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" So the gumph at the beginning says this was the first Sharpe book that Bernard Cornwell wrote, but is currently the eighth chronologically. I read them in chronological order, so I was well acquainted with Sharpe in India and Copenhagen long before he got to grips with the dastardly Napoleon. That said, it is a tribute to Bernard Cornwell that his prequels and sequels all fit together very well. This is one the best books in the series,it has all the ingredients. Sharpe and Harper of course, plus a dastardly villain, some absolute cads that look down their noses at our hero, a massive battle at the end that Sharpe wins against all the odds, and of course, a beautiful woman. This really is all man's stuff, for real men, or so we'd like to think! "
- Rick, 2/17/2014
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" As far as I remember, this was the very first Sharpe that Cornwell wrote. When he went back to fill in the back-story, he started just before this one (with Rifles) then went back some more. Which makes some of the small details in the stories inconsistent. But I still love them. "
- Sho, 2/17/2014
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" I loved the book. It got me hooked on the Sharpe series and Bernard Cornwell. "
- Nathan, 2/9/2014
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" Must read the final battle to the 1812 Overture. "
- S.j., 2/7/2014
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" This is one of my favorites in this series. It is exciting and there are interesting characters. As always the villains are villainous. In this case the villain is a vain and incompetent colonel who thinks flogging is the way to make good soldiers and, of course, takes a dislike to Sharpe. As always Sharpe is well-nigh indestructible, extremely heroic and very lucky - but not in love. "
- Bonnie, 2/2/2014
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" I really like this series in CD. The reader really does a good job. "
- Malia, 1/14/2014
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" So far I am liking this one better than the first in the series. We'll see. I still can't help but feel I'd rather re-read Dunnett's Lymond Chronicles... "
- Emily, 12/22/2013
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" Very good piece of Sharpe cannon, in fact, the first one written. Sharpe is involved in intense, larger-than-life battles, just as in most of the others and overcomes overwhelming odds, prejudice, and incompetance to win the day...all while we accidentally learn a bit of history. Good stuff. "
- Brandon, 12/17/2013
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" great author good story interwoven with history "
- Jason, 10/15/2013
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" Another thoroughly enjoyable tale of Richard Sharpe! "
- Sonja, 8/14/2013
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" I enjoyed the Sharpe's novels pretty well. They do seem to bog down now and again, you must build in a romantic angle. In this one the obligitory inept officers almost bring about disaster and shame the Regiment. it falls to Sharpe (of course) to redeem their honor. "
- Mike, 5/5/2013
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" Really enjoyed this one! I've heard of the French army marching in columns but this makes it happen. "
- Stuart, 9/26/2012
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" Barely any need to review this book. The first of the Sharpe books, and to the best of my knowledge the first novel by Cornwell, this is a gem in the historical fiction field. "
- Chris, 9/15/2012
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" Another solid installment in the Sharpe series. Might not go over well with people who don't like history, but it's a solid adventure story. "
- Tom, 6/26/2012
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" The Richard Sharpe series is a magnificent work of historical fiction. Bernard Cornwell has written an amazing series following Sharpe from a private in India to a Lt. Colonel at Waterloo and then a civilian farmer. "
- Hazel, 5/27/2012
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" Nice pace; fun, quick read "
- Steve, 1/30/2012
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" This is a short book, but a fun book. One learns a lot about the Napoleonic wars and the conditions of soldiering in that era. Some might argue that Sharpe is too good to be true, but I enjoy his successes. I give it a 6 out of 10. "
- Dick, 9/19/2011
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" Another solid installment in the Sharpe series. Might not go over well with people who don't like history, but it's a solid adventure story.
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- Tom, 6/29/2011
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" A brilliant series which gave an incredible insight into an army in the Napoleonic era. Wellington’s “scum of the Earth” turned into unforgettable characters.
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- John, 5/12/2011
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" A well researched,readable pot-boiler that begins the Sharpe series. After something heavy these Cornwell Napoleonic yarns are great reading. I love 'em!
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- Geoff, 3/21/2011
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" Well written book about Sharpe's role in the military and the War in Europe in the 1800s.
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- Owen, 3/3/2011
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" Another thoroughly enjoyable tale of Richard Sharpe!
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- Sonja, 2/13/2011
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" Who cant love a book about taking a French eagle. Set at the battle of Talavera in 1809. This was - O think - the first Sharpe book.
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- Richard, 1/1/2011
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" Top-of-the-line historical fiction. Outstanding battlefield action among the British, French, and Spanish armies. Class warfare among the British officers takes aim at Sharpe. The first Sharpe book published.
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- Bill, 12/8/2010
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" The first "Sharpe" novel that I've read, and eh, I'll probably read some more, but I can tell that Richard Sharpe's heroic nature could easily become repetitive and cliched. The historical warfare detail was great fun, though.
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- Kiri, 12/7/2010
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" I love all of Cornwell's books. But, sometimes I do skip some of the fight scenes.
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- julia, 5/6/2010
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