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An Officer's Genesis: Book 1 in The Life of William Culpepper
A young man thrown into war, now he must make his way toward a destiny forged in fire.
In the waning years of the eighteenth century, young William Culpepper leaves behind his quiet family home and steps into the ruthless world of the British Army. Appointed an ensign in the King’s 33rd Regiment of Foot, he soon learns that courage, intellect, and moral conviction are tested in the forge of the battlefield.
From the muddy streets of Halifax and the chaos of Boxtel in Flanders to the heat and intrigue of India, William’s rise from inexperienced subaltern to capable officer is made through fire and betrayal. Haunted by the distant expectations of his father and the steadfast devotion of his mother, he faces not only the enemy abroad but conspiracies within his own ranks. These plots reach from the deck of the HMS Indus to the governor’s office at Madras.
Guided by the enigmatic Colonel Edmund Greaves and shadowed by men whose loyalties blur the line between empire and treason, William uncovers a hidden struggle where science, ambition, and espionage intertwine with the honor of the regiment. Each step forward demands both sacrifice and resolve, shaping him into something harder than youth and purer than a proper officer of His Majesty’s Army.
Through loss and triumph, friendship and betrayal, An Officer’s Genesis reveals the making of a soldier whose destiny will echo across continents. In the crucible of war and the murk of empire, William Culpepper begins his long journey toward greatness, one that will test not only his steel but his ability to survive both on and off the field of battle.
Perfect for readers who enjoy the historical depth and military realism of Bernard Cornwell and C. S. Forester.
In the waning years of the eighteenth century, young William Culpepper leaves behind his quiet family home and steps into the ruthless world of the British Army. Appointed an ensign in the King’s 33rd Regiment of Foot, he soon learns that courage, intellect, and moral conviction are tested in the forge of the battlefield.
From the muddy streets of Halifax and the chaos of Boxtel in Flanders to the heat and intrigue of India, William’s rise from inexperienced subaltern to capable officer is made through fire and betrayal. Haunted by the distant expectations of his father and the steadfast devotion of his mother, he faces not only the enemy abroad but conspiracies within his own ranks. These plots reach from the deck of the HMS Indus to the governor’s office at Madras.
Guided by the enigmatic Colonel Edmund Greaves and shadowed by men whose loyalties blur the line between empire and treason, William uncovers a hidden struggle where science, ambition, and espionage intertwine with the honor of the regiment. Each step forward demands both sacrifice and resolve, shaping him into something harder than youth and purer than a proper officer of His Majesty’s Army.
Through loss and triumph, friendship and betrayal, An Officer’s Genesis reveals the making of a soldier whose destiny will echo across continents. In the crucible of war and the murk of empire, William Culpepper begins his long journey toward greatness, one that will test not only his steel but his ability to survive both on and off the field of battle.
Perfect for readers who enjoy the historical depth and military realism of Bernard Cornwell and C. S. Forester.
563 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 20, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
November 17, 2025
Set in a lightly fictionalized version of the late 1700s British Army, a new ensign from a highly place trading family is present at the initial battles in France and retreat, and quickly advances in rank. The book glosses over several things from the time, including the use of officer servants and the actual effects of the purchase system, and it makes the main character a super smart person with many languages, including Indian languages-- which is good because our hero is sent to India to have light spy as well as company level command adventures.
The book is very clean, almost a youth/early teen book.
The book is very clean, almost a youth/early teen book.
December 15, 2025
Fighting the French
A young officer joins the British Army and faces fire in Flanders. He wins a field promotion to Lieutenant and the attention of Lt. Colonel Arther Wellesley. Who sends him in advance of the regiment’s arrival in India. This is well written, and takes an interesting take on wars other authors have covered. I look forward to the sequels in this series.
A young officer joins the British Army and faces fire in Flanders. He wins a field promotion to Lieutenant and the attention of Lt. Colonel Arther Wellesley. Who sends him in advance of the regiment’s arrival in India. This is well written, and takes an interesting take on wars other authors have covered. I look forward to the sequels in this series.
December 28, 2025
Growing into manhood
An excellent story. Fantastic plot that is mentally challenging. Wonderful cast of characters. Very well written. Much crammed into a short time frame. Hidden plots galore. Recommend this book.
An excellent story. Fantastic plot that is mentally challenging. Wonderful cast of characters. Very well written. Much crammed into a short time frame. Hidden plots galore. Recommend this book.
January 20, 2026
excellent
A very well written novel of an English officer , at the end of the French Revolution and early days of the Empire, who is sent to India with Wellington.
Great subterfuge, plots, and calculations.
Highly recommend
A very well written novel of an English officer , at the end of the French Revolution and early days of the Empire, who is sent to India with Wellington.
Great subterfuge, plots, and calculations.
Highly recommend
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews