14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another Bernard Cornwell? I think so, but, September 3, 2007
he's not copying either Cornwell's style or characters. Wilcox is definitely his own man and his hero is no Sharpe. Simon Fonthill, while capable of handling himself in combat every bit as efficiently as Sharpe, doesn't like the army and seems to be trying his best to stay out of it. Despite all his efforts however, he cannot eliminate the armed forces from his life and becomes involved mainly in political and military intrigue - gathering information for the troops rather than standing by their side and commanding them in battle, although he sometimes finds himself doing this.
I'm reluctant to go into detail regarding the plot because I think it's important that the readers discover for themselves how the story-line unfolds; I know I'd be disappointed if a reviewer revealed too much in a synposis. Suffice to say it's every bit as exciting as anything Cornwell ever wrote, the characters are as well-developed, the story action-packed, and the conflicts exhilarating.
One of the nicest things about it is that there are 3 sequels, each capable of standing on its own and each equally stimulating. If you enjoyed Forester, Cornwell, Reeman, etc., you can't fail to appreciate Wilcox.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good Read, December 17, 2007
While this is not Sharpe and Cornwell it is quite good, well written with good visual images. I've spent time in the relevant part of Africa and it certainly reads true. Interesting and I think accurate portrayal of the British Army at the time.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Quite enjoyable!!, June 19, 2009
I don't quite understand the criticism of this book by the gentleman from Tel Aviv, I found it hard to put down, particularly the portion dealing with Isandawana and Rorke's Drift. I am pleased to have discovered a new series and will immediately obtain Wilcox' other Fonthill books.
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