«Sharpe Strikes Gold...Again»
This is easily one of my favorite books in the series. I highly recommend it.
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«Best Sharpe so far»
Sharpe's Gold is my favorite of the series so far because Sharpe has to make a costly decision at the end, which illustrates the kind of antihero he is. The Sharpe series needs more moments like this one. Based on his usual heroic and romantic exploits, one might think that Sharpe is a classic hero; however, Sharpe's Gold reminds us that he is, in fact, a rogue, who does what needs to be done despite the consequences.
In Sharpe's Gold, Captain Sharpe has to acquire some money to aid Wellington under the watchful eyes of Spanish guerillas, French dragoons, and even British officers. As customary, he makes an archenemy, who for once is even deadlier than Sharpe, and meets a spirited young lady. What distinguishes this installment from the others is that Sharpe's mission is not neither honorable nor heroic. Wellington chooses him because he is a scoundrel and a killer, not because he is a capable leader or soldier.
After reading nine Sharpe novels (in chronological order), I believe that the books published first are superior to the more recent books. Sharpe's Escape and Sharpe's Gold are leaner, more compelling stories than Sharpe's Prey and Sharpe's Havoc. In the earlier books, Cornwell endangers Sharpe more effectively. I think that they also reveal more about Sharpe's character; however, that may be simple logistics, since the later books do not have to reveal as much character if the earlier books have already accomplished the task.
If you like adventure, action, and antiheroes, Richard Sharpe is your man.
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«Love the Sharpe Series»
Sharpe's Gold is an installment of the Sharpe series by Bernard Cornwell which takes place during the Peninsular War and one year after the Battle of Talavera . Captain Richard Sharpe is with General Wellington's army in Portugal where the British are in dyer need of money, food and supplies. Sharpe's mission is to steal gold to continue to fund the campaign. Sharpe finds himself stuck in the fortress at Almeida, Portugal and he must use all of his cunning to escape and help save the British army.
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