Title: Fallen Angels
Author: Bernard Cornwell
First published October 31, 1983
482 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780007176427 (ISBN10: 0007176422)
Rating: 3.96
Overview
The Lazender family has always been the pride of Britain, but when Toby Lazender suddenly disappears, his sister Campion must take over the family estates. Little does she know, Lazen Castle is under siege by the Fallen Angels – the most dangerous men in Europe.
They need money to bring their revolution to England, and the Lazender fortune is their ticket to success. Campion finds herself in a web of deceit with her only hope for survival being her brother’s aloof horse-master, a man whose loyalty is uncertain.
Set against the backdrop of the guillotine and the splendor of an English estate, Fallen Angels by Bernard Cornwell is a thrilling tale of passion, adventure, and intrigue. It is a worthy successor to the first chronicle of the Lazender family.
About the Author
Bernard Cornwell was born in London in 1944 to a Canadian airman father and an English mother who served in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force. He was adopted by the Peculiar People, a strict Protestant sect that prohibited frivolity and medicine.
After leaving, he changed his name to his birth mother’s maiden name, Cornwell.
Cornwell attended Monkton Combe School before studying at the University of London and becoming a teacher. He attempted to enlist in the British armed services several times but was rejected due to myopia.
Eventually, he joined the BBC’s Nationwide and worked his way up to become head of current affairs at BBC Northern Ireland before becoming the editor of Thames News at Thames Television.
After marrying an American and moving to the United States, Cornwell began writing novels as a way to support himself. He was motivated by his love of C.S. Forester’s novels about British naval officer Horatio Hornblower during the Napoleonic Wars and the lack of similar novels about Lord Wellington’s campaign on land.
Cornwell decided to write a series of novels about Richard Sharpe, a rifleman involved in most major battles of the Peninsular War.
Cornwell’s first two novels in the Sharpe series were warm-up novels, and he eventually started the series with his third novel, which tells the story of the Siege of Badajoz. He went on to write several more Sharpe novels and co-wrote a series of novels under the pseudonym “Susannah Kells” with his wife Judy.
After adapting his Sharpe series for television, Cornwell wrote a prequel at the request of the producers. He also wrote a series of contemporary thrillers with sailing as a background and common themes.
In 2006, he was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire.
Cornwell’s latest work, released in 2008, is about an archer who participates in the Battle of Agincourt during the Hundred Years War. However, it is not related to his previous novel, The Grail Quest, or any of its characters.
Editoral Review
Fallen Angels by Bernard Cornwell is a gripping historical novel set during the Napoleonic Wars, first published on October 31, 1983. Cornwell is a prolific author, known for his mastery of the historical fiction genre, having penned the popular Sharpe series amongst many other titles.
In Fallen Angels, Cornwell takes us on a journey that explores the complex lives of soldiers during this period, examining the brutalities of war and the struggles of the people caught in its wake. Set in 1809, the story follows two British soldiers, Private Matthew Berry and Sergeant Michael Dobson, as they fight in the Peninsular War in Spain.
The two men are part of the Light Company, a special unit of rangers who are sent out on reconnaissance missions before the main army advances. As they navigate through the treacherous terrain of Spain, they encounter various challenges and dangers, both from the enemy and from their own comrades.
Cornwell’s writing style in Fallen Angels is taut, vivid, and immersive. He has a talent for capturing the gritty realities of war, depicting them in all their horror and brutality.
Yet, he also imbues the novel with a sense of humanity, exploring the psychological conflicts and inner turmoil of his characters. The plot of the novel is intricate and multifaceted, weaving together elements of action, suspense, romance, and drama.
The rich historical detail and cultural significance of the novel is engaging, especially in the way that it highlights the social and political turmoil of the time. It is evident that Cornwell’s research of the historical period is impeccable, as the book carries a level of authenticity that is hard to match.
One of the strengths of the book is the way Cornwell develops his characters, creating complex, multi-dimensional protagonists that the reader can emotionally invest in. Berry and Dobson’s friendship is at the core of the story, and the way their relationship evolves throughout the course of the novel is both heart-warming and tragic.
However, the pacing of the story borders on lethargic at times, with stretches where little happens in terms of plot development. Additionally, some readers may find some of the descriptions of violence and warfare to be too graphic and disturbing.
Overall, Fallen Angels is a well-crafted, thought-provoking novel that is well worth the read for fans of historical fiction and war novels. Its themes and messages are still relevant in today’s world, particularly in the way that it highlights the destructive nature of war and the humanity of those caught up in it.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the Napoleonic Wars, historical fiction or war novels. It is an insightful and thought-provoking read that engages the reader on multiple levels.
I give this novel a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on its historical accuracy, character development, and overall quality of writing.
