The author's command of the smallest detail of the period is impressive. A historical novel of scholarship.
Description
October 1854: Admidst brutal cannonade and flashing sabers, the Plain of Balaclava thundered to two of the most incredible military maneuvers of all time—the charge of the Heavy and Light Brigades. As the Russian cavalry prepares to launch a full-scale attack to seize Balaclava, the British find themselves in desperate straits. Dangerously outnumbered, they are hoping for reinforcements, but in the meantime they must hold their ground, calling for heroism that will test the courage of even the bravest man. Dodging bursting shells and Russian Cossacks, Hazard proves that the bluejackets fight as well on land as they do at sea.
Reviews
[Hazard] is a worthy successor to the Horatio Hornblower series, and make no bones about it.
For historical accuracy, writing verve and skill, and pace of narrative, [Stuart] stands alone.
Stuart tells a story so well, with such convincing detail, that Phillip Hazard may stand on the same proud deck as Horatio Hornblower.
