The tale of a roguish Brit soldier in the Napoleonic campaign. Any time a book this is written, comparisons to Sharpe are inevitable, but the author does a good job of making this character distinct and different enough that its a fresh look at the same ground. And, he was smart enough to start it right at the very beginning of the campaign, in Portugal.

Craven is a gambler and a duelist, a master with the sword and fist, and decent on horseback. He's managed to get himself into Portugal to be part of the war, but on his own terms, requiring him to do no actual military work but have a shot at the loot. He's gathered a group of his old friends with him as , all deadly fighters as well, even if one has a secret to hide.

Unfortunately for Craven, he gets noticed by Wellsley and things go badly for him from that point on; he has to actually be a soldier and put himself into danger.

I enjoyed this book quite a bit, even if it gets a bit technical on the swordplay, and look forward to more in the series1 Tony DuxburyAuthor 9 books68

Very much Sharp's Rifles. The setting is the same, but Craven's crew are swordmasters hired to improve the ability of the officers, they didn't go to fight the enemy. Craven and his crew are dodging trouble back home and on the lookout to make an easy score. Unfortunately, they come to the attention of Wellington. He sets them a task, which goes wrong and that sets them on the path of further adventures in the Duke's campaign against Napoleon in Portugal and Spain. My kind of historical fiction. Recommended reading. Ty183 6

Spadroons, smallswords, and sabres oh, my!

A rollicking good swashbuckling adventure set in Portugal during the Pennisular War. Craven is a bit of a rogue and a master of the blade while being a bit if an anti hero. The names of the characters made me smile from heroic Portuguese Captains to dastardly Timmermans.

Highly recommend for all the historical fencing lore and for the adventure. Looking forward to a sequel. Barry Doswell31

a good yarn…

The author knows some of his subject, exceedingly well, and the characters are well written and hold promise for the future. Alas every fight seems to turn into a technical piece on sword fighting that makes the reader concentrate to understand the nuance and intricacies of duelling instead of just reading “with a grunt he turned the blade aside” it spoils the flow of the mental image constructed. Having said that I am looking forward to book two. John Jay Abbott3

Character with action BBC

Captain Craven, a rogue with redeeming qualities, leads his band of into unsought high adventure. There are enough characters to follow but not so many that you lose track of them. This is fast paced and straight forward and there is a lot of action, though sometimes it gets too much into the weeds of swordplay. Govno Nichevo454 3

I thought this was a good read with good pace and action. I found it an easy read and quite engaging.

You may be reminded of Sharpe with the same setting and familiar story lines, but Craven is quite a different character.

The book would benefit from better editing with spelling and occasional jumbled sentences occurring more frequently than average, but it did not stop the story flowing. Mike Condrack6 2

Slow start, but a better finish.

Ragged writing, but with interesting characters. A good start on what could be the first chapter in Capt. Cravens' story. Reminiscent of Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe series. Steven Stanford8

Sharpe lives on.

A good read although readers of Cornwalls Sharpe series will see the parallels. Some rough editing that affects comprehensive in places. If you want a good light and enjoy the napoleonic wars you will enjoy this. Lillian FrancisAuthor 16 books102

**Audio edition**

Enjoyable action/adventure/war story with a rakish lead character.

Some of the information felt a tad info-dumpy, especially on the sword fighting but overall it was a fun read.

Good narration with clearly different voices for all of the main characters. historical not-lgbtq not-m-m ...more gareth moores2

Review

Really d this book it reminded me of the sharpe books by Bernard Cornwell of which I’ve read good story plus characters which are believable going to read more of this series



of which’s Cathy364 7

Non-stop action

I d this book except there was way too much description of swords and swordfighting. I did enjoy all of the different characters in Craven's small group and will be buying the next book of the series. Candis Millar3

incredulous but a good read

The situation Craven finds himself stretches the imagination but the historic facts are indisputable. All in all it was a rollicking good read. I think I’ll read the next in the series… Rich7

A very good read

A combination of Sharpe and flash man. I d Corn well,s version of the battle of poor to a bit better, but thoroughly enjoyed. toddjfritz3

Great read

A super fun cut and thrust historical fiction that was a joy to read!
I look forward to reading the next book!
chris3

Excellent

Well written story of a British Officer who is a reluctant hero. Craven and his band of misfits make for a entertaining story. John Dixon7

Worthy

Usually read sifi written by Nick but decided to try this adventure while waiting his next book, pleased I did going for Cravens next episode while waiting. Andrew Gibson14

Inspiring

An heroic individual that inspires , satisfy commanders and destroys enemies with skill, perseverance and elements of madness and derringer do David Smith36 1 follower

Action Galore

History, heroes, and a sprinkling of humour. What's not to .And the story runs at a good and exciting pace. Thumbs up. Deedra3,902 33

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