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Sharpe #23
Sharpe's Command
New York Times bestselling author Bernard Cornwell returns to the early years of the nineteenth century, capturing the bravery, battles, and bloodshed of Britain's peninsular wars with this epic tale featuring his iconic hero Richard Sharpe.
Outsider.
Hero.
Rogue.
And the one man you want on your side.
The author of sixty novels, Bernard Cornwell has been hailed as "the most prolific and successful historical novelist in the world today" (Wall Street Journal). Sharpe's Assassin marked the return of beloved hero Richard Sharpe and was hailed as a boisterous return of a favorite character (Booklist). In this latest historical novel, Cornwell returns to the early days of the peninsular war, where Sharpe once again finds himself entangled in intrigue, bloody warfare, and thrilling adventure.
Outsider.
Hero.
Rogue.
And the one man you want on your side.
The author of sixty novels, Bernard Cornwell has been hailed as "the most prolific and successful historical novelist in the world today" (Wall Street Journal). Sharpe's Assassin marked the return of beloved hero Richard Sharpe and was hailed as a boisterous return of a favorite character (Booklist). In this latest historical novel, Cornwell returns to the early days of the peninsular war, where Sharpe once again finds himself entangled in intrigue, bloody warfare, and thrilling adventure.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published October 10, 2023
589 people are currently reading
7890 people want to read
About the author
Bernard Cornwell
502听books18.5k听followersCornwell was born in London in 1944. His father was a Canadian airman, and his mother, who was English, a member of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force. He was adopted and brought up in Essex by the Wiggins family, who were members of the Peculiar People, a strict Protestant sect who banned frivolity of all kinds and even medicine. After he left them, he changed his name to his birth mother's maiden name, Cornwell.
Cornwell was sent away to Monkton Combe School, attended the University of London, and after graduating, worked as a teacher. He attempted to enlist in the British armed services at least three times but was rejected on the grounds of myopia.
He then joined BBC's Nationwide and was promoted to become head of current affairs at BBC Northern Ireland. He then joined Thames Television as editor of Thames News. He relocated to the United States in 1980 after marrying an American. Unable to get a green card, he started writing novels, as this did not require a work permit.
As a child, Cornwell loved the novels of C.S. Forester, chronicling the adventures of fictional British naval officer Horatio Hornblower during the Napoleonic Wars, and was surprised to find there were no such novels following Lord Wellington's campaign on land. Motivated by the need to support himself in the U.S. through writing, Cornwell decided to write such a series. He named his chief protagonist Richard Sharpe, a rifleman involved in most major battles of the Peninsular War.
Cornwell wanted to start the series with the Siege of Badajoz but decided instead to start with a couple of "warm-up" novels. These were Sharpe's Eagle and Sharpe's Gold, both published in 1981. Sharpe's Eagle was picked up by a publisher, and Cornwell got a three-book deal. He went on to tell the story of Badajoz in his third Sharpe novel, Sharpe's Company, published in 1982.
Cornwell and wife Judy co-wrote a series of novels, published under the pseudonym "Susannah Kells". These were A Crowning Mercy, published in 1983, Fallen Angels in 1984, and Coat of Arms (aka The Aristocrats) in 1986. (Cornwell's strict Protestant upbringing informed the background of A Crowning Mercy, which took place during the English Civil War.) In 1987, he also published Redcoat, an American Revolutionary War novel set in Philadelphia during its 1777 occupation by the British.
After publishing eight books in his ongoing Sharpe series, Cornwell was approached by a production company interested in adapting them for television. The producers asked him to write a prequel to give them a starting point to the series. They also requested that the story feature a large role for Spanish characters to secure co-funding from Spain. The result was Sharpe鈥檚 Rifles, published in 1987, and a series of Sharpe television films staring Sean Bean.
A series of contemporary thrillers with sailing as a background and common themes followed: Wildtrack published in 1988, Sea Lord (aka Killer's Wake) in 1989, Crackdown in 1990, Stormchild in 1991, and Scoundrel, a political thriller, in 1992.
In June 2006, Cornwell was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen's 80th Birthday Honours List.
Cornwell's latest work, Azincourt, was released in the UK in October 2008. The protagonist is an archer who participates in the Battle of Agincourt, another devastating defeat suffered by the French in the Hundred Years War. However, Cornwell has stated that it will not be about Thomas of Hookton from The Grail Quest or any of his relatives.
Cornwell was sent away to Monkton Combe School, attended the University of London, and after graduating, worked as a teacher. He attempted to enlist in the British armed services at least three times but was rejected on the grounds of myopia.
He then joined BBC's Nationwide and was promoted to become head of current affairs at BBC Northern Ireland. He then joined Thames Television as editor of Thames News. He relocated to the United States in 1980 after marrying an American. Unable to get a green card, he started writing novels, as this did not require a work permit.
As a child, Cornwell loved the novels of C.S. Forester, chronicling the adventures of fictional British naval officer Horatio Hornblower during the Napoleonic Wars, and was surprised to find there were no such novels following Lord Wellington's campaign on land. Motivated by the need to support himself in the U.S. through writing, Cornwell decided to write such a series. He named his chief protagonist Richard Sharpe, a rifleman involved in most major battles of the Peninsular War.
Cornwell wanted to start the series with the Siege of Badajoz but decided instead to start with a couple of "warm-up" novels. These were Sharpe's Eagle and Sharpe's Gold, both published in 1981. Sharpe's Eagle was picked up by a publisher, and Cornwell got a three-book deal. He went on to tell the story of Badajoz in his third Sharpe novel, Sharpe's Company, published in 1982.
Cornwell and wife Judy co-wrote a series of novels, published under the pseudonym "Susannah Kells". These were A Crowning Mercy, published in 1983, Fallen Angels in 1984, and Coat of Arms (aka The Aristocrats) in 1986. (Cornwell's strict Protestant upbringing informed the background of A Crowning Mercy, which took place during the English Civil War.) In 1987, he also published Redcoat, an American Revolutionary War novel set in Philadelphia during its 1777 occupation by the British.
