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James Burke #1
Burke in the Land of Silver
James Burke never set out to be a spy. But with Napoleon rampaging through Europe, the War Office needs agents and Burke isn't given a choice. It's no business for a gentleman, and disguising himself as a Buenos Aires leather merchant is a new low. His mission, though, means fighting alongside men who see the collapse of the old order giving them a chance to break free of Spanish colonial rule. He falls in love with the country – and with the beautiful Ana. Burke wants both to forward British interests and to free Argentina from Spain. But his new found selflessness comes up against the realities of international politics. When the British invade, his attempts to parley between the rebels and their new rulers leave everybody suspicious of him. Despised by the British, imprisoned by the Spanish and with Ana leaving him for the rebel leader, it takes all Burke's resolve and cunning to escape. Only after adventuring through the throne rooms and bedrooms of the Spanish court will he finally come back to Buenos Aires, to see Ana again and avenge himself on the man who betrayed him.
Unknown Binding
First published April 27, 2014
28 people are currently reading
310 people want to read
About the author
Tom Williams
18 books29 followersTom Williams used to write books for business. Now he writes novels set in the 19th century that are generally described as fiction but which are often more honest than the business books. (He writes contemporary fantasy as well, but that's a dark part of his life, so you'll have to explore that on your own - ideally with a friend and a protective amulet.)
His stories about James Burke (based on a real person) are exciting tales of high adventure and low cunning set around the Napoleonic Wars. The stories have given him the excuse to travel to Argentina, Egypt, and Spain and call it research.
Tom lives in London. His main interest is avoiding doing any honest work and this leaves him with time to ski, skate and dance tango, all of which (before covid) he thought he did quite well. In between he reads old books and spends far too much time looking at ancient weaponry.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 9, 2023
Burke in the land of Silver by Tom Williams is a neat first book in a series about soldier and spy James Burke. It is also the story of the founding of Argentina. I found this book entertaining and will sometime in the future try more books in this series. It is the first book set in the era of Napolenonic wars that almost have nothing to do with Napoleon himself. I found it great reading about so many different unusal sides of this time in history and I have always had a soft spot for the land in south america. I am thankful that BokksGoSocial and Netgalley still had a copy available.
January 12, 2018
I was sent an ARC by the author for an honest review, for which I received no payment.
The 'land of silver' in the title refers to Argentina. James Burke is sent by the War Office to Argentina, where he must assume various identities to forward British interests; like the Argentinians, Britain is against its rule by Spain. Ultimately, he must assess the feasibility of British invasion. Taking his trusty servant, William Brown, he sails with Irish merchant O'Gorman. I enjoyed Burke's first impressions of South America, how he was astounded by its sheer size.
Once established, Burke mingles with Society and starts an affair with O'Gorman's beautiful wife, Ana, whilst William assumes the persona of a hard-drinking rogue and rebel in order to infiltrate the lower echelons and discover plans for rebellion again the Spanish. Burke himself takes on many guises in his quest for intelligence, and tussles with his rival, the Frenchman de Liniers.
It is clear that Tom Williams has a great love for his setting, and knows much about its history. I loved the descriptions of rural Argentina and Chile, and the pictures were painted with so much detail that I found fascinating, even down to how the cattlemen would catch and prepare a beast for eating, or how the men survived the long trek to, and up and down, Chile. My knowledge of this place and era of history is sparse, and this book taught me a lot. The story is well structured, the plot successfully intricate, and if Burke and Williams' escapades ran a little too smoothly at times, they worked well within the context of the story.
This first Burke adventure is certainly plot rather than character driven; although some of the smaller players, like O'Gorman and rancher Paco Iglesias, came alive immediately, I only experienced the occasional glimpse of who James Burke actually was. Maybe because the narrative was in the form of an omniscient narrator who had a similar 'voice' to Burke, I didn't see inside the characters' heads. I never had a feeling of who William was, either, aside from a loyal servant, and on occasion his dialogue fluctuated between someone of a lowly background and that of one more educated.
As for Ana, we are told she is enigmatic and beautiful, and that she and Burke are having a passionate affair, but I never felt any passion between them. The most telling point of their relationship was when she said, 'You're a soldier. You're back because your duty has brought you back. And when your duty calls you away, you will depart. And I will be left here alone.' Burke's reasons for this were always warranted, but the little I did know of him I didn't particularly warm to, not least of all his disappointment that Chile was not European enough.
