Beth G. (BethG) - , reviewed on 5/28/2007 + 108 more book reviews

According to the chronology of the series, this is the first Sharpe book, the first of all the adventures.

So, in the beginning, Sharpe is a common foot soldier in the army, serving in India. Unfortunately for him, Sergeant Hakeswill is also there and already determined to make trouble for Sharpe.

So through Hakeswill's maneuvering, Sharpe finds himself sentenced to a flogging of 1000 lashes, a virtual death sentence.

Sharpe's luck holds, sort of, and after "only" 200 lashes, he is summoned to the general's tent. There he is given the assignment of pretending to desert and go over to the Tipoo Sultan's side in order to try and rescue an officer who was captured and has vital information about the enemy.

So Sharpe find's himself stuck inside a fortified city about to be attacked by the British army. The only way to stay alive is to fight against his own men. If he can succeed he will be made a sergeant, if he fails he faces either grizzly execution by strong man or being lunch for the Tipoo's tigers.

This is an excellent book, well written and compelling. There is lots of action and some quiet moments for reflection as well. It is a must read for anyone who is a fan of the Sharpe series.

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