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Jack Lark #2
The Maharajah's General
The second Jack Lark tale is a riveting tale of battle and adventure in a brutal land, where loyalty and courage are constantly challenged and the enemy is never far away
Jack Lark barely survived the Battle of the Alma. As the brutal fight raged, he discovered the true duty that came with the officer's commission he'd taken. In hospital, wounded, and with his stolen life left lying on the battlefield, he grasps a chance to prove himself a leader once more. Poor Captain Danbury is dead, but Jack will travel to his new regiment in India, under his name. Jack soon finds more enemies, but this time they're on his own side. Exposed as a fraud, he's rescued by the chaplain's beautiful daughter, who has her own reasons to escape. They seek desperate refuge with the Maharajah of Sawadh, the charismatic leader whom the British Army must subdue. He sees Jack as a curiosity, but recognizes a fellow military mind. In return for his safety, Jack must train the very army the British may soon have to fight.
Jack Lark barely survived the Battle of the Alma. As the brutal fight raged, he discovered the true duty that came with the officer's commission he'd taken. In hospital, wounded, and with his stolen life left lying on the battlefield, he grasps a chance to prove himself a leader once more. Poor Captain Danbury is dead, but Jack will travel to his new regiment in India, under his name. Jack soon finds more enemies, but this time they're on his own side. Exposed as a fraud, he's rescued by the chaplain's beautiful daughter, who has her own reasons to escape. They seek desperate refuge with the Maharajah of Sawadh, the charismatic leader whom the British Army must subdue. He sees Jack as a curiosity, but recognizes a fellow military mind. In return for his safety, Jack must train the very army the British may soon have to fight.
336 pages, Paperback
First published November 21, 2013
72 people are currently reading
250 people want to read
About the author
Paul Fraser Collard
18 books137 followersPaul's love of military history started at an early age. A childhood spent watching films like Waterloo and Zulu whilst reading Sharpe, Flashman and the occasional Commando comic, gave him a desire to know more of the men who fought in the great wars of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries. At school, Paul was determined to become an officer in the British army and he succeeded in winning an Army Scholarship. However, Paul chose to give up his boyhood ambition and instead went into the finance industry. Paul stills works in the City, and lives with his wife and three children in Kent.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
October 6, 2018
And swiftly we are back with Jack Lark.... all part of the summer vibe reading as I really enjoyed the opening book of the series.
This time “Jack” is in India & again we find the private masquerading as a Captain where he has assumed the commission of a dead captain from the Crimea campaign. Upon arrival he is thrust into the machinations of the officer class & gentry which he is most uncomfortable with, feeling totally out of place, as it’s in the role of commander in the field that he revels in. His “colleagues” are a mixed bunch & not all to his liking especially his “popinjay” of a subordinate! Great interactions with the new characters & Jack Lark is someone I’ve really grown to like as he strives to be the best at what he does, a true leader who looks to earn the respect of his men whilst treating the officer (privileged) classes with the disdain that many deserve. A straight talker for sure.
As to other characters we come across we have, a potential love interest (or two), a bad guy to Boo Hiss along with, a Maharajah who you’ll have to decide what side he’s really on & finally a good ol’ self-serving religious zealot (minister) to get yer goat! There are other cameo’s to, mostly stereotypical, if, you’ve watched the same films that I have (and the author!), who all fit perfectly & entertainingly into the story. The love interest & their dialogue is a tad cringe worthy at times (for a modern eye) but it’s done in the style of the era & so authentic in an old style B&W film if you like.... Petulance, endless flirting, swirl of skirts, stamping of feet, longing glances..... you know the sort of style..... Rolls eyes!
Another observation of the writing & dialogue......... If you've ever watched the film Zulu as much as I have you'll recognise some of the one liners from it bring used in these books which is all good fun imo. And at the end this becomes even more apparent during the authors “Historical Notes” where the regiment used in the book, the 24th Foot, were the company who went on to fight in the Zulu Wars, most notably at Isandlwana & Rourke’s Drift!
A grand mix of characters overall with lively action & a good adventure story to boot where the military action & knowledge is second to known & amongst the best I have read.
What more would you want for an easy summer reading vibe?
4 stars – A star deducted for the “love action” – Laughs
This time “Jack” is in India & again we find the private masquerading as a Captain where he has assumed the commission of a dead captain from the Crimea campaign. Upon arrival he is thrust into the machinations of the officer class & gentry which he is most uncomfortable with, feeling totally out of place, as it’s in the role of commander in the field that he revels in. His “colleagues” are a mixed bunch & not all to his liking especially his “popinjay” of a subordinate! Great interactions with the new characters & Jack Lark is someone I’ve really grown to like as he strives to be the best at what he does, a true leader who looks to earn the respect of his men whilst treating the officer (privileged) classes with the disdain that many deserve. A straight talker for sure.
As to other characters we come across we have, a potential love interest (or two), a bad guy to Boo Hiss along with, a Maharajah who you’ll have to decide what side he’s really on & finally a good ol’ self-serving religious zealot (minister) to get yer goat! There are other cameo’s to, mostly stereotypical, if, you’ve watched the same films that I have (and the author!), who all fit perfectly & entertainingly into the story. The love interest & their dialogue is a tad cringe worthy at times (for a modern eye) but it’s done in the style of the era & so authentic in an old style B&W film if you like.... Petulance, endless flirting, swirl of skirts, stamping of feet, longing glances..... you know the sort of style..... Rolls eyes!
Another observation of the writing & dialogue......... If you've ever watched the film Zulu as much as I have you'll recognise some of the one liners from it bring used in these books which is all good fun imo. And at the end this becomes even more apparent during the authors “Historical Notes” where the regiment used in the book, the 24th Foot, were the company who went on to fight in the Zulu Wars, most notably at Isandlwana & Rourke’s Drift!
A grand mix of characters overall with lively action & a good adventure story to boot where the military action & knowledge is second to known & amongst the best I have read.
What more would you want for an easy summer reading vibe?
4 stars – A star deducted for the “love action” – Laughs
August 9, 2016
Anyone who’s been keeping up with my sporadic reviews will remember how highly I rated Paul Fraser Collard’s debut novel: The Scarlet Thief. Indeed, a week ago it made it into my top ten reads of 2013.
Well those of you who were tempted by my review into buying it will be pleased to hear that I’ve finished reading the sequel and Collard does not disappoint. Book two of the Jack Lark series is actually better!
Firstly it’s worth noting one thing: the Scarlet Thief was such a nice, unusual, refreshing idea for a tale, one might even be tempted to say ‘unique’ which is something you don’t hear often. Therefore, following up the tale of the imposter officer with a second tale of masquerading as a British captain would seem doomed to being at the very least repetitive, if not downright pointless. Well put that worry aside. Despite leaping into the papery fray with a similar idea at the heart of the tale, the Maharajah’s General is nothing like a carbon copy of the first book.