Having said all that, books of this genre tend to concentrate on the action and history. I need to 'know' a character to care what happens to him (I wanted Paco the rancher to outwit the Spaniards, yet cared little about the fortunes of Burke), but that's just me; there is no doubt that the plot and military skirmishes are well-developed and artfully told, and both the historical element and the descriptive settings deserve applause; there was much I enjoyed.
To sum up, and to review objectively, I'd give this book a range of different star ratings for various aspects, so I think 4* is fair overall. It would appeal a great deal to anyone with interest in or experience of these countries, and to those who love historical and miliary action/adventure.
The 'land of silver' in the title refers to Argentina. James Burke is sent by the War Office to Argentina, where he must assume various identities to forward British interests; like the Argentinians, Britain is against its rule by Spain. Ultimately, he must assess the feasibility of British invasion. Taking his trusty servant, William Brown, he sails with Irish merchant O'Gorman. I enjoyed Burke's first impressions of South America, how he was astounded by its sheer size.
Once established, Burke mingles with Society and starts an affair with O'Gorman's beautiful wife, Ana, whilst William assumes the persona of a hard-drinking rogue and rebel in order to infiltrate the lower echelons and discover plans for rebellion again the Spanish. Burke himself takes on many guises in his quest for intelligence, and tussles with his rival, the Frenchman de Liniers.
It is clear that Tom Williams has a great love for his setting, and knows much about its history. I loved the descriptions of rural Argentina and Chile, and the pictures were painted with so much detail that I found fascinating, even down to how the cattlemen would catch and prepare a beast for eating, or how the men survived the long trek to, and up and down, Chile. My knowledge of this place and era of history is sparse, and this book taught me a lot. The story is well structured, the plot successfully intricate, and if Burke and Williams' escapades ran a little too smoothly at times, they worked well within the context of the story.
This first Burke adventure is certainly plot rather than character driven; although some of the smaller players, like O'Gorman and rancher Paco Iglesias, came alive immediately, I only experienced the occasional glimpse of who James Burke actually was. Maybe because the narrative was in the form of an omniscient narrator who had a similar 'voice' to Burke, I didn't see inside the characters' heads. I never had a feeling of who William was, either, aside from a loyal servant, and on occasion his dialogue fluctuated between someone of a lowly background and that of one more educated.
As for Ana, we are told she is enigmatic and beautiful, and that she and Burke are having a passionate affair, but I never felt any passion between them. The most telling point of their relationship was when she said, 'You're a soldier. You're back because your duty has brought you back. And when your duty calls you away, you will depart. And I will be left here alone.' Burke's reasons for this were always warranted, but the little I did know of him I didn't particularly warm to, not least of all his disappointment that Chile was not European enough.
Having said all that, books of this genre tend to concentrate on the action and history. I need to 'know' a character to care what happens to him (I wanted Paco the rancher to outwit the Spaniards, yet cared little about the fortunes of Burke), but that's just me; there is no doubt that the plot and military skirmishes are well-developed and artfully told, and both the historical element and the descriptive settings deserve applause; there was much I enjoyed.
To sum up, and to review objectively, I'd give this book a range of different star ratings for various aspects, so I think 4* is fair overall. It would appeal a great deal to anyone with interest in or experience of these countries, and to those who love historical and miliary action/adventure.
November 27, 2020
‘Burke In The Land of Silver’, is the first in a series of historical novels that draw on the real life adventures of 1800s spy James Burke. Tom Williams uses Burke’s real life experiences to create a picaresque style character, who as the the younger son of a hard up Irish landowner has to make his own way in life; with just his wits and a satirical view of the world. He goes from serving in the French army during the Haitian slave revolt to an agent of the British government, with the power to determine the fate of empires.
While war rages between Britain and Spain, Burke is sent to Argentina to establish links with the leadership of the growing revolt against Spanish rule. In a bid to destroy the Spanish economy by cutting off the supply of silver from its South American positions and procuring it for Britain.
The novel explores this little known aspect of history in a swashbuckling tale of daring and intrigue. As Burke becomes caught up in Argentinas bit for independence, he plays out the great power rivalries and jealousies on a very personal level. Fighting it out with the dastardly Admiral de Liniers, a French spy in Spanish service, for the spoils of war and the charms of the beautiful Ana O’Gorman in a love triangle; which incredibly is based on actual events.
While war rages between Britain and Spain, Burke is sent to Argentina to establish links with the leadership of the growing revolt against Spanish rule. In a bid to destroy the Spanish economy by cutting off the supply of silver from its South American positions and procuring it for Britain.
The novel explores this little known aspect of history in a swashbuckling tale of daring and intrigue. As Burke becomes caught up in Argentinas bit for independence, he plays out the great power rivalries and jealousies on a very personal level. Fighting it out with the dastardly Admiral de Liniers, a French spy in Spanish service, for the spoils of war and the charms of the beautiful Ana O’Gorman in a love triangle; which incredibly is based on actual events.
June 16, 2020
We meet James Burke as he fights the rebellion of black slaves in Saint Domingue. At the time he serves a French master, King Louis XIV. Boukman, a legendary rebel leader, accurately foretells his own death and Burke’s fortunes, telling him that he will have hand in building a new nation. And so the adventures of Lieutenant Burke begin.
Fast-forward through the French Revolution to the Napoleonic wars, James Burke is now in His Majesty’s service, dispatched to Buenos Aires on a spy mission against the French. A gentleman, he finds it uncomfortable to take on the role of a leather merchant and having to learn the ropes from the obnoxious O’Gorman. Burke’s discomfort is soothed by the presence of O’Gorman’s beautiful and intelligent wife, Ana.
Once in Argentina, Burke takes us on a roller-coaster journey through the Andes and many life-threatening exploits. Once you’re there, you will have no option but to press on and turn those pages fast.
Williams’s spy adventure series is a cracking, fast-paced read, rich with historical, military and geographical detail. I can’t wait for book two in the series.
Fast-forward through the French Revolution to the Napoleonic wars, James Burke is now in His Majesty’s service, dispatched to Buenos Aires on a spy mission against the French. A gentleman, he finds it uncomfortable to take on the role of a leather merchant and having to learn the ropes from the obnoxious O’Gorman. Burke’s discomfort is soothed by the presence of O’Gorman’s beautiful and intelligent wife, Ana.
Once in Argentina, Burke takes us on a roller-coaster journey through the Andes and many life-threatening exploits. Once you’re there, you will have no option but to press on and turn those pages fast.
Williams’s spy adventure series is a cracking, fast-paced read, rich with historical, military and geographical detail. I can’t wait for book two in the series.
April 4, 2023
A novel based on the international adventures of a real British spy, James Burke, during the period of the Napoleonic War.
The book is chock full of intrigue, travel, violence, and seduction of women. Very reminiscent of the books about the other well-known fictitious British spy, who strangely has the same initials.
The author has clearly undertaken his homework on actual events, people, and places. I loved the in-depth details about South America, especially Buenos Aires & Rio de Janeiro, during the colonial era. Tom Williams seems to love BA and the people as much as I do. His descriptions of the risks in crossing through Andean passes on foot at certain times of the year are spot on.
Stupidly, I hadn’t before connected the names of Argentina or Rio Plata with silver. Also that the state of Bolivia never existed during the period of Spanish colonisation, the area was treated by the colonisers as a very productive silver mine. It is always enjoyable to learn new facts while reading a novel.
South America is very rarely mentioned by historians when discussing the war against Napoleon in Europe.
I cant wait to read other books by the same author!
The book is chock full of intrigue, travel, violence, and seduction of women. Very reminiscent of the books about the other well-known fictitious British spy, who strangely has the same initials.
The author has clearly undertaken his homework on actual events, people, and places. I loved the in-depth details about South America, especially Buenos Aires & Rio de Janeiro, during the colonial era. Tom Williams seems to love BA and the people as much as I do. His descriptions of the risks in crossing through Andean passes on foot at certain times of the year are spot on.
Stupidly, I hadn’t before connected the names of Argentina or Rio Plata with silver. Also that the state of Bolivia never existed during the period of Spanish colonisation, the area was treated by the colonisers as a very productive silver mine. It is always enjoyable to learn new facts while reading a novel.
South America is very rarely mentioned by historians when discussing the war against Napoleon in Europe.
I cant wait to read other books by the same author!
August 28, 2021
Taking on the role of a spy, soldier James Burke reinvents himself as a Buenos Aires leather merchant, and with his trusty assistant William, sets off to aid efforts to free Argentina from Spain. Caught between two warring factions, Burke is faced with a difficult task and soon finds himself stuck in the middle when it seems everyone is against him.
I bought the eBook version of this ages ago, but for some reason the edition I have is no longer available. Doing a search on Amazon, there are currently two versions, but apparently not the one I’ve got. Anyway…
The book gets off to a slow start and continues in a similar vein for a long time. The historical details are fascinating, and it was this more than the storyline that kept me reading. Having said that, by the time I’d reached the halfway point, my boredom threshold was beginning to wane. While there’s a lot to like about the protagonist, his antics could do with being notched up a gear or two.
Potentially a great novel but a little slow for my liking.
I bought the eBook version of this ages ago, but for some reason the edition I have is no longer available. Doing a search on Amazon, there are currently two versions, but apparently not the one I’ve got. Anyway…
The book gets off to a slow start and continues in a similar vein for a long time. The historical details are fascinating, and it was this more than the storyline that kept me reading. Having said that, by the time I’d reached the halfway point, my boredom threshold was beginning to wane. While there’s a lot to like about the protagonist, his antics could do with being notched up a gear or two.
Potentially a great novel but a little slow for my liking.
June 6, 2017
A fantastic historical novel set mainly in Argentina during the Napoleonic wars. Burke (James Burke!) is a spy for the English who doesn’t hesitate to work for what he feels is right against a background of war and greed, as gold and silver are used to fuel the huge war machines of the three great powers of the time: England, France, and Spain. “Burke in the Land of Silver” took me back to a country I love, Argentina, and I learned much that I didn’t know about its history. But mostly, I followed the fascinating adventures of a gentleman spy caught between three warring countries intent on sacrificing their young men in order to gain wealth and power. The book was wonderfully researched and fast-paced. I couldn’t put it down, and I’m eagerly looking forward to reading the next books in the series.
March 12, 2023
I like this kind of book and this one was a decent example of this kind of historical fiction set in Napoleonic times. My big complaint was that the editing or transposing this book to digital/Kindle was horrible. Lots of unfinished sentences and lack of continuity to sentences. Hard to enjoy a book under these circumstances. I will try another of Williams’ historical fiction-hopefully without the issues in this book.
Read
April 17, 2025A good read.
It was an interesting read that gave me a new slant on a period of history that I have scant knowledge about other than Britain, which made two rather messed up attempts to invade Spanish South America at a time when we did not really have the forces available due to the Penisular War being the main thrust of the British Army at that time.
It was an interesting read that gave me a new slant on a period of history that I have scant knowledge about other than Britain, which made two rather messed up attempts to invade Spanish South America at a time when we did not really have the forces available due to the Penisular War being the main thrust of the British Army at that time.
December 5, 2021
Fun Read
A lot of stories with the bigger story make for a convoluted plot. But, it is otherwise well written and a good, fun read.
A lot of stories with the bigger story make for a convoluted plot. But, it is otherwise well written and a good, fun read.
June 30, 2022
Loved it
A really good read, plenty of action and an interesting story line.
Would definitely recommend this book and just about to order the next instalment
A really good read, plenty of action and an interesting story line.
Would definitely recommend this book and just about to order the next instalment
July 13, 2022
exciting read
A very enjoyable book , looking forward to the next in the series . I hope that you enjoy the book .
A very enjoyable book , looking forward to the next in the series . I hope that you enjoy the book .
July 1, 2014
This book was good... And not what I expected...
The cover didn't really do a good job captivating me, what did it was the summary of this book, especially when the MC of this story is a spy!! And that this took place in the past :)
The cover didn't really do a good job captivating me, what did it was the summary of this book, especially when the MC of this story is a spy!! And that this took place in the past :)
March 9, 2015
Fun romp through a period in history I know very little about - though I understand a little more now. The settings are colourful and beautifully described, the action gallops along and the eponymous hero is as muscular, sharp and quick-witted as the writing. James Bond in breeches.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews