My rating:
add to my books
Loading...
Sharpe's Eagle (Sharpe #8)
Captain Richard Sharpe prepares to lead his men against the army of Napoleon at Talavera in what will be the bloodiest battle of the war. After their cowardly loss of the regiment's colors, the men's resentment toward the upstart Sharpe turns to treachery, and Sharpe must fight to redeem the honor of his regiment.
Paperback, 288 pages
Published
February 1st 2001
by Penguin Books
There is a good chance some of your friends read this book. Sign in to see!
sign in »
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
This book is currently not featured on any Listopia lists.
Add this book to your favorite list »
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
2,290)
WARNING: This review claims that historical novels are like porn movies, and I discuss porn throughout. Please avoid this review if porn offends you.
Historical novels are a bit like porn for me. I am always faintly ashamed to be a fan, I generally hide my taste for them, but I get off on what they have to offer.
There are high-end historical novels, like Aubrey-Maturin (the one series I am proud to be a fan of) or Wolf Hall, that are sort of like Deep Throat and other the...more
Historical novels are a bit like porn for me. I am always faintly ashamed to be a fan, I generally hide my taste for them, but I get off on what they have to offer.
There are high-end historical novels, like Aubrey-Maturin (the one series I am proud to be a fan of) or Wolf Hall, that are sort of like Deep Throat and other the...more
view all 9 comments
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
No. 8 in the Richard Sharpe series.[return][return]It s 1809, and the British Army under Wellesley (not yet Lord Wellington) is in Portugal. Lieutenant Sharpe, recovering from a saber wound, has his first encounter with the South Essex Battalion of infantry, newly arrived from England with two aristocratic and totally incompetent officers at their head. Sharpe and Sergeant Harper, as well as the thirty surviving Rifles of the 95th, are attached to the South Essex in what will be a memorable ...more
Bernard Cornwell does an excellent job of detailing the events of Sharpe in this book.
I personally love the series being a fan of the books and the TV series. The story is. The Struggling Sharpe is a Captain on Sufferance meaning he is only a Captain because of someone dying. He needs to earn or do something heroic to make sure he earns and stays a captain.
So after the start events where the Colors get taken by the enemy (which is the worse thing possible to an army th...more
I personally love the series being a fan of the books and the TV series. The story is. The Struggling Sharpe is a Captain on Sufferance meaning he is only a Captain because of someone dying. He needs to earn or do something heroic to make sure he earns and stays a captain.
So after the start events where the Colors get taken by the enemy (which is the worse thing possible to an army th...more
My first Sharpe book -- really amazing -- best military adventure story ever!
I had heard about these Sharpe books for years, but I never really got interested in them until my good friend Deborah Hale mentioned them. SHARPE'S EAGLE really impressed me, even on audiobook!
The thing that surprised me the most was the way Cornwell is so open about the injustices of the British army. I grew up on Rudyard Kipling, and in his army stories there's a right-wing bias against any ki...more
I had heard about these Sharpe books for years, but I never really got interested in them until my good friend Deborah Hale mentioned them. SHARPE'S EAGLE really impressed me, even on audiobook!
The thing that surprised me the most was the way Cornwell is so open about the injustices of the British army. I grew up on Rudyard Kipling, and in his army stories there's a right-wing bias against any ki...more
SHARPE'S EAGLE is the first in the series of Sharpe novels by Cornwell, and by god it’s a corker. A stunning, Spanish-set action/adventure yarn laced with intrigue and violence, it is as plausible and as well worked out as any other historical novel you can think of.
The book never slows down or becomes boring; every page contains plenty of characterisation, zesty dialogue and detailed description which bring the sweaty locales to life. Following the general formula for the series, t...more
The book never slows down or becomes boring; every page contains plenty of characterisation, zesty dialogue and detailed description which bring the sweaty locales to life. Following the general formula for the series, t...more
Sharpe's Eagle is (currently) #8 in order of chronological ordering, #1 by original publication date, and #3 in the "Peninsular War" part of Sharpe's saga. This was the first time where the out-of-order writing of the books caused me serious fits.
Sharpe's Eagle was the first Sharpe book (though I didn't know that when I read it) and when viewed from that vantage point it is pretty good. It is not without flaws but it -- when considered in a vacuum -- it is a pretty good adven...more
Sharpe's Eagle was the first Sharpe book (though I didn't know that when I read it) and when viewed from that vantage point it is pretty good. It is not without flaws but it -- when considered in a vacuum -- it is a pretty good adven...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Not much more to say other than what I've already mentioned previously about the Sharpe books. Predictable and repetitive, but I know what I'm getting and it just puts me in a good mood when he strikes back against injustice and comes out on top.
The English are on the ropes because of the lack of support from the Spanish. It seems like they are constantly outnumbered and fighting the naysayers back at home. Although I was well aware of the glory the Duke of Wellington garnered from w...more
The English are on the ropes because of the lack of support from the Spanish. It seems like they are constantly outnumbered and fighting the naysayers back at home. Although I was well aware of the glory the Duke of Wellington garnered from w...more
Absolutely spectacular book. This is the first in a long series of Sharpe novels by Bernard Cornwell, most dealing with the Napoleonic War period, and featuring Richard Sharpe--lowborn Englishman who rises to officer rank in the notoriously class-conscious British army of the early 1800s. First-rate historical fiction, exciting battles, lovely women, and tremendous detail about the mores and customs of early 19th Britain. The BBC series based on the Sharpe Novels, "Sharpe's Rifles," st...more
Very good book, Sharpe is an excellent soldier who finds himself under the command of a blowhard Colonel who knows more about flogging his troops than he does leading them. The Colonel embarrases the entire Army by losing a battle flag and then tries to pin the blame on Sharpe. As if that is not enough he also has to deal with the criminal deeds of the Colonel's Nephew who is intent on goading Sharpe into doing something that will get him kicked out of the Army.
The book was very go...more
The book was very go...more
How superb is Sharpe?
I would have him on my side in a bar fight!
I must be honest here - I never really thought that I would go for this sort of historical fiction. This period of history has never been my favourite. A chap I used to work with used to bore me endlessly regarding his escapades as an extra in the Sharpe tv series - so I made a point of never watching it.
I am so glad that I read the books though.
Bernard Cornwell is an excellent writer ...more
I would have him on my side in a bar fight!
I must be honest here - I never really thought that I would go for this sort of historical fiction. This period of history has never been my favourite. A chap I used to work with used to bore me endlessly regarding his escapades as an extra in the Sharpe tv series - so I made a point of never watching it.
I am so glad that I read the books though.
Bernard Cornwell is an excellent writer ...more
First read January 14, 2009: Love the battle, tactics, camaraderie, and the history.
Eighth in the Richard Sharpe historical military fiction series with this particular selection revolving around the Peninsular War in Spain and Portugal against the French and the battle at Talavera on July 27 and 28, 1809.
<h2>My Take</h2>
There is something so real about Cornwell's treatment of the Peninuslar War as we read through Richard Sharpe's actions and thoughts. I lo...more
Eighth in the Richard Sharpe historical military fiction series with this particular selection revolving around the Peninsular War in Spain and Portugal against the French and the battle at Talavera on July 27 and 28, 1809.
<h2>My Take</h2>
There is something so real about Cornwell's treatment of the Peninuslar War as we read through Richard Sharpe's actions and thoughts. I lo...more
After almost 5 years and getting all the Sharpe's books I finally, finally found a way into the series. I've tried 3 times before (well actually 4 times) to start reading this series set in the Napoleonian Wars period featuring Richard Sharpe, professional soldier, great leader, romantic lead and all around action hero. I've tried reading chronologically (twice) starting with Sharpe's Tiger (set in India) didn't work, I found myself not "getting" the feel of the character like there wa...more
Ed
rated it
·
review of another edition
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Historical Fiction Readers
Shelves:
historical-fiction,
reviewed
Trying to read the Richard Sharpe series in chronological order can be difficult. The reason being that Cornwell did not write the books in order. Sharpe's Eagle is the 8th book in the series but the first book of the series, he wrote.
In the Introduction, he mentions that he's never re-read it himself because he's afraid that he would be too critical of his own skills. It's a hell of a good read, though. I enjoyed it immensely.
The story's themes are familiar to anyo...more
In the Introduction, he mentions that he's never re-read it himself because he's afraid that he would be too critical of his own skills. It's a hell of a good read, though. I enjoyed it immensely.
The story's themes are familiar to anyo...more
Madeline
rated it
·
review of another edition
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
everyone
Recommended to Madeline by:
Sean Bean...and my mum.
This is another book where I could not find the exact edition that I read--for some reason it bothers me...
Cornwell, through this one book that I have read, is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Though many times I find the lengthy descriptions dull, the giant paragraphs of detail give me an idea of what Napolean's wars could be like. The characters are all like-able, even when they're not supposed to be, because it seems so believable. The only reason I'm not rating this a...more
Cornwell, through this one book that I have read, is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Though many times I find the lengthy descriptions dull, the giant paragraphs of detail give me an idea of what Napolean's wars could be like. The characters are all like-able, even when they're not supposed to be, because it seems so believable. The only reason I'm not rating this a...more
All of the Sharpe books are great fictional accounts of British Military exploits (India, Spain, Portugal, even Denmark) in the late 18th and early 19th century all centered around one man Richard Sharpe who was born into poverty, ran into the army to escape the law and subsequently found his life's calling. In the first book he is a private but in the second book his is given a commision for saving Lord Wellingtons life. (Rarely in those days a soldier raised from the rank into the officers mes...more
I am going through this very good series again after a number of years. This time with the audio versions. This novel is very typical of the whole, good battle descriptions, girl, and nasty villians. This is very masculine stuff and I am quite surprised looking over the GR reviews how many women have read and liked the book. To me it is sort of the polar opposite of a book like Little Women which I can't get through more than 10 pages.
Writing style is quick and light. Story and characters are compelling if a tad flat. Conflicts too can be a bit simple and archetypical: bravery overcomes cowardice, loyalty over betrayal, hero gets the girl. The setting in early 19th century land war against Napoleon is fascinating backdrop to these traditional themes. Parallels exist to Patrick O'Brian's excellent Aubrey-Maturin series set in the same period but focusing on the Naval campaign, with some fine attention to military strategy (t...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Sharpe’s Eagle is a rollicking action-adventure novel, unfortunately hampering by a circular and repetitive narrative style, a tacked on and underdeveloped romance, and the more disturbing implications of the hero’s apparent sociopathic tendencies. I hope Cornwell improves in the later novels, but I won’t be holding my breath.
E o terceiro livro das aventuras de Richard Sharpe (dos editados em Portugal) revela-se até agora o mais empolgante.
Depois de alguma desilusão com o "Sharpe e a Campanha de Wellington" fica o autor (e também o personagem) vingados.
Li este livro de uma forma voraz. E merece-o.
Empolgante e muito bem escrito mantém a acção a fluir a um ritmo que não se consegue parar de ler.
A histĂłria, embora fictĂcia, conta a Campanha de Talavera (esta bem real e bem documentada histo...more
Depois de alguma desilusão com o "Sharpe e a Campanha de Wellington" fica o autor (e também o personagem) vingados.
Li este livro de uma forma voraz. E merece-o.
Empolgante e muito bem escrito mantém a acção a fluir a um ritmo que não se consegue parar de ler.
A histĂłria, embora fictĂcia, conta a Campanha de Talavera (esta bem real e bem documentada histo...more
The first of many books about Richard Sharpe, a soldier in the Napoleonic Wars who works his way from private in the ranks up to officer. Sharpe is a terrific character - violent, but likeable. I fall in love with him every time. Sean Bean plays him in a TV mini-series based on the books. Good series, but the books are better.
Horatio Hornblower for the army set. Gunpowder, cannons, worn-out boots, incompetent aristocratic officers, heroic peasant soldiers, sultry Iberian beauties, more gunpowder and cannons, cowardly Spanish fops, gentlemenly French enemies, unfortunate desertions, and still more gunpowder and cannons. i could read another. 3.5/5
This is one of my favorites in this series. It is exciting and there are interesting characters. As always the villains are villainous. In this case the villain is a vain and incompetent colonel who thinks flogging is the way to make good soldiers and, of course, takes a dislike to Sharpe. As always Sharpe is well-nigh indestructible, extremely heroic and very lucky - but not in love.
This ISBN wasn't listed on Goodreads :( There are how many editions of this book (16) and so many with the same cover and/or the same publisher, but no, I have to enter in all the details. *grumble*
5 for $25 table at the front of bookshop, although I could only find 3
As far as I remember, this was the very first Sharpe that Cornwell wrote. When he went back to fill in the back-story, he started just before this one (with Rifles) then went back some more. Which makes some of the small details in the stories inconsistent. But I still love them.
One of my favorites, and the first written of the series. Sharpe takes an Eagle at Talavera. You will hear about this for the REST OF HIS LIFE.
Damage: Surprisingly little
Shirtlessness: Ditto
Ladies Banged: 1, a Portuguese noblewoman whose honor he defends
Proper Officer Yet?: No.
Damage: Surprisingly little
Shirtlessness: Ditto
Ladies Banged: 1, a Portuguese noblewoman whose honor he defends
Proper Officer Yet?: No.
I enjoyed the Sharpe's novels pretty well. They do seem to bog down now and again, you must build in a romantic angle. In this one the obligitory inept officers almost bring about disaster and shame the Regiment. it falls to Sharpe (of course) to redeem their honor.
Wieder ein toller Sharpe. Jetzt heißt es wieder warten bis Juli auf die nächste Wiederauflage. Cornwell ist grandios in den Schlachtbeschreibungen und schafft es auch immer einen wirklich hassenswerten Antagonisten zum jetzt Captain Sharpe zu erschaffen. Vier Sterne deswegen, weil ich die Story etwas dünn empfand: zwei Schlachten, eine schöne Frau, die nicht dauerhaft bei Sharpe bleiben kann und eine (unsinnige?) Heldentat. Da waren die vorigen Romane noch etwas gehaltvoller, obwohl Sharpes Trop...more
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
Readers Also Enjoyed
Cornwell was born in London in 1944. His father was a Canadian airman, and his mother was English, a member of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force. He was adopted and brought up in Essex by the Wiggins family, who were members of the Peculiar People, a strict Protestant sect who banned frivolity of all kinds and even medicine. After he left them, he changed his name to his mother's maiden name, Cornwe...more
More about Bernard Cornwell...
Share This Book
1 trivia question
More quizzes & trivia...
