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3.65 AVERAGE
3.65 AVERAGE
Chronologically entry #14 in [a:Bernard Cornwell|12542|Bernard Cornwell|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1504578807p2/12542.jpg]'s long-running Sharpe series, this was first published in 2023 making it entry number 22 if going by publication date.
This is set back in the middle of the Peninsular War - The Bridge at Alamaraz in May 1812 to be precise - putting it after [b:Sharpe's Company|173794|Sharpe's Company (Sharpe, #13)|Bernard Cornwell|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388419408l/173794._SY75_.jpg|1093466] (The Siege of Badajoz, January - April 1812) but before [b:Sharpe's Sword|492920|Sharpe's Sword (Sharpe, #15)|Bernard Cornwell|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1387983795l/492920._SY75_.jpg|1093467] (the Salamanca Campaign of June and July 1812).
As such, the Spanish Guerilla leader Teresa is still a major part of Sharpe's life, and also plays a role in the action-packed proceedings here.
Whilst there may be some truth to the charge that these novels are becoming formulaic, when they're this entertaining you don't mind!
This is set back in the middle of the Peninsular War - The Bridge at Alamaraz in May 1812 to be precise - putting it after [b:Sharpe's Company|173794|Sharpe's Company (Sharpe, #13)|Bernard Cornwell|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388419408l/173794._SY75_.jpg|1093466] (The Siege of Badajoz, January - April 1812) but before [b:Sharpe's Sword|492920|Sharpe's Sword (Sharpe, #15)|Bernard Cornwell|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1387983795l/492920._SY75_.jpg|1093467] (the Salamanca Campaign of June and July 1812).
As such, the Spanish Guerilla leader Teresa is still a major part of Sharpe's life, and also plays a role in the action-packed proceedings here.
Whilst there may be some truth to the charge that these novels are becoming formulaic, when they're this entertaining you don't mind!
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
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
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
SHARPE'S COMMAND is another engaging and spellbinding novel from Bernard Cornwell from his Sharpe series, set during the Peninsular War.
Major Sharpe and his intrepid band of riflemen are tasked with meeting with 'El Héroe' and his group of partisans ostensibly fighting from a mountain hideout French forces in Spain (which at that time in early 1812 was under French occupation). El Héroe proves to be not all that he purported himself to be. He is vain, shallow, and greedy. A Spanish nobleman more interested in getting from Sharpe rifles and gold that were promised to him, along with putting Sharpe firmly under his thumb.
Sharpe was tasked by the British commander in the area (General Hill) with obtaining intelligence from El Héroe as to the disposition of French forces, as well as their intentions against the British Army firmly ensconced just across the border in Portugal. Sharpe soon discerns the true character of El Héroe and sets out with his rifleman to determine for themselves the strength of a group of French forts nearby. This is to assist General Hill with the surprise attack he has planned to bring his forces (infantry, cavalry, and artillery) to bear against the French, and so weaken their hold over that portion of the frontier with Portugal - with a view to an eventual British incursion into Spain to expel the French therefrom.
This novel gives the reader an almost visceral feel of the rigors of being a soldier in a hazardous, parched landscape and engaging in savage, close quarters combat that is often bloody and ugly. For anyone who enjoys a well-told tale, go with Sharpe's Command. It's a winner.
Major Sharpe and his intrepid band of riflemen are tasked with meeting with 'El Héroe' and his group of partisans ostensibly fighting from a mountain hideout French forces in Spain (which at that time in early 1812 was under French occupation). El Héroe proves to be not all that he purported himself to be. He is vain, shallow, and greedy. A Spanish nobleman more interested in getting from Sharpe rifles and gold that were promised to him, along with putting Sharpe firmly under his thumb.
Sharpe was tasked by the British commander in the area (General Hill) with obtaining intelligence from El Héroe as to the disposition of French forces, as well as their intentions against the British Army firmly ensconced just across the border in Portugal. Sharpe soon discerns the true character of El Héroe and sets out with his rifleman to determine for themselves the strength of a group of French forts nearby. This is to assist General Hill with the surprise attack he has planned to bring his forces (infantry, cavalry, and artillery) to bear against the French, and so weaken their hold over that portion of the frontier with Portugal - with a view to an eventual British incursion into Spain to expel the French therefrom.
This novel gives the reader an almost visceral feel of the rigors of being a soldier in a hazardous, parched landscape and engaging in savage, close quarters combat that is often bloody and ugly. For anyone who enjoys a well-told tale, go with Sharpe's Command. It's a winner.
Disappointing of the extreme formula-writing. Sharpe novels usually are of the same style, but this one particularly ticked of boxes of fan favorite themes of the series. Lots of action with a bare minimum of atmospheric settings. Chronological errors (Sharpe's rank).
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
4 stars for another cracking good historical fiction book in the Sharpe series. It is book 14 in the series, which are best read in order. I have read 57 books by this author and enjoyed every one. If you like historical fiction based on actual historical events, then this author is for you! His battle scenes are so authentic that you feel that you are there.
This book has Major Sharpe participating in the battle of the bridges at Alvarez, Spain, across the Tagus river. The battle did take place, but Sharpe's participation is an embellishment.
The characters are like old friends:
Major Sharpe, who started as a private in the British army.
Sergeant Harper, Sharpe's right hand man
Rifleman Hagman, former poacher
Teresa, Spanish guerilla and now Sharpe's wife.
Major Hogan, British intelligence officer and Sharpe's friend.
I read this library book in 3 days.
This book has Major Sharpe participating in the battle of the bridges at Alvarez, Spain, across the Tagus river. The battle did take place, but Sharpe's participation is an embellishment.
The characters are like old friends:
Major Sharpe, who started as a private in the British army.
Sergeant Harper, Sharpe's right hand man
Rifleman Hagman, former poacher
Teresa, Spanish guerilla and now Sharpe's wife.
Major Hogan, British intelligence officer and Sharpe's friend.
I read this library book in 3 days.
adventurous
funny
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No