Sharpe's Eagle

In Sharpe's Eagle we follow Lieutenant Richard Sharpe. He's a soldier in the British army during the Napoleonic Wars. In this book Sharpe is in Portugal. His Riflemen are attached to the newly arrived South Essex Regiment. They are led by the arrogant, snobbish, and ineffectual Colonel Simmerson. An officer who purchased his commission. Sharp batters them into fighting shape for the upcoming Battle of Talavera. Simmerson brings with him two cowardly incompetent officers. Both fall foul of Sharpe in the end.

When Simmerson loses the regiment's colours he blames Sharpe. Sharpe must think of a way to win back the regiment's honor. His sole option is to steal one of the French Eagles, presented to each Regiment by Napoleon himself.

In Sharpe's Eagle Bernard Cornwell is at his best. This is a thrilling, action-packed adventure. It is set in a detailed historical time that allows Sharpe to fight his way through the ranks. Battling not only Napoleon's army, but also the worst of the British upper-class.