Man of Honour (Jack Steel 1) [Paperback]

Iain Gale (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2008 | Series: Jack Steel 1

The first in a stunning new historical adventure series, perfect for all fans of Sharpe. Upper Bavaria, 1704. The British army, triumphant, fresh from victory, stands proudly to attention, ready to fight for honour and glory. Their enemy is Louis XIV of France, a megalomaniac intent on possessing all Europe. Among this proud group of men stands Lieutenant Jack Steel, admired by his men, the finest infantry in Queen Anne's army. Much praised for his courage, his strength, and his loyalty, Steel has come to the attention of his Commander in Chief, the Duke of Marlborough. Tasked with rescuing a letter whose controversial contents could destroy Marlborough, Steel leads his men through the battle of Blenheim, risking death and destruction in the fight for another man's honour. And along the way he is constantly threatened from within by the mellifluous Major Jennings, intent on destroying Steel and all he stands for. The first in a stunning new series featuring Jack Steel, Man of Honour is historical adventure perfect for all fans of Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for Four Days in June: 'A powerful novel of men at war. A triumph' Bernard Cornwell 'A debut novel to treasure!brilliantly evoking the horrors and excitements of war' Publishing News 'A treat for every history buff, and a vivid picture of men at war' Scotland on Sunday 'Thoroughly researched' Financial Times

About the Author

Iain Gale has strong Scottish and military roots. He is editor of the magazine of the National Trust for Scotland and lives in Edinburgh with his family.

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers (April 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0007201079
• ISBN-13: 978-0007201075
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #285,194 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not bad debut, March 6, 2011

By 

N. Brett (Wiltshire, England) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Man of Honour (Jack Steel 1) (Paperback)

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.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Jack Steel plenty of action and historical background, December 27, 2009

By 

C. A. Johnston "Bohemond" (Adelaide, SA, AU) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Man of Honour (Kindle Edition)

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.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Welcome Lt. Jack Steel, February 24, 2008

By 

Phillip Goddard (Barbados) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Man of Honour (Hardcover)

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.