Company Of Spears: (The Matthew Hervey Adventures: 8): A gripping and heart-stopping military adventure from bestselling author Allan Mallinson that will keep you on the edge of your seat

Another 5 star book from Allan Mallinson. Until I read the first of book of his in this series, I had never read (fiction) about the British cavalry's escapades other than in passing. This series of books give a real insight into cavalry warfare of the early 1800's - a 5 star read

Although the cover blurb talks about Hervey v the Zulu, the entire first half of the book is set in England, with Hervey's hopes of command dashed, his command of the Sixth being used to suppress either Catholic drunkards or Government agents provocateur, and his greatest achievement being his proposal to marry his former CO's widow. None of this is badly done per se, but its not what the book promises either. Hervey is trying to get his life back on track; a realisation he seems to have come to (if somewhat incompletely) in a Spanish prison. As a result however, he seems a man grasping at straws in the wind rather than making considered choices. In making the big decision to be a better man, he is ignoring the small decisions that go with it, or at least failing to put proper thought into those decisions.In short, Hervey remains a deeply flawed character: an excellent soldier perhaps, but somewhat incapable outside that capacity (shades of Jack Aubrey there as a great sailor but incompetant on land).The book picks up when Hervey hits Africa, and adventures to the frontier. Some intriguing new characters are introduced, and who themselves show signs of development - the prickly Fairbrother being the best of them. There is then a big battle to close out the story, but it is only half-told: something O'Brien could get away with, but Mallinson quite can't. It's a bit frustrating, but not too bad.The book then closes with an unexpected look at Captain Peto, who is also engaged to be married, and in charge of a first-rate. Presumably this will make more sense in light of Man of War. I'd give this 3.5 stars if I could; since I cant, 4 it is.

Great series of books which I look forward to reading and moving on to the next in the series. This story should appeal to everyone great look into a personal experience of the cavalry of the period :-)

Another in the series of Matthew Hervey’s adventures with old friends and new ones introduced. An enjoyable read and informative of the history of the period.

Highly enjoyable novel. Great story. Thoroughly recommend for lovers of adventure novels.

Take away all the classical quotations, take away the recitation of funeral liturgies, remove the unnecessary and interminable back story explanations whenever a character enters the room and this could have been a cracking novel of 250 pp instead of 506 pp. The three stars are for an excellent story about some important people in history (Shaka Zulu for one), well researched and set in a land familiar to anyone who has watched the film Zulu. It would have been such a better read if an editor had been more assiduous. It kind of dragged in places but I got through it. I will read Warrior, the next one up, maybe it gets better.

Excellent - another one for my husband to read in this series.

A good read, better than Sharpe, but not as good as Jack Aubrey. Looking forwrd to the next adventure

Perfecto

J'ai relu toute la série Hervey que j'avais sous forme papier, à l'occasion de la parution du dernier épisode de la série. J'aime toujours autant.

New charecters. New enemies both external and internal. Mallinson continues to grow as an author. I am hooked.

Fantastic continuing story of Matthew Hervey. Brigadier Mallinson continues a great tradition, of outstanding storytelling! I look forward to his next book!