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4.14 AVERAGE
4.14 AVERAGE
Another excellent book in the Richard Sharpe series! This one had a bit of everything, romance, old-friends, new frenemies, and really old enemies.
It was a great romp and fans of the series will really enjoy it!
Spoiler
AND FINALLY HAKESWILL DIES! I have been waiting for this since the first book. I felt that Sharpe had a severe case of being a James Bond villain! He kept waiting for Hakeswill to die via something elaborate (pit of snakes, tigers, etc.) Sometimes you just have to shoot someone in the head!It was a great romp and fans of the series will really enjoy it!
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
AKA: Sharpe flirts with ex, saves the day, gets revenge but pays the price. RIP Teresa. Buh-bye Hakeswell. I suspect Sharpe will now become the nastiest, cruelest version of himself in the next book. Probably my favourite Sharpe so far.
I do love a good Sharpe book-and this one is particularly good, even if it is one of the least historically accurate. It’s based around a battle in the winter of 1812/1813 which did not happen. But it’s full of drama, Hakeswill makes a significant appearance, and Sharpe does what he does best and saves the day.
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
informative
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
(Currently) chronologically the 15th entry in [a:Bernard Cornwell|12542|Bernard Cornwell|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1504578807p2/12542.jpg]'s long-running Sharpe series, this was the 4th published novel in that series, and sees Richard Sharpe - not long after his wound from Salamanca - charged with rescuing hostages on the Portugal/Spain border over the Christmas of 1812.
Thi sis one of the few books in the series in which the action is entirely fictional, giving Corwell plenty of scope to come up with a satisfying and intriguing plot that is not beholden to history, although it does nod towards said history.
This also benefits from the inclusion of Sharpe's nemesis, (ex)Sergeant Obadiah Hakeswill, who was last seen deserting from the British army during the events of [b:Sharpe's Company|173794|Sharpe's Company (Sharpe, #13)|Bernard Cornwell|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1388419408s/173794.jpg|1093466].
While my copy of the novel came out around the time of the 90's TV series - hence the pic of Sean Bean and Daragh O'Malley on the cover - more recent versions have replaced this cover with a picture hinting at one of the key elements of the plot within. In this case, that picture is of a the 'new-fangled' rocket troops, that do indeed play a key part of the novel - I'm not going to give anything anyway by saying just what part they play!
Well worth a read.
Thi sis one of the few books in the series in which the action is entirely fictional, giving Corwell plenty of scope to come up with a satisfying and intriguing plot that is not beholden to history, although it does nod towards said history.
This also benefits from the inclusion of Sharpe's nemesis, (ex)Sergeant Obadiah Hakeswill, who was last seen deserting from the British army during the events of [b:Sharpe's Company|173794|Sharpe's Company (Sharpe, #13)|Bernard Cornwell|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1388419408s/173794.jpg|1093466].
While my copy of the novel came out around the time of the 90's TV series - hence the pic of Sean Bean and Daragh O'Malley on the cover - more recent versions have replaced this cover with a picture hinting at one of the key elements of the plot within. In this case, that picture is of a the 'new-fangled' rocket troops, that do indeed play a key part of the novel - I'm not going to give anything anyway by saying just what part they play!
Well worth a read.
First read: 19 Mar 2009. Love the battle, tactics, camaraderie, and the history.
Fifteenth in the Richard Sharpe fictional military series featuring the now Major Richard Sharpe fighting in the Peninsular War.
My Take
I'm thinking "the best of times, the worst of times". Yeah, Richard gets his majority and amazingly defends against a much superior force. And loses his heart. I know it's stupid to cry about a fictional character, but I can't help but think of the waste...even if it is just a story. Besides. Sharpe just doesn't do well with women…
Whoa, it's turnabout and turn again between rescuing the ladies and celebrating a lovely Christmas dinner cooked by their prisoner, Marshal Pot-au-feu, followed by some pretty tricky tactics. Listening to the French discuss how to cook the various dishes...mmmm...tasty. I must try that chestnut soup! Listening to Harry Price explain in a pidgin of French and English how to play cricket is too funny. Then there's the very learned discussion between Sweet William and the captured aide-de-camp Pierre about architecture and their preferences for tenth and eleventh century work over the more modern styles.
The Germans in the 60th decorate a hornbeam tree for Christmas; a holiday custom not yet imported to England.
It's a tale of insults, trickery, and impressive tactics with which Sharpe confounds the enemy...his own side as well. All in spite of that idiot Farthingdale. The poor, badly wounded Sir Colonel who had to monopolize the doctors to get his boo-boo bandaged while men who actually were wounded had to wait their turn. Jerk.
The Story
It's a combination of bad propaganda, the threat of a sizable enemy force, and Lady Farthingdale's kidnapping that sends Sharpe and Harper to explore the village of Adrados and deliver the ransom for her ladyship. Only, it seems they aren't the only ones delivering money.
Colonel Dubreton and Sergeant Bigeard have also arrived with the ransom demanded for their women. It seems there may be detente. It's even better when Madame Dubreton manages to pass on some clues as to where they are located in the building for, naturally, there will be no exchange of ransom for the women.
Naturally, as well, this will never hold our Richard up from doing his duty, protecting women. It's just pure luck that Richard gets there before Dubreton. And just another bit of luck when the mostly English foot soldiers are complemented by the French cavalry. A lovely bit of cooperation that manages to last through Christmas dinner.
It's also a good thing Richard had those few days with Captain Gilliland playing with Congreve's rockets. He knows precisely what to expect of them and how to use them. He's also damned lucky that Teresa is on his side.
The Characters
Major Richard Sharpe, well, okay, it's just a brevet rank, but, still, a commission from His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales! He's clever, stubborn, inventive, and stubborn, oh, did I mention that Sharpe is really stubborn?? His Company consists of Sergeant Patrick Harper, an Ulsterman from Donegal who is still with Isabella; Sergeants McGovern and Huckfield; Daniel Hagman; Lieutenant Harold "Harry" Price; and, Bell.
The additional Rifles Nairn gives Sharpe includes the 60th Royal American Rifles with Captain William Fredrickson, a.k.a., Sweet William, with his eyepatch and wooden teeth; Captains Brooker and Cross; Thomas Taylor, an American marksman who wears out his bayonet from sharpening; and, the German Sergeant Rossner. A major, two captains, four lieutenants, 11 sergeants, and 165 rank-and-file to sneak in and hide.
His wife Teresa , a.k.a., La Aguja, the Needle, leads a band of partisans and has a very high price on her head and pops in and out; she has a Christmas gift of Richard for their now-18-month-old daughter Antonia. Majors Forrest and Leroy have plans for the men for Christmas.
Major Michael Hogan runs Wellington's Intelligence department and is Sharpe's friend. Father Patrick Curtis is an Irish priest, hates the English, and is Britain's chief spy now in Portugal with an important cameo role. Major General Nairn is a lovable old coot! He's certainly loved by his batman Chatsworth. Nairn is in charge while Wellington is out gadding about. Captain Gilliland has arrived in Portugal with wagonloads of rocket artillery. Lieutenant Colonel Kinney commands the relief troop accompanied by Major Ford.
General, Marquess of Wellington, Grandee of Spain, Duque de Ciudad Rodrigo, Generalissimo of all the Spanish Armies. And "Nosey" to his men; "the Peer" to his officers.
Colonel Sir Augustus and Lady Farthingdale, a.k.a., Josefina LaCosta (see Sharpe's Eagle), are the start of it all. Sir Anthony is an expert on warfare. He wrote a book. Cribbed all of it from everyone else. Bought his rank. Hasn't a clue.
There's the bit where Farthingdale approves of Sharpe's defence preparations, not because they need to be prepared for an attack, but because:
We first encounter Chef du Battalion Colonel Michel Dubreton and Sergeant Bigeard when they arrive to deliver the ransom for three French women...including Madame Dubreton.
"Colonel" Obadiah Hakeswill is serving under Sergeant Deron, a.k.a., Marshal Pot-au-Feu, a renegade French cook, who heads up a sizable force of deserters from all sides. They support themselves by preying on the countryside...something like the French army does, come to think. Now they've hit the jackpot.
The horrible Major Ducos makes his appearance and has way too much information about Sharpe and the people he knows. Even his own side hates him.
The Title
The title is accurate enough for it is Sharpe's Enemy who causes the most killing blow.
Fifteenth in the Richard Sharpe fictional military series featuring the now Major Richard Sharpe fighting in the Peninsular War.
My Take
I'm thinking "the best of times, the worst of times". Yeah, Richard gets his majority and amazingly defends against a much superior force. And loses his heart. I know it's stupid to cry about a fictional character, but I can't help but think of the waste...even if it is just a story. Besides. Sharpe just doesn't do well with women…
Whoa, it's turnabout and turn again between rescuing the ladies and celebrating a lovely Christmas dinner cooked by their prisoner, Marshal Pot-au-feu, followed by some pretty tricky tactics. Listening to the French discuss how to cook the various dishes...mmmm...tasty. I must try that chestnut soup! Listening to Harry Price explain in a pidgin of French and English how to play cricket is too funny. Then there's the very learned discussion between Sweet William and the captured aide-de-camp Pierre about architecture and their preferences for tenth and eleventh century work over the more modern styles.
The Germans in the 60th decorate a hornbeam tree for Christmas; a holiday custom not yet imported to England.
It's a tale of insults, trickery, and impressive tactics with which Sharpe confounds the enemy...his own side as well. All in spite of that idiot Farthingdale. The poor, badly wounded Sir Colonel who had to monopolize the doctors to get his boo-boo bandaged while men who actually were wounded had to wait their turn. Jerk.
The Story
It's a combination of bad propaganda, the threat of a sizable enemy force, and Lady Farthingdale's kidnapping that sends Sharpe and Harper to explore the village of Adrados and deliver the ransom for her ladyship. Only, it seems they aren't the only ones delivering money.
Colonel Dubreton and Sergeant Bigeard have also arrived with the ransom demanded for their women. It seems there may be detente. It's even better when Madame Dubreton manages to pass on some clues as to where they are located in the building for, naturally, there will be no exchange of ransom for the women.
Naturally, as well, this will never hold our Richard up from doing his duty, protecting women. It's just pure luck that Richard gets there before Dubreton. And just another bit of luck when the mostly English foot soldiers are complemented by the French cavalry. A lovely bit of cooperation that manages to last through Christmas dinner.
It's also a good thing Richard had those few days with Captain Gilliland playing with Congreve's rockets. He knows precisely what to expect of them and how to use them. He's also damned lucky that Teresa is on his side.
The Characters
Major Richard Sharpe, well, okay, it's just a brevet rank, but, still, a commission from His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales! He's clever, stubborn, inventive, and stubborn, oh, did I mention that Sharpe is really stubborn?? His Company consists of Sergeant Patrick Harper, an Ulsterman from Donegal who is still with Isabella; Sergeants McGovern and Huckfield; Daniel Hagman; Lieutenant Harold "Harry" Price; and, Bell.
The additional Rifles Nairn gives Sharpe includes the 60th Royal American Rifles with Captain William Fredrickson, a.k.a., Sweet William, with his eyepatch and wooden teeth; Captains Brooker and Cross; Thomas Taylor, an American marksman who wears out his bayonet from sharpening; and, the German Sergeant Rossner. A major, two captains, four lieutenants, 11 sergeants, and 165 rank-and-file to sneak in and hide.
His wife Teresa , a.k.a., La Aguja, the Needle, leads a band of partisans and has a very high price on her head and pops in and out; she has a Christmas gift of Richard for their now-18-month-old daughter Antonia. Majors Forrest and Leroy have plans for the men for Christmas.
Major Michael Hogan runs Wellington's Intelligence department and is Sharpe's friend. Father Patrick Curtis is an Irish priest, hates the English, and is Britain's chief spy now in Portugal with an important cameo role. Major General Nairn is a lovable old coot! He's certainly loved by his batman Chatsworth. Nairn is in charge while Wellington is out gadding about. Captain Gilliland has arrived in Portugal with wagonloads of rocket artillery. Lieutenant Colonel Kinney commands the relief troop accompanied by Major Ford.
General, Marquess of Wellington, Grandee of Spain, Duque de Ciudad Rodrigo, Generalissimo of all the Spanish Armies. And "Nosey" to his men; "the Peer" to his officers.
Colonel Sir Augustus and Lady Farthingdale, a.k.a., Josefina LaCosta (see Sharpe's Eagle), are the start of it all. Sir Anthony is an expert on warfare. He wrote a book. Cribbed all of it from everyone else. Bought his rank. Hasn't a clue.
There's the bit where Farthingdale approves of Sharpe's defence preparations, not because they need to be prepared for an attack, but because:
Busy troops, Sharpe, are troops not liable to make mischief.
We first encounter Chef du Battalion Colonel Michel Dubreton and Sergeant Bigeard when they arrive to deliver the ransom for three French women...including Madame Dubreton.
"Colonel" Obadiah Hakeswill is serving under Sergeant Deron, a.k.a., Marshal Pot-au-Feu, a renegade French cook, who heads up a sizable force of deserters from all sides. They support themselves by preying on the countryside...something like the French army does, come to think. Now they've hit the jackpot.
The horrible Major Ducos makes his appearance and has way too much information about Sharpe and the people he knows. Even his own side hates him.
The Title
The title is accurate enough for it is Sharpe's Enemy who causes the most killing blow.
one of my favourites in the series - fantastic book - probably best in the series