After publishing eight books in his ongoing Sharpe series, Cornwell was approached by a production company interested in adapting them for television. The producers asked him to write a prequel to give them a starting point to the series. They also requested that the story feature a large role for Spanish characters to secure co-funding from Spain. The result was Sharpe鈥檚 Rifles, published in 1987, and a series of Sharpe television films staring Sean Bean.
A series of contemporary thrillers with sailing as a background and common themes followed: Wildtrack published in 1988, Sea Lord (aka Killer's Wake) in 1989, Crackdown in 1990, Stormchild in 1991, and Scoundrel, a political thriller, in 1992.
In June 2006, Cornwell was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen's 80th Birthday Honours List.
Cornwell's latest work, Azincourt, was released in the UK in October 2008. The protagonist is an archer who participates in the Battle of Agincourt, another devastating defeat suffered by the French in the Hundred Years War. However, Cornwell has stated that it will not be about Thomas of Hookton from The Grail Quest or any of his relatives.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 264 reviews
November 9, 2023
Sharpe Marches Again. A fine (if continuity-challenged) addition to Sharpe's many adventures.
It's getting harder and harder to find gaps in Sharpe's career to fill in with a novel/adventure. After several years of Cornwell devoting all his time to all things Uthred, we finally get back to Rifleman Richard Sharpe. "Sharpe's Command" is the 23rd Sharpe novel and 14th chronologically and takes place in 1812, where Sharpe is tasked with taking out a bridge and fort at Almaraz to prevent two French armies from linking up. In the doing, he has to contend with the French, a braggadocious Spanish partisan named El Hero who might have his own loyalties, and the inherently dangerous act of an escalade (scaling a ladder over a wall as part of an assault, not the grotesquely large SUV).
Other reviewers have noted the continuity errors contained in the novel -- most notable that Sharpe is here identified as a Major when he should still be a Captain. That's a legitimate contention but in all other respects, it's a minor error since Sharpe is effectively commanding a far less than a company throughout the novel (instead he is leading at most fifteen rifleman).
Sharpe, Harper, and Hagman remain as familiar as a warm blanket on a fall day. There are few surprises in this novel, and the escalade set-piece battle is particularly enjoyable. The final battle with El Hero has an enjoyable twist in that Sharpe isn't involved.
"Sharpe's Command" does a fine enough job of giving Sharpe something to do and while it doesn't add signiciantly to the Sharpe mythos and has some glaring continuity errors, it's still a fun read.
It's getting harder and harder to find gaps in Sharpe's career to fill in with a novel/adventure. After several years of Cornwell devoting all his time to all things Uthred, we finally get back to Rifleman Richard Sharpe. "Sharpe's Command" is the 23rd Sharpe novel and 14th chronologically and takes place in 1812, where Sharpe is tasked with taking out a bridge and fort at Almaraz to prevent two French armies from linking up. In the doing, he has to contend with the French, a braggadocious Spanish partisan named El Hero who might have his own loyalties, and the inherently dangerous act of an escalade (scaling a ladder over a wall as part of an assault, not the grotesquely large SUV).
Other reviewers have noted the continuity errors contained in the novel -- most notable that Sharpe is here identified as a Major when he should still be a Captain. That's a legitimate contention but in all other respects, it's a minor error since Sharpe is effectively commanding a far less than a company throughout the novel (instead he is leading at most fifteen rifleman).
Sharpe, Harper, and Hagman remain as familiar as a warm blanket on a fall day. There are few surprises in this novel, and the escalade set-piece battle is particularly enjoyable. The final battle with El Hero has an enjoyable twist in that Sharpe isn't involved.
"Sharpe's Command" does a fine enough job of giving Sharpe something to do and while it doesn't add signiciantly to the Sharpe mythos and has some glaring continuity errors, it's still a fun read.
October 27, 2023
It's clear to me that either Cornwell or his publisher no longer really care about Sharpe, because neither appear to have a continuity checker.
Granted, this is the first Peninsular War adventure we've had since 2006, so mistakes on Cornwell's part are bound to happen. This book was delayed a year due to Cornwell falling quite seriously unwell, and I wonder whether that might have played a part in some of the silly mistakes, but it's simply unforgivable on Harper Collins' part to not check for the most basic of errors here.
For one, Sharpe shouldn't be a Major yet, but he is. That's a huge one. He wouldn't be made a Major for - I believe - at least another book or two.
Tom Garrard - a character that died in the previous book in the continuity - now finds himself no longer an officer, no longer in the same regiment, and somehow no longer with the same country's army... and he's alive, again, despite having died in the previous book! He's also got a different spelling here, where he used to be "Garrard", he's now "Gerrard", which initially led me to believe he was a different person, but no. If there's a Tom Garrard and a Tom Gerrard who Sharpe's known since he was a Private, then that's a hell of a coincidence, and an odd choice on Cornwell's part.
There are smaller things like Theresa not having a rifle and asking for one, yet she should have one by this point. Like Sharpe having had his rifle for longer than it had already been established he'd had it for, and so on.
But my biggest gripe is what I would deem the "Beanification" of Sharpe himself. Sharpe in the books is not, and has never been, Sean Bean. No matter how hard Cornwell might like to retcon things like his accent, Sharpe is established in the books as a tall, dark, wiry Londoner, not a thick-set, vertically-challenged Yorkshireman. But in this book, for example, we are introduced to a character called Lieutenant Love who is described as being, "at least a foot taller than Sharpe". Now, Sharpe has always been described as 6ft tall. Are we to believe this Lieutenant Love is 7ft tall? No. It's just that book-Sharpe is now Sean Bean, 5'8 or something. I don't like this.
