Young Bloods (Revolution 1) [Paperback]

Simon Scarrow (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 11, 2007 | Series: Revolution 1

The first in an ambitious and highly commercial quartet of novels focusing on two giants of European history, Wellington and Napoleon Europe in the late eighteenth century was a tumultuous place, with war and rebellions breaking out on many fronts. Young Arthur Wesley (later Wellington) and Napoleon Bonaparte grow up worlds apart yet immersed from youth in a culture where a military career is a natural choice for men of ambition. While Wellington is blooded in Ireland and Flanders, Napoleon is caught up in the dramas of the French Revolution and war with Prussia, Britain and Holland. None of this is enough to distract Wellington from his pursuit of Kitty Pakenham or Napoleon from his future bride, Josephine, for these men throw themselves into all aspects of life as enthusiastically as they rush to battle. A wonderful, multi-layered introduction to an epic series.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'One of the great duels in history, between two of its most fascinating characters. Simon Scarrow brings Wellington and Napoleon to life with a vengeance' -- Paul Strathern, author of Napoleon in Egypt 'This is a promising start to a series that shows great potential' -- Good Book Guide '[YOUNG BLOODS] is well written, researched and a pleasure to read. Recommended' -- Historical Novels Review

About the Author

Simon Scarrow is the very well-established author of the Roman adventure novels in the Eagle series. He lives outside Norwich with his family.

Product Details

• Paperback: 608 pages
• Publisher: Review (January 11, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 075532434X
• ISBN-13: 978-0755324347
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 1.5 x 7.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #265,714 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Can't Wait to Read the Next One, July 6, 2006

By 

J. Chippindale (England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Young Bloods (Revolution) (Hardcover)

This is a departure from the Legions of Rome for Simon Scarrow, but he has proved that he is not a one trick pony by coming up with another excellent read although he has moved through history by almost 2,000 years.

Set in late 18th century Europe, the book follows the military career of two men who were to become the major driving force of their respective countries. The two men are world's apart, not only in physical distance but also in their backgrounds and upbringing.

on the one hand Napoleon Bonaparte caught up in the sordid dramas of the French Revolution and the wars that France is waging. On the other the young man Arthur, who is to become the Duke of Wellington, blooded in battle in Ireland and Flanders.

Both men have a love of life and a love of women and their nature will not allow anyone or anything to stand in their way.

This is an excellent start to what is sure to be a wonderful series.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Trying too hard...., July 3, 2007

By 

lordhoot "lordhoot" (Anchorage, Alaska USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Young Bloods (Revolution 1) (Paperback)

Young Bloods is a historical fiction that tells the story of Napoleon and his great adversary, Duke of Wellington, from their childhood days and their rise in their profession up to 1795. It is part of a new series written by Simon Scarrow who writes very well in his Cato/Marco series of Roman Legionaires.

However, unlike his Roman books, Scarrow wrote a pretty unexpectional book here. While the story flowed, the interest does not. The author tried too hard and too much to create similiarity between the two characters that one might think they are brothers in disguise instead of two separate characters born on the opposite side of Europe.

I didn't have too much problem with the way Scarrow portaryed Napoleon but I am bit dubious about how Arthur Wesley was done. The book showed that those two actually met as youth in a French military school. One of the few original concept in the book.

I am not sure what to make of this book. Its not very exciting reading material and it doesn't say anything new in fictional form. I would have to read the second book to better assess this book but as it is, it only three stars due to its rather unexceptional contents.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very good book, November 29, 2007

By 

Joe (So. Cal) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Young Bloods (Revolution 1) (Paperback)

The book is very well written; it flows and keeps your attention. If you enjoy historical fiction, this is a great read. People who are sensitive to how either Napoleon or Wellington are portrayed may be somewhat put off by the storyline, but most reads will find the reading enjoyable. Scarrow goes beyond his usual fictional stories and creates a
well reasoned and interesting piece of historical fiction.