Customer Reviews

Young Bloods (Revolution)

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

 

 

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.

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.

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.

Scarrow has to be one of the best historical fiction novelists going. His Roman novels are highly recommended. Same with this series. I couldn't put it down it was so good. Can't wait for the third installment (coming out June 2009).

As a great fan of historical fiction I was excited to get this book to read about a young Napoleon and Wellesley. How they came to be the historical figures they came to be.

This was written about two men from their birth through adulthood.

Although Napoleons tale was interesting, Wellesley's was not. I found him to be quite dull and couldn't wait to get back to Napoleon.

The interesting premise is having invested in the characters from birth to present how they will meet and oppose one another on the battle field. I couldn't wait to see the final showdown -- Well it never happens! You have to read 2 more books for that to happen! What a complete letdown! They should have at least built up the conflict or eventuality of these two meeting. I felt cheated and I will not be reading book #2

As this is about the formative early years of Wellington and Napoleon, it does not feature the degree of battle action that is found in the subsequent books. However, it is far from being mundane. Scarrow is incapable of writing a dull sentence.

It's an irresistible theme for a work of historical fiction: Napoleon and Wellington headed inexorably toward a head-on collision. And for the most part, Scarrow brings it off. For me, the main gift of popular historical fiction is that it brings noted people to life, far more than likely in dry history texts. For the first time, Wellington and Bonaparte -- for me, at least -- have depth and personality. So, with that in mind, I look forward to book two of what looks like an impressive series.

Very well written. Gives a personal slant to and brings down-to-earth 2 Legendary "Heroes". Watching these two boys grow and understanding the forces that shaped their lives is rewarding. It makes the final confrontation less god-like and more real. One can understand better the devotion of their followers.