Rating: 
Summary: Bloody Napoleonic Sieges Galore
Review: Let me preface my review by confessing to be a fan of the Sharpe series of books. Sharpe's Company tells the tale of the British Army led by Wellington and the sieges of Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajoz. As usual Sharpe is in the thick of things. I didn't enjoy this book as much as some of the others, mainly because all the action revolves around the sieges. Personally, I favour action in open country, with battalions of soldiers manoeuvring for tactical advantage and cavalry pitted against infantry. Nonetheless, Cornwell still provides the reader with an articulate depiction of siege warfare, that is grotesque yet mesmerizing. The detestable Sergeant Hakeswill makes a reappearance and the plot centres around his hatred for Sharpe. Frankly, I have had a guts-full of Hakeswill and I wish Sharpe would just finish him off and ...... (but I will let you read the story to find that out). A couple of the fateful encounters Sharpe has with Hakeswill in this episode of the series, just don't seem to gel, and I'm left with the feeling Cornwell has placed too much emphasis on this aspect of the story. This is a well researched book. The historical notes at the end are very interesting, and some readers might consider reading this part at the beginning or during the book. Again this book leaves me in no doubt that Bernard Cornwell has had a previous life as an infantryman during the Napoleonic wars. Recommended for military enthusiasts, but may be too gory for the squeamish at heart.
Rating: 
Summary: The gripping telling of a warrior and a man of honor
Review: my dad got me into the absolutly fabulous SHARPE novels. cornwell really knows how to create a character that you want to read about over and over again. i love a good war novel but i never had an intrest in the napoleonic wars befor i read my first Sharpe novel. i have also seen the moive's staring Sean Bean who portrais richard sharpe beautifully. i would recommend any sharpe novel to anyone who loves anything that has to do with war.
Rating:
Summary: Good, but not the best
Review: Overall, an excellent novel. I've read many of Sharpe's adventures, and have enjoyed them all. This particular story deals with the siege of Badajoz. It has everything we've come to expect from a Richard Sharpe novel: action, mind-boggling battle scenes, and the occasional romance. My only complaint sounds kinda dumb, even to myself-- the villian, Obadiah Hakeswill. Every so often an author comes up with a villian that he can't bring himself to kill. Even, as in this case, when it goes against all common sense. The character, Sharpe, simply would not allow an enemy to escape as many times as Hakeswill does. I know this is nit-picking, but having some experience in the military, I can safely say that an infantryman does NOT leave an enemy behind him. Not alive, anyway. Okay, enough whining from me. Again, this is an excellent read. I'd recommend it to anyone interested in historical fiction, action, or military history.
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic
Review: Reading the WWII novel, The Triumph and the Glory has interested me in other war novels. I was referred to the Sharpe's series by my uncle, and started with "Sharpe's Eagle", which had me spellbound. "Sharpe's Company" was every bit as good, and now I am hooked on the series. What a writer! Cornwell makes history come to life with a vengeance!
Rating:
Summary: Siege + Hakeswill = Another Solid Entry
Review: This 1813-set entry in the Napoleonic War series finds Sharpe once again battling two of his most formidable foes: bureaucracy and the thoroughly evil Sgt. Hakeswill, the man responsible for his flogging in India a decade previously. The first of these battles is a foregone conclusion, as the Horse Guards finally reject Sharpe's battlefield commission to Captain, and he is reassigned away from his company as a Lieutenant. The depression this brings about is further exacerbated by the installation of Sgt. Hakeswill in Sharpe's old company. Early on, Sharpe has a chance to kill his legendarily unkillable enemy, but chooses not to and lets him go, saying that he prefers to do so in the sight of 1,000 men, so that everyone knows the deed is done. It's one of the unlikelier plot justifications of the series, made all the more annoying by the long-term implications of that decision. The story continues with Sharpe trying to figure out how to regain a Captaincy, while dealing with the schemes of Hakeswill. This is all set against the backdrop of the siege at the fortress of Badajoz. Cornwell excels at imparting the technical and murderous side of siege warfare at the time, while remaining entertaining. His descriptions of trench-digging, shelling, and futile charges against overwhelming firepower all eerily foreshadow the horrors of France and Belgium 100 years later. For Sharpe, the storming of the fortress is a test of his courage and pride, a point which Cornwell hammers home almost to the point of parody. To top it all off, Sharpe's lover, the guerilla leader Terressa, is holed up in Badajoz, and Sharpe must race to get to her before raping and looting soldiers do. The post-siege descriptions of wholesale rape are based on historical fact, and are not for the faint of heart (or young), so be warned. Another strong entry in the series.
Rating:
Summary: Siege + Hakeswill = Another Solid Entry
Review: This 1813-set entry in the Napoleonic War series finds Sharpe once again battling two of his most formidable foes: bureaucracy and the thoroughly evil Sgt. Hakeswill, the man responsible for his flogging in India a decade previously. The first of these battles is a foregone conclusion, as the Horse Guards finally reject Sharpe's battlefield commission to Captain, and he is reassigned away from his company as a Lieutenant. The depression this brings about is further exacerbated by the installation of Sgt. Hakeswill in Sharpe's old company. Early on, Sharpe has a chance to kill his legendarily unkillable enemy, but chooses not to and lets him go, saying that he prefers to do so in the sight of 1,000 men, so that everyone knows the deed is done. It's one of the unlikelier plot justifications of the series, made all the more annoying by the long-term implications of that decision. The story continues with Sharpe trying to figure out how to regain a Captaincy, while dealing with the schemes of Hakeswill. This is all set against the backdrop of the siege at the fortress of Badajoz. Cornwell excels at imparting the technical and murderous side of siege warfare at the time, while remaining entertaining. His descriptions of trench-digging, shelling, and futile charges against overwhelming firepower all eerily foreshadow the horrors of France and Belgium 100 years later. For Sharpe, the storming of the fortress is a test of his courage and pride, a point which Cornwell hammers home almost to the point of parody. To top it all off, Sharpe's lover, the guerilla leader Terressa, is holed up in Badajoz, and Sharpe must race to get to her before raping and looting soldiers do. The post-siege descriptions of wholesale rape are based on historical fact, and are not for the faint of heart (or young), so be warned. Another strong entry in the series.
Rating:
Summary: Pretty good
Review: This book is very very good. Richard Sharpe (a soldier who was promoted through the ranks to an officer) is demoted to Lieutenant, and, to add to his pressure, he must attack Badajoz, the feared fortress. He must also find his soon to be wife in the carnage. Plus! One of his archenemies is interfering his family. Can Sharpe make it through? Find out when you read this great book.
Rating:
Summary: Richard Sharpe is cool!
Review: This is the fourth of the Sharpe novels I've read. They are really good! I think Bernard Cornwell is a writer who is really good at what he does. I usually juggle a few books at a time, but since I started the Sharpe novels I've been reading them exclusively. They are addictive, much better than anything on tv or the movies. By the way, there is a website devoted exclusively to Bernard Cornwell and quite a few to Sharpe. I found them through a keyword search. Try 'em if you're a fan!(By the way, Sgt. Hakeswill is one heck of a meanie!)
Rating:
Summary: Fast Paced Action/Adventure
Review: What are some of the reasons why you read books? * Do you like adventure? * Do you like romance? * Do you like action? * Do you like history? If you answered yes to the above then you will enjoy Sharpe's Company. I started reading these books and I find myself having a hard time putting them down. Sharpe's Company by Bernard Cornwell is an exciting rip-roaring adventure addition to the Sharpe series. You can see Bernard Cornwell's extensive research come to life page after page. The setting is 1812 and the British forces are re-grouping in Spain to repulse the dreaded French juggernaut led by Napoleon. Sharpe's challenge is to defeat the French forces at Badajoz, retain his rank and marry the girl of his desires. All of Sharpe's soldiers are in attendance and ready for battle. Sharpe lost his rank due to a clerical error in England and is now a mere lieutenant. He answers to a commanding officer that has never led a battle command. The captain who replaced him is a well meaning light-weight who lets his sergeant give the orders. Additionally, the evil Sergeant Hakeswell is back in Sharpe's life again and up to his old tricks. I don't think I can imagine of a better villain than Hakeswell. He is ugly, twisted and thoroughly evil. There are no redeeming values to his character. He wants to kill Sharpe and ruin his career. Even Sharpe's friends are in danger from this psychopath. Where Cornwell shines is the description of the battle. He paints a picture of the siege at Badajoz so realistic that you visualize the battle and all of its horrors. His details are fascinating. For example, the advantages and disadvantages of a rifle and a musket, the uses of cannon to reduce castle walls to rubble and the siege warfare techniques of 1800s. I wholeheartedly endorse this book.
Rating:
Summary: Fast Paced Action/Adventure
Review: What are some of the reasons why you read books? * Do you like adventure? * Do you like romance? * Do you like action? * Do you like history? If you answered yes to the above then you will enjoy Sharpe's Company. I started reading these books and I find myself having a hard time putting them down. Sharpe's Company by Bernard Cornwell is an exciting rip-roaring adventure addition to the Sharpe series. You can see Bernard Cornwell's extensive research come to life page after page. The setting is 1812 and the British forces are re-grouping in Spain to repulse the dreaded French juggernaut led by Napoleon. Sharpe's challenge is to defeat the French forces at Badajoz, retain his rank and marry the girl of his desires. All of Sharpe's soldiers are in attendance and ready for battle. Sharpe lost his rank due to a clerical error in England and is now a mere lieutenant. He answers to a commanding officer that has never led a battle command. The captain who replaced him is a well meaning light-weight who lets his sergeant give the orders. Additionally, the evil Sergeant Hakeswell is back in Sharpe's life again and up to his old tricks. I don't think I can imagine of a better villain than Hakeswell. He is ugly, twisted and thoroughly evil. There are no redeeming values to his character. He wants to kill Sharpe and ruin his career. Even Sharpe's friends are in danger from this psychopath. Where Cornwell shines is the description of the battle. He paints a picture of the siege at Badajoz so realistic that you visualize the battle and all of its horrors. His details are fascinating. For example, the advantages and disadvantages of a rifle and a musket, the uses of cannon to reduce castle walls to rubble and the siege warfare techniques of 1800s. I wholeheartedly endorse this book.
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