This novel explores a whole different side of Lark’s life and character and delves a lot deeper into his psychological makeup, giving the reader an unexpected connection with the protagonist. Lark is, after all, an anti-hero and has worn so many metaphorical ‘black hats’ and ‘white hats’ that he has become something of a grey area in himself.
Once more we are treated to absorbing scenery and culture. This time, instead of grimy Victorian England and the cold, barren, bitter Crimea, it is the hot, rocky, lush, evocative lands of India that play host to Jack’s new charade.
Masquerading as a captain who fell in the Crimea, Jack makes his way to the lands of the East India Company to take command of a small force of Redcoats only to quickly cross the paths of a number of venomous or supercilious Englishmen and the enigmatic, exotic and educated Maharajah of Sawadh. When a legitimate replacement turns up to take the same position as Jack, his life is thrown into utter chaos and the thing he has feared since leaving England seems inevitable: discovery and condemnation. The next weeks in which Jack’s fortunes twist and swap back and forth force him to confront his own fears and loyalties and will place him in direct confrontation with both his own conscience and his motherland.
The story is tightly planned and written, the characters three-dimensional and appropriately sympathetic or hateful, and the language and turn of phrase thoroughly engrossing. The feel of the novel brings back moments of The Man Who Would Be King, of 55 Days at Peking, of – yes – Carry on up the Khyber, and of Zulu. A great deal, indeed, of the latter.
Quite simply do yourself a favour and read these books. I’m pretty certain that if you read The Scarlet Thief you’ll already have bought and probably read this too, but if not, get going. Don’t miss this series.
Well those of you who were tempted by my review into buying it will be pleased to hear that I’ve finished reading the sequel and Collard does not disappoint. Book two of the Jack Lark series is actually better!
Firstly it’s worth noting one thing: the Scarlet Thief was such a nice, unusual, refreshing idea for a tale, one might even be tempted to say ‘unique’ which is something you don’t hear often. Therefore, following up the tale of the imposter officer with a second tale of masquerading as a British captain would seem doomed to being at the very least repetitive, if not downright pointless. Well put that worry aside. Despite leaping into the papery fray with a similar idea at the heart of the tale, the Maharajah’s General is nothing like a carbon copy of the first book.
This novel explores a whole different side of Lark’s life and character and delves a lot deeper into his psychological makeup, giving the reader an unexpected connection with the protagonist. Lark is, after all, an anti-hero and has worn so many metaphorical ‘black hats’ and ‘white hats’ that he has become something of a grey area in himself.
Once more we are treated to absorbing scenery and culture. This time, instead of grimy Victorian England and the cold, barren, bitter Crimea, it is the hot, rocky, lush, evocative lands of India that play host to Jack’s new charade.
Masquerading as a captain who fell in the Crimea, Jack makes his way to the lands of the East India Company to take command of a small force of Redcoats only to quickly cross the paths of a number of venomous or supercilious Englishmen and the enigmatic, exotic and educated Maharajah of Sawadh. When a legitimate replacement turns up to take the same position as Jack, his life is thrown into utter chaos and the thing he has feared since leaving England seems inevitable: discovery and condemnation. The next weeks in which Jack’s fortunes twist and swap back and forth force him to confront his own fears and loyalties and will place him in direct confrontation with both his own conscience and his motherland.
The story is tightly planned and written, the characters three-dimensional and appropriately sympathetic or hateful, and the language and turn of phrase thoroughly engrossing. The feel of the novel brings back moments of The Man Who Would Be King, of 55 Days at Peking, of – yes – Carry on up the Khyber, and of Zulu. A great deal, indeed, of the latter.
Quite simply do yourself a favour and read these books. I’m pretty certain that if you read The Scarlet Thief you’ll already have bought and probably read this too, but if not, get going. Don’t miss this series.
August 12, 2020
*** 4.00 ***
July 3, 2016
Paul has come up with a sneakily clever idea of re-generating his ‘Jack Lark’ - well, in the books I’ve read so far - with each tale. Enabling him to be not so much born again, but at least assume a new persona and begin anew at the start of each book. Still with the baggage - not to say problems - from the previous novel, but also from his own personal beginnings.
While he is pretending to be something he is not, his motives are different from what you might think. He’s not a Jack The Lad Lark, doing it for financial gain, he is in effect fighting the class conventions of his time. From both sides, as it were. Many in the lower classes seemingly fought against those who wanted to make something more of themselves, by dragging them back, branding them class traitors and basically operating under the idea that ‘rubbish like us can’t change our station in life’ They’ve been dealt the wrong hand, and they’re sticking. Those who wanted more, felt they had more to offer, basically annoyed because they showed the others’ lack of ability to change themselves. Jack Lark is from a typical - for the period - working class background, so his future was bleak before he joined the army and his future in the army, as cannon fodder, was going to be bleak, and short. But he sees something in himself that says “no!”
At the end of the first book, The Scarlet Thief, Jack’s way out is given to him - albeit perhaps unwillingly - by a Captain about to take up a commission in India. So here, we start with Jack arriving in India as someone he isn’t. He soon realises, that everyone out there is pretending to be people they’re not as well. Of course, having a go at the class system in India, is kicking at an open door, the easiest of easy targets. It’s what you do with it, that makes the difference. Paul FC, I think (well, look what I say here is what I got from it, even if it wasn’t what PFC intended) shows that Jack is being himself, while being someone else. The people he meets are never themselves, while being something society has demanded. Those who command are also pretending to be something they’re not. Competent. And civilised, even. English manners (of the period) are seen, by us now, as a pretence, a mask society was felt to demand. Too deep? I don’t know. Intriguing and worth reading the books for, absolutely certainly.
Interestingly, and shocking to Jack when someone is astute enough to point it out/notice - he is pretending to be someone he is not, on more levels than the obvious. He is pretending to be a Captain in the British Army in India. Pretending to be a ‘normal’ person, when under that, worryingly for Jack to think, his ‘true nature,’ is a ‘corroded soul,’ who finds joy and fulfilment in fighting and killing. That’s what Jack fears is underneath.
The other characters out in India where Jack ends up, are also more than just stock British in India, mid-19th Century. Jack upsets more than a few of them of course, partly by being himself. Their anger is not because he has committed a criminal deception by impersonating a Captain, but that he deceived them. By being himself, he is making fools of them, this they realise and they come to see that he has exposed their gullibility and showed them not just that they aren’t up to the job, but that he was.
Jack Lark may often not be the real thing, but these books most certainly are. They read easily and at a good pace, so it’ll pay you to slow down and savour them. The evocation of British Army life and conditions of the period is absolutely superb. I started to sweat when he reached India, and that wasn’t just because of the narrow squeaks, daring escapes, and the backs to the wall desperate close quarters fighting. I’m pretty sure I got sunburn reading this book!
Unmissable, unputdownable - only thing wrong? It wasn’t twice as long. Buy the books, buy the series, for the wonderfully written, evocative adventures, and you get so much more, for free!
Read all of my reviews in one place: Speesh Reads
While he is pretending to be something he is not, his motives are different from what you might think. He’s not a Jack The Lad Lark, doing it for financial gain, he is in effect fighting the class conventions of his time. From both sides, as it were. Many in the lower classes seemingly fought against those who wanted to make something more of themselves, by dragging them back, branding them class traitors and basically operating under the idea that ‘rubbish like us can’t change our station in life’ They’ve been dealt the wrong hand, and they’re sticking. Those who wanted more, felt they had more to offer, basically annoyed because they showed the others’ lack of ability to change themselves. Jack Lark is from a typical - for the period - working class background, so his future was bleak before he joined the army and his future in the army, as cannon fodder, was going to be bleak, and short. But he sees something in himself that says “no!”
At the end of the first book, The Scarlet Thief, Jack’s way out is given to him - albeit perhaps unwillingly - by a Captain about to take up a commission in India. So here, we start with Jack arriving in India as someone he isn’t. He soon realises, that everyone out there is pretending to be people they’re not as well. Of course, having a go at the class system in India, is kicking at an open door, the easiest of easy targets. It’s what you do with it, that makes the difference. Paul FC, I think (well, look what I say here is what I got from it, even if it wasn’t what PFC intended) shows that Jack is being himself, while being someone else. The people he meets are never themselves, while being something society has demanded. Those who command are also pretending to be something they’re not. Competent. And civilised, even. English manners (of the period) are seen, by us now, as a pretence, a mask society was felt to demand. Too deep? I don’t know. Intriguing and worth reading the books for, absolutely certainly.
Interestingly, and shocking to Jack when someone is astute enough to point it out/notice - he is pretending to be someone he is not, on more levels than the obvious. He is pretending to be a Captain in the British Army in India. Pretending to be a ‘normal’ person, when under that, worryingly for Jack to think, his ‘true nature,’ is a ‘corroded soul,’ who finds joy and fulfilment in fighting and killing. That’s what Jack fears is underneath.
The other characters out in India where Jack ends up, are also more than just stock British in India, mid-19th Century. Jack upsets more than a few of them of course, partly by being himself. Their anger is not because he has committed a criminal deception by impersonating a Captain, but that he deceived them. By being himself, he is making fools of them, this they realise and they come to see that he has exposed their gullibility and showed them not just that they aren’t up to the job, but that he was.
Jack Lark may often not be the real thing, but these books most certainly are. They read easily and at a good pace, so it’ll pay you to slow down and savour them. The evocation of British Army life and conditions of the period is absolutely superb. I started to sweat when he reached India, and that wasn’t just because of the narrow squeaks, daring escapes, and the backs to the wall desperate close quarters fighting. I’m pretty sure I got sunburn reading this book!
Unmissable, unputdownable - only thing wrong? It wasn’t twice as long. Buy the books, buy the series, for the wonderfully written, evocative adventures, and you get so much more, for free!
Read all of my reviews in one place: Speesh Reads
January 7, 2017
Paul Fraser Collard's brilliant lovable rogue, Jack Lark, returns in this sequel to The Scarlet Thief. This time Lark finds himself in India, just before the terrible events of the Mutiny. Collard paints a colourful picture of the life of the British military in the middle of the nineteenth century. It is a strange life where the colonial British live in denial of the fact that they are surrounded by millions of Indians who do not relish being lorded over by these pasty, supercilious Europeans. The officers of the station where Jack is posted are as out of place in the dusty swelter of the Indian climate as Jack the impostor is out of place in the Officers' Mess.
The story is fast and furious, with the same kind of blood-splattering action that you would expect if you have read of Jack's previous adventures in the Crimea. Collard doesn't pull any punches when it comes to the horrors of war, and the set-piece battles are brutal and intense.
But it is not all blood, guts and the stench of gun powder. The tale is filled with twists and memorable, larger than life characters, from a villainous political officer, an exotic princess, the eponymous noble and honourable Maharajah, a spiteful and jealous lieutenant, and a lovely English rose, who blooms in the sultry Indian heat and captures more than one heart.
The Maharajah's General is a ripping yarn, and a satisfyingly energetic romp through a fictional Indian kingdom where Jack Lark once again shows he may not have been born into the officer class, but he can lead men with panache and vigour and he will not stand by and watch wrongdoing, whoever the culprit.
The story is fast and furious, with the same kind of blood-splattering action that you would expect if you have read of Jack's previous adventures in the Crimea. Collard doesn't pull any punches when it comes to the horrors of war, and the set-piece battles are brutal and intense.
But it is not all blood, guts and the stench of gun powder. The tale is filled with twists and memorable, larger than life characters, from a villainous political officer, an exotic princess, the eponymous noble and honourable Maharajah, a spiteful and jealous lieutenant, and a lovely English rose, who blooms in the sultry Indian heat and captures more than one heart.
The Maharajah's General is a ripping yarn, and a satisfyingly energetic romp through a fictional Indian kingdom where Jack Lark once again shows he may not have been born into the officer class, but he can lead men with panache and vigour and he will not stand by and watch wrongdoing, whoever the culprit.
July 13, 2023
Το έβδομο audiobook φέτος! καλή περιπέτεια με ψήγματα ιστορίας
June 14, 2019
In The Scarlet Thief, an ambitious but impoverished redcoat saw a way for himself out of the gutter when the officer he served as an orderly became deathly ill on a sea voyage to Crimea. Assuming the officer’s name and position, Lark launched himself from the ranks – and found that becoming a leader of men was far more different than mocking officers from the ranks, even aside from the challenges of polite society. But when Lark arrives in Crimea, he finds that news of his ‘demise’ has preceded him. A pat explanation may put away suspicion for the moment, but the charade is bound to unravel, and when it does the soldier wrestling with his conscience will find himself wrestling with his loyalties, too. Can he find a way back into the good graces of the army he loves, but which despises him – or will he find glory by serving an a foreign king, one who resists the increasing British control of India?
The original novel based on Lark’s fraud saw him thrown into the Battle of the Alma, where he floundered before finally finding his way. Here, the kingdom involved, and the sustained siege and battle at the end, are fictitious, albeit loosely based on the India mutiny of 1857 and meant perhaps as a prelude to them. Combat peppers the novels, as even before the British and the defiant maharajah meet in battle, Lark encounters brigands in the wilderness. The finale certainly commands attention, but more unexpectedly interesting was Lark continually wrestling with himself: he doesn’t like living a lie, even though it’s a fairly harmless one. He is a good officer in a fight, proving himself to men on both sides of the line: even those who want him dead admired his skill with a sword. (His skills on a horse...not so much.) But that acclaim is part of the problem, as Lark wonders if he’s good for anything other than killing. He can win glory in battle, but a life?
