Burmese War, 1852. Unable to join the famous Royal Malverns, Jack Windrush is commissioned into the despised 113th Foot.Determined to rise in the ranks and make a name for himself, he is sent with the 113th to join the British expedition. But when they get involved in the attack of Rangoon, Jack realizes that war on the fringes of the Empire is not as honorable and glorious as he expected.After a … expected.
After a chance meeting with a renegade British soldier, Jack witnesses the true terrors of war, and begins to question the whole framework in which he has grown up.
Praise from readers:
★★★★★ – “A well-crafted historical novel.”
★★★★★ – “Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys military fiction.”
★★★★★ – “Archibald delivers one heck of a story.”
★★★★★ – “Impossible to put down.”
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The book displays extensive research and provides a genuine and credible background to the story, which moves along smoothly. A positive is that the author produces a variety of characters. Jack reflects very much the traditional ‘officer class’ of the time and contrasts well with other ranks which are often drawn as ‘rough ‘uns’ but without the swearing that some writers feel is necessary so to do. A good read for a dreich Scottish Spring day. One tiny quibble – A line break between time slips would have been helpful.
A wonderful military history/fictional novel.
Interesting historical fiction of the early years of British rule in India. Would have liked preferred the author remain in India to expand that story arch instead of total change in venue for book 2.
It was a good book. I don’t usually like this type of book but it was very well written. It is the opposite of chick lit.
Wind rush is a soldier of the last century who never gives up on fighting for his British marines. He faces terrible odds and still finds a way to succeed. A book for military types, not your average reader.
This is a really fun book. It tells the adventures of a young man who is told a painful truth by the woman he believes to be his mother, then receives a commission in a very poorly regarded regiment. His adventures in India and Burma are exciting and well told.
A wonderful snapshot of regimental life. Lovely characters, lots of great action!
Characters need some development and some are introduced a quickly go away. Historical combat and weapons may not be 100% accurate. All that aside for a free book its not bad.
I loved the time and place setting — the early years of the British intrusion into Burma. So, I recommend it to those interested in colonial Southeast Asia, but it may have less appeal to more general readers.
The main character is interesting, but the account of his character flaws as well as his occasional heroism does not quite convince. Some of the other characters, such as his sergeant, are more original and interesting. The mysterious Mon female character, with her seemingly occult abilities flutters uncertainly towards magical realism, but then veers away. The author handles the romantic interest rather clumsily and the plot often creaks into events that are hardly believable. As with many such series, the book ends with an attempt to get the reader to buy the next one. In this case, the temptation was unfortunately easy to overcome.
not much
An interesting historical novel of a war that is mostly forgotten.
Victorian British Empire at its best and worst. An Eastern Western.
Couldn’t get past the first 16%. I found the writing style tedious and decided to stop.
I kept thinking this book would be get better–but it did not. No way would I read more in the series. The book drags on and is boring.
This book was a great surprise for me. I expected a dry history and found the writing compelling. If you have any interest in military history I strongly recommend this book. I am looking forward to reading other books in this series.
I loved this book, and am now reading the rest of the series.
Story line gave a lot of information about the life of the British army in India. It told the story of several major battles through the eyes of historical fiction. Characters are a little one-dimensional, but it was interesting to read.
Good military history.
WINDRUSH was an engaging, entertaining read. Each next page caused me to ignore some of my chores.
Good historical read