This is the chronological Book 2 of the Richard Sharpe series.
I hate to say it, but this book was less interesting to me than the first. Considering that these prequel novels were written to provide an origin story for Richard Sharpe, I found him to be one of the least developed characters in the book.
Cornwell loves his military history, and it is evident by his nearly endless descriptions of troop movements, artillery counts, and tactics leading up to the battle of Assaye. All of that is well and good if that is what you are looking for as a reader, but I found it slightly overdone. I realize that these details need to be there in order to anchor the plot, but I still feel that the military details overshadow the main reason that these books were written: to introduce us to Richard Sharpe.
I did not entirely dislike the book (as it was just interesting enough to keep reading) but it did not blow me away, either. But I have faith in Cornwell and plan to stick with this series to see if it improves (especially since there is only one more book that is set in India) and to see if Cornwell can find more of Sharpe's character development hiding among the minutiae of the military.
I hate to say it, but this book was less interesting to me than the first. Considering that these prequel novels were written to provide an origin story for Richard Sharpe, I found him to be one of the least developed characters in the book.
Cornwell loves his military history, and it is evident by his nearly endless descriptions of troop movements, artillery counts, and tactics leading up to the battle of Assaye. All of that is well and good if that is what you are looking for as a reader, but I found it slightly overdone. I realize that these details need to be there in order to anchor the plot, but I still feel that the military details overshadow the main reason that these books were written: to introduce us to Richard Sharpe.
I did not entirely dislike the book (as it was just interesting enough to keep reading) but it did not blow me away, either. But I have faith in Cornwell and plan to stick with this series to see if it improves (especially since there is only one more book that is set in India) and to see if Cornwell can find more of Sharpe's character development hiding among the minutiae of the military.
Military historical fiction with verve! Sergeant Richard Sharpe continues falling into impending disaster and emerging like a phoenix. His enemies are implacable and nearly good enough to finish him, but...
Absolutely up to Cornwell's standards. He leads you through the adventure while teaching a little bit of history.
I would recommend anything he has written. I've never failed to enjoy his work.
I would recommend anything he has written. I've never failed to enjoy his work.
