- Hardcover: 384 pages
- Publisher: Bantam Press; 1st edition edition (1 Mar 2005)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0593053400
- ISBN-13: 978-0593053409
- Product Dimensions: 23.4 x 16 x 4 cm
- Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 732,727 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
An Act Of Courage (Matthew Hervey 07)
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More About the Author
Product Description
Review
"'As good on the details of the workings of a cavalry regiment in 1820 as ever Patrick O'Brian was on the workings of an 1820 warship.' Spectator"
Book Description
At the bloody siege of Badajoz, Matthew Hervey must overthrow the French – or die in the attempt.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
47 of 48 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
An Act of Courage
I read the first Mathew Hervey adventure about four years ago, and what a fantastic read it was. I have read Bernard Cornwell, Patrick O'Brian, C. S. Forester and many others, and I think Alan Mallinson can definitely compete. So I bought the next book and the next book, and seven books later I've just finished 'An Act of Courage'.
When I put down the third book (A Regimental Affair), I couldn't wait to pick up the next instalment of the Hervey adventures. The series had everything, adventure, advancement, hardship, heartbreak, and of course War. I enjoyed book four (A Call to Arms), but when I got to book five (The Sabre's Edge) there seemed to be something missing. Then came the infamous 'Rumours of War', by far the worst in the series. Mr Mallinson started to tell the story though a series of flashbacks, from the then present (Portugal-1826) to Corunna-1809ish. The style just didn't work and the book was a complete waste of time. I got the feeling that Mr Mallinson didn't really know what to do with Hervey. After all, post waterloo battles are few and not that intriguing.
When I saw the latest book, 'An Act of Courage', I wasn't sure about reading it. But since I'd already read the previous six, I though that I might as well. This book is written in the same style as the previous (Rumours of War), with flashbacks to 1812. HOWEVER, I think Mr Mallinson has become more adapt to this style, and this book sings as a result.
Like the previous book, it has two stories, one set in Hervey's past, and one set in his present. Unlike the previous book however, Mr Mallinson concentrates on one story (1812 the storming of Badajoz), and leaves the other story (Hervey's escape from the evil Spaniards 1826) on the fringes. But do not be fooled, the secondary story, is quite important as it shows us what direction Hervey's life is taking. I personally think this book is setting up something special. Although it isn't nearly as good as the first four, I feel that we have turned the corner and that the future episodes are going to be fantastic.
Unlike Sharp, this series isn't just collection of adventures. Dull or fantastic they all seem to be going in a certain direction, and I certainly want to find out what that direction is.
1. A Close Run Thing - Waterloo - 10/10
2. Nizams Daughters - India - 7/10
3. A Regimental Affair -America and Heartbreak - 10/10
4. A Call to Arms - India - 9/10
5. The Sabre's Edge - India again - 6/10
6. Rumours of War- Portugal, after India - 2/10
7. Act of Courage - Portugal - 7/10
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
The latest in the Hervey series maintains the same high standards of interesting characters, plotlines and detail. Overall, the Hervey books are excellent reads and frequently hard to put down. Unlike some other authors, you really do get a strong feeling of authenticity and accuracy down to the smallest level of detail. Because there's a fair bit of 'flashback' in the later books, it's occasionally tricky to follow where you are in the timeline, nevertheless Mallinson delivers a truly outstanding read for anyone who has ever enjoyed the classic historical military stories. I can't wait for the next in the series and have already pre-ordered on Amazon.
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I have been a big fan of the Matthew Hervey series until the last few books. Although I have now read 4 books in this series I seriously doubt if I will ever read another. In the last few books Mallinson has changed his narrative style and now finds the need to write chapters in different periods of Hervey's life (most annoying and unhelpful). This book is continually flicking back from 1806 to the present day of 1826 when Hervey is a captive. This is the second book that uses this technique and it is very annoying. It means the book lacks 'flow'. I wish Mallinson would go back to his old style.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
An Act Of Courage (Matthew Hervey 07)
This book is no7 of a series of 10 which follow Matthew Hervey through his military career and well worth the reading but you need to read the whole series as just one will not be... Read more
Published 5 months ago by cobrabp1
More flashbacks for Hervey - vol 7
An Act of Courage is similar in form to the previous Rumours of War; but better presented with fewer but longer flashbacks to the Peninsula War, and less jumping between now and... Read more
Published 7 months ago by John Middleton
Excellent
Another 5 star book from Allan Mallinson. Until I read the first of book of his in this series, I had never read (fiction) about the British cavalry's escapades other than in... Read more
Published 20 months ago by Aremess
The more mature Hervey, the more mature Mallinson
I am reading these in order, my summer reading and as far as reviewing this part of the series, I am going to depart from some of the findings of my fellow reviewers. Read more
Published 22 months ago by I. P. Gearing
Poor Effort
This book is very disappointing ! i will not be buying any more of the series! I think the author has lost the excitement of the previous books and needs to rethink his... Read more
Published on 4 Aug 2006 by cromwell
Disappointed
As an avid follower of Allan Mallinson up to now, I have been disappointed with his flashbacks in the last two books. Read more
Published on 11 Oct 2005
good in parts but.....
I rad with interest the latest book in Colonel Mallinson's series.Its strengths are evident.The author possesses an outstanding knowledge and understanding of the battles of the... Read more
Published on 5 April 2005 by glyn roberts
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