imperial Army (I think lead by Massena), on the border of Spain in the village of Fuentes de Onoro. As I have noticed before, the French have the superior numbers and go on the offensive, while Wellington tactics are to find the high ground and organize a defensive position from where he can rely on the better training (read rate of fire) of his soldiers and on the British bulldog perseverence to deflect the attacks of La Grande Armee and live to fight another day.
The particulars of this battle that are worth mentioning are as usual the clarity of the presentation by Cornwell, who sets out the layout of the field, the organization of the opposing forces, their tactics, their mistakes and the consequences. But what brings it all in focus to me are the details on the ground, the 'thick of it' where he usually puts Sharpe and his rifle company. I made note here of the extremely bloody street battle for control of the village, a very orderly retreat under fire and cavalry attacks by some infantry regiments, the always futile attempts of the French columns to attack uphill against musket squadrons set in line. This is not the first time Bernard Cornwell sings the praise of the British footsoldier, but I believe I can insert yet another example of what he considers the reason they won so many battles in the nineteen century:
He bit the bullet off the cartridge, then held the round in his mouth as he pulled the rifle's hammer back one click to the half cock. He could taste the acrid, salty powder in his mouth as he poured a pinch of powder from the cartridge into the lock's open pan. He held tight to the rest of the cartridge as he pulled the frizzen full up to close the the pan cover, then, with the rifle so primed, he let its brass stock fall to the ground. He poured the rest of the cartridge's powder into the muzzle, crammed the empty waxed cartridge paper on top of the powder to serve as wadding, then bent his head to spit the bullet into the gun. He yanked out the steel ramming rod with his left hand, spun the ramrod so that the splayed head faced downwards and thrust the rod hard down the barrel. He pulled it out, spun it again and let it fall into its holding rings, then tossed the rifle up with his left hand, caught it under the lock with his right and pulled the hammer back through a second click so that the weapon was at full cock and ready to fire. It had taken him twelve seconds and he had not thought once about what he was doing, nor even looked at the gun while he loaded it.
Because one battle is not really enough to justify a full length historical novel, we are offered here an adversary for Sharpe, a romantic interest of sorts, a side quest with political implications and a pitched night battle specially aimed at Sharpe. The adversary is Brigadier General Guy Loup whom we meet in the opening chapter where he swears bloody revenge on Sharpe for killing two French prisoners from his brigade, caught raping a village girl during a patrol. Loup is an anti-guerrilla specialist, spreading terror on the border by indiscriminate killing, raping and destruction of property among the civilians he suspects are aiding and abetting the partisans. His mentality comes uncomfortably close to what we are still witnessing today in the Middle East and elsewhere. The duel between him and Sharpe colours most of the novel and is reasonably well integrated into the larger conflict.
The romantic interest, or should I say woman troubles, for Sharpe is embodied in the stunningly beautiful but morally suspect Dona Juanita, a Spanish lady who likes to dress in men's uniforms she gains trough her bedroom talents. She is involved both with the allies, with the French and, by the end, she gets one of Sharpe's uniforms, despite its rather patched and faded aspect.
The political sidequest puts Sharpe in charge of training and supervising a company of Spanish saloon soldiers, the one time palace guards for the deposed King of Spain. La Real Compania Irlandesa is formed by Irish outcasts, led by Lord Kiely, a young aristocrat more interested in wine, hunting, parties and loose women than in the martial arts. Wellington doesn't trust them, so he sends the company to an abandoned fort, with instructions to Sharpe to make their lives miserable until they decide to leave on their own accord. Their presence is complicated by the the news from Ireland where the English are spreading their own brand of terror in putting down one more Irish attempt at independence. Sharpe tries to train them as soldiers instead, and use them both against Loup and in the final battle of Fuentes de Onora.
One last quote I have here is a discussion between Sharpe and his Irish friend, sergeant Patrick Harper, about the rumours of British atrocities circulating in the camp, probably spread by a French spy:
That's how you and I live. We're practical men, Pat, not bloody dreamers! We believe in the Baker rifle, the Tower musket and twenty-three inches of bayonet. You can leave superstitions to women and children.
Conclusion: not the best in the series, too little personal development for Sharpe, very good battle scenes as usual, but rather forgettable and repetitive plot. Will continue with the series.
February 25, 2014
Battle is right in the title and battle is all up in the joint! In this episode Rifleman Richard Sharpe finds himself with Wellington's army trying to maintain a foothold in Spain and in danger of being pushed back into Portugal or even right out of Europe by Napoleon's forces.
In a series started in 1981 and completed in 2007, Sharpe's Battle falls somewhere in between, yet feels very much like an old school Cornwell book. It's heavier on fighting and the plot isn't nearly as twisty as some later-written volumes.
One surprisingly missing element is a love interest. For once, Sharpe does not seduce or is not seduced by the femme fatale (at least not to the usual extent, if ya know what I mean.... No? .... I mean sex.) But he does manage to provoke an enemy officer and start a personal battle, as per usual. Again, he must fight the French infantry while also defeating another nemesis in order to clear his name.
If it's so repetitious why do I keep reading them? They're fun, and Cornwell knows how to write action sequences. He also does his homework, so these are often interesting from a historical perspective...always keeping in mind that reality must on occasion be tweaked for the benefit of the story. I usually listen to the Frederick Davidson-narrated audiobook versions while I'm out for some exercise or toiling on some yard project. When you've got a monotonous task to do, Sharpe is a pleasant diversion.
Rating Note: Not bad, so I'll bump it up to a 3.5
In a series started in 1981 and completed in 2007, Sharpe's Battle falls somewhere in between, yet feels very much like an old school Cornwell book. It's heavier on fighting and the plot isn't nearly as twisty as some later-written volumes.
One surprisingly missing element is a love interest. For once, Sharpe does not seduce or is not seduced by the femme fatale (at least not to the usual extent, if ya know what I mean.... No? .... I mean sex.) But he does manage to provoke an enemy officer and start a personal battle, as per usual. Again, he must fight the French infantry while also defeating another nemesis in order to clear his name.
If it's so repetitious why do I keep reading them? They're fun, and Cornwell knows how to write action sequences. He also does his homework, so these are often interesting from a historical perspective...always keeping in mind that reality must on occasion be tweaked for the benefit of the story. I usually listen to the Frederick Davidson-narrated audiobook versions while I'm out for some exercise or toiling on some yard project. When you've got a monotonous task to do, Sharpe is a pleasant diversion.
Rating Note: Not bad, so I'll bump it up to a 3.5
December 22, 2018
#12 in the Sharpe series.
Concerning the Battle of Fuentes de Onoro in 1811.
Now that we are into book twelve there is a definite formula emerging.
The battles change but Richard Sharpe escapades remain the same.
Sharpe is for ever in trouble with his superiors. He always needs to do something extraordinary to prove himself. There is always a damsel in need of saving from some loathsome moron. Although to be fare in this book it was the men that needed to be saved from the damsel. Last but not least, lots of French soldiers in need being dispatched to meet their maker.
But for all that Richard Sharpe’s escapades are always exciting and entertaining.
The history is, as always, engrossing and for that reason alone the books are well worth the read.
Concerning the Battle of Fuentes de Onoro in 1811.
Now that we are into book twelve there is a definite formula emerging.
The battles change but Richard Sharpe escapades remain the same.
Sharpe is for ever in trouble with his superiors. He always needs to do something extraordinary to prove himself. There is always a damsel in need of saving from some loathsome moron. Although to be fare in this book it was the men that needed to be saved from the damsel. Last but not least, lots of French soldiers in need being dispatched to meet their maker.
But for all that Richard Sharpe’s escapades are always exciting and entertaining.
The history is, as always, engrossing and for that reason alone the books are well worth the read.
September 14, 2011
Sharpe Meets The Wolf Man!
Wonderful book, but I can already see that Bernard Cornwell churns all these stories out with a similar pattern.
