Review of the novel Soldier of Fortune by Edward Marston.
Published by Allison & Busby Ltd in 2009.
Cost: £6.99
ISBN 978-0-7490-8088-4 (Paperback Edition - 413 pages)
Edward Marston is the author of numerous books and is former Chairman of the Crime Writers’ Association. Soldier of Fortune is the first in the series of historical novels that introduces his hero Captain Daniel Rawson.
The story leads up to the famous Battle of Blenheim in 1704, but prior to that we learn of the death of Daniel’s father and how this strives him on to take up the career of a soldier in the English army; his skills recognised by the Duke of Monmouth and Lord Churchill. We discover that his skills are that of a spy, linguist and ladies’ man. As he seduces the wife of a French General he stirs the wroth of a man that will stop at nothing to get his revenge and is chased across Europe. But as a ladies’ man Captain Rawson has also attracted the eye of Lady Abigail Piper, who lives in London, and she decides to follow him across Europe with her maid. The book details how the Duke of Marlborough, with a combination of deception and brilliant administration, marched his army of almost 70,000 men 250 miles from the Low Countries to the river Danube in five weeks. It is Captain Rawson’s fearsome leadership taking part in the ‘Forlorn Hope’, first attacks on the enemy that Edward Marston describes so well, giving the reader the feeling that he is there on the front line. The involvement of Abigail lets Marston bring out the gruesome aspects of war that she finds horrific, and she tries to persuade Rawson to return to England. As the story links back to the anger of the French General, Abigail is captured by two of his men, which results in a distraction for Rawson and his exchange for Abigail’s life. However, as with all heroes, Rawson survives and lives to return to fight the French with The Duke of Marlborough.
This is a story that is riveting from start to finish, Marston’s skill at describing the scene, whether it be aspects of the war against the French or the individual skills of his hero. Finishing on page 413, it is a book I found difficult to put down, reading it over three days, it has made me want to search out the next three books in the series. I was never somebody to enjoy history, but it is this type of story that has brought back my love of the subject. I knew it was going to be a great read having read other books by Edward Marston. Rating: 5 stars
Dr James Sheppard
3rd February 2015
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