It goes further I think. This book at times feels like a novelisation of the TV adaptation and it leaves a lot to be desired. The TV show always liked to put emphasis on Sharpe and his riflemen, but in the books, they were always a backdrop to the greater South Essex regiment, and the machinations of Wellington's army in Spain. The South Essex do not feature, and we just get Sharpe and 13 riflemen. A lot of the dialogue and overall story feels a lot like an episode of the TV show as a result. And I'm not really a fan of the show and always preferred the tone that the books carried.
I think it gets better by the end. The final storming of the fort shows again why Bernard Cornwell is unparalleled in his ability to write compelling and masterfully crafted action. It was nice to see Theresa again too - she even gets a cool fight at the end.
But overall, it feels a bit like a 'nothing' entry to the series. I don't feel like the Sharpe mythos was enriched at all, and when you couple that with the egregious continuity errors, and needless and jarring retcons to established characters, I think this one will be left out of most peoples' rereads.
Granted, this is the first Peninsular War adventure we've had since 2006, so mistakes on Cornwell's part are bound to happen. This book was delayed a year due to Cornwell falling quite seriously unwell, and I wonder whether that might have played a part in some of the silly mistakes, but it's simply unforgivable on Harper Collins' part to not check for the most basic of errors here.
For one, Sharpe shouldn't be a Major yet, but he is. That's a huge one. He wouldn't be made a Major for - I believe - at least another book or two.
Tom Garrard - a character that died in the previous book in the continuity - now finds himself no longer an officer, no longer in the same regiment, and somehow no longer with the same country's army... and he's alive, again, despite having died in the previous book! He's also got a different spelling here, where he used to be "Garrard", he's now "Gerrard", which initially led me to believe he was a different person, but no. If there's a Tom Garrard and a Tom Gerrard who Sharpe's known since he was a Private, then that's a hell of a coincidence, and an odd choice on Cornwell's part.
There are smaller things like Theresa not having a rifle and asking for one, yet she should have one by this point. Like Sharpe having had his rifle for longer than it had already been established he'd had it for, and so on.
But my biggest gripe is what I would deem the "Beanification" of Sharpe himself. Sharpe in the books is not, and has never been, Sean Bean. No matter how hard Cornwell might like to retcon things like his accent, Sharpe is established in the books as a tall, dark, wiry Londoner, not a thick-set, vertically-challenged Yorkshireman. But in this book, for example, we are introduced to a character called Lieutenant Love who is described as being, "at least a foot taller than Sharpe". Now, Sharpe has always been described as 6ft tall. Are we to believe this Lieutenant Love is 7ft tall? No. It's just that book-Sharpe is now Sean Bean, 5'8 or something. I don't like this.
It goes further I think. This book at times feels like a novelisation of the TV adaptation and it leaves a lot to be desired. The TV show always liked to put emphasis on Sharpe and his riflemen, but in the books, they were always a backdrop to the greater South Essex regiment, and the machinations of Wellington's army in Spain. The South Essex do not feature, and we just get Sharpe and 13 riflemen. A lot of the dialogue and overall story feels a lot like an episode of the TV show as a result. And I'm not really a fan of the show and always preferred the tone that the books carried.
I think it gets better by the end. The final storming of the fort shows again why Bernard Cornwell is unparalleled in his ability to write compelling and masterfully crafted action. It was nice to see Theresa again too - she even gets a cool fight at the end.
But overall, it feels a bit like a 'nothing' entry to the series. I don't feel like the Sharpe mythos was enriched at all, and when you couple that with the egregious continuity errors, and needless and jarring retcons to established characters, I think this one will be left out of most peoples' rereads.
October 21, 2023
Not one of his best If I'm being honest.
It's a typical Sharpe story about our hero taking on all comers and beating them all hands down. I found it slightly grating that the proof readers hadn't checked the time frame for the book. As others have mentioned Sharpe was only a captain at this period of his story line, so how come he's suddenly a major? Even in this book at one point Shares rank changes from Major to Capt. than back to Major again. Others too. One sudden change is to Pat Harper from Sgt to Sgt Major, then back to Sgt again. And I think Hogan was meant to be a Colonel at this point in time? Why were all these allowed to be printed if the facts weren't checked?
The story fairly rattles along, but some of the sub stories were less convincing. Like El Hero. he Seems to have just been put there as a comic effect baddie. And we all knew he was a villain from the first page he's mentioned how that backstory was going to end. Just a little too much pointless padding. Some of his regular characters seem to have changes personality just a little from earlier books. Hagman for one. Read earlier books and you'll see what I mean.
I do like Bernard Cornwell鈥檚 books. But this one as just a quick flick not proofread carefully enough. 3 stars I鈥檓 afraid
It's a typical Sharpe story about our hero taking on all comers and beating them all hands down. I found it slightly grating that the proof readers hadn't checked the time frame for the book. As others have mentioned Sharpe was only a captain at this period of his story line, so how come he's suddenly a major? Even in this book at one point Shares rank changes from Major to Capt. than back to Major again. Others too. One sudden change is to Pat Harper from Sgt to Sgt Major, then back to Sgt again. And I think Hogan was meant to be a Colonel at this point in time? Why were all these allowed to be printed if the facts weren't checked?
The story fairly rattles along, but some of the sub stories were less convincing. Like El Hero. he Seems to have just been put there as a comic effect baddie. And we all knew he was a villain from the first page he's mentioned how that backstory was going to end. Just a little too much pointless padding. Some of his regular characters seem to have changes personality just a little from earlier books. Hagman for one. Read earlier books and you'll see what I mean.
