Bernard Cornwell’s action-packed series that captures the gritty texture of Napoleonic warfare–now beautifully repackagedIt’s 1809, and Napoleon’s army is sweeping across Spain. Lieutenant Richard Sharpe is newly in command of the demoralized, distrustful men of the 95th Rifles. He must lead them to safety–and the only way of escape is a treacherous trek through the enemy-infested mountains of … enemy-infested mountains of Spain.
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Ah, the Napoleonic Wars. I find myself desiring from time to time, a good old-fashioned army story. You know, the ones where you can smell the smoke and powder of spent cartridges, hear the whine of a bullet, and feel the adrenaline of combat. That’s what the Sharpe novels do for me. I’m not totally sure how many there are – around 20 I think – but each one encapsulates the fierce, mind-numbing, soul searing reality of war. A good hero who also has a side-kick and recurring characters in his unit.
There’s a tv series available too. Haven’t seen those yet. When you’re in the mood for a good war yarn, pick up any of the Sharpe books. They’re great.
I own hardback copies of all of the Sharpe books by Bernard Cornwell and have loved them all. I’m now going to start buying them on my Kindle and donate my hard copies to the local library. When I first started reading them I had no idea that I could become so enthralled with his descriptions of the fighting and battles that took place during the English Peninsula and Napoleonic Wars. But Cornwell is a complete master at making those scenes understandable and exciting. After reading this first book about the exploits of Richard Sharpe, I wanted to read all the books about him. We’re used to rank being earned by merit in our military and so it was enlightening how the English military operated during that time period when promotions and rank were bought. They were fortunate that enough sensible and/or talented men were wealthy enough to purchase promotions or the British army would never have been the military powerhouse that it was during that time.
Bernard Cornwell’s Sharpe series is addictive to say the least. As you read through the series you follow the life of Sharpe, highly intelligent, but uneducated and a bastard by birth he has to fight his way, literally, to gain any position.
There are some characters and story lines that run through the whole series so if I recommend reading them in order if you can. Although they do all make excellent stand alone reads.
The historical setting during the Napoleonic wars is brilliantly told, Cornwell blends fact and fiction seamlessly. Fast paced, highly charged and there are plenty in the series to keep you entertained.
This is one of my favorite historical series, and it will stay with you long after you have finished the last page. It is little wonder that it was made into a successful TV production.
Sam Burnell – author of the Mercenary For Hire Series of Historical Fiction Novels.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07WWJPMTR/ref=series_rw_dp_sw
The entire Sharp series is historical based and action packed. His following series were not so easily read ,
The whole Sharpe’s series is very well written and totally engaging.
When I read any Bernard Cornwall book I struggle to put them down they are well written the plot always keeps you interested to find out how the book ends
About a bad boys bad boy. Not a character you want to be on the wrong side of. Well worth the read. This character has a series of reads.
This was the first Bernard Cornwell book I read. I loved it and every single one since!
This is the first of series. Read this one and you will be fixed and have to read them all. There have been many books about 19th and 18th century high seas: C.S. Forester’s Hornblower series, Patrick O’Brian, and many others. But no one but Cornwell has captured the land war with such vigor.
Great book if you’re inerested in the British land forces opposing Napoleon
If you like historical fiction, or even if you don’t, you cannot beat the Richard Sharpe series. In fact, anything written by Bernard Cornwell is superior.
My first of the Sharpe novels and I found it enjoyable.
Great book, fantastic characters! Love the whole series! Wish there were more!