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Sharpe's Gold

Richard Sharpe and the Destruction of Almeida, August 1810
Apr 01, 2011zipread rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Richard Sharpe is a Ranger in the British army. He’s damned good with a rifle. He’s good with his cavalry cutlass. He’s practiced in the use of muskets and bayonets. Even his bare hands will do if he finds himself in a tight corner. Not one to shirk a battle; not one to cut and run just because the odds are overwhelmingly against him or his men. The year is 1810. Britain finds itself in the midst of the Napoleonic wars. The British are facing much larger forces. The British and their Portuguese and Spanish allies are threatened by Napoleons machine of conquest. The British, perennially underfunded must build their final redoubt in the extreme south-west corner of the Iberian peninsula. To be able to do this, they need money --- or failing that gold --- Spanish gold. And that’s our tale. Sharpe must deal with betrayal, vicious Spanish guerillas. The horrendous surprise ending is best kept a secret. If you crave action you should read this book. Sharpe fans can attest that all of Cornwell’s novels are fast moving and well crafted. It is time well spent.