Sharpe's Storm

Sharpe #19

by Bernard Cornwell

A gripping novel featuring the legendary Richard Sharpe from Bernard Cornwell, the internationally bestselling master of historical fiction widely recognized as “the most prolific and successful historical novelist in the world today” (Wall Street Journal).

War against Napoleon rages across Europe. As Britain prepares to invade France for the first time, the formidable Richard Sharpe and his men brace themselves for a cold, hard winter.

Before them, across flooded rivers and fortified bridges, lies the fiercest French army they have ever encountered. There is only one way forward for Wellington's army, and it will be bloody. . . .

Major Sharpe may be in for his toughest winter yet.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, War, Audiobook, Adventure, Military Fiction, Thriller

400 pages, Hardcover

First published October 21, 2025

About the author

Cornwell was born in London in 1944. His father was a Canadian airman, and his mother, who was English, a member of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force. He was adopted and brought up in Essex by the Wiggins family, who were members of the Peculiar People, a strict Protestant sect who banned frivolity of all kinds and even medicine. After he left them, he changed his name to his birth mother's maiden name, Cornwell.

Cornwell was sent away to Monkton Combe School, attended the University of London, and after graduating, worked as a teacher. He attempted to enlist in the British armed services at least three times but was rejected on the grounds of myopia.

He then joined BBC's Nationwide and was promoted to become head of current affairs at BBC Northern Ireland. He then joined Thames Television as editor of Thames News. He relocated to the United States in 1980 after marrying an American. Unable to get a green card, he started writing novels, as this did not require a work permit.

As a child, Cornwell loved the novels of C.S. Forester, chronicling the adventures of fictional British naval officer Horatio Hornblower during the Napoleonic Wars, and was surprised to find there were no such novels following Lord Wellington's campaign on land. Motivated by the need to support himself in the U.S. through writing, Cornwell decided to write such a series. He named his chief protagonist Richard Sharpe, a rifleman involved in most major battles of the Peninsular War.

Cornwell wanted to start the series with the Siege of Badajoz but decided instead to start with a couple of "warm-up" novels. These were Sharpe's Eagle and Sharpe's Gold, both published in 1981. Sharpe's Eagle was picked up by a publisher, and Cornwell got a three-book deal. He went on to tell the story of Badajoz in his third Sharpe novel, Sharpe's Company, published in 1982.

Cornwell and wife Judy co-wrote a series of novels, published under the pseudonym "Susannah Kells". These were A Crowning Mercy, published in 1983, Fallen Angels in 1984, and Coat of Arms (aka The Aristocrats) in 1986. (Cornwell's strict Protestant upbringing informed the background of A Crowning Mercy, which took place during the English Civil War.) In 1987, he also published Redcoat, an American Revolutionary War novel set in Philadelphia during its 1777 occupation by the British.

After publishing eight books in his ongoing Sharpe series, Cornwell was approached by a production company interested in adapting them for television. The producers asked him to write a prequel to give them a starting point to the series. They also requested that the story feature a large role for Spanish characters to secure co-funding from Spain. The result was Sharpe’s Rifles, published in 1987, and a series of Sharpe television films staring Sean Bean.

A series of contemporary thrillers with sailing as a background and common themes followed: Wildtrack published in 1988, Sea Lord (aka Killer's Wake) in 1989, Crackdown in 1990, Stormchild in 1991, and Scoundrel, a political thriller, in 1992.

In June 2006, Cornwell was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen's 80th Birthday Honours List.

Cornwell's latest work, Azincourt, was released in the UK in October 2008. The protagonist is an archer who participates in the Battle of Agincourt, another devastating defeat suffered by the French in the Hundred Years War. However, Cornwell has stated that it will not be about Thomas of Hookton from The Grail Quest or any of his relatives.

