Another really good Sharpe adventure, this time where he's let down by a self-seeking incompetent naval officer. Good stuff ( )

Wellington's in southern France by now, and Sharpe's battalion is a major part of a combined operation to aid in the crossing of the Ardour. This late in the war, there's a lot of competition in the search for honors and glory. So, a lot of conniving has to be met with some clever manoeuvering. A considerable American influence leads to the final outcome. Fun. ( )

It was a fast read, as most of them are. The story is not in my favourite category. It could be the characters such as the pompous naval commander or it might have been the plot itself. To me it was another...Richard Sharpe in an impossible situation and wiggles out...novel. I want more at this point I suppose. ( )

#18 in the Richard Sharpe series.

Back with Wellington’s army, which is bogged down in southwest France, Sharpe is ordered on a mission, led by an ambitious captain of the Royal Navy, to capture a supposedly weakly-defended French coastal fort, cut Napoleon’s supply lines, and assist in inciting the residents of Bordeaux to rise against Napoleon.

Naturally, nothing works out as planned. After taking the fort, it is attacked by a heavy French force, and Sharpe is forced to escape via the good graces of an American privateer captain. The sinister Ducos makes yet another appearance.

That’s the background of the latest installment of the series. It’s a somewhat offbeat story, a detour from Wellington’s main thrust into France, but as usual, Cornwell imbues it with all the page-turning tension and excitement that characterizes the series. The escape is as good a scene as in any of the previous books. Harper and Sharpe continue to be lively and interesting protagonists, and the other characters all ring true. I don’t think Cornwell can be equaled, never mind beaten, in this genre.

Highly recommended. ( )