The Generals

Wellington and Napoleon 2

By: Simon Scarrow

Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble

Length: 21 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

The Generals is the compelling second novel in Simon Scarrow's best-selling Wellington and Napoleon quartet.

In the turbulent aftermath of the French Revolution, Napoleon Bonaparte stands accused of treachery and corruption. His reputation is saved by his skill in leading his men to victory in Italy and Egypt. But then he must restore order in France and find peace or victory over her enemies: England and Arthur Wellesley (the future Duke of Wellington).

Wellesley is leading a vast army in India, where British interests are under threat. The campaign will result in the creation of the Raj - the jewel in the British Empire's crown. Wellesley returns to England a hardened veteran and more determined than ever to end France's domination of Europe. Both Wellesley and Napoleon intend to win - whatever the cost. Who will ultimately succeed?

©2007 Simon Scarrow (P)2016 Headline Digital

Napoleon was not short.

Great narration, and a decent story. I will likely buy and listen to the next in the series. There are just too many fallacies for me to have really become immersed in the story.

Napoleon was not short by the standards of the day, and not even notably short by today's standards. He was 5'7" in the English system, but he did surround himself with tall bodyguards and was called "le petit caporal" and this leads to the confusion. Still, I would hope that an author would do enough research as to not perpetuate this myth.

Also, "spitting the ball down the barrel" is often mentioned as an appropriate way to load a musket. Neither the French nor the Brittish manuals of arms have any reference that would make one think this is the case. Another fictional book series does though, and I believe that is where this author pulls this from. It seems that Mr. Scarrow is better at pulling from other fictional works than doing any real research.

While we are on that, there is a scene in the book that seems to be directly pulled from the BBC miniseries "Napoleon" written in part by Max Gallo, so closely that I had to check to see what one had been published first.

The narration of this story is brilliant though. Mr. Keeble does an outstanding job of bringing all the voices to life for me.

Well performed and expertly written

By far my favorite scarrow book. Jonathan performs superbly and his narration is very gripping.

Keeble is the best

Classic conflict.

Read by Jonathan Keeble.
As one commentator put it “Keeble could make reading the ingredient list off a can of vegetable soup riveting “

Superb!

I have read many historical fiction accounts of the Napoleonic Wars This is my favorite.

Just ... So well written, and narrated!

The story is epic and interesting because of the main characters ... but it's Mr. Scarrow that brings it all to life. From his exciting battle scenes, to a fluid narration of the political side of things, it's just masterful. And Mr. Keeble! What a treasure ... is it wrong that I delight in the sound of your voice? Thank you.

Napolean had a temper

Simon Scarrow does for Napolean and Wellington what Shaara did for for Lee and his generals in the Killer Angels.It is a worthy 2nd installment of a series which began with Young Bloods.Scarrow further develops Napolean's development from a Corsican Patriot into a meglomaniac genius rising to greatness on the blood of his soldiers .Not that he doesn't care for them but his attitude and philosopy contrasts with Wellington who is depicted as another great commander but with a totally different approach.
The Generals is a great way to learn and/or brush up on a period in the Napoleanic era and be entertained at the same time. One thought I had was that rising from the brutality of the French Revolution, if Napolean had not Seized power he probably would have been assassinated or executed.

Another great book

I loved Scarrow's eagle series and wanted to try this story line.I'm Glad I chose too as this hgas been very entertaining so far.

to 1895

so far having listened to youngbloods and the generals they are a good book jonathan keeble has done a good job of reading these bringing characters to life via words will need the next book to continue .

Way better than the first book in the series.

Way better than book one. The battles were actually not the most boring parts of the book this time around.

Well written and read

This is fantastic and there is nothing like the books in this series. It is perfection to the highest degree. "You actually feel like you are standing in the room with the characters." I listened to all of them and I can't wait to do it again.