I read the first Mathew Hervey adventure about four years ago, and what a fantastic read it was. I have read Bernard Cornwell, Patrick O'Brian, C. S. Forester and many others, and I think Alan Mallinson can definitely compete. So I bought the next book and the next book, and seven books later I've just finished 'An Act of Courage'.

When I put down the third book (A Regimental Affair), I couldn't wait to pick up the next instalment of the Hervey adventures. The series had everything, adventure, advancement, hardship, heartbreak, and of course War. I enjoyed book four (A Call to Arms), but when I got to book five (The Sabre's Edge) there seemed to be something missing. Then came the infamous 'Rumours of War', by far the worst in the series. Mr Mallinson started to tell the story though a series of flashbacks, from the then present (Portugal-1826) to Corunna-1809ish. The style just didn't work and the book was a complete waste of time. I got the feeling that Mr Mallinson didn't really know what to do with Hervey. After all, post waterloo battles are few and not that intriguing.

When I saw the latest book, 'An Act of Courage', I wasn't sure about reading it. But since I'd already read the previous six, I though that I might as well. This book is written in the same style as the previous (Rumours of War), with flashbacks to 1812. HOWEVER, I think Mr Mallinson has become more adapt to this style, and this book sings as a result.

Like the previous book, it has two stories, one set in Hervey's past, and one set in his present. Unlike the previous book however, Mr Mallinson concentrates on one story (1812 the storming of Badajoz), and leaves the other story (Hervey's escape from the evil Spaniards 1826) on the fringes. But do not be fooled, the secondary story, is quite important as it shows us what direction Hervey's life is taking. I personally think this book is setting up something special. Although it isn't nearly as good as the first four, I feel that we have turned the corner and that the future episodes are going to be fantastic.

Unlike Sharp, this series isn't just collection of adventures. Dull or fantastic they all seem to be going in a certain direction, and I certainly want to find out what that direction is.

1.A Close Run Thing - Waterloo - 10/10
2.Nizams Daughters - India - 7/10
3.A Regimental Affair -America and Heartbreak - 10/10
4.A Call to Arms - India - 9/10
5.The Sabre's Edge - India again - 6/10
6.Rumours of War- Portugal, after India - 2/10
7.Act of Courage - Portugal - 7/10