This is another entry on the Sharpe series. It is fun, entertaining and very readable. Cornwell's research is as excellent as usual. He takes some licenses for the shake of the story and continuity, but this is OK. Some people are outraged by the portrait of some of the real historical characters, but historical characters are rarely depicted accurately in historical fiction, so I think this can be forgiven. Besides, usually a more serious account of these characters is given at the end of the book on the Historical Note.

Many people insist in compare this series with Patrick O'Brian's Master and Commander. I don't think this is fair for any of the series, they are different entities. What they have in common is that once you start you may get hooked and devour one book after another...

And in the literary world today that is a rare and marvelous thing.

Bernard Cornwell is one of those rare writers of historical fiction who manages to make the fiction compelling without making the history anything less than accurate. His tales of Richard Sharpe in the Napoleonic War, especially, are a joy for both the continuing adventures of the dynamic scarred rifleman and the rich historical detail that Cornwell gives to his characters. In this installment of Sharpe's adventures, he has to defend a fortress on the coast of France both against an approaching army and treachery from his own side. He is also haunted by fears for the health of his new bride, Jane. As ever, the battle scenes and personal relationships in this story are superb. An excellently told tale of adventure.

When a quick raid on a French fort falls victim to cowardice and miscommunication it is up to Richard Sharp and his men to dig in and defend themselves. Can Sharp get his men out alive with nothing but their guns and an American privateer who may or may not be a friend? Lots of action and good battle scenes an excellent Cornwell book.

This particular edition of the Sharp's series is one of my particular favorites. My favorite character Patrick Harper has a notable part to play(b y which I mean the part played by his seven barreled navy gun). If you are one of those people that likes to start a series from the middle and work your way back this is an excellent book to start with