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Peninsular War #4
A Redoubtable Citadel
In the freezing January of 1812, Lord Wellington pushes his army on to the fortress town of Ciudad Rodrigo and a bloody siege with tragic consequences. In the aftermath of the battle Colonel Paul van Daan and his wife Anne take a brief trip to Lisbon to allow Paul’s family to take their young son back to England. With his career flourishing and his marriage happy, Paul has never felt so secure. But his world is shattered when his young wife is taken prisoner by a French colonel with a personal grudge against Paul. As Wellington’s army begins the siege of Badajoz, the other great Spanish border fortress, his scouts and agents conduct a frantic search for the colonel’s wife. Meanwhile Anne van Daan is in the worst danger of her life and needs to call on all her considerable resources to survive, with no idea if help is on the way.
371 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 8, 2017
71 people are currently reading
14 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 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 2, 2018
This is a hard hitting and graphic episode in the life of Paul van Daan and his wife Anne, reflecting the grim nature of a particular event in the Peninsular Wars. I won't give any spoilers, but will say that the author deals sensitively with the subject matter while still conveying the awfulness. The main characters' reactions to the event come across as realistic. I am also enjoying the development of one of the more interesting secondary characters, Paul's protegee Manson, and look forward to further episodes in this gripping series.
October 28, 2023
I have been enjoying Lynn Bryant’s Napoleonic War stories for some now, impressed by her thorough historical research and loving her vibrant character’s especially Colonel Paul Van Daan. My enjoyment is enhanced by regular drives through the Spanish and Portuguese countryside where the Peninsular War took place, but you will still appreciate these human tales without ever having been to this part of Europe.
Paul Van Daan is now an experienced, brave officer trusted by the irascible Duke of Wellington and valued by the men in his brigade. After the sad death of his first wife he is now very happily married to Anne, whom he loves intensely. With medical skills she is happy to travel with her husband tending to the wounded after each siege or battle. Her methods are not approved by the Army medics, but she frequently saves lives by her attention to cleanliness and aversion to bleeding wounded patients.
The couple take a break in Lisbon to see Paul’s children who have arrived with his brother’s family. As Paul is summoned back by Wellington, Anne follows later with a small party of British soldiers and they soon encounter a renegade troupe of French soldiers. At this point I became aware that the nub of this volume is the plight of women in warfare. We read of prostitutes who followed the armies but do we realise that this was probably their only way to survive. Army wives, particularly of the other ranks, endured awful conditions to be with their husbands, though many were forced to stay at home with no financial support for long periods. And the dire fate of women captured by the worst elements of a foreign army are highlighted here.
There is a delightful sub-plot involving one of Paul’s junior officers, but the intense pain felt by Paul and the bravery and strong will of Anne are emotional but worthwhile parts of the plot. This is a story of the sufferings of war and the power of the human spirit to overcome the pain with love.
It is definitely possible to read this volume as a standalone, but I would also recommend starting with Volume 1, An Unconventional Officer.
Paul Van Daan is now an experienced, brave officer trusted by the irascible Duke of Wellington and valued by the men in his brigade. After the sad death of his first wife he is now very happily married to Anne, whom he loves intensely. With medical skills she is happy to travel with her husband tending to the wounded after each siege or battle. Her methods are not approved by the Army medics, but she frequently saves lives by her attention to cleanliness and aversion to bleeding wounded patients.
The couple take a break in Lisbon to see Paul’s children who have arrived with his brother’s family. As Paul is summoned back by Wellington, Anne follows later with a small party of British soldiers and they soon encounter a renegade troupe of French soldiers. At this point I became aware that the nub of this volume is the plight of women in warfare. We read of prostitutes who followed the armies but do we realise that this was probably their only way to survive. Army wives, particularly of the other ranks, endured awful conditions to be with their husbands, though many were forced to stay at home with no financial support for long periods. And the dire fate of women captured by the worst elements of a foreign army are highlighted here.
There is a delightful sub-plot involving one of Paul’s junior officers, but the intense pain felt by Paul and the bravery and strong will of Anne are emotional but worthwhile parts of the plot. This is a story of the sufferings of war and the power of the human spirit to overcome the pain with love.
It is definitely possible to read this volume as a standalone, but I would also recommend starting with Volume 1, An Unconventional Officer.
September 23, 2019
Consistently good read!
This is a very worthwhile series. The early 198th century Napoleonic wars era is a fascinating time, this one being set in Portugal near the Spanish border as Wellington attacks the French.
The main focus of this book is more about Colonel can Daan's wife and their meeting with his family after the birth of their child. I cannot imagine not having seen my own children years away at war and then handing over the new baby soon after his birth to be raised, again, by his brother and sister-in-law. No wonder there 's friction in the family. It must be so very hard on the children. They're the truly affected here! I'm amazed that Paul makes a comment about how well his son will turn out given these parents based on "his" rearing of them. Letters and financial support aren't substitute for being an active, present parent. I know this to my cost. I know he has no choice, but she does. It bothered me no end, yet I know it was common practice at the time.
The life of Colonel van Daan during this time, his relationship with Wellington, and his relationship with his own family and wife are covered quite well as she meets his family and the traumatic events that follow at the same time he must lead his men into a extremely bloody battle as they push the French out of Portugal and into Spain. The battle scenes are, as always, extreme and well described. The aftermath is almost as bad. But you get a real feel for the struggles of war here.
The dialogue, and some of the plot, does make me a crazy though as it's too modern for the era. A stickler of mine!
Still, I do recommend to readers of historical fiction and romance.
This is a very worthwhile series. The early 198th century Napoleonic wars era is a fascinating time, this one being set in Portugal near the Spanish border as Wellington attacks the French.
The main focus of this book is more about Colonel can Daan's wife and their meeting with his family after the birth of their child. I cannot imagine not having seen my own children years away at war and then handing over the new baby soon after his birth to be raised, again, by his brother and sister-in-law. No wonder there 's friction in the family. It must be so very hard on the children. They're the truly affected here! I'm amazed that Paul makes a comment about how well his son will turn out given these parents based on "his" rearing of them. Letters and financial support aren't substitute for being an active, present parent. I know this to my cost. I know he has no choice, but she does. It bothered me no end, yet I know it was common practice at the time.
The life of Colonel van Daan during this time, his relationship with Wellington, and his relationship with his own family and wife are covered quite well as she meets his family and the traumatic events that follow at the same time he must lead his men into a extremely bloody battle as they push the French out of Portugal and into Spain. The battle scenes are, as always, extreme and well described. The aftermath is almost as bad. But you get a real feel for the struggles of war here.
The dialogue, and some of the plot, does make me a crazy though as it's too modern for the era. A stickler of mine!
Still, I do recommend to readers of historical fiction and romance.
March 9, 2019
Well done
This was not an easy one to read. I knew the battles outcome. After the issue of the French officer/ renegade and Ann's survival, Badajoz was not as horrible or perhaps the reader is conditioned for the aftermath as it was an historic atrocity. I thought there were several hangings as well as flogging.
Well told however.
This is an amazing series written for this time period. Women's issues astound the modern reader and we don't always remember how far we have recently come. Children could so easily be removed from the mother at the death of the husband.
I have read all five books now and hope it continues through Waterloo.
Camp followers and families in baggage trains need their stories told.
Also the field hospitals and medical care. Great story!
This was not an easy one to read. I knew the battles outcome. After the issue of the French officer/ renegade and Ann's survival, Badajoz was not as horrible or perhaps the reader is conditioned for the aftermath as it was an historic atrocity. I thought there were several hangings as well as flogging.
Well told however.
This is an amazing series written for this time period. Women's issues astound the modern reader and we don't always remember how far we have recently come. Children could so easily be removed from the mother at the death of the husband.
I have read all five books now and hope it continues through Waterloo.
Camp followers and families in baggage trains need their stories told.
Also the field hospitals and medical care. Great story!
September 14, 2017
Oh lord, this book nearly killed me!
I loved it and I hated it and it made me cry real tears. How could she do this to me? I can’t tell you what happens because it will spoil it. This book has everything, war, drama, romance, and sheer horror in places. I’d just got used to rolling along nicely and she upset it all. But it’s so beautifully written and so romantic.
Write more. Please, just write more.
I loved it and I hated it and it made me cry real tears. How could she do this to me? I can’t tell you what happens because it will spoil it. This book has everything, war, drama, romance, and sheer horror in places. I’d just got used to rolling along nicely and she upset it all. But it’s so beautifully written and so romantic.
Write more. Please, just write more.
June 3, 2024
Incredible piece of work
I almost put this one down but really glad I did not. The story is strong and so well written. Authors notes explain so much about the content. Lynn provides such an insight into the reality of the time - I have read many historical novels covering this period but this one really made me think - the authors notes did this - well done Lynn - you have a confirmed follower..
I almost put this one down but really glad I did not. The story is strong and so well written. Authors notes explain so much about the content. Lynn provides such an insight into the reality of the time - I have read many historical novels covering this period but this one really made me think - the authors notes did this - well done Lynn - you have a confirmed follower..
March 11, 2025
I have enjoyed all of these books in general. Very well written and edited. The authors research is very effectively done and he has been to the places he is writing about. My only criticism is my personal preference for less soap opera and more action. However, I recommend this series whol e heartedly and believe it to be a fine example of military fiction with the above reservations.
June 2, 2018
Excellent story
The narrative is fast moving and exciting. The matter of rape whilst conveying the horrific and brutal nature of the crime manages to treat the subject with sympathy. All in all an excellent third book in the story off The Van Dawn's and the 110th, here's hoping book four is as good
The narrative is fast moving and exciting. The matter of rape whilst conveying the horrific and brutal nature of the crime manages to treat the subject with sympathy. All in all an excellent third book in the story off The Van Dawn's and the 110th, here's hoping book four is as good
May 10, 2018
Military fiction
Excellent series , all four books a great read. Looking forward to the next instalment with eager anticipation in the near future
Excellent series , all four books a great read. Looking forward to the next instalment with eager anticipation in the near future
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews