In search of a worthy successor to Sharpe (read them all) and the Aubrey-Maturin novels (read the first 15 so far), I came across this series in a second-hand bookshop. This is the first of the series, starring Matthew Hervey of the 6th Light Dragoons, with the battle of Waterloo at the climax of the first installment.

Written in a style that’s less modern than Bernad Cornwell, but also less period-authentic than Patrick O’Brian, Mallison seems to be attempting to emulate O’Brian to some extent, but the end result is more accessible.

If you enjoyed either Sharpe or Aubrey-Maturin, then you will almost certain enjoy these, and while the first in the series takes a little while to get in to its stride, having just finished the second (The Nizam’s Daughters) I can confirm the momentum is starting to build up.

The battle scenes are well realised, and the hero, though at times almost implausibly clever and brave, is likeable and sympathetic – so prepare to follow Matthew Hervey, his favourite horse Jeysse and his groom Johnson on their adventures around the world!

(P.S. probably best avoided if you have an aversion to horses!)

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