Reviews

[Charles Wood · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book scratches the itch for another Sharpe adventure but it does fall a bit short. Works with the same formula of previous Sharpe books. Wellington needs Sharpe to do something heroic, Sharpe has to deal with a terrible senior commander, Sharpe is the hero but surprisingly no damsel in distress in this book. This is better than Command and Assassin but I really think this book is more intended to get new readers to join Sharpe’s ranks. There is a lot of mentions of Trafalgar (sir Joel Chase makes a return) and also mentions of Wellington and Sharpe’s time in India with only brief references to Sharpe’s peninsular experiences. The book is also a bit repetitive in some spots and it was a bit like slogging through mud to get through these spots. The biggest thing is at the end where we don’t get the usual promise of Sharpe and Harper marching again. If this is it then it has been a great adventure that I’ve enjoyed over many years but I think I’d be satisfied if Sharpe and Harper marched off into retirement.

[Christopher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Familiar Thunder, But the Lightning is Fading.

Bernard Cornwell's latest Sharpe outing, 2025's "Sharpe's Storm," slots into the series chronology between "Sharpe's Regiment" and "Sharpe's Revenge," picking up in the bitter winter of 1813 as Wellington's forces push across the Pyrenees into southern France. Sharpe, now a battle-hardened major, is tasked with a reconnaissance mission alongside some naval brass—including the return of old ally Captain Joel Chase—to scout river crossings and French defenses amid relentless rain, mud, and enemy fire. It's a tale of logistical nightmares, skirmishes in the deluge, and a climactic battle that tests Sharpe's grit against fortified positions and the elements themselves.

As ever, Cornwell excels at the visceral stuff: the chaos of shield walls (or their rifle equivalent), the snap of musket fire, and the grim realities of campaigning in foul weather. Sharpe and his chosen men: Harper, Hagman, and a few familiar faces (that might as well be cameos), feel like slipping into well-worn boots, their banter and loyalty providing that comforting rhythm fans crave. The historical backdrop is meticulously rendered, drawing on real events like the Battle of the Nive and the daring Adour estuary crossing, and Cornwell's prose keeps the action propulsive when the bullets start flying.

But after so many books, the formula is showing its age. Sharpe clashes with an arrogant superior (check), reunites with past comrades for a bit of nostalgia (check), and wrestles with his class-bound frustrations (double check). There's an odd, and mostly unnecessary, subplot with his wife Jane attempts to telegraph her later betrayal of Sharpe but is a little too on the nose and feels like Cornwell retconning her into a shrew for dramatic convenience. Editing slips and minor inconsistencies (Sharpe's wealth, character sizes, even river directions get muddled), make the novel feel not as tight compared to earlier entries. The lack of a truly memorable villain leaves the conflict feeling more like a slog through the mud than a thunderous clash.

Comparisons to Cornwell's other warriors are inevitable—Sharpe's world still has that spark of irreverence missing from the dour Uhtred sagas, but this one lacks epic sweep; which is to be expected as it's getting harder and harder to find significant places to stick ol' Dick. It's solid hack-and-slash fare for devotees, but it doesn't reinvent the wheel or, most worryingly, promise that Sharpe and Harper will march again. If this is the end, it's a serviceable send-off; if not, Cornwell might need to shake up the ranks to keep the series from getting waterlogged.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was a good one. Of the three recent Sharpe novels it's definitely the best.

[Nick Warner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sharpe is at his best when he has a specific battle or heroic task to complete which the book works towards, or a strong enemy character (from either side!) to contend with. Neither of these are particularly present and the book struggles because of it. There's also less Sharpe-type humor in this book.

(Incidentally the presence of these three in the previous novel, albeit not a strong enemy carried the book comfortably over the incongruencies.)

That said it's still a good book. They've tightened up on congruency since the last book. The battles and action are well done. It does feel a bit like three short stories rather than one whole novel, but each of the short stories/sections is engaging and well written and captures the action and ambiance of the Sharpe series.

Overall it's a solid effort and Cornwell seems incapable of writing a bad book. That said it's not a powerhouse of a novel. 3.5 rounded to 4 stars.

