Sharpe's Company (Sharpe Series #13) Book

Number 13 in the Richard Sharpe series.

The siege of Badajoz from January to April 1812.

Of all the conflicts during the Peninsular Wars the taking of Badajoz by the British army was right up there in acts of great heroism. But sadly the acts of rape and pillage done at the hands of the victorious British army to the citizens of Badajoz were of such depravity it was also one of its lowest points.

In this tale Richard Sharpe get demoted from Captain back to Lieutenant. Sharpe feels like he has been kicked in the guts, once again, by the ruling elite. Sharpe is held in awe by most of his men but as he came from the gutters of London most of the upper echelon officers despise him for being of such low birth. To make matters worse, Sharpe is reunited with his arch nemesis 'Sgt. Obadiah Hakeswill'. Where ever Obadiah goes trouble inevitably follows as Sharpe knows only too well. When Sharpe was only a private Obadiah was responsible for Sharpe receiving 150 strokes of the lash, scars that Sharpe carries to this day.

One of the better things that happen is that Sharpe finds out that he is father. A daughter, the only other person in the world that carries his blood line and to say he is overjoyed would be an understatement. Trouble is brewing; Obadiah has seen the beautiful Mrs. Sharpe and wants her and come what may he will have her, Richard Sharpe or no Richard Sharpe.

So, between the take the of bastion of Badajoz and trying to keep his daughter and wife safe from Obadiah Hakeswill, Richard Sharpe and his company of men are in for one hell of a fight.

As usual with all Bernard Cornwell's book the history is illuminating and the story is highly entertaining.

Highly recommended 5/5 stars.