Raw recruits march under the summer sun as the Peninsular War looms in 1808, calling forth the true soldier gentlemen of Britain. The 106th Foot, a new regiment of young gentlemen unversed in warfare, is introduced. William Hanley joins the army out of necessity, while Hamish Williams hopes to gain fame through conflict. Their friend Billy Pringle sees combat as a way to escape his vices, and George Wickham views battle as an opportunity for social advancement. As these four friends are thrust into the brutal realities of war against Napoleon's seasoned forces, their naive expectations are shattered, and their lives are irrevocably altered. This narrative combines the meticulous detail of a skilled historian with compelling characters and dynamic action, appealing to fans of historical fiction. Reviewers praise its seamless writing and engaging flow, noting that the depth of historical knowledge is presented in an accessible manner, making it a captivating read from beginning to end.