[Phillip Lloyd]

I couldn't continue with this one and this has to go down as another DNF for the Year (there has been a few but life is too short). I'm just glad I didn't pay to read this.

There was once a time when to pick up a Sharpe book was to be transferred into another world and have a book that you couldn't put down. Sadly not any more. It took me over a week to get to 50% and I didn't enjoy any of this.

The same with Cornwell, I learnt so much history from his reads, but I think I'd give author a wide berth now. There was once an ambition to read the Sharpe books in order from start to finish. But recent editions make this pointless.

I'm still scratching my head at the opening scene where 600 plus men can replace their dogheads and flints and not alert a single French sentry. Sharpe and his mate Hagman have sadly been put into the 21st century, to cater for the Saving Private Ryan crowd.

The problem with recent Cornwell books is that the grammar and editing has been so bad that you start to doubt the entire plot of the book.

50% and so far its generally been about Sharpe riding around on a horse. 0 Stars.

[Tamsin Ramone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! One of my favourites! So funny and historically interesting. I’m sad Cornwell thinks it might be the last Sharpe, I hope he has one more adventure.

[Simon Plastow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it in a day

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of James’ he read on my kindle 🤭

[Antony Brewster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unlike the previous Sharpe fill-in books (Command, Assassin), this one is less of a play the hits book, although it does still tick a few boxes. Returning characters, Harris and Hagman getting things to do, pompous officer getting his comeuppance.

Where it does fall down a little, unfortunately, is the prequel-itis when it comes to the least of Sharpe's wives. We all know Jane is a conniving, grasping whatsit, especially when compared to action bride Teresa and the lovely Lucille, but I don't remember Sharpe himself being so down on her in Seige (the next in the series chronologically). Fortunately though, she gets next to no screen time.

All in all, it's Sharpe doing Sharpe things, Cornwell is on form, and I read it in an afternoon. If this is to be his last appearance, it's not a bad one to go out on.

[Jonathan Crain · Rating 4 out of 5]

In "Sharpe's Storm," Bernard Cornwell returns to familiar territory—familiar in the best possible way. Set during the winter of 1813 as Wellington's army pushes into southern France, the novel fits neatly between "Sharpe's Regiment" and "Sharpe's Siege," and once again showcases the author's command of Napoleonic warfare. Cornwell has long been the benchmark for writing battles, but here he reminds us why: the fighting is clear without being sanitized, chaotic without losing narrative control, and grounded in the real tactical dilemmas of the campaign, from constricted river crossings to the collapse of pontoon bridges. Few living writers can match Cornwell in rendering combat with such steadiness and precision.

The story follows Major Richard Sharpe as he confronts French defenses, political friction inside his own army, and the complications of a reconnaissance mission tied to Wellington's audacious plan to bridge the Adour estuary. The historical foundation is solid—the Battle of Saint-Pierre, the divided British army along the Nive, and the logistical crisis triggered by storms are all taken directly from the record—but Cornwell once again inserts Sharpe at the seam between documented events and the demands of a good adventure. It's a technique he's refined for decades, and it still works because he never bends history to fit the fiction. Sharpe is present, influential, even decisive, but the broader campaign behaves exactly as it did in 1813.

Cornwell has been criticized for using a repetitive narrative formula in his novels, but there is a reason for this repetition—it works brilliantly, as his continued success shows. Sharpe clashes with incompetent aristocratic officers; he sees what needs doing well before his superiors do; he leads from the front; and his instincts, not the chain of command, carry the day. Cornwell understands the difference between formula and repetition. The familiar beats remain compelling because they arise from genuine historical tensions within the British Army and because Cornwell keeps the machinery of the plot moving with purpose. The pattern doesn't constrain the novel; it gives it rhythm. And as formulas go, this one still delivers.

