I am most impressed by Mallinson's style. He writes in appropriate language so that it truly reads like a period novel. His language is rich and he doesn't pander to people who can't be bothered to reach for the dictionary. It's as good as Flashman in that regard (although these books are *deadly* serious!). Sometimes I felt he 'protested too much' in his insistence on including period details - there was some repetition of people reading the works of 'Miss Austen' which, although accurate, seemed a little forced to me. But this is a minor irritation, and on the whole the period flavour comes across perfectly.

I haven't yet made up my mind whether I feel Mallinson writes action very well. In the previous books I found his description of the fights rather ponderous, and not really very exciting. Such passages are better in this book, but I'm not yet convinced. I don't hold this against him - he does it well enough that it's not laughable (as in many, many books), and he's clearly a good enough writer to get away with it.

I shall certainly be reading more of the Hervey novels - if you like 19th century military exploits, then they shouldn't be ignored!


A Call to Arms - essential reading for military buffs   March 27, 2002
 28 out of 29 found this review helpful

I've been a fan of this series, right from the very first book. I never thought there would be an author to equal the 'Sharpe' series. Mallinson writes with the confidence of an author, who apart from his military background has an extensive knowledge of his subject.
There were instances in the book where I was reminded of the much missed Patrick O'Brian, in particular the owl. Regimentals, often overlooked in other works are entertaining and informative.
I avidly await further books in the series. Are we to see Hervey in the Crimea, I hope he reaches field rank at the very least, and possibly command of the Sixth Light Dragoons.
Bravo, I can recommend this book to any like minded military devotee.