“This book is the third entry in the Sharpe’s India trilogy, the prequels to the original Sharpe’s series. These are marvelous adventures with a sympathetic and compelling hero, villains that one loves to hate, a story and setting that are easy to become immersed in, thanks to Cornwell’s thorough research, imagination, and writing skill, and did I mention the hero?
Sharpe is a British infantry soldier in Arthur Wellesley’s army, a fierce and clever fighter who is working his way up through the ranks by winning battles, much to the dismay of those officers who have purchased their commissions. In Sharpe’s Fortress he is an ensign and manages to place himself precisely in the thick of the siege of Gawilghur, the impenetrable “fortress in the sky.”
The battle scenes, as always in Cornwell’s books are gory and thrilling, the secondary characters are quirky and interesting, and although, since it is historical fiction, some of the history is creative, it is still fascinating, right through the historical notes at the end. Highly recommended.”
Rita C wrote this review Thursday, April 9 2009.
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