Sharpe meets creepy villain.
Sharpe meets sexy lady, usually evil but sometimes just very confused.
Sharpe goes into a battle and gets beaten by creepy villain, usually by a dirty trick.
Sharpe is in disgrace.
Sharpe meets lovable losers who are in disgrace like him -- different but in the same boat -- sometimes upper class, sometimes foreign, but always dumb and weak compared to Sharpe.
Wellington prepares to fight big battle.
Sneering French general predicts total victory for Napoleon.
Things look bad.
Sharpe saves the day.
Creepy villain gets to choke in his own blood while Sharpe feeds him his own sword.
Sexy girl villain dies or runs off with weak-willed rich aristocrat, leaving Sharpe to fight another day.
Patrick Harper says, "God save Ireland!"
Wonderful book, but I can already see that Bernard Cornwell churns all these stories out with a similar pattern.
Sharpe meets creepy villain.
Sharpe meets sexy lady, usually evil but sometimes just very confused.
Sharpe goes into a battle and gets beaten by creepy villain, usually by a dirty trick.
Sharpe is in disgrace.
Sharpe meets lovable losers who are in disgrace like him -- different but in the same boat -- sometimes upper class, sometimes foreign, but always dumb and weak compared to Sharpe.
Wellington prepares to fight big battle.
Sneering French general predicts total victory for Napoleon.
Things look bad.
Sharpe saves the day.
Creepy villain gets to choke in his own blood while Sharpe feeds him his own sword.
Sexy girl villain dies or runs off with weak-willed rich aristocrat, leaving Sharpe to fight another day.
Patrick Harper says, "God save Ireland!"
September 26, 2021
This is an other great book in the Sharp's ceries. I recommend this ceries to all. I recommend this to all who love reading about wars and battles.
January 10, 2020
the major problem with the Richard Sharpe series is the order and progression arch through the series. the big question is how does one read the entire series. there are two sequences suggested on goodreads Publication order and chorological order. there are continuity issues in both orders. if you choose chorological you get a better sense of Sharpe's progress into and up the ranks. but the writing evolves at a disjointed pace. if you choose pub order you see the devolvement of the author from pulp adventure novel writer to one of the best of his generation. One that has produce some really fantastically popular series. Cornwell learned that style and skill expanding the Sharpe series. but you are also forced to endure unbearable jumps in time. why do I bring this up because I chose chorological because I'm enjoy good characters and that's what Sharpe is. but Sharpe's Battle is a cross roads book in publication order when Sharpe's main story arch has ended and Cornwell went back to his popular series to expand the strait adventures to a more comprehensive narrative of the peninsula war. the attempt felt clumsy to me. compounded by it following in chorological order two of the best technically novels in the series Escape and Fury. in publication order after Battle Cornwell begins Sharpe's Indian trilogy in which the series was transformed.
ok a little about Sharpe's Battle itself. the writing is good but for the first time the flow of action is slowed down by needless details. the two main villains Loup and Dona Juanita are 80's cheesy. Cornwell characters are always a bit stereotypical but well done. Runciman has a interesting arch hinting at what Cornwell can do with a side character. treatment he in pub order has only used on Harper to this point. but Hogan by comparison is stiff and is only there to serve a purpose like other early recurring characters in the series. the subplots like the Irish rebellion are interesting but never properly intertwined once again hinting at further talents Cornwell was devolving. the story starts off with Sharpe being presented a challenge, facing danger, forming a grudge, and resolutely pursuing revenge you know the "formula" but the formula is complicated with the bigger picture of war reminiscent of Sharpe's Gold. except instead of everything being left as mysterious building intrigue, Sharpe and the reader are told everything upfront. but all this is forgiving when Sharpe finally enters Fuentes de Onoro and Cornwell and our hero do what they do best.
ok a little about Sharpe's Battle itself. the writing is good but for the first time the flow of action is slowed down by needless details. the two main villains Loup and Dona Juanita are 80's cheesy. Cornwell characters are always a bit stereotypical but well done. Runciman has a interesting arch hinting at what Cornwell can do with a side character. treatment he in pub order has only used on Harper to this point. but Hogan by comparison is stiff and is only there to serve a purpose like other early recurring characters in the series. the subplots like the Irish rebellion are interesting but never properly intertwined once again hinting at further talents Cornwell was devolving. the story starts off with Sharpe being presented a challenge, facing danger, forming a grudge, and resolutely pursuing revenge you know the "formula" but the formula is complicated with the bigger picture of war reminiscent of Sharpe's Gold. except instead of everything being left as mysterious building intrigue, Sharpe and the reader are told everything upfront. but all this is forgiving when Sharpe finally enters Fuentes de Onoro and Cornwell and our hero do what they do best.
September 3, 2022
Sharpe #12...another re-read. This one centers around the Battle of Fuentes de Onoro along the Portuguese/Spanish border. Like the last book, the events take place in 1811.
Captain Sharpe is busy making new enemies. He's got a real talent 😉 He gets on the wrong side of the scary French Brigadier General Guy Loup, the wolf wanna-be, and a couple of ineffective and pretentious allied officers. But the most significant new enemy has far-reaching consequences: Napoleon's spy master Major Pierre Ducos makes his first series appearance.
Sharpe is given orders for a specific mission by Wellesley via Major Hogan, but in true Sharpe-i-ness, he handles the mission in his own fashion. As a matter of fact, he completely ignores some of the initial directives. As an incidental self-assigned mission, he intends to go after Loup and his Brigade at the first opportunity. During his official assignment, though, he's put under the command of the gullible Wagon Master General Runciman. I really liked that character! The scene where Sharpe was trying to convince Runciman to swipe several cartloads of muskets, with the handy pocket knife prop, was really funny!
As usual for Bernard Cornwell, the fighting scenes were intense, the comradery of the Riflemen was terrific, and the political nonsense of the times was deplorable. Outstanding series!
Captain Sharpe is busy making new enemies. He's got a real talent 😉 He gets on the wrong side of the scary French Brigadier General Guy Loup, the wolf wanna-be, and a couple of ineffective and pretentious allied officers. But the most significant new enemy has far-reaching consequences: Napoleon's spy master Major Pierre Ducos makes his first series appearance.
Sharpe is given orders for a specific mission by Wellesley via Major Hogan, but in true Sharpe-i-ness, he handles the mission in his own fashion. As a matter of fact, he completely ignores some of the initial directives. As an incidental self-assigned mission, he intends to go after Loup and his Brigade at the first opportunity. During his official assignment, though, he's put under the command of the gullible Wagon Master General Runciman. I really liked that character! The scene where Sharpe was trying to convince Runciman to swipe several cartloads of muskets, with the handy pocket knife prop, was really funny!
As usual for Bernard Cornwell, the fighting scenes were intense, the comradery of the Riflemen was terrific, and the political nonsense of the times was deplorable. Outstanding series!
November 17, 2022
След кратка пауза се завръщам към приключенията на капитан Шарп и неговите верни стрелци.
Този път, освен враговете в собствената си армия, той успява да си създаде личен враг и сред французите - полковник Ги Лю, командващ специален елитен баталион, наречен "Въл��ите". Опитен и смел командир, той е решен на всичко за да си отмъсти на нашия капитан.
Същевременно на Шарп е възложено да обучи за бой батальон ирландски телохранители, които са изпратени лично от пленения от французите испански крал, в помощ на британската армия. Но те са нежелани от Уелингтън, че и предатели се спотайват в редиците им.
Предстои и поредната решителна битка в Полуостровната война, в която Уелингтън допуска една от редките си тактически грешки. Дали това няма да му струва скъпо?
Определено е една от най-добрите книги в серията до тук, истинско удоволствие е да се прочете! И никак не е чудно, защо на корицата на моето издание има само байонети. :)
Този път, освен враговете в собствената си армия, той успява да си създаде личен враг и сред французите - полковник Ги Лю, командващ специален елитен баталион, наречен "Въл��ите". Опитен и смел командир, той е решен на всичко за да си отмъсти на нашия капитан.