The Maharjah’s General proved far more interesting than I’d expected, and it ends with Lark in an unexpected position. I’ll have to try The Devil’s Assassin to see where this path takes him. Although there are certain elements of the plot that are...implausible (like a man with no horseback experience being appointed as commander of the lancers on the strength of his performance during an ambush), but Lark is an unusual character, and he combined with the setting and Lark's writing override occasional quirks.
March 1, 2020
Pretty good story and definitely kept me interested and enjoying it. It was quite different to the first novel, probably due to being in the officer's character rather than just emerging into the charade. The more unusual setting based in India involving the East India Company and the Maharajah's forces provided a good contrast, and it was interesting to see how he interacted with the very different personalities of colonialism. In this novel you get to see a bit more of the real personality of Jack Lark, especially as he is unmasked, and I'm not sure exactly how much I like him as a person. But I'm still interested in seeing what happens in the remaining installments.
March 27, 2017
Another good installment in the series.
Nice story, good action, not a single dull moment.
Moving straight into the 3rd book.
Nice story, good action, not a single dull moment.
Moving straight into the 3rd book.
Read
May 2, 2019Started like a mills and boon. But picked up to a entertaining finish.
February 20, 2017
The second Jack Lark book has the charlatan, who at the end of the Battle of Alma in the Crimea, stole the identity of a dead redcoat captain - after doing the same at the beginning of Fraser Collard's debut 'The Scarlet Thief' - and headed off to the wilds of India, where the East India Company still runs the country, and is constantly on the look-out for ways to rule larger portions.
His deception discovered, Lark flees to the army of the enemy maharajah with a beautiful reverend's daughter, but that's only the beginning of the story, especially when the British Army, who now have a price on Jack's head, prepare for battle to further their land-grab.
A great muskets-and-swords battle story with the added element of Lark being something of a charlatan, deftly setting the character apart from the Richard Sharpe's of the world. There's plenty going on, and a few nice twists to keep things interesting.
A great story.
His deception discovered, Lark flees to the army of the enemy maharajah with a beautiful reverend's daughter, but that's only the beginning of the story, especially when the British Army, who now have a price on Jack's head, prepare for battle to further their land-grab.
A great muskets-and-swords battle story with the added element of Lark being something of a charlatan, deftly setting the character apart from the Richard Sharpe's of the world. There's plenty going on, and a few nice twists to keep things interesting.
A great story.
November 23, 2013
The imposter, Jack Lark has survived his first battle. In facing the Russian guns he has discovered what it meant to be a British Officer and found that he had a talent for war.
But Jack has a problem. His alter-ego is lying dead on the banks of the River Alma and he is back to just Private Jack Lark. Luckily for Jack in times of War, there are always opportunity’s for a resourceful young man to better himself and when Captain Danbury expires of wounds in the same hospital as Jack, he seizes his chance.
So Captain Danbury travels to India to meet up with his new regiment but Jack soon discovers that fitting in isn’t going to be that easy. In the harsh social hierarchy of British India, Jack soon makes enemies and when he is discovered to be a fraud, his enemies are only too happy to see him swing from the nearest tree.
Jack manages to escape with the help of chaplain’s beautiful daughter and they have only one place they can go, to the very man, Jack thought he would be fighting.
The Maharajah of Sawadh is determined to keep the British from ruling his kingdom and he readily accepts the service of a man who understands the British Army and is obviously a fighter himself.
Can Jack really fight against his own side, will he send the Maharajah’s army up against the British Redcoats, knowing what they are capable of?
What ever he does, he knows he will fight because he is the Maharajah’s General.
The Maharajah’s General is the second book from Paul Fraser Collard to feature Jack Lark.
The first book, The Scarlett Thief was published earlier this year and was a very promising debut novel (read my review here). The author was now facing that “tricky” second novel but I’m pleased to say that this book is not only as good as the first book but is even better.
The premise for these books is so simple yet so clever. By making Jack an imposter who assumes the identity of a dead officer, the author can take Jack to where ever he likes and put him in situations without worrying what regiment went where or if an Officer would transfer from that regiment to another.
This book picks up on that as Jack travels out to India as a Captain of the 24th Regiment of Foot (later famed for Rorke’s Drift). I think the author really captures the essence of British India in the early 1850′s.
The small isolated communities, cut off from and fearing the locals. The rivalry between the regular army officers and the Company officers and the preening ambition of local commanders determined to make their mark are all described in great detail.
The author also lovingly describes the Maharajah’s court and palace and this gives you a real flavor of India. I also believe that the author handles the paradox of the British, essentially being the ‘baddies’ very well. He shows his admiration for the British army, while also showing the grasping nature of the British administration.
This book is quite a bit longer (by roughly 20k words) than the first book and this has allowed the author to use his undoubted skill to really bring to life Jack and the world he inhabits. You can get the impression of the authors love for this period and this extra word count fleshes a good book (The Scarlett Thief) out into a great book (The Maharajah’s General).
This has to be one of the most entertaining books I have read this year, its fast paced with a clever plot and the battle scenes are exciting and well written. Jack is a really likeable character and I love the battle between his undoubted skill as a soldier and his terrible social skills.
This is a cracking book and I highly recommend it. I can’t wait for book Three!
But Jack has a problem. His alter-ego is lying dead on the banks of the River Alma and he is back to just Private Jack Lark. Luckily for Jack in times of War, there are always opportunity’s for a resourceful young man to better himself and when Captain Danbury expires of wounds in the same hospital as Jack, he seizes his chance.
So Captain Danbury travels to India to meet up with his new regiment but Jack soon discovers that fitting in isn’t going to be that easy. In the harsh social hierarchy of British India, Jack soon makes enemies and when he is discovered to be a fraud, his enemies are only too happy to see him swing from the nearest tree.
Jack manages to escape with the help of chaplain’s beautiful daughter and they have only one place they can go, to the very man, Jack thought he would be fighting.
The Maharajah of Sawadh is determined to keep the British from ruling his kingdom and he readily accepts the service of a man who understands the British Army and is obviously a fighter himself.
Can Jack really fight against his own side, will he send the Maharajah’s army up against the British Redcoats, knowing what they are capable of?
What ever he does, he knows he will fight because he is the Maharajah’s General.
The Maharajah’s General is the second book from Paul Fraser Collard to feature Jack Lark.
The first book, The Scarlett Thief was published earlier this year and was a very promising debut novel (read my review here). The author was now facing that “tricky” second novel but I’m pleased to say that this book is not only as good as the first book but is even better.
The premise for these books is so simple yet so clever. By making Jack an imposter who assumes the identity of a dead officer, the author can take Jack to where ever he likes and put him in situations without worrying what regiment went where or if an Officer would transfer from that regiment to another.
This book picks up on that as Jack travels out to India as a Captain of the 24th Regiment of Foot (later famed for Rorke’s Drift). I think the author really captures the essence of British India in the early 1850′s.
