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Soldier of the Queen
1877: When his family loses their home, to Jack Roberts, who has grown up hearing stories of the Crimean war and the magnificent charge of the Heavy Brigade, the choice between working in a dangerous factory or enlisting in the army and putting on the famed red uniform is an easy one. But when fighting for Queen and Country takes him far from home and defending a small mission station from overwhelming numbers, it is anything but easy and bravery and stoicism take on new meaning.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 22, 2022
128 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
Griff Hosker
306 books427 followersI was born in 1950 in Lancashire and attended a boy’s grammar school. After qualifying as an English and Drama teacher in 1972, I worked in the North East of England for the next 35 years. During that time I did write, mainly plays, pantos and musicals for the students at the three schools in which I worked.
When I stopped teaching I set up my own consultancy firm and worked as an adviser in schools and colleges in the North East of England. The new Conservative Government ended that avenue of work and in 2010 I found that I had time on my hands; having started work at the age of 15 I found the lack of work not to my liking and used the time to research the Roman invasion of Britain and begin to create a novel. The result was The Sword of Cartimandua.
My decision to begin writing was one of the best I have ever taken.
griff-signature-360x57
When I stopped teaching I set up my own consultancy firm and worked as an adviser in schools and colleges in the North East of England. The new Conservative Government ended that avenue of work and in 2010 I found that I had time on my hands; having started work at the age of 15 I found the lack of work not to my liking and used the time to research the Roman invasion of Britain and begin to create a novel. The result was The Sword of Cartimandua.
My decision to begin writing was one of the best I have ever taken.
griff-signature-360x57
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 14, 2024
I started this volume as an audiobook and gave up on that. The narrator has very little inflection in his voice for various moments in the story and completely lacks excitement. Add to this that he is also the very slowest speaker I’ve come across. So, I bought the ebook and found that it was quite an excellent book. It tells the tale of a young man entering the British military around 1877 and his first actions in South Africa against the amaFengu and the Zulus (at Rorke’s Drift). I enjoyed this thoroughly.
Recently I read the Rorke’s Drift novel by James Mace. I think that Mace provided a better novel on this particular action. And Mace’s previous volume of the five volume series on Isandlwana was fantastic.
Recently I read the Rorke’s Drift novel by James Mace. I think that Mace provided a better novel on this particular action. And Mace’s previous volume of the five volume series on Isandlwana was fantastic.
August 20, 2022
Being an old American soldier, I am interested in military history. I wasn't sure what I would find when I started this one. I was really hooked (you will meet "Hooky" in the book) when I read about "Trooper". Then doubly hooked when I read the recruiting chapter. As soon as I read the words "24th Foot", "Bourne", and "Bromhead", I realized I was off to fight the Zulus. The tale of "Rorke's Drift" is splendidly told by Griff Hosker. The story has it all, life as a soldier, the camaraderie, the good and bad soldiers, and some nice plot twists. The final battle scene description is clear, moving, to the point and easy to follow on his battle map. The story has me ready to follow his next book about the Queen's soldiers.
April 1, 2025
In the last book in this series a new lieutenant in the British army was sent to an ad hoc desert patrol unit and had adventures as a patrol leader under a commander.
In this book the unit was disbanded and he was placed on half pay for no real reason, then in a deus ex machina he was promoted to captain and assigned to intelligence duty and assigned to escort a dig to a desert site as security. He also married the woman on the dig team. His security troops are a mix of active duty and former soldiers.
They sail there and have adventures and then defeat the dreaded Germans and their Turk allies, in secret battles, and sail back.
It was not bad, except the author had the main character still have solo adventures off spying and scouting instead of being in charge. That got silly. The romance was a piece of cardboard, too, but this really isn't a romance novel.
In this book the unit was disbanded and he was placed on half pay for no real reason, then in a deus ex machina he was promoted to captain and assigned to intelligence duty and assigned to escort a dig to a desert site as security. He also married the woman on the dig team. His security troops are a mix of active duty and former soldiers.
They sail there and have adventures and then defeat the dreaded Germans and their Turk allies, in secret battles, and sail back.
It was not bad, except the author had the main character still have solo adventures off spying and scouting instead of being in charge. That got silly. The romance was a piece of cardboard, too, but this really isn't a romance novel.
