It's 1817, and Matthew Hervey has returned to find England as turbulent as the India he has just left. The country is on the verge of revolution, and the lack of any policing means that the army is obliged to keep order. The cavalry are at the forefront in this arena, and Hervey's life is further complicated by his pending nuptials to Lady Henrietta Lindsay. The crux of the novel, though, is his conflict with the new commanding officer of the Sixth, who has a massive hatred of him (as well as nurturing a sinister secret). Mallinson skilfully orchestrates the clash between the two men towards a climax that combines the epic and the personal. Many writers have tackled the novel of historical warfare, but few have imbued it with the literate and stylistic elegance that Mallinson possesses; this is a series that goes from strength to strength.

The downpour was so heavy that Hervey's reins kept slipping through his fingers, and he had to wedge his insteps in firmly to save losing his stirrups. Driven almost horizontal by the wind, the rain lashed his face viciously, and no matter how he bent his head, water found its way down his neck and inside his tunic and shirt

--Barry Forshaw

I read this book expecting a military adventure the closet the novel came to this was a small skirmish towards the end, in which the authors hero took no part.

In conclusion this novel is best avoided by those looking for a bit of excitement however it may help you to get some sleep.


An eye for detail and a pretty good story   May 24, 2002
 8 out of 9 found this review helpful

I have never read a CS Forrester book, nor one by Patrick O'Brien. However, for some reason I read the first of the Hervey series, then the second and now I'm hooked. Its odd, because I find the main character frustrating. He's just too perfect. His intentions are always noble, his decisions always just, his rewards always well deserved. Similarly, a lot of the other characters are stereotyped. There are the evil schemers - none of whom have a decent bone in their bodies. There are also a lot of salt of the earth types.

However, in spite of the characterisation assassination above, I like these books. Why? Because their attention to detail and historical accuracy is absolutely spot on. The stories are well crafted and the plot keeps you turning the pages.

If you read this Mr. Mallinson - keep going but please make Hervey a little more flawed.


Another enjoyable Mallinson novel...   April 16, 2001
 5 out of 5 found this review helpful

If you've read and enjoyed Allan Mallinson's previous books then read this one. I read books for escapism so I enjoy Mallinson's believably detailed world and it's a happy coincidence that he educates me (effortlessly) at the same time.

Historical novels around this period generally concentrate Georgian or Victorian times so I like the way Mallinson's books occupy the space in between.

The principal character, Matthew Hervey, is a believable mixture of diffidence and decisiveness.

I note that one of the reviews criticises the dramatic conclusion. Mallinson hardly writes pulp fiction and I must admit I found it moving - but we're all different.

I can understand the comparison with Patrick O'Brian - for me it amounts the same sort of pleasure reading both authors work.