Close to the Colours

105th Foot, The Prince of Wales Wessex Regiment #2

by Martin McDowell

This story, sequel to “Worth Their Colours” is also set within actual history – fictional characters in actual events. On 2nd May 1808 Napoleon Bonaparte imprisoned the Spanish Royal Family and proclaimed his brother Joseph the new King of Spain. The Spanish rose up at the insult and so, with Spain in foment, the British Government saw the opportunity for a British army to once again set foot on European soil. Therefore, in August 1808, a small force led by General Sir Arthur Wellesley came ashore through the pounding surf of Mondego Bay to land on the Portuguese coast. This is the story of that army, how they confronted the hitherto victorious French, beginning with the very first exchange of fire at Brilos and then the success of Rolica and the stunning victory of Vimeiro. Wellington was recalled as being signatory to the controversial Convention of Cintra, and only then came the advance into Spain under General Sir John Moore. This incursion soon turned into a winter retreat of appalling hardship, but the army turned and stood at Corunna to inflict one last defeat on their pursuers, before returning home. The tale is told through the eyes of the characters of the fictional 105th Foot, The Prince of Wales Own Wessex Regiment, but all the events are actual history.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Military Fiction

711 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 14, 2013

Reviews

[Veljko · Rating 3 out of 5]

These are good books, but just not to my taste. I personally don't like when authors chose this "old style" of writing (i don't know how exactly it is called), even though I understand it perfectly. This kind of language simply doesn't resonate with me, I know these books were writers recently and in the end it just annoys me. This I can put aside but these books have one other thing that I hate, not central MC, or simply put many pov. People here write that Cap. Carr is supposed to be MC but i don't think so. He gets at best even or less page time that other characters. If these were his books, with occasional view from minor characters that would be rankers, civilians, superiors, friends, romantic interest it would be perfect. Alas it is not that way, and beside Carr and couple of regulars I don't care about other characters. I am actually surprised that I even finished these two books. So as I said, these are good books, and if you dont mind the writing style or many povs these should be great reading for you.

[R Sticklee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-researched series hits the right notes

McDowell has done meticulous research and breathed life into it. Every story worth reading needs a villain (or obstacle to be overcome), but the villains in this series are not cardboard caricatures. Some who I thought were villains, were immature and have grown in character in response to their hardships—d’Villiers and the parson spring to mind. Carr is a wonderful character and Drake is a perfect foil for him. The romances are handled just right, as ribbons of light woven through a dark time.

[Steven Malone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Red Coats on the ground

McDowell takes a magnifying glass to the British army in its first efforts to wrest Spain from Napoleon. Officers, foot solders, and camp followers, all are there. A well researched look at the life and times during first victories and final tragic retreat back to England. Excellent characterizations, detailed settings, vivid prose decorate this page-turner historical fiction.

[peter eells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent can't wait for more

Exciting absorbing storytelling, kept me anticipating the next opportunity I had to continue reading the story of the 105th, it's officers and men.
Well done, here's to more adventures.

[David M. Kittay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb!

The character development by this author in this book was of the highest order. The battle scenes riveting, and the overall attention to detail throughout nothing short of masterly. I will read every book in this series. Well done.

[Bill Pacitto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found gold!!

I very much liked this book. It seemed well researched and the characters were all very realistic. I found Close to the Colors to be a very informative and entertaining. If you like books about early 19th century, especially European warfare, you’ll like this book.

[Brenda J. Crowder · Rating 4 out of 5]

British army series

Series follows British army unit through Napoleonic wars. Strong assemble cast not all officers. Follow soldiers and their followers. Enjoyed character development. Also gets the history right. Starting next book now

[philip mccarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A most enjoyable and very detailed read.aa

As a enthusiastic reader of Bernard Cornwell Sharpe books,I found this at least equal if not superior,thoroughly recommended good read.

[Chaplain Stanley Chapin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another very detailed military action

One of a series that competes a well researched number of actual military action. It also has family and romantic activity

[geoff harding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marvellous

An historical novel about the Peninsula wars that truly holds your attention. Was a book that I couldn’t put down.

[P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent, excellent read.

[Robert Yearsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

[Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Historical Action

Wonderful historical action novel. You will not be disappointed if you like this genre. Best of you read the first book before this one

[William Rowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hadn't realized how effective combining well documented history with a good novel was as a tool for learning history. A link to appropriate maps would help. Next would be diagrams of formations. The series increases understanding of why the British army was so effective.

[Robin Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

master writer

another great book Martin McDowell would be the best writer of historic fiction. he adds a great Dollop of human trials and tribulations. I cannot wait to get into the next book.

[Rob A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunningly good read for an author I have never heard of and which I knew more about. Almost seems to be a pen name based on the lack of details on him and any prior works.