It's autumn 1810, Napoleon's legions have overrun Spain, and it looks as if Britain is losing the war. Backed by the Royal Navy, the British and their Spanish allies are clinging on to a toe-hold at Cadiz. As the French press ever closer, Lieutenant Williams of His Majesty's 106th Foot joins the Spanish partisans fighting behind enemy lines. Embroiled in the merciless guerrilla war, he soon realises that the greatest dangers come from his own side. A traitor is at work, and Williams must try to reach the British lines and warn them before a surprise raid on the French turns into a disaster.
Adrian Goldsworthy, born in 1969, is the author of numerous acclaimed books, including biographies of Julius Caesar and Augustus. He lectures widely and consults on historical documentaries for the History Channel, National Geographic, and the BBC. He lives in the UK.
Decent addition to a good series as Williams, Pringle and Hanley aid the Spanish partisans against the invading French. A traitor works against them, Williams still covets the gorgeous Miss McAndrews and there many battles and scrapes before a huge fight to end the book. Always good to catch up with this trio of likeable rouges.
Of the five books in the series so far, this one reads most like characters inserted into a detailed description of a battle. It had rather the feel of a docudrama - informative, sometimes compelling but caught a little between two stools. Nevertheless, one key character arc reaches a pleasing conclusion and I will certainly be reading the last in the series soon.
This was a very exciting book & most of it happened in 1810. I know a lot of Napoleonic history at that time including the fights in the control of Spain & Portugal but you made the action more exciting than I remembered reading about. Our continued fight in pushing the French back will be in book 6.