March 2, 2024
The Making of a Soldier
Griff Hosker, a prolific author in the historical fiction genre, has recently released the first book in a new series. This time, he tells a contemporary story set against the backdrop of rampant poverty and unemployment in England. The protagonist, facing a difficult situation at home, finds solace in joining the British Army.
The book follows his journey from raw recruit to trained soldier, gaining experience under hostile fire during the Zulu war. Hosker's skill in setting the story and adding colorful details about the protagonist's home life make for an enjoyable read. I look forward to continuing the journey of our Soldier of the Queen.
Griff Hosker, a prolific author in the historical fiction genre, has recently released the first book in a new series. This time, he tells a contemporary story set against the backdrop of rampant poverty and unemployment in England. The protagonist, facing a difficult situation at home, finds solace in joining the British Army.
The book follows his journey from raw recruit to trained soldier, gaining experience under hostile fire during the Zulu war. Hosker's skill in setting the story and adding colorful details about the protagonist's home life make for an enjoyable read. I look forward to continuing the journey of our Soldier of the Queen.
March 14, 2023
Solid Entertaining Read
My first time reading this prolific author, and I will try more. The way he made the action more of a compliment to the characters much appealed to me. It was their story, and terrific characters abounded. The attention to detail was top notch. My only issue was the number of editing problems. It might have been related to the transition to e-book, as there was one line of technical language unrelated to the story that just popped up in the middle of a paragraph. That's unacceptable, and I hope an isolated incident.
My first time reading this prolific author, and I will try more. The way he made the action more of a compliment to the characters much appealed to me. It was their story, and terrific characters abounded. The attention to detail was top notch. My only issue was the number of editing problems. It might have been related to the transition to e-book, as there was one line of technical language unrelated to the story that just popped up in the middle of a paragraph. That's unacceptable, and I hope an isolated incident.
April 29, 2025
A Look Into the life of the 19th century Redcoat
Hosker never fails to both entertain and educate with his novels. Soldier of the Queen describes the life of the common British soldiers in the late 19th century. From the spit and polish of the British isles to the gore and combat of the Zulu war young Jack Roberts grows into a seasoned combat veteran.
A good read and tantalizing introduction to a new series by Hosker. Looking forward to the continued adventures of Jack Robert’s.
Hosker never fails to both entertain and educate with his novels. Soldier of the Queen describes the life of the common British soldiers in the late 19th century. From the spit and polish of the British isles to the gore and combat of the Zulu war young Jack Roberts grows into a seasoned combat veteran.
A good read and tantalizing introduction to a new series by Hosker. Looking forward to the continued adventures of Jack Robert’s.
July 25, 2022
as always
Great stuff griff,I normally read your more older historical stuff but as one of your biggest fan I just grabbed this.fantastic read
My gt grandfather was a sgt in the 2nd dragoon’s,queens bay’s although I have been unable to find records I only have a photo of him in uniform in the 1st world war,his unit identified by the cap badge and little family bits.
Love your books,as will all who get started on all the series!
Great stuff griff,I normally read your more older historical stuff but as one of your biggest fan I just grabbed this.fantastic read
My gt grandfather was a sgt in the 2nd dragoon’s,queens bay’s although I have been unable to find records I only have a photo of him in uniform in the 1st world war,his unit identified by the cap badge and little family bits.
Love your books,as will all who get started on all the series!
August 9, 2024
This was a great book I really enjoyed it it kinda reads like a biography.the main character is a likable one interacting with the real people like Henry hook who was completely misinterpreted in film( which is great and I loved it ) but hookie was nothing like he was in the film. Being British I'm not proud of the events in this story yea the men were very brave which I am very proud of but they should never have been there.
August 28, 2024
VC's Abound
This is a very engaging story as told by a master storyteller. Having actually visited Brecon on Beacon, I remembered seeing in their museum of the 24th Foot, the shields, weapons and garb of the Zulus. There is an excellent movie in which the main subject is the battle at Road's Drift. It is titled "Zulu".
This is a very engaging story as told by a master storyteller. Having actually visited Brecon on Beacon, I remembered seeing in their museum of the 24th Foot, the shields, weapons and garb of the Zulus. There is an excellent movie in which the main subject is the battle at Road's Drift. It is titled "Zulu".
