The gripping new novel from internationally bestselling master of historical fiction Bernard Cornwell.

‘There is everything here that Sharpe fans will love. If this really is the last time Sharpe wields his heavy cavalry sword, he will be sorely missed’ The Times

If any man can do the impossible it’s Richard Sharpe …

The year is 1813. France is a battlefield, and winter shows no mercy. Amidst brutal conditions, Major Richard Sharpe finds himself saddled with an unexpected burden: Rear-Admiral Sir Joel Chase, dispatched by the Admiralty with sealed orders, unshakable confidence, and a frankly terrifying enthusiasm for combat.

Sharpe’s mission from Wellington is clear, yet anything but simple: keep Sir Joel alive.

Sir Joel could hold the key to defeating Napoleon once and for all. But to pull off his audacious plan, he needs someone who knows how to fight dirty, think fast, and survive the impossible.

He needs Sharpe …

Review

Praise for Bernard Cornwell:

‘The best battle scenes of any writer I’ve ever read, past or present. Cornwell really makes history come alive’ GEORGE R. R. MARTIN

‘He’s called a master storyteller. Really he’s cleverer than that’ TELEGRAPH

Nobody in the world does this better than Cornwell’ LEE CHILD

This is a magnificent and gory work' DAILY MAIL

'The historical blockbuster of the year' EVENING STANDARD

‘A runaway success’ OBSERVER

‘The characterisation, as ever, is excellent…And one can only admire the little touches that bring the period to life. He can also claim to be a true poet of both the horror and the glory of war’ SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

About the Author

Bernard Cornwell was born in London, raised in Essex and worked for the BBC for eleven years before meeting Judy, his American wife. Denied an American work permit he wrote a novel instead and has been writing ever since. He and Judy divide their time between Cape Cod and Charleston, South Carolina.