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Peninsular War #2
An Irregular Regiment
An Irregular Regiment is the second book in the Peninsular War Saga and continues the story of Major Paul van Daan and the 110th infantry as they prepare to meet the French on the ridge of Bussaco in Portugal. Back on the battlefield only two weeks after his scandalous marriage to the young widow of Captain Robert Carlyon, Paul is ready for the challenge of the invading French army.
But after a successful battle, Lord Wellington has another posting for his most unorthodox officer and Paul and Anne find themselves back in Lisbon dealing with a whole new set of challenges with army supplies, new recruits and a young officer who seems to represent everything Paul despises in the army’s views on discipline and punishment. Anne is getting used to life as the wife of a newly promoted regimental colonel as two other women join the regiment under very different circumstances. And an old adversary appears in the shape of Captain Vincent Longford whose resentment at serving under Paul is as strong as ever.
It’s a relief to return to the field but Paul finds himself serving under the worst General in the army in a situation which could endanger his career, his regiment and his life.
Given a brief by Wellington which requires Paul to use tact and diplomacy as well as his formidable fighting skills, it’s hardly surprising that the army is holding it’s breath waiting for Wellington’s newest and most explosive colonel to fail spectacularly.
From the author of the Light Division Romances
But after a successful battle, Lord Wellington has another posting for his most unorthodox officer and Paul and Anne find themselves back in Lisbon dealing with a whole new set of challenges with army supplies, new recruits and a young officer who seems to represent everything Paul despises in the army’s views on discipline and punishment. Anne is getting used to life as the wife of a newly promoted regimental colonel as two other women join the regiment under very different circumstances. And an old adversary appears in the shape of Captain Vincent Longford whose resentment at serving under Paul is as strong as ever.
It’s a relief to return to the field but Paul finds himself serving under the worst General in the army in a situation which could endanger his career, his regiment and his life.
Given a brief by Wellington which requires Paul to use tact and diplomacy as well as his formidable fighting skills, it’s hardly surprising that the army is holding it’s breath waiting for Wellington’s newest and most explosive colonel to fail spectacularly.
From the author of the Light Division Romances
293 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 29, 2017
103 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Bryant
29 books33 followersLynn Bryant was born and raised in London’s East End. She studied History at University and had dreams of being a writer from a young age. Since this was clearly not something a working class girl made good could aspire to, she had a variety of careers including a librarian, NHS administrator, relationship counsellor and manager of an art gallery before realising that most of these were just as unlikely as being a writer and took the step of publishing her first book.
She now lives in the Isle of Man and is married to a man who understands technology, which saves her a job, and has two teenage children and a labrador. History is still a passion, with a particular enthusiasm for the Napoleonic era and the sixteenth century. When not writing she plays with her dog, reads anything that’s put in front of her and makes periodic and unsuccessful attempts to keep a tidy house.
“An Unwilling Alliance” the first book in the Manxman series was shortlisted for the 2019 Society for Army Historical Research fiction prize.
She now lives in the Isle of Man and is married to a man who understands technology, which saves her a job, and has two teenage children and a labrador. History is still a passion, with a particular enthusiasm for the Napoleonic era and the sixteenth century. When not writing she plays with her dog, reads anything that’s put in front of her and makes periodic and unsuccessful attempts to keep a tidy house.
“An Unwilling Alliance” the first book in the Manxman series was shortlisted for the 2019 Society for Army Historical Research fiction prize.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 11, 2024
I read the first book in the series, An Unconventional Officer, not knowing what to expect. I wasn't sure I would enjoy it as much as I did as this was a book written in a period I didn't really know much about despite having read some Sharpe books back in the 80s and having been awed by the 70s film Waterloo as an 8-year-old. I have to say I was completely pleasantly surprised. From the first chapter I was gripped. Ms Bryant's ability to draw me in with her world building and excellent characters, dialogue, and action, engrossed me enough to want to read more of her books. The first book led me into early 19thc military man Paul van Daan's world and now, having read his adventures in book ii, I am totally committed, especially also having enjoyed his appearance in Bryant's first Manxman book.
