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Keane #1
Keane's Company
James Keane, officer in the 27th Foot, card sharp, ladies' man and one of the finest but most rebellious soldiers in the British army, is under threat of court martial for disobeying Wellesley's strict rules. But his special, even ungentlemanly, skills have caught his general's eye, so he is selected to form a unique unit which will work behind enemy lines.
Keane's next task is to hand-pick his band of men, some from prison for their aptitude at lock-picking and forgery as well as fighting skills, and form them into an effective unit before being sent on their first intelligence-gathering special mission, this time to link up with a lethal Spanish guerrilla leader.
Stealing into Oporto, Keane's men have to hold a vital post over the river a crossing against overwhelming forces, before being detached once more into the high mountains on another mission where the strains of the diverse characters of the unit test Keane's leadership skills to the uttermost.
Keane's next task is to hand-pick his band of men, some from prison for their aptitude at lock-picking and forgery as well as fighting skills, and form them into an effective unit before being sent on their first intelligence-gathering special mission, this time to link up with a lethal Spanish guerrilla leader.
Stealing into Oporto, Keane's men have to hold a vital post over the river a crossing against overwhelming forces, before being detached once more into the high mountains on another mission where the strains of the diverse characters of the unit test Keane's leadership skills to the uttermost.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published April 25, 2013
27 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
About the author
Iain Gale
44 books41 followersIain Gale has always had a passion for military history. He is the Editor of the National Trust for Scotland magazine and Art critic for Scotland on Sunday. He lives outside Edinburgh with his wife and children. His first novel, Four Days in June, is a stand-alone military adventure set on the battlefields of Waterloo.
He is also the writer of eleven non-fiction books.
He is also the writer of eleven non-fiction books.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 4, 2021
Read this book in 2013, and its the 1st part of the enjoyable "James Keane" series, from the author, Iain Gale.
This tale is based on the activities of the first British military intelligence unit, and in so far its a unique way to start this series.
The tale is set in AD 1809, and James Keane of the 27th Foot, is assigned by Wellington himself to create an intelligence unit operating behind the enemy, French lines.
In his bid to recruit men he will find them at places where you don't expect them to come from, and with these group of men he will try to infiltrate behind the enemy lines, and gain information for the rest of the British army.
What is to follow is an exciting adventure of men who are trying to gather information about the enemy, so that the British army can march through the Peninsula with as less opposition as possible, and in this endeavour they will meet with much resistance from the French as well as from dangerous guerrilla groups.
Very much recommended, for this is a very satisfying begin of a new series, and that's why I like to call this first episode: "A Very Entertaining Keane Start"!
This tale is based on the activities of the first British military intelligence unit, and in so far its a unique way to start this series.
The tale is set in AD 1809, and James Keane of the 27th Foot, is assigned by Wellington himself to create an intelligence unit operating behind the enemy, French lines.
In his bid to recruit men he will find them at places where you don't expect them to come from, and with these group of men he will try to infiltrate behind the enemy lines, and gain information for the rest of the British army.
What is to follow is an exciting adventure of men who are trying to gather information about the enemy, so that the British army can march through the Peninsula with as less opposition as possible, and in this endeavour they will meet with much resistance from the French as well as from dangerous guerrilla groups.
Very much recommended, for this is a very satisfying begin of a new series, and that's why I like to call this first episode: "A Very Entertaining Keane Start"!
January 10, 2020
Excellent adventure tale as James Kean, after killing a fellow officer, is tasked with forming a ragtag company of condemned rogues to fight behind French lines. Nods to 'The Dirty Dozen' and 'Kelly's Heroes' when the team set off after a horde of silver. Some good characters, plenty of baddies and a liberal dose of battles and sword play. Just bloody good fun.
September 4, 2016
An enjoyable, if surprisingly low-key romp, set back in the early 19th Century Iberian Peninsular Wars. Enjoyable, because plenty happens, there is some good, solid writing and the main characters are at least interesting. Low-key, because, and especially for the first book in a new series (as this was, and is for me), it doesn’t really hit as hard as it should. Not as lasting a good impression as the Jack Lark series, anyway (I’ve never read a ’Sharpe’ as these things are always compared against).
The eponymous lead character of James Keane, doesn’t at any point live up to the first line of the back of paperback blurb up there. He plays cards well, with only a hint of any sharp practice, he doesn’t have cards up his sleeve, or pull a gun or anything, though he may have help from the dealer, it isn’t clear. He fancies a woman above him in social rank, wanders love-lorn for a few moments and forgets all about her while operating undercover behind enemy lines. He generally does seem to lack a little edge, especially when the inside is matched against the back cover description.
Another thing, is trying to remember why - him being Irish - his motivation is what it is. Why the loyalty to the British Army, being an Irishman? I’m guessing that that’s me looking at it from the point of someone who grew up, in Birmingham, during the IRA bombing of the British mainland. I was out, in Birmingham the night of the pub bombings, for example. So you kind of assume that and Irishman in the British army, would hate them/us. He clearly doesn’t So, I’m thinking that that was because Ireland was still well and truly a British possession, a British country at that point and Nationalism as we/I came to know it, hadn’t come to the surface yet. So, I’m then wondering, why make him Irish? There’s nothing he says or do, that couldn’t be said or done by an English soldier. The name too - obviously chosen to fit in with all the later book titles as well, can/could be used for an English soldier. If it’s because all Irishmen have a reputation as rogues, ladies men and card sharps, then we have a problem. But I can’t for the life of me, based on this outing, see why Keane is Irish.
It’s a pretty straight ahead, almost old-fashioned treatment of the story, reminding me of the odd Douglas Reeman I’ve read in my time. I’m sure we were supposed to get a feeling that he is sent to spy by the typically English officers, to get him out the way and hope he didn’t return. Then that he returns, with the information thy only half hoped/expected him to return with, is to show them up and prove his worth against the odds. That’s probably what was intended that we get, but it doesn’t really happen. It’s all just a bit too nice.
One of the few things the back cover blurb does get right, is the Dirty Dozen angle. If you’ve seen the film, and who hasn’t? you’ll know where we are. And, after weeding out the unsuitable people on death row, Keane ends up, of course, with the criminals with the hearts of gold. There are many many cliches in the story, but it still entertains and I really quite enjoyed it, in a generally lukewarm manner, as long as you forget the cliches for the duration.
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The eponymous lead character of James Keane, doesn’t at any point live up to the first line of the back of paperback blurb up there. He plays cards well, with only a hint of any sharp practice, he doesn’t have cards up his sleeve, or pull a gun or anything, though he may have help from the dealer, it isn’t clear. He fancies a woman above him in social rank, wanders love-lorn for a few moments and forgets all about her while operating undercover behind enemy lines. He generally does seem to lack a little edge, especially when the inside is matched against the back cover description.
Another thing, is trying to remember why - him being Irish - his motivation is what it is. Why the loyalty to the British Army, being an Irishman? I’m guessing that that’s me looking at it from the point of someone who grew up, in Birmingham, during the IRA bombing of the British mainland. I was out, in Birmingham the night of the pub bombings, for example. So you kind of assume that and Irishman in the British army, would hate them/us. He clearly doesn’t So, I’m thinking that that was because Ireland was still well and truly a British possession, a British country at that point and Nationalism as we/I came to know it, hadn’t come to the surface yet. So, I’m then wondering, why make him Irish? There’s nothing he says or do, that couldn’t be said or done by an English soldier. The name too - obviously chosen to fit in with all the later book titles as well, can/could be used for an English soldier. If it’s because all Irishmen have a reputation as rogues, ladies men and card sharps, then we have a problem. But I can’t for the life of me, based on this outing, see why Keane is Irish.
It’s a pretty straight ahead, almost old-fashioned treatment of the story, reminding me of the odd Douglas Reeman I’ve read in my time. I’m sure we were supposed to get a feeling that he is sent to spy by the typically English officers, to get him out the way and hope he didn’t return. Then that he returns, with the information thy only half hoped/expected him to return with, is to show them up and prove his worth against the odds. That’s probably what was intended that we get, but it doesn’t really happen. It’s all just a bit too nice.
