The Gentleman Volunteer

by J.S. Cole

1745 and Europe is at war. Great armies march across the continent but for Great Britain and her allies there is only defeat. Even as the Austrian Netherlands slowly fall under the occupation of the victorious French there is talk again of a Jacobite rising, a resurgence of the old Stuart cause and bloody rebellion amongst the heather.

William Moore, young and naïve, taken suddenly from his genteel upbringing and expensive schooling, finds himself thrust unwillingly into the conflict. As a Gentleman Volunteer he is expected to serve honourably with the rank and file until rewarded a commission for bravery or competence. But being a soldier doesn’t come naturally; immature and inept he gradually finds himself ostracised and despised by both the officers and the redcoats campaigning alongside him. Fighting during the upheaval of the War of the Austrian Succession and the 'Jacobite '45', Moore must quickly learn his trade and discover his place amongst the chaos.

Through skirmishes in Flanders, to the rout of Falkirk Muir and the final climatic Battle of Culloden, Moore gradually finds his courage and standing, helped by the inspirational men and women around him.

With an array of real characters gleaned from the military records and rooted in extensive historical research, The Gentleman Volunteer is a novel of conflict, love and a ‘coming of age’ story in the most trying of circumstances.

First in the series of ‘The Redcoat’ novels.

279 pages, Paperback

Published May 10, 2018

Reviews

[Cindy Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very real and emotional!

Great writing. An unfortunate need for editing, but excellent storyline and great characters.

This story of a youngster of 14 who joins the British Army as a "gentleman volunteer" during the 18th century Jacobite uprising is written with much historical accuracy. The story is told from the British point of view and you get a real feel for this youngster's isolation in a regiment of grenadiers much older and suspicious of his social standing. His only friends being other very young gentlemen trying to find their way in this army.

I love the way Moore's extreme imperfections and teenage rebelliousness and insecurities are laid out as he tries to gain a foothold into this new world he has been thrust into. His inexperience and youth are not forgiven by his regimental colleagues and his ineptitude is astounding. His inexperience also focuses on his love life or, at least, what he perceives as love. He's a boy on his own thrust into an adult world.

I must give my high opinion of the battle scenes. The descriptions as seen through the eyes of this youngster as the sights and smell of fighting around him as he takes it all in are extremely well-written. A frightening expose!

I very highly recommend to readers of historical fiction as one of the better books I've read of this era. Very striking!

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Found the book to be easy to read and entertaining. A little short on combat but great character development that read as a coming of age tale as much as a military one. I would recommend the book and look forward to the next installment

[Chaplain Stanley Chapin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was somewhat disappointed

The storyline was about the trial and tribulations of a young teenager growing through both the army and life. It did not need the sexual exploits so avidly described.

[Peter Harding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read when is the next book due please