Customer Reviews

Man Of Honour - Jack Steel And The Blenheim Campaign, July to August 1704

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Yep, comparisons to Sharpe are inevitable. Jack Steel and his trusty sergeant are Grenadiers in Queen Anne's army being led by the Duke of Marlborough into the Bavaria of 1704. Cue much action, side missions and of course various bad guys.

This does not flow as well as Cornwell's writing, and sticks a little too closely to the formula presented by the many Sharpe novels, but it's not bad and the series could grow on me. Some interesting politics and an army of mixed components (this was before the invent of the 'British' army) led by a leader who could match the future Wellington for ability and tactical awareness.

This books concludes with the battle of Blenheim and we will see Steel in future adventures, I shall certainly pick up some more as the series does have potential.

Greatly enjoyed all the skirmishes, seiges and the Battle of Blenheim. Well researched and written. Fascinating period that I knew little about. Marlborough and his possible Jacobite connections added a level of interest and intrigue. Always like to see novels like this with good maps and historical notes at the end. Very much in the vein of a Sharpe Novel. Only criticism would be the main characters super abilities - much like Sharpe.
Look forward to reading more books by Iain Gale.

A thoroughly enjoyable fast paced read. Man of Honour introduces Lt. Jack Steel in an historically accurate novel set against the Battle of Blenheim just over 300 years ago. It is all there - political scheming; cowardice and villainy; the horror of war and the bonding of the warrior class; a beautiful heroine and the twists and turns of a well crafted tale of defeat and triumph. Iain Gale has once again regaled us with a tale of the British Army at war without glossing over the horror of conflict while depicting its ultimate triumph.

This is the first book in a series about Jack Steel, a lieutenant in the British Army in 1704 at the Battle of Blenheim. I enjoyed the rhythm of the writing. It was fast moving and kept one engaged. Succintly, it flowed. I was not very cognizant about this time in British military history. A lack on my part. The Duke of Marlborough is portrayed here in an interesting way. Now I know why Grenadiers are called that and how it all began. Great fast read!!!Highly recommended.

The main character, involved in a clandestine mission, acts without due care in situations that call fot it.