Sharpe himself remains the anchor—resilient, perceptive, and caught between social resentment and professional pride. His conflicts here with the historically attested Sir Nathaniel Peacock, who "lost his nerve and ran away" at Saint-Pierre, sharpen the book's interest in class and competence, a theme Cornwell handles without melodrama or moralizing. Peacock's failure is a historical fact; Sharpe's role in it is the fictional lens.

Cornwell's battle prose remains sharp throughout. When combat arrives, he writes with characteristic economy—"The French either died or broke"—before layering in the visceral detail that makes the fighting feel immediate rather than abstract. It's violence rendered with clarity rather than sensationalism, where we understand the tactical calculation even as we feel the human cost.

If the novel falters, it does so in ways readers of the series will recognize. The heavy logistical material—the Adour estuary's tidal complexities, bridge engineering, the precise challenges of the pontoon crossing—occasionally slows the tempo, and some emotional beats echo those of earlier books. Yet even these moments feel intrinsic to Cornwell's approach. His commitment to the actual difficulties of the Peninsular campaign is what gives the world its weight, and his recurring themes endure because they reflect the absolute rigidity of Britain's officer corps.

In the end, "Sharpe's Storm" succeeds not because it surprises but because it executes its aims with practiced confidence. Cornwell once again blends historical fidelity with narrative clarity, and once again proves that no one writes a battlefield with his combination of discipline and energy. The formula works because he works it with precision—and because, even after two dozen books, Richard Sharpe still feels like the right man to guide us through the smoke and chaos of Wellington's war.

[Alexander Theofanidis · Rating 2 out of 5]

The only reason to read this is if you’ve exhausted the series and are experiencing withdrawal, or if you’ve made up your mind to read it from start to finish.

Overall, it’s fairly uninspired, with only a few interesting moments. Despite the fact that the average fan of the series will devour it without thinking twice, it remains by far the worst the least good book in the series, more of a bland bridge (a pun referring to the content, for those who read it) between Sharpe's Regiment (1813) and Sharpe's Siege (1814).

Undoubtedly, Bernard Cornwell has gifted us with an exceptional series covering the decades around the Napoleonic Wars and a character destined to be loved and remembered by readers. However, this book does not do justice to the series or the author, and simply registers as another addition to Sharpe's "Lore."

P.S. I find it at least amusing when, not knowing the watchword of the French you're attacking, you just say "Vive L’ Empereur" and they open up... And I feel like it insults my intelligence...

* * * * *

Ο μόνος λόγος για να διαβαστεί είναι να έχεις εξαντλήσει τη σειρά και να βιώνεις στερητικά, ή να το έχεις πάρει απόφαση ότι θα τη διαβάσεις ολόκληρη από την αρχή μέχρι το τέλος.

Συνολικά είναι σχετικά ανέμπνευστο, έχει λίγες μόνο ενδιαφέρουσες στιγμές και παρά το γεγονός ότι ο μέσος λάτρης της σειράς θα το καταπιεί αμάσητο, δεν παύει να είναι μακράν το χειρότερο το λιγότερο καλό βιβλίο της σειράς, περισσότερο μια άχαρη γέφυρα (λογοπαίγνιο αναφοράς στο περιεχόμενο, για όσους το διαβάσουν) μεταξύ των Sharpe's Regiment (1813) και Sharpe's Siege (1814).

Αναντίρρητα, ο Bernard Cornwell μάς έχει χαρίσει μια εξαιρετική σειρά που καλύπτει τις δεκαετίες γύρω από τους Ναπολεόντιους πολέμους και έναν χαρακτήρα προορισμένο να αγαπηθεί και να μείνει στις μνήμες των αναγνωστών. Ωστόσο, το παρόν, δεν τιμά τη σειρά, ούτε το συγγραφέα και απλώς καταγράφεται σαν άλλη μια προσθήκη στο “Lore” του Sharpe.

Υ.Γ. Θεωρώ το λιγότερο αστείο όταν δεν ξέρεις το σύνθημα που έχουν οι Γάλλοι στους οποίους επιτίθεσαι να λες απλώς «Vive L’ Empereur» και να σου ανοίγουν… Και νιώθω ότι προσβάλλει τη νοημοσύνη μου…

[Nik Morton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bernard Cornwell’s twenty-fourth Sharpe novel, Sharpe’s Storm is actually the nineteenth in chronological order, taking place in 1813, following after Honour and Regiment (both 1813) and before Siege (1814). It isn’t a disappointment.

Sharpe and his battalion are with Wellington’s troops in Southern France, faced with crossing the river Nive to confront Marshal Soult’s formidable force. It’s winter and there seems to be perpetual rain, and it’s cold. Sharpe is tasked with escorting a couple of naval men on a secret reconnoitring mission: one of whom is Rear-Admiral Sir Joel Chase, a man he knew years ago (see Sharpe’s Trafalgar). Sir Joel’s enthusiasm soon becomes tiresome to Sharpe’ and to make matters worse he is also hindered by the buffoon Sir Nathaniel Peacock.

As well as Wellington, on good form as usual, we meet again Sharpe’s devoted Three Aitches: Harper, Harris, and Hagman.

All the ingredients we’ve come to expect are here: a couple of skirmishes, a fraught bloody battle, wife Jane, and a brief romantic interlude, laced with humour and pathos.

Sharpe is aware that the end of this war approached and if he survived it he doubted if his services would be retained. He would be at a loss if he didn’t soldier. Fighting, that’s what he was best at. And yet again he proves the truth of that.

As ever, the author’s historical note is enlightening, revealing the real characters and the author’s strategies to shoehorn his heroes into historical events.

A satisfying entry into the canon.

[Richard West · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, Major Richard Sharpe is called upon to perform what would be for most mortals an impossible task, but this is Sharpe and he's fighting those dastardly French of Napoleon's army, so he succeeds (was there any doubt?). It seems Sharpe is single-handedly winning the Napoleonic War, participating in more battles than most military people of that time ever even dreamed about.

And therein lies the problem. The Sharpe books are entertaining and enjoyable, but really, how much can one man do? Sharpe has traveled the known world, from India to Spain and all spots in-between, never failing to do right for King and country. How much more can one man do?

It may be time to let Sharpe - who, judging from all the hot-spots he's been in, should be about 75, but is only about 40, retire to his farm with his wife and enjoy being retired.

Bernard Cornwell, has through the years written numerous excellent books (I've read them all and he even has a bookcase all his own!), and perhaps it's time he moved on to another time period with another hero. How about a stand-alone novel set in a certain time period? Yes, I'm tired of all the trilogies everyone insists on writing! There's a certain sameness to the Sharpe novels and there isn't much else he can do; another character in another time period would open endless possibilities.

Meanwhile, you do have this Sharpe piece to read if you haven't read it yet. As mentioned, it's entertaining and reads fast, but it's also a bit too predictable. Perhaps it's time to let Sharpe rest and move on.

[Rob Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Triumph Amidst the Thunder
Bernard Cornwell’s Sharpe’s Storm is a masterclass in historical fiction, combining meticulous research with propulsive storytelling. Cornwell’s genius lies in his ability to make the Napoleonic Wars feel immediate, visceral, and deeply human. The novel’s battle sequences are not just descriptions of military maneuvers; they are lived experiences, filled with mud, blood, smoke, and the chaos of survival.

Richard Sharpe himself embodies the contradictions of war: ruthless yet principled, pragmatic yet idealistic. His resourcefulness and moral complexity make him a protagonist who transcends the genre. Cornwell never allows Sharpe to become a caricature of the “hero soldier”; instead, he is flawed, scarred, and deeply human, which makes his triumphs all the more compelling.

What elevates Sharpe’s Storm above other entries in the series is its balance of action and introspection. Cornwell gives us not only the thrill of battle but also the quiet moments of doubt, loyalty, and camaraderie. The dialogue crackles with authenticity, and the historical backdrop is rendered with such precision that readers feel transported to the era.

