Sharpe's Siege: The Winter Campaign, 1814

The Sharpe Series, Book 18

By: Bernard Cornwell

Narrated by: Rupert Farley

Length: 11 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's Summary

Richard Sharpe, abandoned in enemy territory, has to trust in assistance from a hostile American privateer. 

The invasion of France is under way and the British Navy has called upon the services of Major Richard Sharpe. He and a small force of riflemen are to capture a fortress and secure a landing on the French coast - one of the most dangerous missions of his career. 

Through the reckless incompetence of a naval commander, Sharpe finds himself abandoned in the heart of enemy territory, facing overwhelming forces and the very real prospect of defeat. He has no choice but to trust his fortunes to an American privateer - a man who has no love for the British invaders. 

Soldier, hero, rogue - Sharpe is the man you always want on your side. Born in poverty, he joined the army to escape jail and climbed the ranks by sheer brutal courage. He knows no other family than the regiment of the 95th Rifles whose green jacket he proudly wears.

Please Note: The historical note is NOT included in this audiobook.

©1987 Bernard Cornwell (P)2014 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Critic Reviews

"Sharpe and his creator are national treasures." ( Sunday Telegraph)

"The best battle scenes of any writer I've ever read, past or present. Cornwell really makes history come alive." (George R.R. Martin)

Wow

Brilliant
The story, the performance, consummate combo. Such an amazing listen.... This is a must download.

Another belter of a book by Bernard Cornwell!

I really hope Bernard Cornwell keeps writing the Sharpe books as he has intimated, I never get fed up of him and Harper going through their myriad trials and getting revenge on their enemies, these books hail back to a time of great adventure, and of turmoil and glory, but more importantly it is seen through the cynical eyes of a working class hardman and to hear the little details about England during this period is amazing to me, a hard people forged by cruelty and love.

Brilliant Sharpe series.

I was recommended the Sharpe series by a friend at the start of the year. It has been a real blessing in my life and I feel slightly saddened that there's only 2 or 3 more books to go. Thoroughly brilliant stories and the narrator adds SO much value. His name is Rupert Farley and what a talent he is, so much so that I wrote to him recently to congratulate him on his work in this series. Particularly good at the accents of the various characters. Listen to the series from book 1, you will love it. Well done to the author and narrator. Dr. A

Yup, another good one

Should sell well in the US. Some of the characters deserve a book or two of their own.

Sharpe Besieged

This novel is, apparently, the favourite of the author, and while very good, is certainly not the best of the series. As always, Rupert Farley is brilliant, giving voice to Cornwell's characters, though it is probably the story which somehow does not quite match the usual heights of the others. Still worthwhile, please give it a listen!

Best story so far!

Excellent story one of the best in the series. Rupert Farley reads fantastic giving all the characters real personality's!

one of the best in the series

The Sharpe books are superb and this is one of the very best. Excellent performance as always.

Crisp & Full

This story in the series has a rapid pace and punchy quick story. The combat is different to the previous action sequences being more hand to hand and savage. The story goes over a few days and doesn’t ramble or digress but concentrates just on point.

Good quick solid and really easy to follow book.

We get the usual enraging pompous and loathsome British officers Sharpe has to win in-spite of rather than along with. And we get the same French trickery and failing attacks. There’s some sad losses in this one… and the usual unexpected giggles at some phrases and scenarios - I’m sure some of these things would make only an Englishman smile though. The thought of Frenchmen being “hacked to bloody ruin by Cossacks” for some reason resonated and I love the language of these books.

And why not?

I love these books for that. Also the production is familiar at this stage. If I heard anyone else narrating now it would take some getting used to and would seem right. The tempo and emphasis works. Although I think Richard Sharpe himself speaks a little slowly and sounds a tad simple - it works as it’s more a Sean Bean impression (a good one) but without the reserved cunning and whit. I still think it would be interesting to hear a London sharpe. As was originally written.

outstanding

Excellent story and lovely to hear the narrator getting Sharpe to sound as close to Sean Bean as possible.

Incomplete

Only download up to chapter 6 and no help from audible. Do not buy any his book

more excellent story telling

a tale of trechary and double dealing oh yes and blood and fighting and honour and friendship