Words of Command (12) (Matthew Hervey)
Words of Command (12) (Matthew Hervey) book cover

Words of Command (12) (Matthew Hervey)

Hardcover – June 1, 2015

Price
$28.99
Format
Hardcover
Pages
400
Publisher
Bantam Press
Publication Date
ISBN-13
978-0593073223
Dimensions
6 x 1.4 x 9 inches
Weight
1.46 pounds

Description

Allan Mallinson is a former infantry and cavalry officer ofxa035 years' service worldwide. His previous titles in the Matthew Hervey series include A Close Run Thing , A Regimental Affair , and The Sabre's Edge . He also writes on defense matters for the Times , the Daily Telegraph , and the Mail Online , and is a regular reviewer for the Times , Spectator , and Literary Review .

Features & Highlights

  • Lieutenant-Colonel Matthew Hervey returns to take command of the 6th Light Dragoons in his 12th enthralling adventure
  • January 1830, one of the hardest winters in memory. The prime minister, the Duke of Wellington, bruised by his volte-face over Catholic Emancipation, is in no mood to give way to the growing calls for parliamentary reform. Violent unrest in the countryside is on the increase, and violent protest for reform is threatening. There are no police outside London, and most of the yeomanry regiments—the volunteer cavalry to whom the magistrates traditionally turn when disorder threatens—have been disbanded as an economy measure. It is against this tense background Lieutenant-Colonel Matthew Hervey, recently returned from his assignment with the Russian army in the Balkans, takes command of his regiment, the 6th Light Dragoons—at Hounslow. His fears that Hounslow will be a dull place to serve are quickly dispelled by vexatious officers, difficult choices over which NCOs to promote, and incendiarists on the King’s own doorstep. But the real excitement comes when the Sixth are sent to Brussels for the 15th anniversary celebrations of the battle of Waterloo, and find themselves in the middle of the Belgian uprising against Dutch rule. Will Hervey be able to keep out of the fighting—the "Belgian War of Independence" that will lead, a century later, to Britain’s involvement in World War I—while trying to safeguard British interests? Not likely!

Customer Reviews

Rating Breakdown

★★★★★
30%
(196)
★★★★
25%
(163)
★★★
15%
(98)
★★
7%
(46)
23%
(149)

Most Helpful Reviews

✓ Verified Purchase

Allan Mallinson has replaced Patrick O'Brien as my favorite author of historical fiction

Allan Mallinson has replaced Patrick O'Brien as my favorite author of historical fiction. His Matthew Hervey series is outstanding- beautifully and intelligently written, nearly flawlessly researched, and vividly descriptive. Interestingly, although there is relatively little "action" in this, his latest installment, I think it may actually be my favorite of the series. Mallinson is not afraid to take us into his character's inner life, and Hervey's is extremely well-drawn. His is a deeper, richer character than most heroes of historical fiction. He sins, and feels remorse that is believable for the son of a cleric. The secondary characters are very well done, also. This is a mature, intelligently written novel, and at the same time, it has enough excitement even for the literary adrenalin fan.
Thank you, Brigadier Mallinson! Please send us more!
2 people found this helpful
✓ Verified Purchase

Words of Praise!

This hugely fascinating book is the 12th instalment of the wonderful Matthew Hervey series.
As ever the book is filled with beautifully explained military details as well as wonderfully documented historical details and a picture-map, see inside cover about the new Barracks on Hounslow Heath in 1803.
The storytelling is as always very immaculate, mainly due to the fact of the author's military background and his capability to deliver us a story which is full with military prowess and vigour.
The tale is set in the year AD 1830 and again this tale is brought to us in a most remarkable fahion.
The story is about Matthew Hervey and his Regiment, the 6th Light Dragoons, who are sent to quell the violent unrest when they are starting to break out in the countryside and later they have to deal with the problems which are mounting on the doorstep of the King himself.
Also but again some time later Hervey and his men have to deal with the trouble that starts to develop in an Belgian uprising against Dutch rule during the celebrations of the 15th Anniversary of the battle of Waterloo, where they have to try to stay out of this conflict with all their might while safeguarding their country's interests.
Very much recommended, for this is a most remarkable and fascinating book, and therefore it deserves all these "Words of Praise"!
✓ Verified Purchase

Four Stars

verry good
✓ Verified Purchase

Five Stars

Another in a series of outstanding reads. I've read them all.
✓ Verified Purchase

Five Stars

Yet another fantastic installment in the Matthew Hervey saga.

Can't wait for the next one!!!
✓ Verified Purchase

Up the Chain of Command

another good books following Hervey as he moves up the chain of command
✓ Verified Purchase

seems like preparation for the next volume

Not much going on; seems like preparation for the next volume. Of course, it's a fairly quiet period for the British army.
✓ Verified Purchase

... Hervey series of books by Allan Malinson is always excellent and a most enjoyable read

The Matthew Hervey series of books by Allan Malinson is always excellent and a most enjoyable read.