Sharpe's Revenge

“Sharpe's Revenge” is the 19th book in Bernard Cornwell's popular Sharpe series, set during the Napoleonic Wars. The book follows the story of Richard Sharpe, a former soldier turned spy, as he seeks revenge against a French general who has caused him great personal harm.

The book starts with Sharpe in the Spanish city of Vitoria, where he is preparing to undertake a mission for the British army. However, his plans are interrupted when he receives a letter from his old enemy, General Guy Loup, who has escaped from a British prison and is seeking revenge against Sharpe. Loup blames Sharpe for his imprisonment and vows to kill him and his family.

From this point on, the book follows Sharpe as he attempts to track down and stop Loup, while also dealing with personal issues of his own. Throughout the book, we see Sharpe struggle with his own sense of morality, as he is forced to make difficult decisions in order to protect himself and those he cares about.

One of the strengths of “Sharpe's Revenge” is Cornwell's ability to create a vivid and detailed portrayal of the Napoleonic era. His descriptions of battles, military tactics, and life in the army are all meticulously researched and provide an immersive experience for the reader. Additionally, the book is full of well-drawn and complex characters, from the ruthless Loup to the conflicted Sharpe himself.

However, despite these strengths, the book does have some weaknesses. For one, the plot can at times feel overly complicated and convoluted, with multiple subplots and characters that can be hard to keep track of. Additionally, the book's pacing can be slow at times, particularly during the sections that focus on Sharpe's personal life.

Overall, “Sharpe's Revenge” is a solid addition to the Sharpe series, with a well-realized historical setting and engaging characters. However, it is not without its flaws, and readers looking for a fast-paced and action-packed read may be disappointed by the book's occasionally slow pacing. Nonetheless, for fans of historical fiction and military thrillers, “Sharpe's Revenge” is definitely worth checking out.