I do like Bernard Cornwell鈥檚 books. But this one as just a quick flick not proofread carefully enough. 3 stars I鈥檓 afraid
April 18, 2024
Cornwell is famous for his beautifully written historical novels. In this story entitled 鈥淪harpe鈥檚 Command鈥�, Cornwell tells the story of the Battle of Almaraz during the Peninsular War. This battle was fought on May 18-19, 1812. The Anglo-Portuguese Army under the command of General/Lord Rowland Hill destroyed a French Pontoon bridge over the Tagus River in Spain. Hill was a career soldier and was well liked by his men. At the Battle of Waterloo, Hill commanded the Second Corp. The bridge was protected by two forts on each bank of the river. This story is mostly about the capture of Fort Napoleon. The story is told through our hero Richard Sharpe. If you are interested in the Napoleonic Wars, I recommend this series about Richard Sharpe as an exciting way to learn about the war.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is nine hours and eighteen minutes. Rupert Farley does an excellent job narrating the book.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is nine hours and eighteen minutes. Rupert Farley does an excellent job narrating the book.
December 31, 2024
I don鈥檛 like giving bad reviews but ugh this was just such a shame. I鈥檝e read all of the Sharpe books and seen all of the movies and I love them. They鈥檙e tons of fun and you don鈥檛 have to switch your brain on too much while reading/watching them. I was excited for Assassin and was disappointed by it, so thought maybe this one would be better, with Bernard Cornwell getting back into the vibe and style of Sharpe.
But this was not good.
It was so so simple. Like I say, Sharpe is pretty basic but never *this* basic. There were no atmospheric descriptions of landscapes or backdrops or people, just very tell-tell-tell sequences and scenes. The characters had turned into caricatures of what they had been. Sharpe was essentially Sean Bean as Sharpe 鈥� which is fine for the films, but doesn鈥檛 work on print as he鈥檚 never been Sean Bean in the book series? Harper was a wise-cracking Irish stereotype, Dan Hagman was super soldier sniper extraordinaire (literally his only role was to shoot things at a distance) and Teresa was a cold-blooded murderer. And the Lieutenant, Love, had one personality at the start and then when he re-emerged at the end, he was like a completely different character. There was no real sense of character dynamics or relationships; it was all very disappointing.
I understand if Bernard Cornwell had forgotten certain things about the series because it has been a long time since he鈥檚 written a Sharpe book, but there were big inconsistency and editing issues throughout this. Other people have mentioned the problem with Sharpe鈥檚 rank but there were other things like: name changes, punctuation errors, anachronistic dialogue, continuity problems鈥� I鈥檓 not sure what happened but it did not feel like a final polished book.
It鈥檚 a shame to rate it like this as it鈥檚 been such a good series to read. But I wasn鈥檛 feeling this one.
But this was not good.
It was so so simple. Like I say, Sharpe is pretty basic but never *this* basic. There were no atmospheric descriptions of landscapes or backdrops or people, just very tell-tell-tell sequences and scenes. The characters had turned into caricatures of what they had been. Sharpe was essentially Sean Bean as Sharpe 鈥� which is fine for the films, but doesn鈥檛 work on print as he鈥檚 never been Sean Bean in the book series? Harper was a wise-cracking Irish stereotype, Dan Hagman was super soldier sniper extraordinaire (literally his only role was to shoot things at a distance) and Teresa was a cold-blooded murderer. And the Lieutenant, Love, had one personality at the start and then when he re-emerged at the end, he was like a completely different character. There was no real sense of character dynamics or relationships; it was all very disappointing.
I understand if Bernard Cornwell had forgotten certain things about the series because it has been a long time since he鈥檚 written a Sharpe book, but there were big inconsistency and editing issues throughout this. Other people have mentioned the problem with Sharpe鈥檚 rank but there were other things like: name changes, punctuation errors, anachronistic dialogue, continuity problems鈥� I鈥檓 not sure what happened but it did not feel like a final polished book.
It鈥檚 a shame to rate it like this as it鈥檚 been such a good series to read. But I wasn鈥檛 feeling this one.
October 26, 2023
Alas, I would rank this as the lowest of Sharpe's. Now, let me say that it's still in good company even among the lower Sharpe's entries and I am always game for yet more Sharpe's adventures. However, this one just felt uninspired throughout. At 300 pages, it was comparatively short- not a fault in its own right, but it was also repetitive and very little happened. That is an added challenge of these middle-entry Sharpe's novels that Bernard writes later in that they are certainly constricted in how they can affect the characters (you know who can't die, etc.) but I feel this has been handled with much greater mastery by the author in the past.
Teresa gets perhaps the most presence in the book than any other entry, and while that is welcome, most of it is squandered between superficial interactions with her and Richard and there is no further development of their relationship or romance. "I am coming with you, Richard," "No, it's too dangerous." "I will kill the bastards, Richard." "No, you can't, we must take prisoners..."- this is indicative of the entire novel- interactions and scenarios that are literally repeated multiple times, even among the action pieces, like Daniel Hagman asking if he can but a ball in someone's head. Lastly, the historical narrative in play for this one too is very lean, covering just weeks in the peninsular war and rounded out with a half-baked antagonist.
There are good moments too, of course, with some excellent descriptions of the workings of artillery and the process of an escalade in a siege, especially when Sharpe is on the ladder. All-in-all, a forgettable outing for our hero with a handful of enjoyable moments.
Teresa gets perhaps the most presence in the book than any other entry, and while that is welcome, most of it is squandered between superficial interactions with her and Richard and there is no further development of their relationship or romance. "I am coming with you, Richard," "No, it's too dangerous." "I will kill the bastards, Richard." "No, you can't, we must take prisoners..."- this is indicative of the entire novel- interactions and scenarios that are literally repeated multiple times, even among the action pieces, like Daniel Hagman asking if he can but a ball in someone's head. Lastly, the historical narrative in play for this one too is very lean, covering just weeks in the peninsular war and rounded out with a half-baked antagonist.
There are good moments too, of course, with some excellent descriptions of the workings of artillery and the process of an escalade in a siege, especially when Sharpe is on the ladder. All-in-all, a forgettable outing for our hero with a handful of enjoyable moments.
October 25, 2023
A fun classic Sharpe adventure in Spain! Cornwell hasn't lost his touch at 79 years young with this his 23rd Sharpe novel that slots in at #14 chronologically and tells the tale of the British raid of the French forts at Almaraz that set the stage for Wellington's successful invasion of French-held Spain.
It's one of the breezier Sharpe books at 300 pages, and I enjoyed the laser focus on a single clear mission with a fun fictional French-sympathizing Spanish villain getting in Sharpe's way as he's trying to fulfill his reconnoissance task ahead of the attack. The battle when it came was well laid out by Cornwell and easy to follow the tactics and flow, and was full of his trademark grittiness that immersed me as if I was there.
Cornwell seems to be having a fun time writing these days, as this was just full of clever wit from the always lovable duo of Sharpe and Harper along with an earnest but bumbling young artillery lieutenant who provided plenty of comic relief. With this going well back in time from where I last left Sharpe after Waterloo, there was some added poignancy around meeting back up with a few characters around Sharpe who would later die.
This was exactly the change of pace I needed after Dance with Dragons, and I hope Cornwell still has more of these in him since it'll be a sad day when I have no more new Sharpe stories to enjoy.
It's one of the breezier Sharpe books at 300 pages, and I enjoyed the laser focus on a single clear mission with a fun fictional French-sympathizing Spanish villain getting in Sharpe's way as he's trying to fulfill his reconnoissance task ahead of the attack. The battle when it came was well laid out by Cornwell and easy to follow the tactics and flow, and was full of his trademark grittiness that immersed me as if I was there.
Cornwell seems to be having a fun time writing these days, as this was just full of clever wit from the always lovable duo of Sharpe and Harper along with an earnest but bumbling young artillery lieutenant who provided plenty of comic relief. With this going well back in time from where I last left Sharpe after Waterloo, there was some added poignancy around meeting back up with a few characters around Sharpe who would later die.
This was exactly the change of pace I needed after Dance with Dragons, and I hope Cornwell still has more of these in him since it'll be a sad day when I have no more new Sharpe stories to enjoy.
April 3, 2024
Ah! Richard Sharpe!
Major Richard Sharpe has been ordered to meet with some Spanish Partisans, give them gold and rifles, and verify the situation at the approach to the French forts, Fort Napoleon and Fort Ragusa, guarding the pontoon bridge across the River Tagus. A strategic bridge because the River Tagus divides the western part of the Spanish Peninsula.
Sharpe鈥檚 to do so quietly, bring no attention to himself.
Of course things don鈥檛 go to plan. The partisan leader, El H茅roe is a bully playing both sides, and the French become aware of the British (Well they have been sold out by El H茅roe!)
Lady Teresa, La Aguja, Richard鈥檚 wife, arrives to fight alongside Richard. I so adore this woman. She and Richard understand each other. They鈥檙e simpatico personified. They accept each other鈥檚 flaws and encourage each other鈥檚 strengths.
A mighty battle will be engaged. Richard will do what he hates, and all will be well.
Another episode in the unassuming, yet highly effective, Richard Shape saga.
Who doesn鈥檛 love the rogue underdog hero!
A Harper ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
Major Richard Sharpe has been ordered to meet with some Spanish Partisans, give them gold and rifles, and verify the situation at the approach to the French forts, Fort Napoleon and Fort Ragusa, guarding the pontoon bridge across the River Tagus. A strategic bridge because the River Tagus divides the western part of the Spanish Peninsula.
Sharpe鈥檚 to do so quietly, bring no attention to himself.
Of course things don鈥檛 go to plan. The partisan leader, El H茅roe is a bully playing both sides, and the French become aware of the British (Well they have been sold out by El H茅roe!)
Lady Teresa, La Aguja, Richard鈥檚 wife, arrives to fight alongside Richard. I so adore this woman. She and Richard understand each other. They鈥檙e simpatico personified. They accept each other鈥檚 flaws and encourage each other鈥檚 strengths.
A mighty battle will be engaged. Richard will do what he hates, and all will be well.
Another episode in the unassuming, yet highly effective, Richard Shape saga.
Who doesn鈥檛 love the rogue underdog hero!
A Harper ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
August 2, 2024
I have read several of the Sharpe series but in no particular order. This volume has Sharpe as a Major and involved in the Napoleonic Wars in Spain. Apparently, Sharpe has been married twice, his second wife is a Spanish Partisan. Together they must try to capture a French fort to help the British in their Peninsular campaign.
Not the most exciting of stories and the guerilla aspects make for a less than epic battle. Still it was entertaining and fairly good reading. Now the historical background:
Major-General Sir Rowland "Daddy" Hill's raid on Almaraz in the spring of 1812 was one of the finest campaigns of the Peninsular War. The operation hinged on the capture of certain key bridges to prevent the French forces of Soult and Marmont from combining. Hill's force had to capture the forts at Ragusa and Napoleon and were able to do so with the help of a Lt. Love of the Royal Artillery.
Not the most exciting of stories and the guerilla aspects make for a less than epic battle. Still it was entertaining and fairly good reading. Now the historical background:
Major-General Sir Rowland "Daddy" Hill's raid on Almaraz in the spring of 1812 was one of the finest campaigns of the Peninsular War. The operation hinged on the capture of certain key bridges to prevent the French forces of Soult and Marmont from combining. Hill's force had to capture the forts at Ragusa and Napoleon and were able to do so with the help of a Lt. Love of the Royal Artillery.
November 9, 2023
I had to check a few times that I hadn鈥檛 already read this 鈥渘ew鈥� Sharpe! It鈥檚 so obvious that the publishers were desperate for a new novel that鈥檚 what Bernard did, only he wrote it in daze.
Yes, the old favourites were back, Teresa, Hogan, Dan and Harris, but we鈥檝e all been here before and I鈥檓 sure we were all wanted a new and exciting adventure, alas, it鈥檚 a rehash of old. Mercifully it was short and lingered as about as long as one of Sharpe鈥檚 foes, what a shame.
Bernard, if you鈥檙e going to keep writing Sharpe, please do him justice, this was just Sharpe by numbers.
I鈥檇 much see a return to Starbuck, I鈥檓 sure there鈥檚 some original ideas there鈥�
Yes, the old favourites were back, Teresa, Hogan, Dan and Harris, but we鈥檝e all been here before and I鈥檓 sure we were all wanted a new and exciting adventure, alas, it鈥檚 a rehash of old. Mercifully it was short and lingered as about as long as one of Sharpe鈥檚 foes, what a shame.
Bernard, if you鈥檙e going to keep writing Sharpe, please do him justice, this was just Sharpe by numbers.
I鈥檇 much see a return to Starbuck, I鈥檓 sure there鈥檚 some original ideas there鈥�
October 19, 2023
I have had this on pre order since April 2022 and it was worth waiting for.
October 21, 2024
I haven't read a Sharpe novel since I was a teenager - so long ago, in fact, that I'd forgotten all about them and not even listed them in goodreads.
Were they always this forumlaic and cliche? The main characters are broadly sketched, each with their trademark characteristics (did you know Hagman can shoot well - Theresa is brave and fiery - Sharpe says 'bastards' alot). Lieutenant Love starts the book as a nervous, gawky, naive boy and then comes back in the final act with a completely different personality: a religious eccentric. It all feels a little slapdash.
I enjoyed it - but it wasn't great. I wonder if I go back and read the series again, will they all be disappointing?
Were they always this forumlaic and cliche? The main characters are broadly sketched, each with their trademark characteristics (did you know Hagman can shoot well - Theresa is brave and fiery - Sharpe says 'bastards' alot). Lieutenant Love starts the book as a nervous, gawky, naive boy and then comes back in the final act with a completely different personality: a religious eccentric. It all feels a little slapdash.
I enjoyed it - but it wasn't great. I wonder if I go back and read the series again, will they all be disappointing?
December 20, 2023
I SO desperately want to make this a 5* review, as it鈥檚 just a fantastic book from start to finish鈥� but for a few things
It鈥檚 really griped me that this book has not been proof read properly鈥� or at least not been proof read by someone who knows the series, for one, Sharpe is a captain at the time of this, yet the book says he鈥檚 a Major throughout, apart from one moment
Secondly, Harper is not a Sjt Major as referenced once in the book
Thirdly, his name is Sharpe, not Sharp.
A proper proof read by someone who knows the series would鈥檝e caught these!
That said, I loved the book, especially the return of a Teresa, who features heavily. The action is brilliant as is the story itself.
Were it not for the fact it was proofread by nobody, this would easily be 5*. Hopefully the errors get picked up for a reprint!
It鈥檚 really griped me that this book has not been proof read properly鈥� or at least not been proof read by someone who knows the series, for one, Sharpe is a captain at the time of this, yet the book says he鈥檚 a Major throughout, apart from one moment
Secondly, Harper is not a Sjt Major as referenced once in the book
Thirdly, his name is Sharpe, not Sharp.
A proper proof read by someone who knows the series would鈥檝e caught these!
That said, I loved the book, especially the return of a Teresa, who features heavily. The action is brilliant as is the story itself.
Were it not for the fact it was proofread by nobody, this would easily be 5*. Hopefully the errors get picked up for a reprint!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2023
I love Sharpe books. this was just so good. Out of date sequence. But I just didn't care.
The story, characters, battles and wins. Just Brilliant!
I do hope there will be some more Sharpe novels? Please Mr Cornwell!?
The story, characters, battles and wins. Just Brilliant!
I do hope there will be some more Sharpe novels? Please Mr Cornwell!?
October 10, 2023
3.5 stars. A good rollicking read as usual about a campaign I鈥檇 long wanted to see, with Sharpe in the thick of the action alongside (Daddy) Hill. A little by the numbers in some places and the main antagonist was a little mid but the action is as high octane as ever and I really enjoyed the climax . I was given a pretty good sense of the geography and where things are in relation to each other which isn鈥檛 always the case.
The only obvious mistake is that Cornwell seems to have forgotten that Sharpe wasn鈥檛 a Major at this point in the series. I understand forgetting that but an editor should have spotted it. A step up from Assassin and a very enjoyable if not quite top tier Sharpe book.
The only obvious mistake is that Cornwell seems to have forgotten that Sharpe wasn鈥檛 a Major at this point in the series. I understand forgetting that but an editor should have spotted it. A step up from Assassin and a very enjoyable if not quite top tier Sharpe book.
June 27, 2024
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 H茅roe' 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 H茅roe 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 H茅roe 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 H茅roe and sets out with his riflemen 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 H茅roe' 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 H茅roe 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 H茅roe 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 H茅roe and sets out with his riflemen 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.
April 20, 2024
What a pleasure to find out Cornwell wrote a new Sharpe novel. As always it's firmly placed in the middle of an actual historic battle.
Spring 1812, General Rowland "Daddy" Hill fresh off his victory at Badajoz is looking to destroy the fort and bridges at Almaraz. And to soften the French up of course he sends Sharpe and his riflemen.
The camaraderie of Sharpe and his trusty sidekick Harper are always a joy to read, add in Sharpe's wife and a green artillery lieutenant for comic relief makes for an extremely enjoyable book
Spring 1812, General Rowland "Daddy" Hill fresh off his victory at Badajoz is looking to destroy the fort and bridges at Almaraz. And to soften the French up of course he sends Sharpe and his riflemen.
The camaraderie of Sharpe and his trusty sidekick Harper are always a joy to read, add in Sharpe's wife and a green artillery lieutenant for comic relief makes for an extremely enjoyable book
December 30, 2024
You can't go wrong with Sharpe! The usual repulsive villain, the usual non-stop action, plenty of explosions, French soldiers being crushed by falling objects, Sharpe climbing ladders, using his sword, his rifle, and his fists. Did anyone notice that the duel at the end was just like the downfall of Asher in SPARTACUS?