This is historical fiction at its finest — immersive, thrilling, and emotionally resonant. It earns its perfect score because it delivers everything one could want from the genre: history brought to life with passion and precision.

[Matthew Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sharpe’s Storm

Bernard Cornwell delivers once again with the latest installment in the Sharpe series, and possibly its finale.

This time, Sharpe finds himself on French soil after returning from England with fresh recruits for the Prince of Wales’s Own Volunteers. When Richard is tasked with escorting an old friend turned Admiral on a reconnaissance mission to survey bridges, he’s quickly thrust into a series of battles and skirmishes that will test his mettle once more.

Cornwell’s meticulous research shines throughout, transporting readers directly to the front lines of the Peninsular Campaign. Through Richard Sharpe’s eyes, we experience what life must have been like for soldiers during these turbulent times.

While Cornwell’s novels may not be literary award contenders, that doesn’t diminish his considerable talent as a storyteller. His writing style is utterly engaging. I finished this faster than any book I’ve read in months, and I wasn’t disappointed for a moment.

Cornwell stands among the best historical fiction writers working today, excelling in both quantity and quality. If this truly is the last Sharpe novel, it’s a fitting conclusion that leaves readers satisfied rather than let down. I highly recommend the series to anyone interested in history, and fans should pick this up as soon as possible.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

[Tim Deforest · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new Sharpe book is always a good thing.

Bernard Cornwell found a gap of about a month (December 1813) between the books "Sharpe's Regiment" and "Sharpe's Siege" in which he hadn't yet tossed Sharpe into an adventure. He makes that month an active one for both Sharpe and the ever reliable Sgt. Harper.

Sharpe is given the job of escorting a naval officer assigned to inspect a pontoon bridge. The officer is an old friend from the battle of Trafalgar. Sharpe likes and admires the Sir Joel, but the guy is insanely brave and continually drawn towards the sounds of gunfire like a fly to manure. Keeping him alive is a difficult job as Sharpe finds himself involves in several brutal battles he didn't otherwise need to be a part of. When Sharpe finally gets back to his own men and is about to face a massive French attack, Sir Joel shows up AGAIN to take part in that battle. (T0 be fair to Sir Joel, he fights well and can inspire troops around him.)


The book ends with a sort of recon mission behind French lines in which Sharpe must defeat a larger force AND make it look like the work of disgruntled Spaniards rather than British troops.

The battle scenes are fantastic--because Bernard Cornwell is incapable of writing a battle scene that's anything less than fantastic. Sir Joel is a great supporting character and "Sharpe's Storm" is yet another superb entry in the series.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most Sharpe novels, somewhere in the authors notes towards the end, has six words:

"Sharpe and Harper will march again"

This one doesn't.

Indeed, in said authors notes Bernard Cornwell even says himself he cannot promise that there will be any more of the Sharpe novels: whilst he doesn't mention this, he himself is now getting on a bit, now (at the date of publication) in his 80s.

So it's understandable, especially with the publication of this delayed by over a year.

Anyway, this is set in between the times of Sharpe's Regiment and Sharpe's Siege, as the British forces under Wellington are in the early stages of the invasion of France.

River crossings are a tricky proposition.

The Battle of the Nive, of which this is largely about, being one such.

If it is the last Sharpe novel, I'll miss reading these.

[Adam Rodgers · Rating 4 out of 5]

With Cornwell's third revisit to the Sharpe stories we find Major Sharpe mid way through his adventures as Britain prepares to invade France for the first time. Wellington tasks him with forging ingress for the army with the help of a pontoon bridge, and to do it without alerting the enemy.

While this is a by-the-numbers Sharpe tale (Sharpe encounters arrogant, unqualified commanders, leads the charge against superior forces and wins, is rewarded with more hazardous missions and champions his men and good soldiering throughout) Cornwell also includes several moments of introspection from Sharpe. He worries what would be become of him after the war - what he would do, he worries about his incompatibility with his wife Jane and her possible infidelity, and what the future really holds for him. This an interesting and welcome new angle that I hope Cornwell will explore more. Also included are nods to other adventures and of course some welcome scenes with some of the 'Chosen Men', Harper, Hagman and Harris getting the main attention.

The Sharpe series has already played out so these new stories have to retread much of what has come before, but this is no less well told and should delight any fan of the series.

[Angus Murchie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 out of 5.

Another great Sharpe story from Bernard Cornwell, I tore through the book in about 3 days and thoroughly enjoyed every moment.

As with his last book in the very opening chapter he seems to get a bit confused between his left and rights and compass points - pretty sure that deep ford required them to take a step to the right, not left, to compensate for the current pushing them westwards - but it’s a very minor point in a story which moves at great pace and with loads of action, as well as wonderful historically accurate details.

As a reader - and indeed owner - of every book Cornwell has written it’s fair to say that one could pick up the Sharpe series at virtually any point and enough back story will always be provided to ensure a new reader knows what’s going on. For a long time reader these can, perhaps, become slightly superfluous but they’re never written in such a way that they feel shoehorned in. Instead they feel like a natural part of the storytelling.

This book has several laugh out loud lines.

[Luke O'Neill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Classic Sharpe although being honest it isn't his best work and the Jane subplot just seemed plain odd. Fair enough she goes away and comes back but the level of hatred he felt towards her, then it was implied he cheated on her... I was thinking to myself whilst reading it, he's messed up here, it just didn't all make sense.

I know Sharpe is both a simple and complex character but come on. It just didn't seem right. I suppose it's hard rewriting essentially the same story with changes (different battles, none of the regulars die, mostly historically accurate) whilst referencing the past stories and leaving space for the future development of the Sharpe character. It'd be tough. I mean look at the mess GRRM has got himself in to with his complex story telling

Whilst I love the Sharpe series, I'm wondering if the character needs resting again for a while and Bernard giving something else I go? He seems to almost hint this himself at the end.

[Mila · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well ... it was okay... until it wasn't.
While the adventure, in the end, is what saved the day, I feel like Cornwell is losing his touch with this one and/ or needs a better editor, someone who remembers previous books.
There are just too many tiny details that are missing to truly make this book fit into the timeline that has been created before:
Sharpe is not poor, he found diamonds at Vitoria. He says so himself in the next (chronologically) book.
He has not truly been happy since Lady Grace? What about Teresa? She hasn't even been mentioned.
What about Harper's wife? No mention of her, either.
Since when is Lord Wellington so chummy? Feels strange indeed.

Too many mentions of the same thing (looks, Jane in St. Jean, how certain things work ...) Once you've read about a details for the third time, you start wondering who proofread this.

I never thought I'd say this but it might be time to not continue here.

[ZZ · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a long wait, Sharpe’s Storm brings Richard Sharpe back to the battlefield. Set during the final winter of the Peninsular War, this is classic Bernard Cornwell: vivid combat and biting humor with a touch of gunpowder smell. Few writers can make a battlefield feel so real, while the piquets inspection scene with the Admiral is quite hilarious.

But beneath the roar of muskets and cannons it seems like there is a new dimension. Sharpe has always been a man of action, loyal and caring beneath his rough edges — yet here we see an emotional depth that feels new, as if time has finally begun to weigh on him.

I reached the final page hoping to read those familiar words — “Sharpe and Harper will march again” — but they never came. If this truly is their last campaign (hopefully not), it’s a worthy farewell: fierce, human, and full of heart.

[The Bauchler · Rating 4 out of 5]

A worthwhile read.

All the usual stuff in a Sharpe novel are present.

He says his catch phrase 'Jus' Shooowt the bastard(s)' a couple of times.

The old gang make appearances - Harper, Hagman, Wellington and each do their thing.

Haughty senior officers are shown to be gutless and get their comeuppance.