Същевременно на Шарп е възложено да обучи за бой батальон ирландски телохранители, които са изпратени лично от пленения от французите испански крал, в помощ на британската армия. Но те са нежелани от Уелингтън, че и предатели се спотайват в редиците им.
Предстои и поредната решителна битка в Полуостровната война, в която Уелингтън допуска една от редките си тактически грешки. Дали това няма да му струва скъпо?
Определено е една от най-добрите книги в серията до тук, истинско удоволствие е да се прочете! И никак не е чудно, защо на корицата на моето издание има само байонети. :)
October 2, 2021
Read this book in 2005, and its the 12th volume, in chronological order, of the great Richard Sharpe series.
The book is set later in the spring of the year AD 1811, and Richard Sharpe was once again in full action.
This time Sharpe and his riflemen is in command of the Irish Company of the exiled King of Spain household guards.
With this little force, a small part of the total British forces, they will be engaged in one of the bitterest battles of this Peninsular War.
What is follow is a thrilling tale of severe fighting, slaughter and death, while cunning and wit will also come into play when fighting the French in an all out battle for survival.
Highly recommended, for this is a very entertaining addition to this superb series, and that's why I like to call this book: "A Brilliant Sharpe Battle"!
The book is set later in the spring of the year AD 1811, and Richard Sharpe was once again in full action.
This time Sharpe and his riflemen is in command of the Irish Company of the exiled King of Spain household guards.
With this little force, a small part of the total British forces, they will be engaged in one of the bitterest battles of this Peninsular War.
What is follow is a thrilling tale of severe fighting, slaughter and death, while cunning and wit will also come into play when fighting the French in an all out battle for survival.
Highly recommended, for this is a very entertaining addition to this superb series, and that's why I like to call this book: "A Brilliant Sharpe Battle"!
December 11, 2016
This was definitely an improvement on the last one, which seemed to be pretty filler-y in my most humble of opinions. A Sharpe book is only as good as its villain, and Guy Loup was cheesily cool, what with his whole wolf theme (wolftail banners, wolf-lined everything and regiment completely decked out in wolf grey.) The expected vendetta between Loup and Sharpie starts early when Sharpe orders two of Loup’s men to take a heavy dose of lead after being caught slaughtering and raping in a Spanish village. I did find it funny that the French, Spanish AND British were all upset about this, constantly crying “HE BROKE THE RULES!!” I’m pretty sure raping civilians and murdering their children isn’t part of that whole “gentleman’s war” thing.
There’s definitely the usual foxy lady in the form of Juanita de Elia, a countess/spy or some shit who’s famous for her collection of British army jackets; trophies she takes from her sexual conquests. I found her presence in the novel entertaining as shit, because everyone loves a bad girl and because she’s not the usual shrinking violet gentlewoman who Sharpe inevitably beds. There was literally NO romance in this one, which I found to be a great relief as Cornwell’s usual idea of romance is a couple off-screen bonings that add nothing to characterization or plot and always induce a mental facepalming on my part.
The titular battle was also one of the better ones, a good 100+ pages of pure bloody slugfest between the allied British and Portuguese and the ever-present hated French over the poor town of Fuentes de Onoro in Spain. Cornwell ventures a guess that this was Wellesley’s least “favorite” battle of his as he made the near-fatal mistake of separating his forces and was only rescued by the grim determination of the Seventh Division in their fight to reconnect with their fellow soldiers. If you like Cornwell battles, this one is for you! I really can’t remember a longer or more intense scrap in the preceding Sharpe novels, as this one was less about clever manuevering and more about pure, grim close combat in the village streets, gardens, and graveyard. As usual, Sharpe’s Battle was nothing out of the ordinary for Cornwell but certainly was one of the more fun Sharpe adventures.
There’s definitely the usual foxy lady in the form of Juanita de Elia, a countess/spy or some shit who’s famous for her collection of British army jackets; trophies she takes from her sexual conquests. I found her presence in the novel entertaining as shit, because everyone loves a bad girl and because she’s not the usual shrinking violet gentlewoman who Sharpe inevitably beds. There was literally NO romance in this one, which I found to be a great relief as Cornwell’s usual idea of romance is a couple off-screen bonings that add nothing to characterization or plot and always induce a mental facepalming on my part.
The titular battle was also one of the better ones, a good 100+ pages of pure bloody slugfest between the allied British and Portuguese and the ever-present hated French over the poor town of Fuentes de Onoro in Spain. Cornwell ventures a guess that this was Wellesley’s least “favorite” battle of his as he made the near-fatal mistake of separating his forces and was only rescued by the grim determination of the Seventh Division in their fight to reconnect with their fellow soldiers. If you like Cornwell battles, this one is for you! I really can’t remember a longer or more intense scrap in the preceding Sharpe novels, as this one was less about clever manuevering and more about pure, grim close combat in the village streets, gardens, and graveyard. As usual, Sharpe’s Battle was nothing out of the ordinary for Cornwell but certainly was one of the more fun Sharpe adventures.
April 25, 2015
The good news: this is a really good book. Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe series makes European military history spring from the page in a way I haven't seen anyone else do.
The bad news: I forgot I had read it, and bought the book a second time. Blast and hell.
This one goes to my kid's annual book swap. Someone else can experience the rush only Cornwell provides.
The bad news: I forgot I had read it, and bought the book a second time. Blast and hell.
This one goes to my kid's annual book swap. Someone else can experience the rush only Cornwell provides.
March 16, 2017
Twelfth in the Richard Sharpe historical military fiction series revolving around Captain Richard Sharpe in the Peninsular War in May of 1811.
My Take
One of the subplots has Sharpe facing off with General Loup while the primary theme is sabotage. A weakening of one's enemy through subterfuge.
Harper is such a crackup with his little ways of distracting Sharpe when he's angry or frustrated. This time he keeps telling stories of how one or another of his relatives loses things.
Cornwell has really created a nasty character in General Loup, and I do love how Sharpe snarks at Loup! I don't care how badly the partisans treat the soldiers, you just don't treat children this way. And considering how the French normally treat everyone, heck, I think the French are getting off light. I liked the reference Cornwell throws in about Agincourt. A lovely bit of up yours!
Throughout the stories about the Peninsular War so far, Cornwell has included a description of the French Republican ideals of Liberty, Equality, and Brotherhood, ascribing these values as reasons why the afrancesadoes and others support the French invasion. Their reasons vary but boil down to intellectuals who see that the time for blood to dictate life and policy is over and a merit-based system would be preferred, the poor who are tired of being trampled on, and those who see violent change as an opportunity for their own advancement.
From an American perspective, it's easy to empathize with these ideals especially when Cornwell presents the evils of the British Army's method of promotion! And their aristocracy's notions of officer suitablility…oh, brother. But Cornwell easily presents those principles only to demolish them through the French style of waging war. I find myself curious if Wellington's insistence on paying his army's way across countries is a first in warfare?
From the dedication, I assume this particular installment was specifically written by Cornwell for the television series.
The Story
It's May 1811 and 40 men in Sharpe's company march to supplement the undermanned South Essex as a guard unit in Vilar Formoso. As you can imagine, Sharpe is quite depressed about this upcoming duty and inclined to take it out on the French soldiers who have raped and massacred a village right down to the babies and are just finishing up their "work" by raping the one woman they haven't yet killed.
But Sharpe's idea of justice in one with which General Loup disagrees. Strongly. So strongly, that Loup vows to take Sharpe down.
