Sometimes Cornwell's formula doesn't work that well for me... this time it does. A great adventure begins here, it's interesting to read about Sharpe as he was describes for the first time, and I love Harper, Hogan, Lawford, and Wellesley too. ( )

Lots of action, not so much plot or character depth as the chronologically earlier books in the series (this was either the first or second volume that he wrote). Still, I'm completely invested in this character by this point, so I enjoyed it.

It does have one of the most priceless scenes: the unimpressive Spanish troops panic when they see French dragoons firing at snakes off in the distance. Though it's three times the maximum range of a musket, the entire Spanish force starts firing.

The fire and lead poured into the empty field...For a second Sharpe thought the Spanish were cheering their own victory over the innocent grass but suddenly he realized the shouts were not of triumph, but alarm. They had been scared witless by their own volley, by the thunder 10,000 muskets and now they ran for safety. Thousands streamed into the olive trees throwing away muskets, trampling the fires in their panic, screaming for help, heads up, arms pumping, running from their own noise." ( )

This is the second book in Cornwall's original eleven book series. It takes place at the Battle of Talavera in 1809, as the British army begins to assert itself against the French in Spain.

Richard Sharpe and his small band of survivors from the 95th Rifles find themselves assigned to nursemaid an engineering expedition to blow up a bridge deep in enemy controlled territory. We're introduced to Col. Henry Simmerson, one of my favorite villains in the Sharpe series, a blundering martinet who allows his regiment to be chopped to bits through his own foolishness. Unfortunately he is politically powerful and Sharpe stands to be sent to the fever islands if he can't do something incredible-so he sets himself the goal of capturing a French standard, one of the eagle standards given to each French battalion by the emperor himself.

Needless to say Sharpe accomplishes just that using all of his pluck, luck and strength. He also woos a lady, suffers injuries, and gets out of several bad spots, which he does in pretty much every book. He also consigns Henry Simmerson to the military ashheap, but not out of our lives as he returns in book 5.

Quick and fun read. Cornwall gets the details right. The fleeing of Cuesta's Spanish at the sound of their own gunfire is one of the more ridiculous incidents of the entire Napoleonic Wars. ( )

No. 8 in the Richard Sharpe series.

It’s 1809, and the British Army under Wellesley (not yet Lord Wellington) is in Portugal. Lieutenant Sharpe, recovering from a saber wound, has his first encounter with the South Essex Battalion of infantry, newly arrived from England with two aristocratic and totally incompetent officers at their head. Sharpe and Sergeant Harper, as well as the thirty surviving Rifles of the 95th, are attached to the South Essex in what will be a memorable association.

Sharpe is given the assignment of accompanying engineers and the South Essex (along with a Spanish Battalion) into Spain in order to blow up an important bridge. The mission turns into a disaster as the incompetent Lt. Colonel Simmerson, who is in charge of the South Essex, panics and loses both men and the Regimental and King’s Colors, a disgrace. Sharpe saves the day, only to make implacable enemies out of the two aristocrats.

One thing leads to another, and Sharpe and company fight at the Battle of Talavera—where Sharpe wins renown, a French Eagle, and a promotion to Captain. In addition, he has his usual luck with women—rotten.

Standard Cornwell: well- researched, great attention to detail (much of which is from contemporary accounts), unbeatable battle descriptions, and superior writing overall. The Historical Note at the end describes what liberties were taken with history and why. The capturing of the French Eagle is based on a real event; only the names were changed to make an excellent story.

Not quite so meaty as some others in the series, it's still a great read. Highly recommended. ( )

Who can resist a risen-from-the-ranks, British, Regulation Hottie like Richard Sharpe? Sean Bean as the TV series version isn't bad either. This novel is a dose of history with a lot of sugar to help it go down. Witty dialogue, especially from the Irish characters, a fast-moving plot, plenty of adventure. The only bits that don't work are the scenes with the girl. ( )