Sharpe’s back!  From the opening of this novel when he uncovers a scam in Bombay to the end when he is present (in the most practical way, of course) at the Battle of Trafalgar it is action all the way.  Whether you are as ardent a sea story fan as this reviewer or think that you hate the genre Cornwell delivers the goods as usual and brings something new not only to his hugely popular series but to the seafaring yarn as well.  Unlike many writers who hope the reader knows all the nuts and bolts about sailing ships Cornwell effortlessly explains how the whole thing works but without letting the reader know that he is doing so.  Sharpe fights, falls in love, makes friends and enemies and helps history be made in his usual inimitable style.  The narrative rips along at the pace of a speeding cannonball and left me hoping that it wouldn’t be long before Sharpe marches again. 

I could say that the thrilling battle scenes and accurate descriptions of tactics and life aboard a warship it all makes it a tale for all those who like military novels but that would make it sound as though that was all the appeal the book had.  It is a tale for all those who like a good story, whatever their preferences and it tends to transcend genres in the same way that George MacDonald Fraser does.