One of the few things the back cover blurb does get right, is the Dirty Dozen angle. If you’ve seen the film, and who hasn’t? you’ll know where we are. And, after weeding out the unsuitable people on death row, Keane ends up, of course, with the criminals with the hearts of gold. There are many many cliches in the story, but it still entertains and I really quite enjoyed it, in a generally lukewarm manner, as long as you forget the cliches for the duration.
All my reviews and more: Speesh Reads
Speesh Reads' Facebook Page
December 31, 2019
Rounded the review up to 4 stars but in truth it's a 3.5 borderline. A good yarn, and a decent amount of historical accuracy but it lacked a certain depth compared to the masters, specifically Bernard Cornwell on whom the author so obviously models himself.
Keane is a different character to Sharpe, though he shares many of the same traits, but I didn't find myself invested in him anywhere near as much. He isn't quite as much of an underdog, and his sense of honour is more of a veneer, not really as entrenched as Richard Sharpe's innate honour. This is not a bad book at all, it just doesn't quite match up to the best of the best.
A little frustrated at around the two thirds mark when a few continuity errors started to creep in. At one point part of the troop were sent back to Wellesley's camp, but the author seemed to keep changing his mind about who went back and who stayed, and I was thoroughly confused myself. And then we have the little problem of Lieutenant / Captain Morris, his rank seemed to change from one to the other, and then back again later in the book for no reason. Minor issues but ones that simple editing or proof reading should have picked up.
I'm probably feeling charitable by rounding it up, but I did enjoy it overall and will be following the series into the second book at least. A decent effort at a subject and historical period I enjoy very much - time to dig out and re-read those Sharpe paperbacks I think!
Keane is a different character to Sharpe, though he shares many of the same traits, but I didn't find myself invested in him anywhere near as much. He isn't quite as much of an underdog, and his sense of honour is more of a veneer, not really as entrenched as Richard Sharpe's innate honour. This is not a bad book at all, it just doesn't quite match up to the best of the best.
A little frustrated at around the two thirds mark when a few continuity errors started to creep in. At one point part of the troop were sent back to Wellesley's camp, but the author seemed to keep changing his mind about who went back and who stayed, and I was thoroughly confused myself. And then we have the little problem of Lieutenant / Captain Morris, his rank seemed to change from one to the other, and then back again later in the book for no reason. Minor issues but ones that simple editing or proof reading should have picked up.
I'm probably feeling charitable by rounding it up, but I did enjoy it overall and will be following the series into the second book at least. A decent effort at a subject and historical period I enjoy very much - time to dig out and re-read those Sharpe paperbacks I think!
July 24, 2017
The Napoleonic war in Portugal. Very much in the style of Sharpe. Some historical truths mixed with fiction. Easy to read , quite engrossing looking to read the next one
September 1, 2014
There's something particularly compelling about the Peninsular War so when I saw the great Bernard Cornwell's commendation on the cover, I immediately picked up 'Keane's Company'. It's a solid, page-turning piece of work, but lacks the narrative zing and immediacy of Cornwell's Sharpe books, as well as their careful plotting; nor are the characters as well defined. I'm glad to have made James Keane's acquaintance, but I won't be following him on his adventures as 'exploring officer' for Wellesley's army.
July 27, 2016
It's ok if you want a non-thinking read. It has no depth at all, has all your typical hero who can do no wrong, things magically go right for him, he team is all fantastic, everyone compliments him on how good he is constantly. Quite boring, I had to stop reading but did do most of the book.
I'd recommend as a book to younger boys. I don't hate it .. but it is a lazy script book.
I'd recommend as a book to younger boys. I don't hate it .. but it is a lazy script book.
January 8, 2023
Keane's Company belongs to that growing sub genre of history which focuses on military history with a hero who is not quite an anti hero but a flawed character for whom the reader can still develop some empathy. Like Richard Sharp and Bernard Cornwall's other heroes like Uhtred of Bebbanburg, James Keane is a battler who faces up to adversity and by a mixture of pluck, cunning and just sheer luck, works to advance himself in a class ridden society through a career as a soldier.
Keane can be a rogue, a libertine and a thief but still have the reader watching his back. In short he is like an lot of other main characters in much contemporary historical fiction.