That's the easy part. The difficult task is coping with the Real Compañía Irlandesa. A royal household guard supposedly sent by the Spanish via the French to supplement Wellington's army. Right. It's a balancing act between being seen to honor the Real Compañía Irlandesa to curry favor with General Valverde — Wellington needs Valverde's nod to become Generalisimo and the head of the allied armies — and being nasty enough to the Irlandesa that they choose to go off to Cadiz even as he susses out their secrets. For Hogan and Wellington know full well that the company is simply a cover for French sabotage in the middle of the British Army.
The powers-that-be determine that the best way to tick off the Real Compañía Irlandesa is assigning them to Sharpe's tender teachings. They couldn't ask for a better teacher nor could Sharpe possibly find a company in more desperate need of his abilities and compassion.
Tucked away in Fort San Isidro to isolate this potential disaster, Sharpe does his best to strengthen them in spite of the betrayals, bitter attacks, and the determination of the High Command to get rid of the Irlandesa. Lord knows, Sharpe resorts to some pretty radical techniques to build morale! Shoot the officers. Hatch a gruesome plan with El Castrador. Logic.
The enemy uses betrayal, forgery, and propaganda.
The Characters
Captain Richard Sharpe is between a rock and a hard place. Total destruction or mercy and justice.
Sharpe's men include…
…Sergeant Patrick Harper, an Ulsterman from Donegal; Lieutenant Harry Price; Daniel Hagman, the oldest man in the regiment and a former poacher from Cheshire; Thompson; Cooper; Harris, a former schoolteacher; Perkins, the youngest; Green; Horrell; McDonald; Cresacre; Smith; Sergeant Latimer; and, Corporal Jackson.
Teresa Moreno, a.k.a., La Ajuga (The Needle), is out fighting the French with her guerilla band. El Castrador, a.k.a., the Castrator, leads another band of partisans that castrates any Frenchmen they find. Of whom, Sharpe makes a very peculiar request. Strictly for morale, of course.
Major Michael Hogan is the head of Wellington's Intelligence services. Arthur Wellesley is now Viscount Wellington and the General Marshal of Portugal's army and commander of the British forces in Portugal. Major Alexander Tarrant with his sidekicks, Gog and Magog, a.k.a., Privates Hughes and Hughes, are in charge of Wellington's ammunition and getting it delivered where needed.
General Don Luis Valverde is the junta's official observer, and it is his recommendation that will determine if Wellesley is appointed Generalisimo.
Real Compañía Irlandesa is…
…His Most Catholic Majesty's household guard sent to supplement Wellington's army. The drunk and dissolute Lord Kiely, an earl and the only Irish aristocrat in Spain, is in command, technically. Father Sarsfield is the Irlandesa's chaplain with a surprising sense of humor. The men of the Irlandesa includes Sergeant Major Noonan and Captain Donaju who is the real military expert. Colonel Runciman is the British liaison between Wellington and the Irlandesa. Wellington and Hogan see him as the ultimate scapegoat, and initially, one looks forward to his "execution" as bigoted as Cornwell paints him but towards the end, my opinion changed.
Colonel Oliveira with Captain Tom Garrard and their Portuguese battalion are the babysitters.
Miranda is the woman they rescue.
The Brigade Loup, a.k.a.…
…the Wolf Brigade, is led by Brigadier General Guy Loup, a terrorist. His mission is to terrify the partisans into keeping to themselves and not killing French soldiers from ambush. Seems it's all right for the French to terrorize but they don't like having it done to them.
Major Pierre Ducos is the emperor's spy and an even nastier man than Loup.
Doña Juanita de Elia is well-born, but with the character of a whore. It's said that she collects one uniform from the regiment of every man she's slept with, and that she has tailored them to fit her form. She sees herself as an adventuress and a Spaniard who would prefer the French in power, and she wears her uniforms whenever she can.
The Cover and Title
This is a new style of cover for this series. It has the feel of a watercolor painting: a rocky stream bordered by trees, a manor house in the background suffused with an orangey yellow sky as two men fight amongst the rocks.
The title proclaims Sharpe's Battle against Loup, France's best soldier.
My Take
One of the subplots has Sharpe facing off with General Loup while the primary theme is sabotage. A weakening of one's enemy through subterfuge.
Harper is such a crackup with his little ways of distracting Sharpe when he's angry or frustrated. This time he keeps telling stories of how one or another of his relatives loses things.
Cornwell has really created a nasty character in General Loup, and I do love how Sharpe snarks at Loup! I don't care how badly the partisans treat the soldiers, you just don't treat children this way. And considering how the French normally treat everyone, heck, I think the French are getting off light. I liked the reference Cornwell throws in about Agincourt. A lovely bit of up yours!
Throughout the stories about the Peninsular War so far, Cornwell has included a description of the French Republican ideals of Liberty, Equality, and Brotherhood, ascribing these values as reasons why the afrancesadoes and others support the French invasion. Their reasons vary but boil down to intellectuals who see that the time for blood to dictate life and policy is over and a merit-based system would be preferred, the poor who are tired of being trampled on, and those who see violent change as an opportunity for their own advancement.
From an American perspective, it's easy to empathize with these ideals especially when Cornwell presents the evils of the British Army's method of promotion! And their aristocracy's notions of officer suitablility…oh, brother. But Cornwell easily presents those principles only to demolish them through the French style of waging war. I find myself curious if Wellington's insistence on paying his army's way across countries is a first in warfare?
From the dedication, I assume this particular installment was specifically written by Cornwell for the television series.
The Story
It's May 1811 and 40 men in Sharpe's company march to supplement the undermanned South Essex as a guard unit in Vilar Formoso. As you can imagine, Sharpe is quite depressed about this upcoming duty and inclined to take it out on the French soldiers who have raped and massacred a village right down to the babies and are just finishing up their "work" by raping the one woman they haven't yet killed.
But Sharpe's idea of justice in one with which General Loup disagrees. Strongly. So strongly, that Loup vows to take Sharpe down.
That's the easy part. The difficult task is coping with the Real Compañía Irlandesa. A royal household guard supposedly sent by the Spanish via the French to supplement Wellington's army. Right. It's a balancing act between being seen to honor the Real Compañía Irlandesa to curry favor with General Valverde — Wellington needs Valverde's nod to become Generalisimo and the head of the allied armies — and being nasty enough to the Irlandesa that they choose to go off to Cadiz even as he susses out their secrets. For Hogan and Wellington know full well that the company is simply a cover for French sabotage in the middle of the British Army.
The powers-that-be determine that the best way to tick off the Real Compañía Irlandesa is assigning them to Sharpe's tender teachings. They couldn't ask for a better teacher nor could Sharpe possibly find a company in more desperate need of his abilities and compassion.
Tucked away in Fort San Isidro to isolate this potential disaster, Sharpe does his best to strengthen them in spite of the betrayals, bitter attacks, and the determination of the High Command to get rid of the Irlandesa. Lord knows, Sharpe resorts to some pretty radical techniques to build morale! Shoot the officers. Hatch a gruesome plan with El Castrador. Logic.
The enemy uses betrayal, forgery, and propaganda.
The Characters
Captain Richard Sharpe is between a rock and a hard place. Total destruction or mercy and justice.
Sharpe's men include…
…Sergeant Patrick Harper, an Ulsterman from Donegal; Lieutenant Harry Price; Daniel Hagman, the oldest man in the regiment and a former poacher from Cheshire; Thompson; Cooper; Harris, a former schoolteacher; Perkins, the youngest; Green; Horrell; McDonald; Cresacre; Smith; Sergeant Latimer; and, Corporal Jackson.
Teresa Moreno, a.k.a., La Ajuga (The Needle), is out fighting the French with her guerilla band. El Castrador, a.k.a., the Castrator, leads another band of partisans that castrates any Frenchmen they find. Of whom, Sharpe makes a very peculiar request. Strictly for morale, of course.