October 12, 2024
Continuity with the previous books was just poor. No explanation as to Sharpe's Rank and characters who were dead are alive. Story was fine but the lack of consistency ruins it a bit for me
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2024
This book jumps back in time to Sharpe at approximately 35 years old when he is a sergeant in Spain fighting against the French, sometimes alongside Spanish resistance fighters. Sharpe is married to one of these freedom fighters, but he finds himself ordered to ally with a self-aggrandizing freedom fighter who calls himself "The Hero" who actually turns out to be selling information to the French.
April 28, 2024
I鈥檝e been absolutely obsessed with the Sharpe series since I first stole Sharpe鈥檚 Rifles from my brother鈥檚 bookshelf in 2008. I usually don鈥檛 review books from this series but, sweet suffering Christ, this was one terrible and I felt compelled.
I鈥檓 genuinely appalled at the lack of continuity in both tone and characterisation (God help me but the dialogue was terrible and that was 70% of the novel), let alone the blatant inconsistencies of rank (Sharpe is somehow a major, ahead of time, but is sometimes called Captain by on the Spanish officers, and Harper is referred to as 鈥淪ergeant-Major鈥� by Sharpe midway through the story??). Tom Gerrard is also not only reincarnated but also back with the British army (despite dying as a Portuguese officer a year or two ago). What else鈥� the rifles are deadly snipers for most the novel, apparently Love is 7 ft tall, and El Heroe was a cartoonish villain. But I think the main thing that makes me sad is it misses the warmth of the earlier novels.
Also what the ever-loving hell is up with General Hill only saying yes to a plan because Teresa was wearing tight trousers? Like really, that鈥檚 an entire chapter?
Sharpe鈥檚 Assassin wasn鈥檛 wonderful but at least the characters seemed themselves. Sharpe鈥檚 Command felt like it was written by a ghost-writer who done their research by rewatching the 90s BBC series with Sean Bean. Which is great telly but certainly different in tone to the written series.
If there鈥檚 any more Sharpe releases I think I鈥檒l ignore them and stick to rereading the earlier novels.
I鈥檓 genuinely appalled at the lack of continuity in both tone and characterisation (God help me but the dialogue was terrible and that was 70% of the novel), let alone the blatant inconsistencies of rank (Sharpe is somehow a major, ahead of time, but is sometimes called Captain by on the Spanish officers, and Harper is referred to as 鈥淪ergeant-Major鈥� by Sharpe midway through the story??). Tom Gerrard is also not only reincarnated but also back with the British army (despite dying as a Portuguese officer a year or two ago). What else鈥� the rifles are deadly snipers for most the novel, apparently Love is 7 ft tall, and El Heroe was a cartoonish villain. But I think the main thing that makes me sad is it misses the warmth of the earlier novels.
Also what the ever-loving hell is up with General Hill only saying yes to a plan because Teresa was wearing tight trousers? Like really, that鈥檚 an entire chapter?
Sharpe鈥檚 Assassin wasn鈥檛 wonderful but at least the characters seemed themselves. Sharpe鈥檚 Command felt like it was written by a ghost-writer who done their research by rewatching the 90s BBC series with Sean Bean. Which is great telly but certainly different in tone to the written series.
If there鈥檚 any more Sharpe releases I think I鈥檒l ignore them and stick to rereading the earlier novels.
April 9, 2024
I love the Sharpe novels--I spent 30+ dollars to get this novel in hardback the day it was released in the United States.
The book was an entertaining enough read, and it checked all the familiar Sharpe boxes: seemingly impossible missions for his rifle company, compelling attention historical scene-setting, Sharpe's love interest, inept or treasonous superiors or allies, the expected final triumph in an unexpected way.
But the novel was basically replacement level Sharpe. It was somewhat performative in hitting all the marks that we expect in a Sharpe tale. And it lacked one of the more entertaining features of many Sharpe novels, which is the dynamic of Sharpe, a cretin from the gutters who was jumped up to officer ranks for insane battlefield bravery, struggling to deal with the upper-class officer corps that simultaneously patronizes him, oozing contempt, while fearing and needing him.
It also lacked the tension and urgency of the best Sharpe books. The rifles swagger here with too much invincibility, with Hagman hitting seemingly every target from afar and Sharpe leading an unconvincing escalade without suffering a scratch. Indeed, Sharpe himself is too cocksure, taking his company into two certain-death engagements from which it is salvaged only by the deus ex machina intervention of the Spanish partisans. Surely at some point his company would begin to question him?
So three stars. I don't think I could ever give a Sharpe novel more than four stars--the stories are brilliantly executed historical fiction, but they don't aspire to the kind of thematic greatness in historical fictions of novels such as the "Wolf Hall" trilogy. But I can't imagine giving anything written by Bernard Cornwell less than three stars.
The book was an entertaining enough read, and it checked all the familiar Sharpe boxes: seemingly impossible missions for his rifle company, compelling attention historical scene-setting, Sharpe's love interest, inept or treasonous superiors or allies, the expected final triumph in an unexpected way.
But the novel was basically replacement level Sharpe. It was somewhat performative in hitting all the marks that we expect in a Sharpe tale. And it lacked one of the more entertaining features of many Sharpe novels, which is the dynamic of Sharpe, a cretin from the gutters who was jumped up to officer ranks for insane battlefield bravery, struggling to deal with the upper-class officer corps that simultaneously patronizes him, oozing contempt, while fearing and needing him.
It also lacked the tension and urgency of the best Sharpe books. The rifles swagger here with too much invincibility, with Hagman hitting seemingly every target from afar and Sharpe leading an unconvincing escalade without suffering a scratch. Indeed, Sharpe himself is too cocksure, taking his company into two certain-death engagements from which it is salvaged only by the deus ex machina intervention of the Spanish partisans. Surely at some point his company would begin to question him?
So three stars. I don't think I could ever give a Sharpe novel more than four stars--the stories are brilliantly executed historical fiction, but they don't aspire to the kind of thematic greatness in historical fictions of novels such as the "Wolf Hall" trilogy. But I can't imagine giving anything written by Bernard Cornwell less than three stars.
October 22, 2023
Two French armies hope to combine at Almaraz on the banks of the River Tagus. General Hill requests assistance in getting the Spanish partisans on side as well as an advance scout to gauge the French strength at the three fortresses around the town. Major Jogan can think of only one man for this reckless mission: Major Richard Sharpe.
'Sharpe's Command' fits well into the chronology and it is nice to see Teresa Moreno again.the book is well written and in keeping with the rest of the series. Cornwell has often said that Sharpe always marches in his mind and it is nice to see him return to this series every once in a while to remind us how great the character is.
'Sharpe's Command' fits well into the chronology and it is nice to see Teresa Moreno again.the book is well written and in keeping with the rest of the series. Cornwell has often said that Sharpe always marches in his mind and it is nice to see him return to this series every once in a while to remind us how great the character is.
April 23, 2025
I don鈥檛 know how I missed this one but I鈥檓 so glad I realized there鈥檚 a Sharpe book I haven鈥檛 read. Everything I love about these books and then some. Bernard Cornwell makes history so memorable and meaningful. He鈥檚 created characters in this series that are unforgettable. I鈥檝e read the series multiple times, collected the hard covers, watched the tv series multiple times, and now I鈥檓 listening to the audiobooks from the beginning. They are extraordinary. I hope readers who know him from the Saxon Chronicles will read the Sharpe books. I put Cornwell with my favorites in military fiction, C. S. Forester and Patrick O鈥橞rien. Brilliant.
May 20, 2025
Cornwell is getting old. In this book Sharpe is a major. Obviously a mistake. There are two more books (Sword and Skirmish) following Command in which Sharpe is still a captain. Sharpe doesn鈥檛 get promoted to Major until Sharpe鈥檚 Enemy. Tom Garrard evidently has been resurrected from two novels prior. I simply don鈥檛 understand how these anachronistic mistakes were allowed during publishing.
Nevertheless it was an entertaining read, it was good to see Teresa back in action, and as always Cornwell鈥檚 depictions of battle scenes are exceptionally good. If this novel had been in line with the established Sharpe timeline it would have been great but I can鈥檛 overlook the obvious errors.
Nevertheless it was an entertaining read, it was good to see Teresa back in action, and as always Cornwell鈥檚 depictions of battle scenes are exceptionally good. If this novel had been in line with the established Sharpe timeline it would have been great but I can鈥檛 overlook the obvious errors.
January 22, 2024
Teresa FTW. Okay this has full on ignited my Napoleonic interest again - a by-product of my roman empire being the French Revolution. Sharpe a likeable rogue as ever and it's great to see the switch to a more typical war story after the espionage of Sharpe's Assassin.
Haven't caught up with most of the original series so going to go back and revisit both the books and the show I think - this was such an enjoyable listen on borrowbox!
Haven't caught up with most of the original series so going to go back and revisit both the books and the show I think - this was such an enjoyable listen on borrowbox!
April 12, 2024
Good to have Richard Sharpe back with his friend Patrick Harper and now joined by his wife Teresa. Another story by Bernard Cornwell based on the true battles of Wellington in Spain against the French. Cornwell is a great storyteller and he promises us another Sharpe adventure in the future. 4.5 stars. sharoe鈥檚 Command. Read 4-24.
October 28, 2023
Sharpe's Long Weekend.
Yes, it's superfluous because Cornwell's found ten minutes in which Sharpe is otherwise unaccounted for and sent him to do the one thing he's never done in these books (climb a ladder). Yes, his rank's wrong given the timeframe. And yes, it's pretty by the numbers.
But it's a damn entertaining read, by an author who genuinely loves writing these characters. All the hits are here. Sharpe kicking a man in the nuts before hacking at him with that "butcher's blade." Harper's love of explosions. A particularly bloodthirsty Harris cameo. At least two unwinnable against all-the-odds fights won thanks to the Baker rifle.
And we get to read about the dear departed Mrs Sharpe having a particularly brutal duel with a partisan. One that ends on a very uncomfortable wince.
What's not to love?
Yes, it's superfluous because Cornwell's found ten minutes in which Sharpe is otherwise unaccounted for and sent him to do the one thing he's never done in these books (climb a ladder). Yes, his rank's wrong given the timeframe. And yes, it's pretty by the numbers.
But it's a damn entertaining read, by an author who genuinely loves writing these characters. All the hits are here. Sharpe kicking a man in the nuts before hacking at him with that "butcher's blade." Harper's love of explosions. A particularly bloodthirsty Harris cameo. At least two unwinnable against all-the-odds fights won thanks to the Baker rifle.
And we get to read about the dear departed Mrs Sharpe having a particularly brutal duel with a partisan. One that ends on a very uncomfortable wince.
What's not to love?
February 22, 2025
Very indulgent read, I don鈥檛 Sharpe could ever by less than a 4 star. Great excitement and tempo. Cornwell is the master at adding engaging fiction to historical accuracy.
That said it does lack consistency with Sharpe鈥檚 story and it a little extreme in the invincibility of Sharpe and his rifleman.
Nevertheless great fun as always
That said it does lack consistency with Sharpe鈥檚 story and it a little extreme in the invincibility of Sharpe and his rifleman.
Nevertheless great fun as always
November 7, 2023
Richard Sharpe and his gang are back in Spain during the Penninsular War, killing Frenchmen and their allies. Nice to see his murdered wife alive again as Bernard Cornwall fills in gaps in this 23 book narrative.
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