Sharpe's company - Bernard Cornwell

Bold, professional, ruthless - hero and man of action

"The Forlorn Hope was for the brave.It may have been a courage born of desperation, or foolhardiness but it was courage just the same.Sharpe simply wanted to survive a test, the supreme test of certain death"

Richard Sharpe has more to lose than ever.He has lost his command to a man who can afford to buy the promotion that Sharpe deserves.He has lost track of his woman,last seen fiercely fighting the French,and when his arch-enemy Sergeant Hawkeswill turns up,he is in danger of losing everything he has fought for.

All roads that harsh winter seem to be leading to the impenetrable fortress of Badajoz. Determined to fight and win, Sharpe volunteers for the Forlorn Hope,a suicidally brave troop from whose missions few return.In doing so he risks not only his own life but that of the few he has come to care about.

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.