In this second book, An Irregular Regiment, A very much changed Paul, now a Colonel, starts a new life with his new wife, Anne, and both of them are forced to face the whisperings and negative remarks about how they came to together, especially so soon after his first wife, Rowena died. As usual, everything about this unconventional couple is seen as just that - unconventional, but their affable and compassionate qualities soon win over the men of the 110th and the women followers. In this book, there are plenty of battles and things that go wrong, all pretty much based on true events. Ms Bryant's research shines through her narrative making the fiction she is writing seem like a very real world with very realistic characters. I believe that she has done extensive reading of letters and eye witness accounts to back up her portrayals of real characters and the attitudes attributed to them and her fictional players.
The thing I love most about these books is that there is a great balance of action, battles, and relationships. Battles don't drag on forever and are not overly gratuitous but still give the atmosphere of what life was like in a 19thc army and remains gritty. The characters are all real and even the villains are not just one dimensional and there are ample opportunities to learn more about their backstories in Ms Bryant's free short-stories which you will find on her website.
The plot is set in early 19th century Napoleonic War era in Portugal, and I love the author's portrayal of Wellington, a major player in the series. He is written just as I would imagine him to be and I can hear him, visualise and imagine him just as he is described in the book. The battle scenes immersed me and the way the author has written them gives you not just the facts, but how the characters felt, their pain, frustration, and anger allowing the reader to see the human side of the story.
Another aspect that was very well done was the relationships between the characters, not just the soldiers but also with the women who they end up falling in love with. I particularly felt drawn to the way Anne feels about the troubled and vulnerable young men and women and could easily relate to her wanting to care for every one who has had ben troubled by events in their lives. Se would have made such a good psychiatric nurse today!
Alongside the narrative, Paul's personal issues with his adversaries also come into play and there is always something to make you want to turn the page. All in all, this is a book that will drive you to the end and have you looking forward to the next. I couldn't really fault anything in this book and will definitely be reading the whole series.
I highly recommend.
In this second book, An Irregular Regiment, A very much changed Paul, now a Colonel, starts a new life with his new wife, Anne, and both of them are forced to face the whisperings and negative remarks about how they came to together, especially so soon after his first wife, Rowena died. As usual, everything about this unconventional couple is seen as just that - unconventional, but their affable and compassionate qualities soon win over the men of the 110th and the women followers. In this book, there are plenty of battles and things that go wrong, all pretty much based on true events. Ms Bryant's research shines through her narrative making the fiction she is writing seem like a very real world with very realistic characters. I believe that she has done extensive reading of letters and eye witness accounts to back up her portrayals of real characters and the attitudes attributed to them and her fictional players.
The thing I love most about these books is that there is a great balance of action, battles, and relationships. Battles don't drag on forever and are not overly gratuitous but still give the atmosphere of what life was like in a 19thc army and remains gritty. The characters are all real and even the villains are not just one dimensional and there are ample opportunities to learn more about their backstories in Ms Bryant's free short-stories which you will find on her website.
The plot is set in early 19th century Napoleonic War era in Portugal, and I love the author's portrayal of Wellington, a major player in the series. He is written just as I would imagine him to be and I can hear him, visualise and imagine him just as he is described in the book. The battle scenes immersed me and the way the author has written them gives you not just the facts, but how the characters felt, their pain, frustration, and anger allowing the reader to see the human side of the story.
Another aspect that was very well done was the relationships between the characters, not just the soldiers but also with the women who they end up falling in love with. I particularly felt drawn to the way Anne feels about the troubled and vulnerable young men and women and could easily relate to her wanting to care for every one who has had ben troubled by events in their lives. Se would have made such a good psychiatric nurse today!
Alongside the narrative, Paul's personal issues with his adversaries also come into play and there is always something to make you want to turn the page. All in all, this is a book that will drive you to the end and have you looking forward to the next. I couldn't really fault anything in this book and will definitely be reading the whole series.
I highly recommend.
September 19, 2019
Good series
This is the second book of this series and picks up smoothly after the first as the young British Major with the unusual regiment of the 110th. His personal life is as interesting as his rapid rise in rank and his individual troops.
I'm sold as a reader of mostly historical fiction here. The plot involves the early 19th century Napoleonic War era in Portugal. Wellington is a prominent figure here and strategies of the various battles are used in a very descriptive way. The writing gave me a good sense of the frustration, fear and determination of the participants involved. The additional background of their various lives as they train for war and eventually go into these bloody battles puts a very human side to this story.
One thing that stands out for me here is the woman who went with their husbands and the various female camp followers. Giving birth on troop ships and in camps and dragging children along was not uncommon. What is more striking is the commanding officers whose wives have birth and their infants are then sent back home to Britain to be raised by extended family. What does that say for the mothers? The major here is considered a good father her hasn't seen his own children in years. If ever there was a time for birth control education it would be here. It's a strikingly hard and fascinating subject that was an accepted practice of the times. But women were not considered more than helpless individuals and had no status. It's a bit much to take given today's standards.
My one issue with the story as written here is the injection of modern terminology in dialogue on the rare occasion. I am certain the word "friggin" was not in use at the time not the phrase "I'll give you your space." I'm a bit of a stickler on this issue and it rather ruins my concentration while reading an otherwise great story.
I am going to recommend to readers of historical fiction as you get a real feel for life in camp and what it might have been like for the various troops, women and their commanding officers.
This is the second book of this series and picks up smoothly after the first as the young British Major with the unusual regiment of the 110th. His personal life is as interesting as his rapid rise in rank and his individual troops.
I'm sold as a reader of mostly historical fiction here. The plot involves the early 19th century Napoleonic War era in Portugal. Wellington is a prominent figure here and strategies of the various battles are used in a very descriptive way. The writing gave me a good sense of the frustration, fear and determination of the participants involved. The additional background of their various lives as they train for war and eventually go into these bloody battles puts a very human side to this story.
One thing that stands out for me here is the woman who went with their husbands and the various female camp followers. Giving birth on troop ships and in camps and dragging children along was not uncommon. What is more striking is the commanding officers whose wives have birth and their infants are then sent back home to Britain to be raised by extended family. What does that say for the mothers? The major here is considered a good father her hasn't seen his own children in years. If ever there was a time for birth control education it would be here. It's a strikingly hard and fascinating subject that was an accepted practice of the times. But women were not considered more than helpless individuals and had no status. It's a bit much to take given today's standards.
My one issue with the story as written here is the injection of modern terminology in dialogue on the rare occasion. I am certain the word "friggin" was not in use at the time not the phrase "I'll give you your space." I'm a bit of a stickler on this issue and it rather ruins my concentration while reading an otherwise great story.
I am going to recommend to readers of historical fiction as you get a real feel for life in camp and what it might have been like for the various troops, women and their commanding officers.
November 19, 2018
Having read "An Unconventional Officer" in something like 48 hours, I had high hopes for the sequel, and I was not disappointed. In my opinion, "Irregular Regiment" is even better -- the plot is tighter (it takes place over the course of a few months rather than several years), the characters are well-established, and the story is just as exciting. As with the first book, if you're after lengthy descriptions of battles, this series may not be your thing -- there *are* battles, but they are much less important than the characters and their interactions. This is, once again, a story about people, and a very good one at that.
Historical and fictional characters rub shoulders effortlessly, and real events shape the fortunes of the characters as they move through the Peninsular War. Other reviews elsewhere have, I notice, used the "S----e" word; this is a very different kettle of fish, and I think in many ways more credible. Barring the very odd typo, I have very little to criticise about this book, and I am a very, very picky customer where this period is concerned. The bar for the next book in the series is ridiculously high, but somehow I feel it will be reached, if not exceeded. Highly recommended.
Historical and fictional characters rub shoulders effortlessly, and real events shape the fortunes of the characters as they move through the Peninsular War. Other reviews elsewhere have, I notice, used the "S----e" word; this is a very different kettle of fish, and I think in many ways more credible. Barring the very odd typo, I have very little to criticise about this book, and I am a very, very picky customer where this period is concerned. The bar for the next book in the series is ridiculously high, but somehow I feel it will be reached, if not exceeded. Highly recommended.
October 21, 2018
Another exciting installment in the life of Paul van Daan and his wife Anne. A figure from the past reappears in the shape of Vincent Longford, who has long held a grudge against Paul, and who continues to cause trouble to Paul and his regiment. Paul's promotion by Wellington, but with strings attached, creates more headaches, as Paul deals with a fatally inept General. The relationship between Paul and his wife is developed; Anne's actions in defiance of the social norms of the day illustrates how women were able to contribute to the success of Wellington's Peninsular campaign. It is good to see this little known aspect of British military warfare brought into the story, giving some welcome acknowledgement to the women who have been written out of most historical accounts. All in all, a very well-researched and engrossing tale.
July 10, 2017
Okay, first thing to say is I stayed up reading this until almost two.
I really enjoyed the first one but I loved this even more. We’re right into the nitty gritty of the war now, fighting is hard and people are dying. And in the middle of it we’ve got the best love story since Jamie and Claire in outlander - I know that’s sacrilege but it’s true. And this one doesn’t beat her either.
This book has everything, action, romance, history and a whole host of characters that I love. I was actually upset that I finished it and can’t wait for book three. Read these books.
I really enjoyed the first one but I loved this even more. We’re right into the nitty gritty of the war now, fighting is hard and people are dying. And in the middle of it we’ve got the best love story since Jamie and Claire in outlander - I know that’s sacrilege but it’s true. And this one doesn’t beat her either.
This book has everything, action, romance, history and a whole host of characters that I love. I was actually upset that I finished it and can’t wait for book three. Read these books.
April 8, 2019
I love this series....
This is the third in five books, and I have enjoyed each one. Lynn Bryant has done her homework and produced a fictional account of the historical battles in Portugal and Spain chasing Napoleons army.
Life in the camp is colorful dealing a changing norms. Flogging, discipline and issues of seniority in British army. They usually paid to move up n rank. Clothes, food, architecture and trouble getting civilians out of combat areas help create a fast paced story. It is a look backward into Napoleonic wars... is a fascinating read. Don't miss this one !
This is the third in five books, and I have enjoyed each one. Lynn Bryant has done her homework and produced a fictional account of the historical battles in Portugal and Spain chasing Napoleons army.
Life in the camp is colorful dealing a changing norms. Flogging, discipline and issues of seniority in British army. They usually paid to move up n rank. Clothes, food, architecture and trouble getting civilians out of combat areas help create a fast paced story. It is a look backward into Napoleonic wars... is a fascinating read. Don't miss this one !
June 17, 2021
Michael as
I've enjoyed both books so far. The fighting is descriptive and vivid. Excellent. However. My god, how many times do we have to be told how beautiful Nan is and how every one in the world fancies her over and over and over again. We get it. She's pretty. As I said the fighting is excellent but more than half the chapters are akin to old romantic books. Mills and Boone. Give us a break please. I'm off to buy the next one.
I've enjoyed both books so far. The fighting is descriptive and vivid. Excellent. However. My god, how many times do we have to be told how beautiful Nan is and how every one in the world fancies her over and over and over again. We get it. She's pretty. As I said the fighting is excellent but more than half the chapters are akin to old romantic books. Mills and Boone. Give us a break please. I'm off to buy the next one.
June 29, 2020
History and Imagination, a great combination!
At a time when many seem bent on destroying history, not caring or understanding that History does not change. Lynn Bryant weaves tales of people caught up in history, stories that entertain and remind us that the human race has always had Heroes and Villains.
At a time when many seem bent on destroying history, not caring or understanding that History does not change. Lynn Bryant weaves tales of people caught up in history, stories that entertain and remind us that the human race has always had Heroes and Villains.
May 27, 2024
A Refreshing Change
I've now finished books 1 and 2. Great storylines mixed with history but also characters that come to life and also give a bit of background into the workings of the army, at that time. Highly recommended.
I've now finished books 1 and 2. Great storylines mixed with history but also characters that come to life and also give a bit of background into the workings of the army, at that time. Highly recommended.
January 7, 2025
The Peninsular War
These books are a delight. The detail is dense and accurate, the characters (both good and bad) are vivid and lifelike, and they are well-written, grammatical, and literate—which is sadly uncommon in modern publishing. 5 stars.
These books are a delight. The detail is dense and accurate, the characters (both good and bad) are vivid and lifelike, and they are well-written, grammatical, and literate—which is sadly uncommon in modern publishing. 5 stars.
July 19, 2022
One of the best books that I have read, from start to finish it was my type of reading and I recommend
it to all the followers of this type of adventure novels.
it to all the followers of this type of adventure novels.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews