Publisher: Headline
SYNOPSIS:
The new Richard Sharpe bursts onto the historical adventure scene in a brilliant, action-packed debut of Redcoat battle and bloodshed. 1854: The banks of the Alma River, Crimean Peninsular. The Redcoats stagger to a bloody halt. The men of the King's Royal Fusiliers are in terrible trouble, ducking and twisting as the storm of shot, shell and bullet tear through their ranks. Officer Jack Lark has to act immediately and decisively. His life and the success of the campaign depend on it. But does he have the mettle, the officer qualities that are the life blood of the British Army? From a poor background Lark has risen through the ranks by stealth and guile and now he faces the ultimate test...THE SCARLET THIEF introduces us to a formidable and compelling hero - brutally courageous, roguish, ambitious - in a historical novel as robust as it is thrillingly authentic by an author who brings history and battle vividly alive.
REVIEW:
I’ve heard quite a bit about Paul from friends of mine who are avid Historical Fiction fans. They promised an epic debut with characters that I’d love to spend time around with so many facets that I’d be hooked from the start to finish. So with all that promise I really couldn’t wait to see what would unfurl within.
Firstly for a debut novel it’s a cracking title. The characters within do stand on their own and whilst the history is cleverly woven within, it doesn’t feel like its treating the reader to a history lesson but weaves need to know within with ease. Add to this solid prose, high octane battle sequences and all round a tale that was a pure joy to read as every twist revealed itself. Definitely something for fans of well crafted battle sequences and something that will stay with you for quite some time. I’m just pleased I have the second to read straight away.
Publisher: Headline
SYNOPSIS:
A riveting tale of battle and adventure in a brutal land, where loyalty and courage are constantly challenged and the enemy is never far away.
Jack Lark barely survived the Battle of the Alma. As the brutal fight raged, he discovered the true duty that came with the officer's commission he'd taken. In hospital, wounded, and with his stolen life left lying on the battlefield, he grasps a chance to prove himself a leader once more. Poor Captain Danbury is dead, but Jack will travel to his new regiment in India, under his name.
Jack soon finds more enemies, but this time they're on his own side. Exposed as a fraud, he's rescued by the chaplain's beautiful daughter, who has her own reasons to escape. They seek desperate refuge with the Maharajah of Sawadh, the charismatic leader whom the British Army must subdue. He sees Jack as a curiosity, but recognises a fellow military mind. In return for his safety, Jack must train the very army the British may soon have to fight...
REVIEW:
Ah the world of India is a dangerous one where politics and of course the machinations of officer rank vie against the sensibilities of the principle character which forces not only hard choices but ones he may later come to regret. As with the original novel the principle character is a joy to be around. I love his outlook, the way he comes across and of course his personal internal struggles against what he is to face.
Add to this solid combat, some great twists and dialogue that really helps bring the India of yesteryear to the modern reader all round gives you something special to enjoy. Great stuff.
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