Copperhead (original 1993; edition 2001)

I like Bernard Cornwell's novels and I am slowly making my way through them. I liked the first Starbuck book, The Rebel, and I eagerly awaited the next one Copperhead. At first though I was disappointed...it rushed into a battle scene. No lead-up...just immediately jumped in. It put me off frankly. I wanted a story, not a battle scene. I know Cornwell can deliver an exciting battle scene but with no story line leading to it, the scene felt empty. I almost put the book down but came back to it a few days later. I am glad I did. The story developed, I was hooked again. The book has battle scenes as "book ends" but the middle contained the story I wanted. He develops his characters so well...predictable in some ways, plot twists that keep your interest high. I will wait a month or so before reading the next book in the series so it is fresh for me...but I have never been bored with his writing (though it was a close call at first with this book). ( )

Even though Bernard Cornwell is one of my favorite authors I did not greatly enjoy his first Nathaniel Starbuck book “Rebel.” And it was with immense trepidation that I picked up “Copperhead” book two in the Nathaniel Starbuck chronicles but I was happy I did. Whereas the first book seemed blasé and nonchalant in book two Mr. Cornwell takes Nathaniel through dazzling adventures consorting with cruel torture, betrayal, whores, espionage and of course deadly and bloody battle. Wisps of Sharpe and prevalent throughout –more so than I thought possible- however Nathaniel has a panache and roguish character all his own. ( )

http://susanw.livejournal.com/146217.html ( )