The small isolated communities, cut off from and fearing the locals. The rivalry between the regular army officers and the Company officers and the preening ambition of local commanders determined to make their mark are all described in great detail.
The author also lovingly describes the Maharajah’s court and palace and this gives you a real flavor of India. I also believe that the author handles the paradox of the British, essentially being the ‘baddies’ very well. He shows his admiration for the British army, while also showing the grasping nature of the British administration.
This book is quite a bit longer (by roughly 20k words) than the first book and this has allowed the author to use his undoubted skill to really bring to life Jack and the world he inhabits. You can get the impression of the authors love for this period and this extra word count fleshes a good book (The Scarlett Thief) out into a great book (The Maharajah’s General).
This has to be one of the most entertaining books I have read this year, its fast paced with a clever plot and the battle scenes are exciting and well written. Jack is a really likeable character and I love the battle between his undoubted skill as a soldier and his terrible social skills.
This is a cracking book and I highly recommend it. I can’t wait for book Three!
November 23, 2013
Review
Maharajah's General: Reading this book has been a pleasure, Since book one The Scarlet Thief i have been a fan of Paul Collards writing, he has an engaging style, he writes like able characters. One thing that hamstrung him slightly in book one was book brevity, as a debutante he had been limited to a low page count, and as such the book was edited down, removing, i feel some of the extra depth and flavour of the Crimea and the the books characters.
This doesn't happen in book 2, I devoured book 2 in a single day, and then broke my normal never return to a book rule and read it again the next day. This is the first book in years i have enjoyed that much that i had to go back and read it again immediately ,(i just have too many books to do this). What we the reader have here is a new Sharpe, its not since i first picked up Sharpe's Eagle that a single character captured my imagination so totally, this supported by a fast fluid pace of writing, and a vivid portrayal of the Indian country, people, time period, the east India company and as usual the brutal, uncompromising and occasionally morally bankrupt officer corp coupled with the efficiency of the ordinary men of the British army, all this condensed into 336 pages of explosive action, violent emotions, uncompromising unbending discipline and a man with the courage to do what is right.
The impressive thing about this book is that it hooks you in from the first page with realism, i have read in reviews that there is no way a man from the ranks could impersonate an officer, This isn't as far as i can see a valid point, there are examples of officer impersonation in history, Jack Lark as an orderly was around officers enough to be able to copy their mannerisms etc, so that point for me is covered. His skills as a soldier..well we see him learn most of them on the battle field, and as most officers learned the same hard way, again this is not going to make him stand out. So to any naysayers, "sit back and enjoy the book, stop looking for fault where there is none, just enjoy a bloody good book." Oh and a very nice fitting nod to the authors love of Zulu with the use of regiment and last ditch battle (loved it, as its one of my favorite films).
The spirit of Sharpe lives again in another time, in another war, in the guise of Jack Lark, buy the books and enjoy the adventures. I hope the publisher have the sense to get book 3 underway quick smart.
Very Highly recommended
(Parm)
Series
Jack Lark
1. The Scarlet Thief (2013)
2. The Maharajah's General (2013)
A riveting tale of battle and adventure in a brutal land, where loyalty and courage are constantly challenged and the enemy is never far away. Jack Lark barely survived the Battle of the Alma. As the brutal fight raged, he discovered the true duty that came with the officer's commission he'd taken. In hospital, wounded, and with his stolen life left lying on the battlefield, he grasps a chance to prove himself a leader once more. Poor Captain Danbury is dead, but Jack will travel to his new regiment in India, under his name. Jack soon finds more enemies, but this time they're on his own side. Exposed as a fraud, he's rescued by the chaplain's beautiful daughter, who has her own reasons to escape. They seek desperate refuge with the Maharajah of Sawadh, the charismatic leader whom the British Army must subdue. He sees Jack as a curiosity, but recognises a fellow military mind. In return for his safety, Jack must train the very army the British may soon have to fight...
Maharajah's General: Reading this book has been a pleasure, Since book one The Scarlet Thief i have been a fan of Paul Collards writing, he has an engaging style, he writes like able characters. One thing that hamstrung him slightly in book one was book brevity, as a debutante he had been limited to a low page count, and as such the book was edited down, removing, i feel some of the extra depth and flavour of the Crimea and the the books characters.
This doesn't happen in book 2, I devoured book 2 in a single day, and then broke my normal never return to a book rule and read it again the next day. This is the first book in years i have enjoyed that much that i had to go back and read it again immediately ,(i just have too many books to do this). What we the reader have here is a new Sharpe, its not since i first picked up Sharpe's Eagle that a single character captured my imagination so totally, this supported by a fast fluid pace of writing, and a vivid portrayal of the Indian country, people, time period, the east India company and as usual the brutal, uncompromising and occasionally morally bankrupt officer corp coupled with the efficiency of the ordinary men of the British army, all this condensed into 336 pages of explosive action, violent emotions, uncompromising unbending discipline and a man with the courage to do what is right.
The impressive thing about this book is that it hooks you in from the first page with realism, i have read in reviews that there is no way a man from the ranks could impersonate an officer, This isn't as far as i can see a valid point, there are examples of officer impersonation in history, Jack Lark as an orderly was around officers enough to be able to copy their mannerisms etc, so that point for me is covered. His skills as a soldier..well we see him learn most of them on the battle field, and as most officers learned the same hard way, again this is not going to make him stand out. So to any naysayers, "sit back and enjoy the book, stop looking for fault where there is none, just enjoy a bloody good book." Oh and a very nice fitting nod to the authors love of Zulu with the use of regiment and last ditch battle (loved it, as its one of my favorite films).
The spirit of Sharpe lives again in another time, in another war, in the guise of Jack Lark, buy the books and enjoy the adventures. I hope the publisher have the sense to get book 3 underway quick smart.
Very Highly recommended
(Parm)
Series
Jack Lark
1. The Scarlet Thief (2013)
2. The Maharajah's General (2013)
A riveting tale of battle and adventure in a brutal land, where loyalty and courage are constantly challenged and the enemy is never far away. Jack Lark barely survived the Battle of the Alma. As the brutal fight raged, he discovered the true duty that came with the officer's commission he'd taken. In hospital, wounded, and with his stolen life left lying on the battlefield, he grasps a chance to prove himself a leader once more. Poor Captain Danbury is dead, but Jack will travel to his new regiment in India, under his name. Jack soon finds more enemies, but this time they're on his own side. Exposed as a fraud, he's rescued by the chaplain's beautiful daughter, who has her own reasons to escape. They seek desperate refuge with the Maharajah of Sawadh, the charismatic leader whom the British Army must subdue. He sees Jack as a curiosity, but recognises a fellow military mind. In return for his safety, Jack must train the very army the British may soon have to fight...
April 2, 2014
A riveting romp through bloodthirsty battles and unforgettable adventures
This vibrant, bold book transports you to the heart of a time of conflict, intensity and rivalry. Brilliantly realize ‘The Maharajah’s General’ encapsulates the turbulent times with clarity, dynamic prose and exuberant characters. Set within an exotic, piquant backdrop the profoundly impacting narrative took me on a stirring voyage of new discovery. Fans of Bernard Cornwell, Simon Scarrow and Conn Iggulden will simply love this explosive historical novel, which encapsulates authentic Military History at its very best.
You can smell the sweat…
Hear the muskets and shouts from officers…
See clouds of swirling dust…
Feel a part of the action…
Jack Lark is an unforgettable new hero; he is a Redcoat, Leader and Impostor. Loyalty and courage are constantly challenged in a world of warmongering and domineering rivals, with the enemy never far away. Daring and wilful, Jack is a force to be reckoned with, who embodies all the traits of someone individualistic, distinctive and supremely singular. {For instance reminiscent of “Captain Jack Sparrow” or “Konawa Swift Dragon” (Iron Elves)}. This utterly brilliant, thrilling tale is wrought with electrifying intensity, through compelling drama full of heated vehemence and fervour. The extraordinary main protagonist from ‘The Scarlet Thief’ is back with great gusto…
Anyone seeking a sensational story that’s well written, full of substance and depth then look no further. Included is also a useful glossary of terms.
* I won an ‘Uncorrected Proof Copy’ of Paul Fraser Collard’s novel through a first-read giveaway on Goodreads. *
This vibrant, bold book transports you to the heart of a time of conflict, intensity and rivalry. Brilliantly realize ‘The Maharajah’s General’ encapsulates the turbulent times with clarity, dynamic prose and exuberant characters. Set within an exotic, piquant backdrop the profoundly impacting narrative took me on a stirring voyage of new discovery. Fans of Bernard Cornwell, Simon Scarrow and Conn Iggulden will simply love this explosive historical novel, which encapsulates authentic Military History at its very best.
You can smell the sweat…
Hear the muskets and shouts from officers…
See clouds of swirling dust…
Feel a part of the action…
Jack Lark is an unforgettable new hero; he is a Redcoat, Leader and Impostor. Loyalty and courage are constantly challenged in a world of warmongering and domineering rivals, with the enemy never far away. Daring and wilful, Jack is a force to be reckoned with, who embodies all the traits of someone individualistic, distinctive and supremely singular. {For instance reminiscent of “Captain Jack Sparrow” or “Konawa Swift Dragon” (Iron Elves)}. This utterly brilliant, thrilling tale is wrought with electrifying intensity, through compelling drama full of heated vehemence and fervour. The extraordinary main protagonist from ‘The Scarlet Thief’ is back with great gusto…
Anyone seeking a sensational story that’s well written, full of substance and depth then look no further. Included is also a useful glossary of terms.
* I won an ‘Uncorrected Proof Copy’ of Paul Fraser Collard’s novel through a first-read giveaway on Goodreads. *
October 13, 2016
Jack lark the hero of the Scarlet Thief is back and once more he has taken the identity of a dead British officer. This being the follow up to the writers debut "The Scarlet Thief" it is the difficult second novel. As the first introduced the hero of the series a so called "Jack Lark" and this builds on his exploits.
There is much to credit this novel with plot twists and turns. From the first encounter meeting the Maharajah where Jack proves either his bravery or stupidity by standing in front of a lancer charging down on him. Soon his real identity is discovered and Jack must take flight and throws himself and his initial rescuer a Miss Isabel Young-Summers on the tender mercies of the Maharajah. Here while Jack is made welcome some are not best pleased to have him there at first. After proving his courage he is promoted to the rank of General. This of course while pleasing Jack does cause a conflict of loyalties. As the dastardly British have plans afoot to annex the kingdom of the Maharajah into the care of The East India Company. So does Jack stay a General or does he revert back to the British red coat? Not being a traitor he does what he thinks is best and fights in the rebellion leading a heroic defense for the British in the face of overwhelming odds. No doubt based on Rouke's Drift. Here the twin talents Jack has for violence and command really take hold.
Followed by an ending that was rather bitter sweet.
So go read/buy this book and follow the trail of a fugitive from the British army.
A great second book building into an even better series.
There is much to credit this novel with plot twists and turns. From the first encounter meeting the Maharajah where Jack proves either his bravery or stupidity by standing in front of a lancer charging down on him. Soon his real identity is discovered and Jack must take flight and throws himself and his initial rescuer a Miss Isabel Young-Summers on the tender mercies of the Maharajah. Here while Jack is made welcome some are not best pleased to have him there at first. After proving his courage he is promoted to the rank of General. This of course while pleasing Jack does cause a conflict of loyalties. As the dastardly British have plans afoot to annex the kingdom of the Maharajah into the care of The East India Company. So does Jack stay a General or does he revert back to the British red coat? Not being a traitor he does what he thinks is best and fights in the rebellion leading a heroic defense for the British in the face of overwhelming odds. No doubt based on Rouke's Drift. Here the twin talents Jack has for violence and command really take hold.
Followed by an ending that was rather bitter sweet.
So go read/buy this book and follow the trail of a fugitive from the British army.
A great second book building into an even better series.
November 8, 2015
top notch stuff...full review soon
Jack is back. He survived the Alma River battle on The Crimean Peninsula and being the enterprising and resourceful person he is, assumes the name and rank of an unfortunate Captain who perished before reaching his post in India. The British colonization of India is not a subject I have read much of, in fact my knowledge of the period can be attributed to Sean Connery, Michael Caine and Rudyard Kipling in the movie The Man Who Would be King, so it was with eager anticipation that I read the second volume of this splendid series; not only because of the location but I wanted to find out how our hero fared in his new disguise. He emerged from book one knowing that he could indeed lead men in battle and that he is an accomplished killer, both attributes are put to good use in The Maharajah's General. Mr. Collard has written a tale that is an easy flowing, riveting one that is hard to put down once you pick it up. The character of Jack Lark continues to develop into one of my favorite historical-fiction protagonists, one who becomes more sure of himself as he continues the path of deception he has chosen, though it does play a little havoc on any long term relationships. :-) 5 stars with a Hoover Book Review admonition - read this series, I for one will be continuing with it in book 3, The Devil's Assassin.
Jack is back. He survived the Alma River battle on The Crimean Peninsula and being the enterprising and resourceful person he is, assumes the name and rank of an unfortunate Captain who perished before reaching his post in India. The British colonization of India is not a subject I have read much of, in fact my knowledge of the period can be attributed to Sean Connery, Michael Caine and Rudyard Kipling in the movie The Man Who Would be King, so it was with eager anticipation that I read the second volume of this splendid series; not only because of the location but I wanted to find out how our hero fared in his new disguise. He emerged from book one knowing that he could indeed lead men in battle and that he is an accomplished killer, both attributes are put to good use in The Maharajah's General. Mr. Collard has written a tale that is an easy flowing, riveting one that is hard to put down once you pick it up. The character of Jack Lark continues to develop into one of my favorite historical-fiction protagonists, one who becomes more sure of himself as he continues the path of deception he has chosen, though it does play a little havoc on any long term relationships. :-) 5 stars with a Hoover Book Review admonition - read this series, I for one will be continuing with it in book 3, The Devil's Assassin.
June 29, 2015
Having tried out Mr. Collard's first novel in the Jack Lark series it was only fair to give the second one a go. Once again Mr.. Collard writes gripping battle scenes and his history is right on. He admits that most off this story is not totally true, but the lives of the British and Indian's are well portrayed.
In this story Jack Lark begins with stealing another identity, which he does in the first novel Scarlet Thief, and it looks like things will go well especially with the young Isabel Youngsummers . Yet the man Lark replaces pops up sooner than expected and so begins a terrific story between the British forces and the Maharajah of Sawadh.
People the second novel in a series falls apart at some point...Not this story. The Jack Lark character grows, the characters are well drawn and the history of what will become the Indian Mutiny shows the problems just before that time. will definitely read the next in the series.
In this story Jack Lark begins with stealing another identity, which he does in the first novel Scarlet Thief, and it looks like things will go well especially with the young Isabel Youngsummers . Yet the man Lark replaces pops up sooner than expected and so begins a terrific story between the British forces and the Maharajah of Sawadh.
People the second novel in a series falls apart at some point...Not this story. The Jack Lark character grows, the characters are well drawn and the history of what will become the Indian Mutiny shows the problems just before that time. will definitely read the next in the series.
January 10, 2016
Having just read the first of this series, I wanted to get straight on with the second so dove straight in.
Just like the first the writing is excellent, the history woven into the story so lightly that you absorb the details without having them rammed in your face. I also liked that at the end the author gives a description of what liberties with history he took or where he deviated.
I started to get worried around a quarter of the way through as I wondered if this story was going to end up as a duplicate of the first, just with different names, locations and uniforms. I was pleasantly surprised then when the story took a completely different track. Again, not fantastical, well within reason but a nice twist on the theme.
If you've read the first then I would say this is a must read, you can't leave poor Jack Lark alone!
Just like the first the writing is excellent, the history woven into the story so lightly that you absorb the details without having them rammed in your face. I also liked that at the end the author gives a description of what liberties with history he took or where he deviated.
I started to get worried around a quarter of the way through as I wondered if this story was going to end up as a duplicate of the first, just with different names, locations and uniforms. I was pleasantly surprised then when the story took a completely different track. Again, not fantastical, well within reason but a nice twist on the theme.
If you've read the first then I would say this is a must read, you can't leave poor Jack Lark alone!
July 26, 2016
Jack assumes the identity of a dead officer and hopes to get away with it.When he arrives he immediately makes an enemy of a fellow officer not intending to. While out on a picnic with the reverend and his daughter they are ambushed and at ken prisoner later ends up a prisoner of his own people as they found out he's an imposter.Jack is a lovable rogue who has a heart of gold and nothing ever seems to go right for long as he finds out when he escapes and seeks refugee with the other side. Really enjoying this book and all the characters in it are brought to life.i also learnt things along the way about what happened and the way of life in those days especially the redcoats
January 9, 2018
Within these pages are all the ingredients you need for a top class historical adventure, not least the exotic and dangerous location of 1850s' India. The author has come on in leaps and bounds since The Scarlet Thief and The Maharajah's General sets the bar high for the rest of the series. Excellent!
November 28, 2013
Another great book. Jack continues to be the rogue and somehow always escapes one step ahead over everyone else. I could not put this one down and loved the back and forth between the different sides and the acceptance of Jack's base character.
Can't wait for the next one.
Can't wait for the next one.
August 6, 2016
A brilliant sequel, even more engaging than The Scarlet Thief! Sometimes what makes the original so appealing and memorable is sadly absent in a follow-up, but any apprehension I had concerning this was wholly unnecessary here. I hope there will be further adventures to enjoy.
February 18, 2016
The author has wonderfully set up the stage of Jack Lark's adventure around the kingdom of Sawadh. The emotions of pain, guilt, gratification, desire, courage, triumph, loyalty and righteousness paint the character of Jack Lark which is captivating. Definitely a good read!
June 19, 2016
Jack Lark the2nd much better than the first
Hard to put down. No lull in the action. Don't quite get the ending though. He had earned his rank finally.
Hard to put down. No lull in the action. Don't quite get the ending though. He had earned his rank finally.
June 23, 2017
For the full review and more, visit my blog
When I started the sequel, there was a little “about the book” page in the beginning. I read it just before starting the first chapter (just because you start reading in the beginning, don’t you?). After reading it, I felt this surely gave most of it away, and especially reading the first half of the book, I always knew what to expect from that early section, which was quite irritating I can assure you. So apart from the advice not ever to read the “about the book” section before reading the book, let’s get to the story.
In “The Scarlet Thief” we were introduced to the charlatan and identity-thief Jack Lark who impersonated a British Captain and fought in the Battle of Alma in the Crimean Wars. The sequel (as you might be able to tell from the title) plays in India. Following the events of the Crimean Wars, Jack Lark takes yet another identity – that of the British officer Captain Danbury who was killed in the conflict on the Crimean Peninsula. Jack, alias Captain Danbury travels to India to join his new regiment hoping to continue his charade as long as possible. However, this time his true identity is revealed quickly and with a price upon his head, Jack has to flee from his own countrymen, finding refuge with the local sovereign – the Maharajah of Sawadh who charges Jack to repay him by training the Maharajah’s army. The British try to expand their control over the Maharajah’s territory, which results in a violent conflict between the two fractions – with Jack Lark caught in between. Jack has the choice – to fight against his own country or to support the one person who saved him from his would-be captors.
I was intrigued when I read about the Doctrine of Lapse, which was formulated by the Governor General who was ruling over the Indian territories controlled by the British around the 1850’s. The doctrine states that any vassal state (a state subordinate to the British) were to be annexed if the present sovereign proved to be either incompetent or without a male heir. That this was an actual thing and that the British were presumptuous enough to declare a sovereign to be incompetent or simply not to accept their children as the official heir, is more than morally questionable and obviously provides ample material for enthralling tales. Fortunately, Collard took the opportunity and composed a story even more captivating than his first!
Jack as a member of the low social classes of the British society against all odds manages to grow ever more into his role as a military leader. He stays true to his believes and again shows his strength of character in difficult situations. While with the Maharajah, he does not succumb to the splendour surrounding him, but rather learns to understand these for him so foreign people that have to live under the threat posed by his own country. The self-revelation that some part of him longs for battle and conflict frightens Jack, but it also makes him proud of his achievements, giving more depth to Jack’s character.
In summary, “The Maharajah’s General” is even better than Collard’s debut novel and as such a must-read for everyone who, like me, enjoyed the first book of the Jack Lark series.
When I started the sequel, there was a little “about the book” page in the beginning. I read it just before starting the first chapter (just because you start reading in the beginning, don’t you?). After reading it, I felt this surely gave most of it away, and especially reading the first half of the book, I always knew what to expect from that early section, which was quite irritating I can assure you. So apart from the advice not ever to read the “about the book” section before reading the book, let’s get to the story.
In “The Scarlet Thief” we were introduced to the charlatan and identity-thief Jack Lark who impersonated a British Captain and fought in the Battle of Alma in the Crimean Wars. The sequel (as you might be able to tell from the title) plays in India. Following the events of the Crimean Wars, Jack Lark takes yet another identity – that of the British officer Captain Danbury who was killed in the conflict on the Crimean Peninsula. Jack, alias Captain Danbury travels to India to join his new regiment hoping to continue his charade as long as possible. However, this time his true identity is revealed quickly and with a price upon his head, Jack has to flee from his own countrymen, finding refuge with the local sovereign – the Maharajah of Sawadh who charges Jack to repay him by training the Maharajah’s army. The British try to expand their control over the Maharajah’s territory, which results in a violent conflict between the two fractions – with Jack Lark caught in between. Jack has the choice – to fight against his own country or to support the one person who saved him from his would-be captors.
I was intrigued when I read about the Doctrine of Lapse, which was formulated by the Governor General who was ruling over the Indian territories controlled by the British around the 1850’s. The doctrine states that any vassal state (a state subordinate to the British) were to be annexed if the present sovereign proved to be either incompetent or without a male heir. That this was an actual thing and that the British were presumptuous enough to declare a sovereign to be incompetent or simply not to accept their children as the official heir, is more than morally questionable and obviously provides ample material for enthralling tales. Fortunately, Collard took the opportunity and composed a story even more captivating than his first!
Jack as a member of the low social classes of the British society against all odds manages to grow ever more into his role as a military leader. He stays true to his believes and again shows his strength of character in difficult situations. While with the Maharajah, he does not succumb to the splendour surrounding him, but rather learns to understand these for him so foreign people that have to live under the threat posed by his own country. The self-revelation that some part of him longs for battle and conflict frightens Jack, but it also makes him proud of his achievements, giving more depth to Jack’s character.
In summary, “The Maharajah’s General” is even better than Collard’s debut novel and as such a must-read for everyone who, like me, enjoyed the first book of the Jack Lark series.
December 31, 2024
I just love Jack Lark, in battle he is a ruthless and courageous fighter and killing comes easy to him, as a man he does not suffer fools but is easily swayed by a beautiful woman but will protect one with valiant chivalry, he is also loyal to the death.
The story carries on from the previous book and he ends up in India in his disguise as an officer and joins the Redcoats in their fight against the Maharajah as the British are trying to take the lands for their own rule. His fraudulent disguise becomes exposed and he is put in the jailhouse but he is helped to escape by the beautiful young daughter of the camps Reverend. During their escape they are accosted by bandits but once again escape and end up in the palace of the Maharajah who is rather taken by Jack.
Jack is loving his new life until the British insist that the Maharajah signs a treaty or face war and then Jack has to face the decision of choosing sides. He likes the Maharajah but has a loyalty to his country.
A really well put together story with exceptional characters and real gritty excitement with, sometimes, gruesome detail, this most enjoyable tale has left me wanting more and I look forward with relish for the next instalment. A massive 5/5
The story carries on from the previous book and he ends up in India in his disguise as an officer and joins the Redcoats in their fight against the Maharajah as the British are trying to take the lands for their own rule. His fraudulent disguise becomes exposed and he is put in the jailhouse but he is helped to escape by the beautiful young daughter of the camps Reverend. During their escape they are accosted by bandits but once again escape and end up in the palace of the Maharajah who is rather taken by Jack.
Jack is loving his new life until the British insist that the Maharajah signs a treaty or face war and then Jack has to face the decision of choosing sides. He likes the Maharajah but has a loyalty to his country.
A really well put together story with exceptional characters and real gritty excitement with, sometimes, gruesome detail, this most enjoyable tale has left me wanting more and I look forward with relish for the next instalment. A massive 5/5
June 30, 2018
Slowly but surely re-visiting these books via Audible. I read the first three a few years ago, but in the process of moving house managed to lose a whole box of books, with these in them!
I really enjoyed this one, more than I remember enjoying it the first time. Jack grows in this book, he's hardened from the young lad he was in The Scarlet Thief, scarred by fighting the Russians in the Crimea.
But will that stop him once more throwing himself into the fray? Hell no! The battle scenes are fantastic, listening in my car on my journey to and from work, I can clearly picture the dusty ground and the British Red Coats as they send volley after volley of musket balls into a charging line of cavalry. I can hear the battle roars, the screams of the dying and the victorious.
No spoilers from me, but there's an added layer to the plot, multiple threads expertly woven together that keep you listening eagerly right till the end.
Highly recommend!
I really enjoyed this one, more than I remember enjoying it the first time. Jack grows in this book, he's hardened from the young lad he was in The Scarlet Thief, scarred by fighting the Russians in the Crimea.
But will that stop him once more throwing himself into the fray? Hell no! The battle scenes are fantastic, listening in my car on my journey to and from work, I can clearly picture the dusty ground and the British Red Coats as they send volley after volley of musket balls into a charging line of cavalry. I can hear the battle roars, the screams of the dying and the victorious.
No spoilers from me, but there's an added layer to the plot, multiple threads expertly woven together that keep you listening eagerly right till the end.
Highly recommend!
December 31, 2017
A good sequel. Jack Lark finds himself in the India of the East Indian Company. A world of scoundrels, company men, stubborn officers, beautiful women and a wilful Maharajah. The author creates a great world. You can feel the sweltering heat and smell the aromas of the Indian sub continent. I docked a star for the story although well written and exciting, being a figment of the author's imagination as opposed to the first book that was set around historical events.
November 16, 2017
Dnf
Let's see, you've got pompous ineffective English officers, (expect for our hero), cowardly clergyman, feisty English lass, noble Maharaja, and stalwart sepoys. If I've missed a stereotype the author didn't. I saw no reason to finish it because I've read countless better written versions. If you're expecting Sharpe, don't.
Let's see, you've got pompous ineffective English officers, (expect for our hero), cowardly clergyman, feisty English lass, noble Maharaja, and stalwart sepoys. If I've missed a stereotype the author didn't. I saw no reason to finish it because I've read countless better written versions. If you're expecting Sharpe, don't.
September 13, 2023
I’m so glad I stumbled upon the Jack Lark books. Being a huge fan of the likes of Bernard Cornwell, Simon Scarrow and Ben Kane, this series ticks all the boxes. Well rounded characters, action from start to finish and a cracking story to boot.
Really looking forward to trying to continue the series in order!
Really looking forward to trying to continue the series in order!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews