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Craven's War #1
A Call to Arms
Captain James Craven followed the army to war to make his fortune, not to fight battles.
In the Spring of 1809 the British Army, spearheaded by Sir Arthur Wellesley, pushes North to drive the French out of Portugal. Captain James Craven, a prize fighter and rogue recruited to teach the use of cold steel is along for the ride, seeking riches and wine. As quick with his mouth as he is with a blade, on the eve of battle Craven is caught in a forbidden duel by Wellesley himself. The outcome is not what he expected. Craven’s life is about to take a major turn and descend into a whirlwind adventure beyond his wildest imagination.
Ambushed at night by a treacherous Portuguese officer fighting for the French enemy, Craven must do more than lead soldiers into battle. He must also prove himself to Wellesley in the face of twenty thousand enemy troops defending the city of Porto.
The Craven’s War series tells the exciting adventure of one rogue’s journey through the Napoleonic Wars as he tries to stay alive and make his fortune.
In the Spring of 1809 the British Army, spearheaded by Sir Arthur Wellesley, pushes North to drive the French out of Portugal. Captain James Craven, a prize fighter and rogue recruited to teach the use of cold steel is along for the ride, seeking riches and wine. As quick with his mouth as he is with a blade, on the eve of battle Craven is caught in a forbidden duel by Wellesley himself. The outcome is not what he expected. Craven’s life is about to take a major turn and descend into a whirlwind adventure beyond his wildest imagination.
Ambushed at night by a treacherous Portuguese officer fighting for the French enemy, Craven must do more than lead soldiers into battle. He must also prove himself to Wellesley in the face of twenty thousand enemy troops defending the city of Porto.
The Craven’s War series tells the exciting adventure of one rogue’s journey through the Napoleonic Wars as he tries to stay alive and make his fortune.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2020
192 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Nick S. Thomas
144 books73 followersNick S. Thomas, is a novelist, martial arts instructor and military history enthusiast. Author of the bestselling 'Battle Earth' series and is co-founder of the prestigious Academy of Historical Fencing.
Nick has worked full time as an author for over a decade and also still designs his own novel art, as well as that of his brothers, fellow novelist Michael G Thomas.
As well as the pursuit of historical materials to transcribe, translate and interpret, Nick enjoys writing works of historical fiction, fantasy, and science-fiction. He is also an avid military history enthusiast. A collector and restorer of WW2 military vehicles, as well as antique edged weaponry.
Nick has worked full time as an author for over a decade and also still designs his own novel art, as well as that of his brothers, fellow novelist Michael G Thomas.
As well as the pursuit of historical materials to transcribe, translate and interpret, Nick enjoys writing works of historical fiction, fantasy, and science-fiction. He is also an avid military history enthusiast. A collector and restorer of WW2 military vehicles, as well as antique edged weaponry.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 25, 2023
The tale of a roguish Brit soldier in the Napoleonic campaign. Any time a book like this is written, comparisons to Sharpe are inevitable, but the author does a good job of making this character distinct and different enough that its a fresh look at the same ground. And, he was smart enough to start it right at the very beginning of the campaign, in Portugal.
Craven is a gambler and a duelist, a master with the sword and fist, and decent on horseback. He's managed to get himself into Portugal to be part of the war, but on his own terms, requiring him to do no actual military work but have a shot at the loot. He's gathered a group of his old friends with him as followers, all deadly fighters as well, even if one has a secret to hide.
Unfortunately for Craven, he gets noticed by Wellsley and things go badly for him from that point on; he has to actually be a soldier and put himself into danger.
I enjoyed this book quite a bit, even if it gets a bit technical on the swordplay, and look forward to more in the series
Craven is a gambler and a duelist, a master with the sword and fist, and decent on horseback. He's managed to get himself into Portugal to be part of the war, but on his own terms, requiring him to do no actual military work but have a shot at the loot. He's gathered a group of his old friends with him as followers, all deadly fighters as well, even if one has a secret to hide.
Unfortunately for Craven, he gets noticed by Wellsley and things go badly for him from that point on; he has to actually be a soldier and put himself into danger.
I enjoyed this book quite a bit, even if it gets a bit technical on the swordplay, and look forward to more in the series
October 28, 2025
Reminds me of Bernard Cornwell’s Sharpe books, with a British officer fighting in the Spanish theater during the Napoleonic wars. Craven beds the lady, is personally know by Wellington, has a specific French enemy, and an enemy in the British army trying to kill him just like Sharpe. But this author seems to have a detailed knowledge of sword fighting in the 1800’s which based on some google searches I did appears to be correct. I enjoy studying martial arts so I enjoyed this but others might find it tedious to describe different swords. The author has surrounded his main character with an interesting group of comrades. I obtained this book in a free giveaway offer but will read other books in the series and by this author.
December 16, 2024
Audiobook: This was my first experience with Nick S. Thomas' work, and it was entertaining. I was amazed by the depth of perception which James Craven held regarding those joining the army. I liked Craven's tolerance of others. I was amused by all the turns which Craven underwent during the Spring of 1809. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. I thought Duncan Galloway's narration was fine as his voice was pleasant, and his performance was easy to follow. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.
July 12, 2021
Very much like Sharp's Rifles. The setting is the same, but Craven's crew are swordmasters hired to improve the ability of the officers, they didn't go to fight the enemy. Craven and his crew are dodging trouble back home and on the lookout to make an easy score. Unfortunately, they come to the attention of Wellington. He sets them a task, which goes wrong and that sets them on the path of further adventures in the Duke's campaign against Napoleon in Portugal and Spain. My kind of historical fiction. Recommended reading.
May 14, 2025
It isn't Sharpe but it will do
When I saw this book I thought it is just a Sharpe want-to-be, well I was right. However it will do. These are not the Chosen Men, but they fight just as hard. They just want to get rich and go home. They are a likeable bunch of rogues. Of course their leader is the biggest rogue of them all. Craven tries to be a man wanting to only make money, but underneath it all he is a brave and honourable warrior. If you like Richard Sharpens story I think you will like these also.
When I saw this book I thought it is just a Sharpe want-to-be, well I was right. However it will do. These are not the Chosen Men, but they fight just as hard. They just want to get rich and go home. They are a likeable bunch of rogues. Of course their leader is the biggest rogue of them all. Craven tries to be a man wanting to only make money, but underneath it all he is a brave and honourable warrior. If you like Richard Sharpens story I think you will like these also.
September 2, 2020
Spadroons, smallswords, and sabres oh, my!
A rollicking good swashbuckling adventure set in Portugal during the Pennisular War. Craven is a bit of a rogue and a master of the blade while being a bit if an anti hero. The names of the characters made me smile from heroic Portuguese Captains to dastardly Timmermans.
Highly recommend for all the historical fencing lore and for the adventure. Looking forward to a sequel.
A rollicking good swashbuckling adventure set in Portugal during the Pennisular War. Craven is a bit of a rogue and a master of the blade while being a bit if an anti hero. The names of the characters made me smile from heroic Portuguese Captains to dastardly Timmermans.
Highly recommend for all the historical fencing lore and for the adventure. Looking forward to a sequel.
October 4, 2023
a good yarn…
The author knows some of his subject, exceedingly well, and the characters are well written and hold promise for the future. Alas every fight seems to turn into a technical piece on sword fighting that makes the reader concentrate to understand the nuance and intricacies of duelling instead of just reading “with a grunt he turned the blade aside” it spoils the flow of the mental image constructed. Having said that I am looking forward to book two.
The author knows some of his subject, exceedingly well, and the characters are well written and hold promise for the future. Alas every fight seems to turn into a technical piece on sword fighting that makes the reader concentrate to understand the nuance and intricacies of duelling instead of just reading “with a grunt he turned the blade aside” it spoils the flow of the mental image constructed. Having said that I am looking forward to book two.
December 11, 2021
Character with action BBC
Captain Craven, a rogue with redeeming qualities, leads his band of followers into unsought high adventure. There are enough characters to follow but not so many that you lose track of them. This is fast paced and straight forward and there is a lot of action, though sometimes it gets too much into the weeds of swordplay.
Captain Craven, a rogue with redeeming qualities, leads his band of followers into unsought high adventure. There are enough characters to follow but not so many that you lose track of them. This is fast paced and straight forward and there is a lot of action, though sometimes it gets too much into the weeds of swordplay.
January 23, 2022
I thought this was a good read with good pace and action. I found it an easy read and quite engaging.
You may be reminded of Sharpe with the same setting and familiar story lines, but Craven is quite a different character.
The book would benefit from better editing with spelling and occasional jumbled sentences occurring more frequently than average, but it did not stop the story flowing.
You may be reminded of Sharpe with the same setting and familiar story lines, but Craven is quite a different character.
The book would benefit from better editing with spelling and occasional jumbled sentences occurring more frequently than average, but it did not stop the story flowing.
September 2, 2020
Slow start, but a better finish.
Ragged writing, but with interesting characters. A good start on what could be the first chapter in Capt. Cravens' story. Reminiscent of Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe series.
Ragged writing, but with interesting characters. A good start on what could be the first chapter in Capt. Cravens' story. Reminiscent of Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe series.
February 1, 2021
Sharpe lives on.
A good read although readers of Cornwalls Sharpe series will see the parallels. Some rough editing that affects comprehensive in places. If you want a good light and enjoy the napoleonic wars you will enjoy this.
A good read although readers of Cornwalls Sharpe series will see the parallels. Some rough editing that affects comprehensive in places. If you want a good light and enjoy the napoleonic wars you will enjoy this.
April 14, 2021
**Audio edition**
Enjoyable action/adventure/war story with a rakish lead character.
Some of the information felt a tad info-dumpy, especially on the sword fighting but overall it was a fun read.
Good narration with clearly different voices for all of the main characters.
Enjoyable action/adventure/war story with a rakish lead character.
Some of the information felt a tad info-dumpy, especially on the sword fighting but overall it was a fun read.
Good narration with clearly different voices for all of the main characters.
October 20, 2021
Review
Really liked this book it reminded me of the sharpe books by Bernard Cornwell of which I’ve read good story plus characters which are believable going to read more of this series
of which’s
Really liked this book it reminded me of the sharpe books by Bernard Cornwell of which I’ve read good story plus characters which are believable going to read more of this series
of which’s
February 22, 2022
Non-stop action
I liked this book except there was way too much description of swords and swordfighting. I did enjoy all of the different characters in Craven's small group and will be buying the next book of the series.
I liked this book except there was way too much description of swords and swordfighting. I did enjoy all of the different characters in Craven's small group and will be buying the next book of the series.
October 21, 2023
incredulous but a good read
The situation Craven finds himself stretches the imagination but the historic facts are indisputable. All in all it was a rollicking good read. I think I’ll read the next in the series…
The situation Craven finds himself stretches the imagination but the historic facts are indisputable. All in all it was a rollicking good read. I think I’ll read the next in the series…
January 18, 2025
excellent
Along the lines of Sharpe. Miscreant English swordsman in the age of musket and cannon, fighting under Wellington in Portugal and Spain.
After the first chapter, it will carry through all the volumes.
Recommend highly
Along the lines of Sharpe. Miscreant English swordsman in the age of musket and cannon, fighting under Wellington in Portugal and Spain.
After the first chapter, it will carry through all the volumes.
Recommend highly
February 6, 2025
its a knockoff of Sharpe series
Please note in my OPINION this book and the rest of the series is a thinly veiled knockoff of the Sharpe books the similarities are glaring
To be frank I am surprised Amazon
allow this please do not buy this
Please note in my OPINION this book and the rest of the series is a thinly veiled knockoff of the Sharpe books the similarities are glaring
To be frank I am surprised Amazon
allow this please do not buy this
January 6, 2021
A very good read
A combination of Sharpe and flash man. I liked Corn well,s version of the battle of poor to a bit better, but thoroughly enjoyed.
A combination of Sharpe and flash man. I liked Corn well,s version of the battle of poor to a bit better, but thoroughly enjoyed.
February 3, 2021
Great read
A super fun cut and thrust historical fiction that was a joy to read!
I look forward to reading the next book!
A super fun cut and thrust historical fiction that was a joy to read!
I look forward to reading the next book!
February 17, 2021
Excellent
Well written story of a British Officer who is a reluctant hero. Craven and his band of misfits make for a entertaining story.
Well written story of a British Officer who is a reluctant hero. Craven and his band of misfits make for a entertaining story.
May 9, 2021
Worthy
Usually read sifi written by Nick but decided to try this adventure while waiting his next book, pleased I did going for Cravens next episode while waiting.
Usually read sifi written by Nick but decided to try this adventure while waiting his next book, pleased I did going for Cravens next episode while waiting.
May 18, 2021
Inspiring
An heroic individual that inspires followers, satisfy commanders and destroys enemies with skill, perseverance and elements of madness and derringer do
An heroic individual that inspires followers, satisfy commanders and destroys enemies with skill, perseverance and elements of madness and derringer do
March 13, 2022
Action Galore
History, heroes, and a sprinkling of humour. What's not to like.And the story runs at a good and exciting pace. Thumbs up.
History, heroes, and a sprinkling of humour. What's not to like.And the story runs at a good and exciting pace. Thumbs up.
April 15, 2022
This was an engaging story with good characters.Duncan Galloway was a fine narrator.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
May 25, 2025
A very good start to a new and long series.
Craven’s crew is a motley and quite unique group. Organized for profit, they find themselves a new role as part of the “Peer’s” army as he seeks to drive the French out of Portugal and Spain.
Craven’s crew is a motley and quite unique group. Organized for profit, they find themselves a new role as part of the “Peer’s” army as he seeks to drive the French out of Portugal and Spain.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews