When Sharpe rises from the ranks to take command, he finds himself with an unexpected ally in the war against Napoleon.
It’s 1809, and the powerful French juggernaut is sweeping across Spain. Lieutenant Richard Sharpe is newly in command of the demoralized, distrustful men of the Ninety-fifth Rifles. He must lead them to safety, and the only means of escape is a treacherous trek through the enemy-infested mountains of Spain.
Blas Vivar and his band of intrepid Spanish soldiers may prove to be their salvation. But Vivar is transporting a mysterious chest that he claims can shift the tides of war, and the French are determined to get it—no matter what the cost.
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"Dangerous mission behind enemy lines, check. Villanous officers, check. Romance with woman above his station, check. Suitably violent resolution of various conflicts, check. Exacting historical detail, check. Cornwell never disappoints."
— Mike (5 out of 5 stars)
“Sharpe may come to personify the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars in the same way that Horatio Hornblower does the Royal Navy…A crackling adventure yarn, sure to delight Sharpe's many fans.”
— Library Journal“Consistently exciting…These are wonderful novels.”
— Stephen King“Due to Frederick Davidson’s fine performance, this recording should rival the television miniseries in popularity.”
— Library Journal (audio review)“A hero in the mold of James Bond.”
— Philadelphia Inquirer" Love this series author dose a fantastic job with charioteer development and gets you hooked right from the word go. "
— Allen quarter main , 12/17/2018" I've read all but 2 of the 12 book Sharp series. They are really fun books that follow Richard Sharp during his adventures during the Napoleonic Wars in Spain/France. "
— Adam_r, 2/16/2014" Love the series, history, time less, great military, great read, great series, hope to read all of them "
— Dave, 1/13/2014" Absolutely fantastic. This book had me riveted as no book has for a long time. Having watched the television series years ago, I was expecting a fun story, but this exceeded my expectations. I'm happy there's so many more books. "
— Andrew, 1/5/2014" I didn't like this novel in the Sharpe's series nearly as much as the one about the tiger, so I quit reading them after this. But it is a pretty good series. Sharpe is a sort of James Bond figure of the late 1700s in the British Army. "
— Hawkgrrrl, 12/12/2013" Though this is clearly Cornwell's first effort it sets the tone nicely. The writing and character are much more defined in later books including the ones that come chronologically earlier, in India. "
— Jesse, 12/9/2013" Really enjoyed this book. I look forward to reading more of the series. "
— Ryan, 11/14/2013" Sharpe is cut off from the main army and must make his own way back to base. Surprise surprise when he falls in with some hairbrained sidequest, meets a dastardly foe and almost but not quite gets the girl. The standard fare. Solid. Rated MA for coarse language and strong battle violence. 3/5 "
— Nathan, 7/25/2013" Another great read if you love the history of war. (ps great recommendation for a man in your life!) "
— Kathryn, 6/27/2013" Placeholder for the Sharpe series. As with any series, some are better than others, but they're fun to read, I always buy them as they come out, and they did pique my interested about the Napoleonic War!! "
— Trish, 6/2/2013" Great book. Lots of action. Interesting information about Napoleonic Wars and battle strategies. "
— Ms., 9/4/2012" Sharpe is cool "
— Tim, 7/16/2012" this is the frist book in the sharpe sirise that i read at first i wasnt sure i would like it but i loved it the book gave more info then the movies but i love both "
— Bj, 1/30/2012" A classic of historical fiction. I was lead to the books by Sean Bean's performance in the BBC series. I've reread and rewatched this series multiple times. "
— Eric, 8/27/2011" One of my favorite historical novels. "
— Faux, 8/5/2011" In the books, unlike the tv series, we get to see Sharpe's inner conflict. Outwardly he appears tough and decisive. Inside he is unsure, lonely, unconfident. Both sides have their attractions. Best to enjoy both of them. "
— Doreen, 8/2/2011" The original first Sharpe Story, interesting beginning! "
— Katie, 6/30/2011" My first of Richard Sharpe series, immediately got addicted by the realistic and accurate battle field description. Bernard nailed it. "
— Sharpe, 5/29/2011" Great hook. There's something about the Napoleonic wars that stirs the blood. Sharpe's Rifles is like the Hornblower series, but on land. Bullseye if you like fast-paced action stories. "
— Trina, 5/18/2011" A classic of historical fiction. I was lead to the books by Sean Bean's performance in the BBC series. I've reread and rewatched this series multiple times. "
— Eric, 3/29/2011" The very first Sharpe title I read; and, I think, the very first one published. I picked it up by chance on it's release in the USA, None of this series (and I think I own them all) have disappointed. "
— Dan, 3/25/2011" love this series. The TV series was great, but the books are always better. "
— Lynn, 3/11/2011" Listened to it on CD in the car. Made me want to fight a Frenchman. "
— Stephen, 1/22/2011" Fun to read and imagine the harshness of the period. This book brings the reader into a part of nation building and military development that few would know unless they read the entire Sharpes series. "
— John, 1/19/2011" I am big Cornwell fan. But I think the series got better later and the early books are a little dry. Hence the lower mark. Nevertheless you should read this But tart with the (better) chronologically earlier Indian books. "
— Richard, 1/1/2011" These stories portray war at that time as it really was. You can almost smell the gunpowder in the air and feel the pounding cannons.<br/> "
— Katy, 12/18/2010" My first of Richard Sharpe series, immediately got addicted by the realistic and accurate battle field description. Bernard nailed it. "
— Sharpe, 11/21/2010" Sharpe's Rifles and Spanish troops battle the French with a miracle in mind.<br/>Great read!! Although sixth chronologically in the Sharpe books, this is among the first written. "
— Bill, 11/10/2010Bernard Cornwell, born in London, worked for the BBC and Thames Television before coming to the United States to write full time. His sweeping historical novels, including the acclaimed Richard Sharpe series and many more, make him a number one bestselling author in the United Kingdom and around the world. He is the author of the acclaimed New York Times bestselling Saxon Tales series, which serves as the basis for the hit television series The Last Kingdom.
Frederick Davidson (1932–2005), also known as David Case, was one of the most prolific readers in the audiobook industry, recording more than eight hundred audiobooks in his lifetime, including over two hundred for Blackstone Audio. Born in London, he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and performed for many years in radio plays for the British Broadcasting Company before coming to America in 1976. He received AudioFile’s Golden Voice Award and numerous Earphones Awards and was nominated for a Grammy for his readings.