Fire and Sword by Simon Scarrow Review

Fire and Sword by Simon Scarrow 4 Stars

This is the third installment in the Napoleon-Wellington quartet. Napoleon is set on another war with countries in Europe. He continues to win and take over more of Europe. The countries allying against him can't seem to coordinate attacks together, helping Napoleon to defeat them one at a time. Meanwhile Wellesley continues his push for fame, making a name for himself as a general with strategic skills.

I was certainly more intrigued by this book. A better, more action-packed book in this series. Napoleon's arrogance is growing and you can see just why he ends up being exiled. I love that we see so much of the characteristics of these two generals. We see their fates twisting around each other, until they are bound to meet in the final installment. Scarrow brings in hints as to other world events that shape their lives, without making it a long and boring addition. Plot and characters continue to be strong driving points in Scarrow's novels, as well as his historical research that he brings into his novels. Overall I would recommend this novel for those who love history.

The Generals By Simon Scarrow Book Review

The Generals: Wellington and Napoleon Quartet Book 2 3.25 Stars

In the second installment of this quartet, we see Napoleon rise in power and reputation in France, as well as Arthur Wellesley become a General himself and rise in his reputation in Britain. Napoleon works on bringing Egypt and Italy under French rule, before fighting to establish peace in France again. Wellesley does the same in India, rising to power, before he returns to Britain.

I still find it tough going back and forth between these 2 story lines. I know at some point they will meet, but just when you get into a story, it moves back to the other character. I am really loving the history and obvious research that went into creating this series. I also love how deep the characters are. They jump off every page and ping little bits of memory from things I already know. The plot is great, although he can't really deviate too far, as history has set out his plot for him already. Overall I will finish this series, but for me it is in the one time read category, not a keeper, but good enough to read once.

Young Bloods by Simon Scarrow: Book review

Young Bloods by Simon Scarrow Book 1 of Napoleon-Wellington Quartet 3.5 Stars

Napoleon and Arthur (Wellington) are the focus of the book. It starts out with their births and their childhoods growing up, including the great demands that they were put under by parents who are struggling to maintain status. They both wind up in the military through having little choice, but they end up thriving. When France goes through a revolution it throws both of these men into the fray and gives them the opportunity to rise to the top.
I always love all the historical details that Scarrow includes in all of his novels and this novel is no exception. You can tell all the research he puts in throughout every chapter. Another strength would be his character development. He always has a depth rarely found in novels. I did find it difficult to be going back and forth between these characters constantly, as just when you are getting into one character's story it switches to the other one, which feels like letting air out of your tires. Overall though this is great read, but I feel his Cato and Macro series is better. Still good for a one-time read. Just ordered the last book in this series.

Book Review- Tatiana De Rosnay- Sarah’s Key

Tatiana De Rosnay- Sarah’s Key (St. Martin’s Press 2007) 3.5 Stars

Sarah is a ten-year-old Jewish girl, living in Paris, France during the roundup of July 1942. French police are gathering up the Jews and Sarah looks to protect her brother by hiding him in a secret cupboard, keeping the only key for herself. Intending to return after she is released, she has no idea that it might take longer than she thinks.

Julia Jarmond is an American journalist living in Paris sixty years later. She is looking into the roundup for an article she is writing and has come upon Sarah’s story, which may have ties to her own family.

This book was quite intriguing, although at times it got hard to follow as it switched between the two people’s stories. It was interesting to see the roundup from a child’s perspective, although still a sad thing to read about. It was a touching story, and interesting to see how Julia is able to dig up information. The plot was good, but certainly could have used a little tweaking in some parts. The characters were really well done; it certainly added depth to the story. I did find that at times this novel was kind of slow, and was dragged down with too much useless information about the setting. Overall it was a decent read if you are into historical fiction.

For more of my reviews check out my website, www.tonypeters.webs.com

Tony Peters

Kids on a Case: The Case of the Ten Grand Kidnapping

http://authortonypeters.blogspot.com/

Book Review- Alexadre Dumas- The Man in the Iron Mask

Alexadre Dumas- The Man in the Iron Mask (Moby Books 1983) 3.25 Stars

It’s been thirty years since the Three Musketeers were a team, now they are together again. They find out that king’s twin brother is in the prison of Bastille and they plan to switch the king with his brother. First they must free the twin, and figure out how to make the switch and get away with it. If it does not work they must plan an escape for they will be hunted down like dogs. They will find out that the king’s fury and drive for revenge knows no bounds, he will hunt them down to the ends of the earth. This is the final chapter four the Four Musketeers.

The beginning of the book was fairly slow and did not really grab my attention. I probably would not have finished it if it wasn’t for this being our group read author. It did pick up about a quarter of the way through and got pretty intense by the end, but it still did not overly impress me. I must say that I enjoyed the movie much more. The characters were great. It was one thing that Dumas did very well in this classic novel. They were all very well thought out and I enjoyed reading about them. The plot was good, but I expected more from an author that I have heard so much about. This is not an author I would search out and pick up another of his books.

For more of my reviews check out my website, www.tonypeters.webs.com

Tony Peters

Kids on a Case: The Case of the Ten Grand Kidnapping

http://authortonypeters.blogspot.com/