The plot is somewhat episodic, covering a series of separate events where Keane's rag tag bunch of army misfits distinguish themselves in a series of military engagements during Lord Wellington's campaign in Spain during The Peninsula War, 1809. Ian Gale has made excellent use of historical research into this campaign, notably Wellington's use of small bands lead by "exploring officers" who went behind enemy lines to report on troop dispositions and to draw more accurate maps of the mountainous terrain of Portugal and Spain.
However, Gale keeps several plot lines spinning throughout the novel, the vendetta with Blackwood, Heredia's campaign to expose Colonel Pritchard and Keane's attempts to gain the attention of Kitty, Blackwood's sister. At the end of the novel, we can see that these plot lines will continue in the next novel in the series along with the vendetta promised by the guerilla leader, Cuevillas.
Gale's knowledge of the historical period and of the geography of Portugal has the ring of authenticity as does his use of Spanish and Portuguese in the dialogue.
This genre may now be coming rather swamped but the novel is still a satisfying read.
Keane can be a rogue, a libertine and a thief but still have the reader watching his back. In short he is like an lot of other main characters in much contemporary historical fiction.
The plot is somewhat episodic, covering a series of separate events where Keane's rag tag bunch of army misfits distinguish themselves in a series of military engagements during Lord Wellington's campaign in Spain during The Peninsula War, 1809. Ian Gale has made excellent use of historical research into this campaign, notably Wellington's use of small bands lead by "exploring officers" who went behind enemy lines to report on troop dispositions and to draw more accurate maps of the mountainous terrain of Portugal and Spain.
However, Gale keeps several plot lines spinning throughout the novel, the vendetta with Blackwood, Heredia's campaign to expose Colonel Pritchard and Keane's attempts to gain the attention of Kitty, Blackwood's sister. At the end of the novel, we can see that these plot lines will continue in the next novel in the series along with the vendetta promised by the guerilla leader, Cuevillas.
Gale's knowledge of the historical period and of the geography of Portugal has the ring of authenticity as does his use of Spanish and Portuguese in the dialogue.
This genre may now be coming rather swamped but the novel is still a satisfying read.
September 4, 2017
Spying 19th century style.
I kept waiting for Keane to fall over Sharpe as he goes with Wellington through Portugal. The two obviously have a lot in common, though they are not clones. Keane also has his small hand of soldiers, but he is a bit rougher around the edges. It was nice too to meet up with Scovell in his capacity as leader of the scouts and messengers to which Keane is attached.
I kept waiting for Keane to fall over Sharpe as he goes with Wellington through Portugal. The two obviously have a lot in common, though they are not clones. Keane also has his small hand of soldiers, but he is a bit rougher around the edges. It was nice too to meet up with Scovell in his capacity as leader of the scouts and messengers to which Keane is attached.
July 22, 2018
After getting himself into a spot of trouble by killing a man in a forbidden duel, James Keane fears a court martial when he's promptly summoned by Wellington himself. Instead, he receives a dangerous assignment: He is to form a small irregular unit to operare behind enemy lines and gather vital information for Wellington's peninsular campaign.
Very reminiscent of Cornwell's Sharpe series, this was an entertaining and action packed read. Looking forward to more from this series.
Very reminiscent of Cornwell's Sharpe series, this was an entertaining and action packed read. Looking forward to more from this series.
Want to read
July 8, 2020Captain Keane
I will definitely give this book 5 stars and deservedly. The Napoleonic wars has always been one of my favorite genres. However, as a longtime fan of the Sharpe books, it is unfair to compare Keane and Sharpe. They were different soldiers, with different backgrounds and different personalities . So 5 stars goes to Keane's company based on its own merits as a really good read.
I will definitely give this book 5 stars and deservedly. The Napoleonic wars has always been one of my favorite genres. However, as a longtime fan of the Sharpe books, it is unfair to compare Keane and Sharpe. They were different soldiers, with different backgrounds and different personalities . So 5 stars goes to Keane's company based on its own merits as a really good read.
July 23, 2021
Definitely a similar set up to Sharpe, but with a more roving brief as an intelligencer. Most of the book is exciting and a good read and would make my 4 star rating, but the Blackwood situation conclusion felt a bit contrived and lost a star consequently. Looking forward to reading the next instalment though.
April 18, 2018
Good read
A great adventure in the Sharpe tradition. If the author reads these reviews, might I suggest he consult a thesaurus for alternatives to the word 'melee' ? Looking forward to reading the next episode with Captain Keane and his band of rogues.
A great adventure in the Sharpe tradition. If the author reads these reviews, might I suggest he consult a thesaurus for alternatives to the word 'melee' ? Looking forward to reading the next episode with Captain Keane and his band of rogues.
November 21, 2017
Another great book from Iain,I hope that he will be writing some more Keane novels in the very near future.
A set of books that are very hard to put down.
Thanks Iain for a brilliant read.
Dave
A set of books that are very hard to put down.
Thanks Iain for a brilliant read.
Dave
May 31, 2018
Enjoyable but very superficial, really lacked any kind of depth and the characters were pretty unbelievable (what was the point of Kitty Blackwood?)
December 6, 2020
Great adventure based at the time of the Peninsular wars. Pacy with almost an anti hero. Looking forward to the next one. Recommended to the normal crew.
March 22, 2024
I enjoyed this novel. There is a good story line and well told. Looking forward to the next one in the series.
June 29, 2013
Review:
Author Iain Gale begins a new series with his protagonist James Keane, and oh what a series it is. I will not pretend to know the history of this type of Soldier in this period. But Keane commands the first example of Special forces for the British Army. A company of men with exceptional skills, and like most highly skilled and tuned men, men with their own flaws and issues. These men are the top of their field, but don’t think SAS, imagine the time period and the pool being pulled from. Heroic, but flawed. Keane must shape this group, a group with access to the best materials and also privy to information the enemy would kill to get their hands on, into the best of the best. Viewed with suspicion, envy and potentially awe by their comrades in other units, the regular troops, cannon fodder.
This is a must for those who love Sharpe and or the peninsular war. It takes the sort of story a Sharpe fan would love and takes it to the next level. Anyone who knows Iain Gales work will already be aware that he is an exceptional writer, skilled in bringing the sights sounds smells and brutality of war out on the page and alive in the imagination.
Fans of Bernard Cornwell: please do beware this covers the same ground trodden by the illustrious Sharpe, and as such there can be only one hero… But also remember, Sharpe is fictional, as is Keane, so don’t expect Sharpe to save the day in Gales book. There is an element of the Dirty Dozen style in the band, but for me that added to the enjoyment, in this style plenty may seen…how shall I say… Magnified, something that seems a little unbelievable, but remember these boys are the elite company. This really is action adventure set with a historical back ground, something I suspect would have been published in Boys own once upon a time.
In summary…Loved it, bring on book 2.
Highly recommend
(Parm)
Other titles
Jack Steel
1. Man of Honour (2007)
2. Rules of War (2008)
3. Brothers in Arms (2009)
Author Iain Gale begins a new series with his protagonist James Keane, and oh what a series it is. I will not pretend to know the history of this type of Soldier in this period. But Keane commands the first example of Special forces for the British Army. A company of men with exceptional skills, and like most highly skilled and tuned men, men with their own flaws and issues. These men are the top of their field, but don’t think SAS, imagine the time period and the pool being pulled from. Heroic, but flawed. Keane must shape this group, a group with access to the best materials and also privy to information the enemy would kill to get their hands on, into the best of the best. Viewed with suspicion, envy and potentially awe by their comrades in other units, the regular troops, cannon fodder.
This is a must for those who love Sharpe and or the peninsular war. It takes the sort of story a Sharpe fan would love and takes it to the next level. Anyone who knows Iain Gales work will already be aware that he is an exceptional writer, skilled in bringing the sights sounds smells and brutality of war out on the page and alive in the imagination.
Fans of Bernard Cornwell: please do beware this covers the same ground trodden by the illustrious Sharpe, and as such there can be only one hero… But also remember, Sharpe is fictional, as is Keane, so don’t expect Sharpe to save the day in Gales book. There is an element of the Dirty Dozen style in the band, but for me that added to the enjoyment, in this style plenty may seen…how shall I say… Magnified, something that seems a little unbelievable, but remember these boys are the elite company. This really is action adventure set with a historical back ground, something I suspect would have been published in Boys own once upon a time.
In summary…Loved it, bring on book 2.
Highly recommend
(Parm)
Other titles
Jack Steel
1. Man of Honour (2007)
2. Rules of War (2008)
3. Brothers in Arms (2009)
September 12, 2014
Not too bad at all, 3.5 Stars, its almost impossible to not draw comparisons with the brilliant Richard Sharpe series and its a brave man indeed who'll go into the field that Cornwell has made his own but i think Gale has made a good contribution here with Keane's Company, the main character is not quite as compelling as Richard Sharpe but this is a promising start and what i have seen i will definitely be looking to read the next installment.
On the down side the author did seem to make some simple mistakes that should have been caught, there's a number of times when he advises his men to "make sure you speak Spanish" when surely Portuguese is the language to speak in Portugal? that aside though not bad at all.
On the down side the author did seem to make some simple mistakes that should have been caught, there's a number of times when he advises his men to "make sure you speak Spanish" when surely Portuguese is the language to speak in Portugal? that aside though not bad at all.
January 14, 2017
It's hard not to draw comparisons to Bernard Cornwell's Richard Sharpe when reading Napoleonic War historical fiction -- and particularly so when the titles are so similar.
Obviously, Sharpe is at the top of the tree...but James Keane, Gale's new character, isn't half bad, either. Keane, a roguish Irishman with an unorthodox manner (similar, you might say to Richard Sharpe himself), is one of Sir Arthur Wellesley's exploring officers, leading a Dirty Dozen-type group of men, mostly criminals and other dregs of the army.
Whilst the battle scenes aren't as well-constructed as Cornwell manages, but Keane's Company is still a good novel if you like reading about the Napoleonic War.
Obviously, Sharpe is at the top of the tree...but James Keane, Gale's new character, isn't half bad, either. Keane, a roguish Irishman with an unorthodox manner (similar, you might say to Richard Sharpe himself), is one of Sir Arthur Wellesley's exploring officers, leading a Dirty Dozen-type group of men, mostly criminals and other dregs of the army.
Whilst the battle scenes aren't as well-constructed as Cornwell manages, but Keane's Company is still a good novel if you like reading about the Napoleonic War.
August 19, 2020
The attitudes towards women characters in this novel may be intended to be representative of a common view held by privileged men at the time, but the result is just nasty and unpleasant, almost as Similar books, such as the Sharpe novels, present those attitudes as well, but handle them in a much more understanding light as the women often have some agency of their own. Definitely a rather sour read.though the reader is meant to just shrug off the unpleasantness.
January 30, 2016
I have read quite a few of Iain's books and loved Four Days in June & Alamein. I was not too sure about his Jack Steel trilogy as I couldn't really identify with Jack or really like him and I find it is the same with James Keane. This novel is not a bad read, but it is not in the league of Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe series, which I think Iaine was aiming for. The book ends with a small cliff hanger, so I am tempted to continue with the next book in the series Keane's Challange;m we shall see.
August 4, 2017
Reminded me of Flashman, Sharpe but not the zing, flash, depth of character, yes a story but to be honest couldn't be bothered with James Keane. I felt the story was ok and supported history but lacked colour and substance so it was just a case of march my way thro to the end. I wont be reading book 2 :(
May 15, 2013
A bit like Sharpe, but highly entertaining. The start of a new series, and a good start. Interesting hero, with a small group of soldiers, finding information for Wellesley, but always finding action as well
October 7, 2014
I enjoy Iain Gales novels but the main characters are just not as convincing as Richard Sharpe.
July 14, 2014
Brilliant boyish fun.
May 2, 2017
I am a big fan of the Sharpe Series of books, so when I saw the blurb by Bernard Cornwall had to give this one a try. Also I have read several others by Iain Gale. This one was just great. It has the Peninsula War for a setting, an officer, who is a bit of a rogue, a merry band of misfits, and assorted band of iffy allies. I mean what more could a young boy or a young boy in an old man's body want. Just plain adventure to keep you wanting more. If you like the Era of the Napoleonic Wars then you need to read this one.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews