Fire and Sword (Revolution 3) [Hardcover]

Simon Scarrow (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 8, 2009 | Series: Revolution 3

The third in this epic quartet of novels focusing on two giants of European history, Wellington and Napoleon. In the early years of the nineteenth century, Arthur Wellesley (elevated to Viscount Wellington in the course of the novel) and Napoleon Bonaparte are well-established as men of military genius. Wellesley has returned from India, where his skill and bravery made a remarkable impression on his superiors. He faces trials and tribulations on the political scene before becoming embroiled militarily in Copenhagen, then Portugal and finally Spain. Napoleon, established as Emperor, is cementing his control on Europe, intending finally to crush his hated foe across the Channel: Britain. The time is fast approaching when Wellington and Napoleon will come face to face in confrontation and only one man can emerge victorious...

Editorial Reviews

Review

'The last book in the quartet cannot come quickly enough' -- Daily Mail

About the Author

A former teacher, Simon Scarrow is now a full-time writer. He lives outside Norwich with his family.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 528 pages
• Publisher: Headline Review (January 8, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0755324374
• ISBN-13: 978-0755324378
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 1.7 x 9.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #563,466 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliance and obsession: The drama of Napoleon and Wellington continues, December 8, 2009

By 

loves history (Australia) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Fire and Sword (Revolution 3) (Paperback)

This is the third book in Simon Scarrow's re-telling of the parallel careers and domestic dramas of Napoleon and Wellington - Fire and Sword. Previously, Scarrow has established some surprising similarities in their early life and the circumstances that formed their individual characters. He then built an interesting, detailed and vivid picture of their early careers and the military brilliance that each displayed in his country's service. In this book, Napoleon achieves his ultimate political goal and continues to outthink and out-general his rivals across Europe. Only England remains out of reach - but he has plans to change that. Wellington faces many obstacles to personal happiness but the outstanding military successes achieved in India provide a springboard for opportunities to display his strategic brilliance and leadership abilities. Scarrow's research provides the detail necessary for military history buffs, and his story telling style is lively. When I reached the end I wanted to start the next book immediately....

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Such a fascinating way to make history interesting., October 8, 2011

By 

Jim Flack - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Fire and Sword (Revolution 3) (Paperback)

"Fire and Sword" is the third (of 4) books in a set (by Simon Scarrow) that relate to the life and times of Wellington and Napoleon. This book covering the years between abt. 1804-1809.

The book obviously makes more sense if you have read the books covering the earlier years "vol 1 - The Young Bloods" and "vol 2 - The Generals". However, if you just read the the book as a standalone, its still very easy to read and the pages just wizz by.

Simon Scarrow, as an author, seems to just drag you into the story itself which makes the book so very hard to put down, then when you get to the end of the book (although a story in its own right), you can't wait until the final volume "The Killing Fields" arrives so you can complete the fascinating historical journey that Napoleon and Wellington took that climaxed at the battle of Waterloo.

Another "worth every penny" book from Simon Scarrow.

5.0 out of 5 stars Another great installment - can't wait for the next, March 23, 2010

By 

Max Power "Maxi" (Perth, Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fire and Sword (Revolution 3) (Paperback)

Well, it seems that everyone who reads this book loves it - and for good reason.
This is some fascinating history, well told, about some of recent history's most significant figures.
Anyone who is in the least bit interested in military history will enjoy this and the backstories of the main protagonists are almost as interesting as the conflicts themselves.
Scarrow has done a great job with this series - my only complaint is having to wait for the last book in the series. Please - hurry up and put out Fields of Death! (Not too sure about the proposed title 'though).
Oh, one point. unless I seriously missed something the Product Description is incorrect. Arthur was not elevated to Viscount in this book. This book finishes just after the taking of Porto (Oporto). While he had probably well deserved the grant of the rank earlier, the granting of the title Viscount did not happen until after Talavera IIRC.