August 11, 2022
It has the same story line as many of his books, but this one has a different feel to it. It is fresh and entertaining I have read most of his books and a I am a huge fan of his and I am looking forward to the next book of Jack Roberts
September 24, 2022
Magnificent
As good as any Griff Hosker book. Mr Hosker is a wonderful writer. His characters gather you and bring you along. I'm usually kind of wossie about violence but somehow it's not too much when Mr Hosker takes you along to battle.
As good as any Griff Hosker book. Mr Hosker is a wonderful writer. His characters gather you and bring you along. I'm usually kind of wossie about violence but somehow it's not too much when Mr Hosker takes you along to battle.
December 24, 2022
anew series from a brilliant author. prologue takes in the charge of the heavy brigade at Balaklava. then moves to the subject joining the 24th Foot. he goes to South Africa and Fights At Rorke's Drift. the battle is not as the film Zulu.
February 27, 2024
Absolutely fantastic!
I love Mr Hosker’s books, and this one is no exception. I am glad that he kept the story of Hooky and Rorke’s Drift true to the event. I was glad to see Hooky portrayed the way he was and not how he was portrayed in the film Zulu.
I love Mr Hosker’s books, and this one is no exception. I am glad that he kept the story of Hooky and Rorke’s Drift true to the event. I was glad to see Hooky portrayed the way he was and not how he was portrayed in the film Zulu.
July 23, 2022
Excellent period piece
Excellent story in the narrative 'killer angels' style. The word usage of the time and reasonably accurate history resulted in a good story.
Excellent story in the narrative 'killer angels' style. The word usage of the time and reasonably accurate history resulted in a good story.
July 24, 2022
You need to keep writing
You need to keep writing. You need to put the tea down. And write your books are a enjoy to read. Thank You
You need to keep writing. You need to put the tea down. And write your books are a enjoy to read. Thank You
September 14, 2022
Inspiring, emotional and addictive reading like every Hosker book
September 17, 2022
great read
Perfect book to put your mind in the valleys of Africa and the dangers that were overcome. Typical Hoosier war book. Loved it.
Perfect book to put your mind in the valleys of Africa and the dangers that were overcome. Typical Hoosier war book. Loved it.
October 2, 2022
Very 👍
As great as always with your storys. Is going be more on this store line. I hope so. Thank you
As great as always with your storys. Is going be more on this store line. I hope so. Thank you
October 7, 2022
The Rorkes Drive story retold by a northern soldier gives a more human account of the conflict. Just a simple version of an epic history of the Victorian empire
February 18, 2023
I enjoyed this new story immensely !
Griff Hosker continually proves he is one of the best historical military fiction writers.
This story is so well written and very rewarding !!!!
Griff Hosker continually proves he is one of the best historical military fiction writers.
This story is so well written and very rewarding !!!!
March 4, 2023
slow start, but keeps the reader interested
April 9, 2023
Pretty mundane. Nothing special.
Read
November 27, 2023A Soldiers tale
I loved this book from page 1 , I couldn't put it down , it is so nice to read something closer to the truth than the Zulu movie.
I loved this book from page 1 , I couldn't put it down , it is so nice to read something closer to the truth than the Zulu movie.
January 12, 2024
Excellent read
I love the film Zulu and this book brought it to life. It made you feel as though you were there.
I love the film Zulu and this book brought it to life. It made you feel as though you were there.
March 25, 2025
Great book
July 2, 2025
What a read.
The best adventure story I have read in a long time.Well worth the money, would recommend it to anyone. Will read again.
The best adventure story I have read in a long time.Well worth the money, would recommend it to anyone. Will read again.
October 8, 2025
Wòw
Totally encapsulated from start to finish . Griff Hosker is an èxcellant writer . Well done mate 👏 👍 👌 🙌
Totally encapsulated from start to finish . Griff Hosker is an èxcellant writer . Well done mate 👏 👍 👌 🙌
September 9, 2025
I enjoyed the first book of this series as much as Hosker's other series Lord Edward's Archer. The main character Jack Roberts was both interesting & likeable. The story consists of Jack's life before his enlistment into the Queen's Army, then his training, first deployment to South Africa & return. This story hit a special note to me as a former Soldier myself & the camraderie I had with the other Soldiers, NCOs & officers I served with. While a different time era & country the spirit is still the same.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews