One of the best in the series so far! In my opinion, the bar wasn't set very high... but still, this one was quite good! ( )

The powers that be finally decide to refuse Sharpe's Captaincy, so he loses his company to someone else, all witnessed by Sergeant Hakeswill, an old enemy. But it's not all bad, he meets Teresa again, who has good news and bad--she is staying with relatives in the British next target.

Good, solid adventure. ( )

Number 13 in the Richard Sharpe series.

Sharpe is still in Spain with Wellington’s army. After the slaughter at Fuentes de Oñoro, Sharpe and the South Essex are moving on the French-held fort of Ciudad Rodrigo—and after that, the far more formidable fort of Badajoz.

For those who follow the series, this is a typical Cornwell production: meticulous historical research, taking liberties when he has to (but telling us where and how) in order to write yet another gripping story; brilliantly-realized battle scenes; outstanding detail; and last but never least, excellent writing throughout. In particular, Cornwell’s attention to detail—weather, topography, the ordinary life of a British soldier of the period—lend this book as well as the others the solid feel of authenticity. Sharpe himself and the other recurring characters are not particularly well-developed, but neither are they one-dimensional and boring. Cornwell portrays Wellington in a sympathetic way.

My edition also has an excellent diagram of the fortress of Badajoz, showing the fortifications and the British batteries. I didn't realize that the diagram was even in the book until after I'd finished it; some editions do not have maps or diagrams so I wasn't expecting one. But I really didn't miss much. Cornwell writes so graphically, so vividly, that it was easy to imagine the entire situation.

For those who love military historical fiction, the entire series is a real winner. I find myself ever more interested in the period, which I never expected. Highly recommended. ( )

When I started in on this book I discovered that my copy was missing page 93 through 156. Saddly the book was still pretty readable and I don't appear to have missed much. I do still plan on finding a complete copy and finding out what went on. ( )