This is the chronological book 11 of the Richard Sharpe series.

There was a slight shift in tone that began with the last book, and it continued into this book as well. Sharpes Fury hinges on the bloody battle of Barrosa in 1811, but that doesnt occur until the very end. The remainder of the book is spent with Sharpe being called in for another special mission, and the readers are given the treat of a great cat-and-mouse game of blackmail, murder, and treason.

In a sense, the battle in this book was something of an afterthought, as was Sharpes participation in it. He was there by accident but made good use of his time and his skills. Once again, Sharpe finds himself at odds with yet other superior officer and their exchanges are as awkward as they are entertaining. However, this is the first book I can think of where Sharpe doesnt fall hopelessly in love with some damsel in distress, and for that I was grateful.

This was a book that I could not put down. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

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