This is one of those series I have been wanting to give a try for a while. I have tried a few of Cornwell's standalone historical pieces and enjoyed them. He is probably best known for this series of books, which is actually quite lengthy. The hero of the series is Richard Sharpe, and his is a member of the British Army.

With this first novel in the series, Richard Sharpe finds himself in India in 1799. He is just a private in the army, and he is not known for being the most educated man on the expedition. The division has been sent to India in the hopes of taking down the influential Tippoo of Mysore, who is an Indian royal with French allies. Britain is hoping to have full control of the sub-continent, and a success on this mission would help push out all French influence.

Sharpe is assigned the task of posing as a deserter, along with one of his friends in the hopes of making it into Mysore., where he will hopefully help contact and liberate a Scottish undercover officer who is being held there by Tippoo. Unfortunately, this is not going to be an easy task, but it will be worth the effort. Not only will success help swing the tide of the battle in India, but it will earn Sharpe a promotion to the level of Sergeant in His Majesty's Army.

Of course, even if he is able to get into the city and reach the spy, he is going to have to survive the massive battle that will take place when the British arrive to take the city or all of his hard work will have been for naught.

Sharpe turns out to be a truly interesting character. He definitely captures the lower class culture of British society. He can be coarse and harsh while also being dedicated to his friends and patriotic toward his country. His friends appreciate and care for him, which is one of the reasons he is able to start getting a handle on the ability to read while working on the mission.

Cornwell does a wonderful job of capturing the beauty of the setting. All of the elaborate architecture and unique culture are presented in interesting detail, highlighting how that in some areas (such as medicine) these "savages" are actually superior from their Imperial visitors. He populates his world with complex and interesting characters that are really only trying to make their way in the world. We are definitely along for the ride, and most readers will find that an enjoyable experience.