Major Michael Hogan is the head of Wellington's Intelligence services. Arthur Wellesley is now Viscount Wellington and the General Marshal of Portugal's army and commander of the British forces in Portugal. Major Alexander Tarrant with his sidekicks, Gog and Magog, a.k.a., Privates Hughes and Hughes, are in charge of Wellington's ammunition and getting it delivered where needed.
General Don Luis Valverde is the junta's official observer, and it is his recommendation that will determine if Wellesley is appointed Generalisimo.
Real Compañía Irlandesa is…
…His Most Catholic Majesty's household guard sent to supplement Wellington's army. The drunk and dissolute Lord Kiely, an earl and the only Irish aristocrat in Spain, is in command, technically. Father Sarsfield is the Irlandesa's chaplain with a surprising sense of humor. The men of the Irlandesa includes Sergeant Major Noonan and Captain Donaju who is the real military expert. Colonel Runciman is the British liaison between Wellington and the Irlandesa. Wellington and Hogan see him as the ultimate scapegoat, and initially, one looks forward to his "execution" as bigoted as Cornwell paints him but towards the end, my opinion changed.
Colonel Oliveira with Captain Tom Garrard and their Portuguese battalion are the babysitters.
Miranda is the woman they rescue.
The Brigade Loup, a.k.a.…
…the Wolf Brigade, is led by Brigadier General Guy Loup, a terrorist. His mission is to terrify the partisans into keeping to themselves and not killing French soldiers from ambush. Seems it's all right for the French to terrorize but they don't like having it done to them.
Major Pierre Ducos is the emperor's spy and an even nastier man than Loup.
Doña Juanita de Elia is well-born, but with the character of a whore. It's said that she collects one uniform from the regiment of every man she's slept with, and that she has tailored them to fit her form. She sees herself as an adventuress and a Spaniard who would prefer the French in power, and she wears her uniforms whenever she can.
The Cover and Title
This is a new style of cover for this series. It has the feel of a watercolor painting: a rocky stream bordered by trees, a manor house in the background suffused with an orangey yellow sky as two men fight amongst the rocks.
The title proclaims Sharpe's Battle against Loup, France's best soldier.
November 8, 2022
This is a solid middle Sharpe book, with a decent fictional plot and engaging big battle set piece to finish off the book. However, the antagonist was on the weaker side and didn't get much page time, so the inevitable defeat of said antagonist didn't have much impact. The battle was also a bit hard to follow with the geography and tactics, so it didn't have the payoffs of some of the others. That being said, Cornwell provided his usual gritty action writing that transported me to the battlefield.
One of the refreshing aspects of the book was English Colonel Runciman, who for a change was a likable incompetent officer who had no pride or ambition to be anything besides the head of the wagon train. He was great comedic relief amidst some pretty brutal stuff, so his presence was much appreciated. There was a surprisingly emotional moment between an Irish colonel and a Spanish Catholic priest, and Sharpe also had an emotional reunion with someone from his old unit back in India.
Overall it's a good addition to the series, but I may be tiring of the formula at this point since I don't feel as invested as I once did with the first bunch. I may take a break soon to wait on the newest book to come out hopefully next year, which I think is supposed to slot in chronologically around where I am now.
One of the refreshing aspects of the book was English Colonel Runciman, who for a change was a likable incompetent officer who had no pride or ambition to be anything besides the head of the wagon train. He was great comedic relief amidst some pretty brutal stuff, so his presence was much appreciated. There was a surprisingly emotional moment between an Irish colonel and a Spanish Catholic priest, and Sharpe also had an emotional reunion with someone from his old unit back in India.
Overall it's a good addition to the series, but I may be tiring of the formula at this point since I don't feel as invested as I once did with the first bunch. I may take a break soon to wait on the newest book to come out hopefully next year, which I think is supposed to slot in chronologically around where I am now.
May 7, 2024
майор хоган и его множественные яои
January 1, 2019
This book in the Sharpe series has two distinct parts. Part One sets up the politics that controlled the flow in the story which serves as a source of frustration for Richard Sharpe. Overcoming that frustration was the first battle that had to be faced. The second part, which occupied the final third of the book, described the actual physical battle over the strategic position of the small town of Fuentes de Onoro. Any fan of Bernard Cornwell knows that he is a master of describing battles. This was one of the longest descriptions that I can remember in any of Cornwell’s novels and I’ve read them all. The only exceptions would be Sharpe’s Waterloo and the non-fiction account of the Battle of Waterloo.
At times I found myself confused about which army was being described. That may be my own fault because I was not able to read through it without interruptions. Trying to pick up on the middle of a battle can be confusing.
This book continues the tradition of expertly described action which is a mark of Cornwell’s writing. All the senses are engaged as you are made to feel that you are observing the action up-close and personally. I look forward to Bernard Cornwell’s next book, whatever it may be.
At times I found myself confused about which army was being described. That may be my own fault because I was not able to read through it without interruptions. Trying to pick up on the middle of a battle can be confusing.
This book continues the tradition of expertly described action which is a mark of Cornwell’s writing. All the senses are engaged as you are made to feel that you are observing the action up-close and personally. I look forward to Bernard Cornwell’s next book, whatever it may be.
September 18, 2018
I'm not going to say much because the stars speak for themselves. This was a superb read, gripping and interesting and, as usual, full of interesting detail. Yes, the villains are villains and perhaps a little too one-dimensional, perhaps other characters might be a little too cliche, but none of that takes away from the enjoyment. The battle scenes are brilliant.
I like the Sharpe series.
I like the Sharpe series.
October 13, 2021
Quartered in a crumbling Portuguese fort, Richard Sharpe and his men are attacked by an elite French unit, and suffer heavy losses. A new arch-rival appears, an one eyed froggie cald "Loup" (wolf) who castrates captured enemies (but does so to avenge his men castrated by "el Castrdor" who cuts french balls, a mess, don't bother).
After executing two french "elite" soldiers for rape, Sharpe finds himself in disfavor of both English and Spanish leaders and Wellington could use him as a pawn to sacrifice in order to become Generalissimo of the joined forces (Spanish and English against French).
Sharpe's military career seems to be ruined (but since he's a fiction character, dear ole Bernie can ppull any card from his writing sleeve). His only hope is to redeem himself on the battlefield. So with his honour at stake, against an overwhelming number of French troops, Sharpe leads his men to battle in the narrow streets of Fuentes de Oñoro.
Again, betrayal, whores, spies, blood, gore, gunshots, old regime officers that can't stand the way the world is changing, sadistic vilains and castradores, cries (the French monotonously shout "Vive L' empereur!" while they attack) and Sharpe prevailing in the end. That's is Sharpe's Battle for you.
After executing two french "elite" soldiers for rape, Sharpe finds himself in disfavor of both English and Spanish leaders and Wellington could use him as a pawn to sacrifice in order to become Generalissimo of the joined forces (Spanish and English against French).
Sharpe's military career seems to be ruined (but since he's a fiction character, dear ole Bernie can ppull any card from his writing sleeve). His only hope is to redeem himself on the battlefield. So with his honour at stake, against an overwhelming number of French troops, Sharpe leads his men to battle in the narrow streets of Fuentes de Oñoro.
Again, betrayal, whores, spies, blood, gore, gunshots, old regime officers that can't stand the way the world is changing, sadistic vilains and castradores, cries (the French monotonously shout "Vive L' empereur!" while they attack) and Sharpe prevailing in the end. That's is Sharpe's Battle for you.
August 18, 2019
Astonishing work...one of Cornwell’s best. The adventures of Sharpe, while always entertaining, took a backseat to Cornwell’s breathtaking descriptions of early 19th century combat. The sprawling scope, the varied divisions and weapons, the gritty strategies, and the vicious hand-to-hand fighting all come across in vivid, jaw-dropping detail. Time machines don’t exist, but the historical fiction of Bernard Cornwell comes close.
March 4, 2017
I will start by saying, although this is the 12th novel in the series, you do not have to pick up the first eleven to enjoy this one. All are written in a way that makes them stand alone tales that are part of a larger series. That series being Richard Sharpe’s life and progression through Wellington’s army in Spain and Portugal … except the first three which take place much earlier in India. Also, for fans of the film version of ‘Sharpe’s Battle’, you will be treated to a far different end than the screen adaption due to the book not being finished at the time of production. So this is really one of those 2 for 1 deals
From start to finish, Bernard Cornwell sucks the reader into the year 1811 and whisks you off to the Napoleonic era, slotting you in line amongst the other poor buggers destined to be thrown against the massed might of France and the horrific number of men she can bring to bear against all of Europe.
The battle scenes, as are typical with any Sharpe novel, are incredibly realistic. Cornwell gives good working descriptions of how each weapon, be it a sword (of which there are many varieties), a cannon (of which their are a multitude of shells that can be slotted into the beasty) or be it a musket or a rifle works and the kind of carnage they can wreak on the human body. With every round shot fired from a canon the reader is treated to descriptions of how it bounces and scythes into the French columns, spraying blood, arms, and even heads aside as it carves its bloody way through. You laugh at the foolish French who refused to use rifles (placing their faith in the far less accurate musket) due to the slow loading time. The time of which is inconsequential when you have highly-trained sharp shooters picking off your men a good two-hundred yards before your own can return fire.
Sharpe’s Battle is not all about fighting, as the name would imply (although there is a lot of it). There is intrigue, betrayal, political jockeying between the British and the Spanish, both of whom want the role of ‘Generalismo of Europe’s armies’ to go to their respective country’s highest ranking officer.
Alongside the main plot of Sharpe’s disgrace and hopeful reprieve in the event of his doing something insanely brave in the face of certain death, there is an intriguing sub-plot regarding the aforementioned betrayal and the discontent felt by the hefty Irish population serving in the British army (roughly a 3rd were Irish and nearly all of their number had great hatred for their British masters. It’s a good job they never decided to riot and turn upon the British as, if they had, they would have won the war for Napoleon).
The thing I like most about this, and the rest of the books in the Sharpe series is how historically accurate they are and how interesting they are because of this. Cornwell’s research is impeccable and he always includes a ‘historical note’ at the back of the book detailing the events of the novel and how they differed or where they are factually correct to what happened at the time. He also does a good job of bringing the historical characters; the generals, the colonels and, my personal favourite supporting character, Lord Wellington himself, to life.
Unlike the Sharpe short story I reviewed earlier on my blog, this novel, and none of its brother novels, were written for a newspaper. Due to this, the language is not censored nor are the more graphic parts of the battle scenes. I say graphic and, in some cases I often dislike when an author pours blood and gore into a fight just for effect. In the case of these novels, it would be offensive to the history involved if the blood and gore was not present due to how hideous the prospect of war back in the 1800s truly was. Men suffered terrifically painful injuries and, as detailed near the end of the book, they often had naught but a drunk surgeon with a blood-covered, rusty bone saw to look forward to when the battle was done. Nothing says brotherhood like sharing an unwashed bone saw and having you foot or arm added to the ever growing pile of lopped of limbs. And then there is the numerous ways a wound could be infected. Infection and disease was a far bigger killer than any Frenchman could ever have hoped to be … but I am going off on a tangent. I promise to try and not to teach you anything else
The accuracy and overall high level of writing makes it impossible for me to give this piece anything other than full marks. I look forward to pressing on with the series and following Richard Sharpe and his trusty friend Patrick Harper in their adventures through the early 1800s.
From start to finish, Bernard Cornwell sucks the reader into the year 1811 and whisks you off to the Napoleonic era, slotting you in line amongst the other poor buggers destined to be thrown against the massed might of France and the horrific number of men she can bring to bear against all of Europe.
The battle scenes, as are typical with any Sharpe novel, are incredibly realistic. Cornwell gives good working descriptions of how each weapon, be it a sword (of which there are many varieties), a cannon (of which their are a multitude of shells that can be slotted into the beasty) or be it a musket or a rifle works and the kind of carnage they can wreak on the human body. With every round shot fired from a canon the reader is treated to descriptions of how it bounces and scythes into the French columns, spraying blood, arms, and even heads aside as it carves its bloody way through. You laugh at the foolish French who refused to use rifles (placing their faith in the far less accurate musket) due to the slow loading time. The time of which is inconsequential when you have highly-trained sharp shooters picking off your men a good two-hundred yards before your own can return fire.
Sharpe’s Battle is not all about fighting, as the name would imply (although there is a lot of it). There is intrigue, betrayal, political jockeying between the British and the Spanish, both of whom want the role of ‘Generalismo of Europe’s armies’ to go to their respective country’s highest ranking officer.
Alongside the main plot of Sharpe’s disgrace and hopeful reprieve in the event of his doing something insanely brave in the face of certain death, there is an intriguing sub-plot regarding the aforementioned betrayal and the discontent felt by the hefty Irish population serving in the British army (roughly a 3rd were Irish and nearly all of their number had great hatred for their British masters. It’s a good job they never decided to riot and turn upon the British as, if they had, they would have won the war for Napoleon).
The thing I like most about this, and the rest of the books in the Sharpe series is how historically accurate they are and how interesting they are because of this. Cornwell’s research is impeccable and he always includes a ‘historical note’ at the back of the book detailing the events of the novel and how they differed or where they are factually correct to what happened at the time. He also does a good job of bringing the historical characters; the generals, the colonels and, my personal favourite supporting character, Lord Wellington himself, to life.
Unlike the Sharpe short story I reviewed earlier on my blog, this novel, and none of its brother novels, were written for a newspaper. Due to this, the language is not censored nor are the more graphic parts of the battle scenes. I say graphic and, in some cases I often dislike when an author pours blood and gore into a fight just for effect. In the case of these novels, it would be offensive to the history involved if the blood and gore was not present due to how hideous the prospect of war back in the 1800s truly was. Men suffered terrifically painful injuries and, as detailed near the end of the book, they often had naught but a drunk surgeon with a blood-covered, rusty bone saw to look forward to when the battle was done. Nothing says brotherhood like sharing an unwashed bone saw and having you foot or arm added to the ever growing pile of lopped of limbs. And then there is the numerous ways a wound could be infected. Infection and disease was a far bigger killer than any Frenchman could ever have hoped to be … but I am going off on a tangent. I promise to try and not to teach you anything else
The accuracy and overall high level of writing makes it impossible for me to give this piece anything other than full marks. I look forward to pressing on with the series and following Richard Sharpe and his trusty friend Patrick Harper in their adventures through the early 1800s.
May 22, 2024
великолепно! это продлило мою депрессию ещё на 20 лет
October 2, 2022
Another great sharpe novel
August 29, 2021
Unlike a lot of the other books, this one was very similar to the TV show adaptation of it – at least for most of it. You can really see where the actors’ portrayals of the characters start to affect the books’ descriptions. I was really entertained to see that this book is dedicated specifically to Sean Bean. I thought...why this one in particular, then I realised just *how much* of Sean Bean is in this version of Sharpe. Not just him, but in how Harper is written and even characters like Harris, who gets little nods to Jason Salkey’s appearance and portrayal.
This one follows the basic formula of the later-published Sharpe novels: Sharpe’s personal arc and fight during the first part, and then the broader battle in the second part. I really enjoyed the plot of him training up the Irish company which had been sent over from the Spanish King; it had some good politics woven into it, with the tenuous alliance with Spain and the age-old conflict between the English and the Irish. Sharpe even got some classic Sharpe-ish class tension with the aristocratic commander, Lord Kiely, and there were some really good action scenes, especially that French attack on the fortress. It had a great villain in Brigadier Loup as well, who is perhaps a little on the pantomime side, but no less fun because of it.
The second part, like in Sharpe’s Fury, was not as strong in my opinion. I kind of lose interest when Sharpe isn’t directly involved in the storyline or fighting. This had big segments of the wider battle where he was nowhere to be seen, which I’ve noticed Bernard Cornwell does more in these later books (including the India ones, which are first chronologically, but some of the last in terms of publication). It got back together again in the last chapter, with that fierce brawl in the town, but sometimes, I find the end isn’t quite as strong as the opening.
So, overall, pretty formulaic Sharpe (the impossible task, the personal conflict with a nefarious French enemy, the casual misogyny in the awfully-written female characters, the big battle at the end) but I’m still reading and enjoying the series, despite its flaws.
This one follows the basic formula of the later-published Sharpe novels: Sharpe’s personal arc and fight during the first part, and then the broader battle in the second part. I really enjoyed the plot of him training up the Irish company which had been sent over from the Spanish King; it had some good politics woven into it, with the tenuous alliance with Spain and the age-old conflict between the English and the Irish. Sharpe even got some classic Sharpe-ish class tension with the aristocratic commander, Lord Kiely, and there were some really good action scenes, especially that French attack on the fortress. It had a great villain in Brigadier Loup as well, who is perhaps a little on the pantomime side, but no less fun because of it.
The second part, like in Sharpe’s Fury, was not as strong in my opinion. I kind of lose interest when Sharpe isn’t directly involved in the storyline or fighting. This had big segments of the wider battle where he was nowhere to be seen, which I’ve noticed Bernard Cornwell does more in these later books (including the India ones, which are first chronologically, but some of the last in terms of publication). It got back together again in the last chapter, with that fierce brawl in the town, but sometimes, I find the end isn’t quite as strong as the opening.
So, overall, pretty formulaic Sharpe (the impossible task, the personal conflict with a nefarious French enemy, the casual misogyny in the awfully-written female characters, the big battle at the end) but I’m still reading and enjoying the series, despite its flaws.
December 28, 2008
Sharpe is a captain who has come up through the ranks and is now attached to the" green jackets," riflemen attached to the Light Division.
Reviewers have lauded Cornwell's realistic portrayal of the period. I am in no position to judge, but it certainly seems real enough. The characters are well-developed, humorous, and likeable. Cornwell's description of Wellington' s defense at Fuentes de Orono, a battle that if lost might have spelled doom for the British, is marvelous. I never really understood the power of the "square," how it moved and was used successfully as an almost impenetrable barrier to cavalry, until I read Cornwell's narrative.
The square could form almost instantly through a series of intricate maneuvers from a marching column. Its power against cavalry came from the massive firepower its leaders coordinated. It was susceptible to mounted artillery so it was protected by sharpshooters who picked off the horses and artillerymen who tried to venture close enough to deliver the lethal canister. When the cavalry withdrew in frustration after a futile charge, the square would reform into columns and continue marching until again threatened by the cavalry's charge. It took months of practice and steady commanders to perform the intricate maneuvers while loading muskets, a complicated process itself
The story revolves around Sharpe's encounter with some of the French General Loup's troops, who have raped some Spanish villagers. Loup rides up under a flag of truce demanding his men back. Sharpe, backed up by his riflemen, refuse s and has two summarily shot. Loup swears revenge, a retaliation that leads to the death of 400 Portugue se allies, for which Sharpe is perhaps correctly picked to take the blame. The story has everything: traitors, a beautiful spy, dunderheaded leaders and brilliant generals. It's a ripping good read that vividly brings home the horror of warfare in the early nineteenth century.
Reviewers have lauded Cornwell's realistic portrayal of the period. I am in no position to judge, but it certainly seems real enough. The characters are well-developed, humorous, and likeable. Cornwell's description of Wellington' s defense at Fuentes de Orono, a battle that if lost might have spelled doom for the British, is marvelous. I never really understood the power of the "square," how it moved and was used successfully as an almost impenetrable barrier to cavalry, until I read Cornwell's narrative.
The square could form almost instantly through a series of intricate maneuvers from a marching column. Its power against cavalry came from the massive firepower its leaders coordinated. It was susceptible to mounted artillery so it was protected by sharpshooters who picked off the horses and artillerymen who tried to venture close enough to deliver the lethal canister. When the cavalry withdrew in frustration after a futile charge, the square would reform into columns and continue marching until again threatened by the cavalry's charge. It took months of practice and steady commanders to perform the intricate maneuvers while loading muskets, a complicated process itself
The story revolves around Sharpe's encounter with some of the French General Loup's troops, who have raped some Spanish villagers. Loup rides up under a flag of truce demanding his men back. Sharpe, backed up by his riflemen, refuse s and has two summarily shot. Loup swears revenge, a retaliation that leads to the death of 400 Portugue se allies, for which Sharpe is perhaps correctly picked to take the blame. The story has everything: traitors, a beautiful spy, dunderheaded leaders and brilliant generals. It's a ripping good read that vividly brings home the horror of warfare in the early nineteenth century.
July 29, 2014
Sharpe’s Battle—a mid-series installment in Bernard Cornwell’s long-running series—is a long series of vignettes culminating in a thunderous battle scene that, with its preliminaries, occupies nearly a third of the book. It is easy to believe that dramatizing the battle was Cornwell’s reason for writing the book in the first place, and that everything else is there to make what would otherwise be a novella into a novel. If so, I forgive him: the Battle of Fuentes de Oñoro is among the most vivid and gripping narratives of nineteenth-century combat I’ve ever read. Napoleonic-era warfare was a complicated business, but Cornwell makes the flow of events crystal clear without ever losing track of the smaller story (of Sharpe and his enemy du jour, Brigadier Guy de Loup) within the larger one.
The other two-thirds of the book has its share of action—a duel, a night reconnaissance of a walled town, and a second (fictitious) full-scale battle—but it is driven by plotlines involving French espionage and Anglo-Spanish politics. Threaded through all of these preliminaries are the consequences of Sharpe’s order (carried out in the first pages) to summarily execute two captured French soldiers. Cornwell, staying true to the book’s 1811 setting, makes Sharpe’s impulsive act—amply justified and, to modern readers, not only justified but righteous—a source of never-ending trouble for him with the French and his own army alike.
The book has (perhaps inevitably, given its structure) a slightly baggy quality. The concluding battle resolves all the threads put into play in the first two-thirds of the book, but it does so less by bringing them to a head than by simply wiping the slate clean. Teachers of good novel-writing practices will, doubtless, be affronted. Fans of historical military fiction will have a good time nonetheless.
The other two-thirds of the book has its share of action—a duel, a night reconnaissance of a walled town, and a second (fictitious) full-scale battle—but it is driven by plotlines involving French espionage and Anglo-Spanish politics. Threaded through all of these preliminaries are the consequences of Sharpe’s order (carried out in the first pages) to summarily execute two captured French soldiers. Cornwell, staying true to the book’s 1811 setting, makes Sharpe’s impulsive act—amply justified and, to modern readers, not only justified but righteous—a source of never-ending trouble for him with the French and his own army alike.
The book has (perhaps inevitably, given its structure) a slightly baggy quality. The concluding battle resolves all the threads put into play in the first two-thirds of the book, but it does so less by bringing them to a head than by simply wiping the slate clean. Teachers of good novel-writing practices will, doubtless, be affronted. Fans of historical military fiction will have a good time nonetheless.
February 3, 2022
Spoilers ahead:
There is a lot of action in this book. It starts off with Sharpe surprising a small detachment of the French Wolf Brigade after they killed everyone in a small village except for a young woman that two French soldiers were raping. He executes them despite the French Brigadier Loup asking for them back and then promising to kill Sharpe in revenge.
Next a detachment of Irish-Spaniards in the Real Compania Irlandesa Royal Guard are sent to Wellington for service under him. He sends them to Sharpe with the idea that they are to be humiliated but Sharpe trains them instead.
While stationed at a border fort, the Spanish guards, Sharpe's company and a detachment of Portuguese caçadores are surprised and attacked by Loup's brigade. The attack is successful due to the action of a traitor/spy, who is the mistress of the commander of the Spanish Royal Guard. Loup's Brigade is finally beaten off but not before decimating the cacadores. Sharpe and his commander, Colonel Runciman have to take the fall.
The final part of the book is the Battle of Fuentes De Onoro. This is where Massena attacks Wellington at the aforementioned village. It's a hard fought battle and though Sharpe was assigned to the ammunition supplies, he plays a key part in the battle when he repulses the Loup Brigade with the Spanish Royal Guard.
As with the other Sharpe books, the writing is easy to read and follow, the battle scenes and character vignettes are well written and a pleasure to read.
There is a lot of action in this book. It starts off with Sharpe surprising a small detachment of the French Wolf Brigade after they killed everyone in a small village except for a young woman that two French soldiers were raping. He executes them despite the French Brigadier Loup asking for them back and then promising to kill Sharpe in revenge.
Next a detachment of Irish-Spaniards in the Real Compania Irlandesa Royal Guard are sent to Wellington for service under him. He sends them to Sharpe with the idea that they are to be humiliated but Sharpe trains them instead.
While stationed at a border fort, the Spanish guards, Sharpe's company and a detachment of Portuguese caçadores are surprised and attacked by Loup's brigade. The attack is successful due to the action of a traitor/spy, who is the mistress of the commander of the Spanish Royal Guard. Loup's Brigade is finally beaten off but not before decimating the cacadores. Sharpe and his commander, Colonel Runciman have to take the fall.
The final part of the book is the Battle of Fuentes De Onoro. This is where Massena attacks Wellington at the aforementioned village. It's a hard fought battle and though Sharpe was assigned to the ammunition supplies, he plays a key part in the battle when he repulses the Loup Brigade with the Spanish Royal Guard.
As with the other Sharpe books, the writing is easy to read and follow, the battle scenes and character vignettes are well written and a pleasure to read.
November 1, 2021
Sharpe's Battle is the 12th book by Bernard Cornwell featuring British soldier / adventurer Lt Richard Sharpe. As always, this is a book filled with adventure, battles and strife for Sharpe, a soldier who was given a commission by Lord Wellington in the first book as he saved Wellington's life.
Sharpe lead a group of soldiers, not your typical Red coats but Green Jacket skirmishers. This story is set during the Portuguese / Spanish wars as the British and their allies battle the French troops of Napoleon. This story is set in May 1811 and features the battle of Fuentes de Onoro.
In this setting, Sharpe and his men contact a French brigade led by General Loup, the grey wolves, who are terrorizing the countryside, raping and pillaging. Sharpe earns Loup's eternal enmity for executing two of Loup's men who were caught raping a young woman.
That is the basis of this story. Sharpe must redeem himself in Wellington's eyes, avoid a court martial and also help the British fight their battle against invading French soldiers. Action, action, action, well-described, quite bloody, but exciting. Always a page turner. (3.5 stars)
Sharpe lead a group of soldiers, not your typical Red coats but Green Jacket skirmishers. This story is set during the Portuguese / Spanish wars as the British and their allies battle the French troops of Napoleon. This story is set in May 1811 and features the battle of Fuentes de Onoro.
In this setting, Sharpe and his men contact a French brigade led by General Loup, the grey wolves, who are terrorizing the countryside, raping and pillaging. Sharpe earns Loup's eternal enmity for executing two of Loup's men who were caught raping a young woman.
That is the basis of this story. Sharpe must redeem himself in Wellington's eyes, avoid a court martial and also help the British fight their battle against invading French soldiers. Action, action, action, well-described, quite bloody, but exciting. Always a page turner. (3.5 stars)
January 16, 2011
Yet another excellent entry in the Sharpe series, which just seems to get better and better the more I read. This one starts off in the thick of it, in familiar territory: Sharpe and his boys are patrolling the Portuguese frontier where Sharpe finds and makes a new, hulking enemy: Brigadier Loup, one of the most unpleasant larger-than-life villains of the series so far!
What follows is an enthralling read, packed with treachery, betrayal and more surprises and plot twists than you can shake a stick at. There are two fantastic action set-pieces that provide riveting thrills and spills: the first involves a siege in a crumbling fort. The culmination of this bit is a real outlandish surprise. Then, of course, we have the climax, a running battle in an uphill village where there’s slaughter work in the streets and the blood flows freely – this climax is among the best in Cornwell’s canon, a real top-notch way to end the story.
Elsewhere we’ve got Harper as strong and solid as ever, some unusual supporting characters in Runciman and Kiely, a filthy traitor, and best of all, Sharpe going through some real strife. Great stuff!
What follows is an enthralling read, packed with treachery, betrayal and more surprises and plot twists than you can shake a stick at. There are two fantastic action set-pieces that provide riveting thrills and spills: the first involves a siege in a crumbling fort. The culmination of this bit is a real outlandish surprise. Then, of course, we have the climax, a running battle in an uphill village where there’s slaughter work in the streets and the blood flows freely – this climax is among the best in Cornwell’s canon, a real top-notch way to end the story.
Elsewhere we’ve got Harper as strong and solid as ever, some unusual supporting characters in Runciman and Kiely, a filthy traitor, and best of all, Sharpe going through some real strife. Great stuff!
March 20, 2014
Another chapter in my reading in order to understand what books mean when thy talk about various battles in the Napoleonic wars. You know what I mean, the hero comes back having been involved at Badajoz etc.
Once again Sharpe is involved in the push from Portugal into Spain, the French are still hanging in there. However Sharpe is up against Loup, the leader of an elite French group of soldiers who spend their time fighting the partisans, and an unpleasant character at that.
There's the usual idiot in charge and our brave hero, a bit rough round the edges but with a soft spot for women, children and probably cats too.
Fairly quick paced with some great battle scenes which set it up for the next one in the series.
Once again Sharpe is involved in the push from Portugal into Spain, the French are still hanging in there. However Sharpe is up against Loup, the leader of an elite French group of soldiers who spend their time fighting the partisans, and an unpleasant character at that.
There's the usual idiot in charge and our brave hero, a bit rough round the edges but with a soft spot for women, children and probably cats too.
Fairly quick paced with some great battle scenes which set it up for the next one in the series.
April 22, 2017
Una situazione bene o male già vista in occasione della conquista dell'Aquila: Sharpe in disgrazia, a rischio di corte marziale, per salvarsi deve compiere un'impresa eroica che lo riabiliti e renda impossibile farlo fuori.
Solo che a Talavera l'impresa è davvero eroica, qui il suo apporto alla battaglia non sembra avere tutta questa eccezionalità, alla fine è semplicemente un faccia a faccia con Loup (e con Juanita) anticipato e atteso per tutto il libro, dopo il primo incontro nel villaggio spagnolo e il successivo assalto del francese alla guarnigione di Sharpe.
Come trama non è male, c'è stato di peggio in questa serie, ma si crea un'inutile attesa dell'atto spettacolare che viene completamente disattesa.
Solo che a Talavera l'impresa è davvero eroica, qui il suo apporto alla battaglia non sembra avere tutta questa eccezionalità, alla fine è semplicemente un faccia a faccia con Loup (e con Juanita) anticipato e atteso per tutto il libro, dopo il primo incontro nel villaggio spagnolo e il successivo assalto del francese alla guarnigione di Sharpe.
Come trama non è male, c'è stato di peggio in questa serie, ma si crea un'inutile attesa dell'atto spettacolare che viene completamente disattesa.
July 21, 2015
An entertaining installment of the Sharpe series which takes place during the lead up to and during the Battle of Fuentes de Oñoro in 1811. Lots of battle sequences in this book with just a bit of espionage and a personal battle between Sharpe and an evil French Brigadier thrown in. Listened to the audio version read by Frederick Davidson who is always OK but not really one of my favorites.
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