BOOK BLURB:
The third in this epic quartet of novels focusing on two giants of European history, Wellington and Napoleon.
In the early years of the nineteenth century, Arthur Wellesley (elevated to Viscount Wellington in the course of the novel) and Napoleon Bonaparte are well-established as men of military genius. Wellesley has returned from India, where his skill and bravery made a remarkable impression on his superiors. He faces trials and tribulations on the political scene before becoming embroiled militarily in Copenhagen, then Portugal and finally Spain. Napoleon, established as Emperor, is cementing his control on Europe, intending finally to crush his hated foe across the Channel: Britain. The time is fast approaching when Wellington and Napoleon will come face to face in confrontation and only one man can emerge victorious...
REVIEW:
Originally designed to be a trilogy Simon took the step to extend the series by another book so that it wouldn’t be rushed in any way. This I feel was not only a brave step by the author but a necessity as otherwise a lot of the beautiful prose along with descriptive work that has carefully been laid down in the previous two books would have been for nought and really not done justice to the pair of historical nemesis. Its well written, lovingly crafted by an author who cares for what he creates and above all deals with a period of history that France and Britain are both proud. It’s going to be interesting to see the final build up to the epic conclusion of the series and one that’s really going to enthral fans of historical fiction even though the outcomes set in stone. An author I sincerely wish I’d had teaching me history at school.
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