This series continues nicely as the 106th gets blooded in the Battle for Talaveras. With too few troops to take on the rest of the French, the battered 106th returns home to regroup, recruit, refit, and recover from their various wounds ( )

This is the 3rd of Godlsworthy's well done series on the Peninsular War. Here we see contrast to Cornwells Sharp, where Sharp has always had that little unrealistic friendship of Wellington for that hero. Wellington did not like those promoted from the ranks. Here our hero started as a Gentleman Volunteer, which we see play out as he is wise in his understanding of how to lead, and to think strategically. We saw our man do well on the retreat from Corunna, and here, we see a little liberties taken with the defeat at Medellin, but our lads come through with the campaigning, and intrigues that lead up to Talavera.

With not only the main hero, but Goldsworthy's use of others, we get a rounded contribution from the 106th. We do not need just one man to be leader, spy, and lover all at once. Though we should note for Austenphiles that Wickham, and now Colonel Fitzwilliam are making their ways through the story in a path that Jane may not have wanted to see followed.

For those who like the tales of the Napoleonic Era and wish to see more than just the success we know through Sharp, I recommend this series. ( )