Some characters from previous novels make an appearance.

A couple of exciting set piece battles, some skirmishing and some naval action.

And Sharpe does a bit of (the other kind of) navel gazing about his wife and other women.

Not a literary masterpiece but as a Sharpe novel - its bang-on.

Addendum: I didn't notice any timeline inaccuracies but I only read them irregularly so don't tend to remember who was where and when from book to book. Didn't come across any editorial issues and the reader did a great job.

3.75*

[Colin Hilding · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easily the best of what will probably be the final 3 Sharpe novels. The benefit of Cornwell writing these books out of order is the ability to expand on and set up stories that have already been published, and this one takes advantage of bridging the gap between Regiment and Siege, which take place on either side of it chronologically. There are several supporting characters from other books that appear or are referenced, including several from the earliest chronological stories. and giving more context to Sharpe's mistrust of Jane adds to the later books. I'll always hold out hope that Cornwell gets the urge to write another Sharpe, especially since he's just finding his 2nd (or maybe 3rd) wind with the character.

[Philip · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always a great read by Bernard Cornwell with Richard Sharpe during the last year of the war against Napoleon. Wellington and the British forces are fighting their way into south west France after crossing the Pyrenees. As usual Wellington needs Sharpe’s fighting skills to find a way across the many rivers that are obstacles to allow the British and the Prussian’s to finally close the noose on Napoleon and the French forces. Although it started slowly. When it the came to the final last battle and expedition north to assess the feasibility of the pontoon bridge over the River Adour, west of Bayonne. This Bernard Cornwell at his best. I raced to the end. The next question is whether this is the last of Sharpe’s adventures. I hope not!

[Mr Roy Davidson · Rating 2 out of 5]

A below average Sharpe book. If this was the last ever Sharpe book, as Mr C suggests, it was disappointing. There was no real baddie to hate as the Sir Knobbiehead was soon found out by running away at the first smell of the Frenchies in the distance. It is also difficult bringing wife Jane back into the book when we all know how this will end. Perhaps if this book was read by someone who has not read the full series, they may find it more enjoyable. I did not, so sorry Mr C but it may have been better to not write this final book. Instead, why not try and finish the Starbuck Chronicles, which were left in abeyance and needed another book.

[Hamid · Rating 2 out of 5]

Big fan of trash. Big fan of Sharpe. There's not much to see here. Cornwell still revels in some of the details of early 19th century life during the Napoleonic campaigns - slang, measures, army-navy rivalry - but this book doesn't quite have the Sharpe magic of many of the previous novels. It feels small and done by rote with a bevvy of characters from elsewhere in the Sharpeverse popping up to say hello. I suspect an element of this is - as Cornwell suggests, poignantly at the end of the novel - that his talented editor passed away.

Cornwell suggests that he might not write any further Sharpe novels, which would be a shame. We'd be left neither on a high nor a low. Just a meh.

[Orsayor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bernard Cornwell once again proves why he is a master of historical fiction. Sharpe’s Storm delivers fierce action, sharp dialogue, and a solid mix of strategy and chaos on the battlefield. The dynamic between Sharpe and Sir Joel adds tension and a few unexpected laughs. While it didn’t hit the absolute peak of earlier Sharpe adventures, it still stands strong with vivid writing and gripping momentum. I’m giving this one 4 stars for its intensity, character grit, and classic Cornwell storytelling.

[Oliver Partington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not entirely sure what I think of these gap fill Sharpe books.

Cornwell sticks to the tried and tested format. Sharpe recklessly leading from the front, Harper firing his volley gun a few times, Hagman shooting from distance. British toff officer is the enemy within. The French are hapless and as it is a gap fill you know they will all prevail.

So a little samey and lacks the creativity of some of the originals. However, why meddle with a format Sharpe fans know and love? Took me a few days to devour this and I thoroughly enjoyed it, as I am sure I will with any and every Sharpe to come!