Sharpe's Enemy

Book XV of the Sharpe Series

By: Bernard Cornwell

Narrated by: Frederick Davidson

Length: 11 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

A band of renegades led by Sharpe's vicious mortal enemy, Obadiah Hakeswill, holds a group of British and French women hostage in a strategic mountain pass. On the other side of the pass, Napoleon's Grande Armie seeks to smash through and crash the British army in Portugal. Outnumbered and attacked from two sides, Sharpe must hold his ground or die in the attempt.

Don't forget to check out the rest of Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe series.

©1984 Rifleman Productions (P)1995 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"Frederick Davidson performs superbly. The hardness and hauteur of his syllable - precise delivery render well the rigid hierarchies and varied personalities of military life. For fans of the series, Davidson's readings may be definitive." (AudioFile Magazine)

Another amazing example of this writer's gift

An experience that brings both knowledge and entertainment. A rich adventure into the world of 1812 Spain.

Military Methods

I love the military history. In this book in particular the introduction of rockets into the War against Napoleon and the footnote about their use in the War of 1812, especially their being referenced in the Star Spangled Banner., i..e .“the rockets red glare”.

A fantastic addition to an amazing series

Cornwell introduces some new characters in this one, all of whom are just as likable (or loathsome!) as other notables figures in the Sharpe series.
The battles in this one were especially poignant, especially since we get to see Sharpe fully realize his strategic cunning.
Highly recommended for any fan of the series or those interested in the Napoleonic Wars.

All around terrific

Wonderful story [but make sure you read this series in order] with lots of good characters, action and plot. The reader [F. Davidson] is perfect for the story and takes the listener along with him. Definitely worth it.

Battle for Portugal

This is book 15 in the Richard Sharpe series. Frederick Davidson does a superb job narrating the story. In this book Cornwell applied a bit more fiction to events than in the other books in the series. The overall battles between Wellesley and Napoleon's army are true but the battle in this story is fiction as was the rescue of the hostages. The band of deserters made up of all the armies in the area was true. Cornwell is the master of battle scene and keeps you on the edge of your seat listening to the book. Great story.

For fans, 2and most important book.

I see this book as the emotional climax to the Sharpe series, with Waterloo being the climax of the Napoleonic campaigns.
If one is only going to read one sharpe novel, any of them will be great. I believe I have read them all, some, as this, many times. Yet, for fans of Sharpe and Harper this should be the next to the last to be read with Waterloo in conclusion.
It maters because a mans relationship to his wife is more important than he knows until she dies. When I first read this my wife was alive. Now that a Hegswil, cancer, has taken my wife, I find Sharpe's actions and responses comforting and instructive.
Even if one cares not a wit about emotional connections, this book offers a manly balance to something one is likely to care about someday.

Each book just gets better and better

While I enjoy the TV series and believe that Sean does a great job, the book is so much better kudos to Bernard Cornwell

Overdue Justice

Audio version narrated by Fredrick Davidson.

This one was just fun. The whole army of roaming deserters and the fact that one really existed was fascinating. It was really satisfying to see Sharpe finally catch up with Hakeswell and that military discipline won out the day.

Que Magnifique !

Only Frederick Davidson could do Justice to a work by Bernard Cornwell! And I have enjoyed every syllable of Sharpe’s Enemy.
God bless them both!

Best of the series!

This is my favorite in the Sharpe series. Sharpe finally gets to truly show his leadership abilities.