The Generals

Wellington and Napoleon 2

By: Simon Scarrow

Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble

The Generals is the compelling second novel in Simon Scarrow's best-selling Wellington and Napoleon quartet.

In the turbulent aftermath of the French Revolution, Napoleon Bonaparte stands accused of treachery and corruption. His reputation is saved by his skill in leading his men to victory in Italy and Egypt. But then he must restore order in France and find peace or victory over her enemies: England and Arthur Wellesley (the future Duke of Wellington).

Wellesley is leading a vast army in India, where British interests are under threat. The campaign will result in the creation of the Raj - the jewel in the British Empire's crown. Wellesley returns to England a hardened veteran and more determined than ever to end France's domination of Europe. Both Wellesley and Napoleon intend to win - whatever the cost. Who will ultimately succeed?

©2007 Simon Scarrow (P)2016 Headline Digital

Napoleon was not short.

Great narration, and a decent story. I will likely buy and listen to the next in the series. There are just too many fallacies for me to have really become immersed in the story.

Napoleon was not short by the standards of the day, and not even notably short by today's standards. He was 5'7" in the English system, but he did surround himself with tall bodyguards and was called "le petit caporal" and this leads to the confusion. Still, I would hope that an author would do enough research as to not perpetuate this myth.

Also, "spitting the ball down the barrel" is often mentioned as an appropriate way to load a musket. Neither the French nor the Brittish manuals of arms have any reference that would make one think this is the case. Another fictional book series does though, and I believe that is where this author pulls this from. It seems that Mr. Scarrow is better at pulling from other fictional works than doing any real research.

While we are on that, there is a scene in the book that seems to be directly pulled from the BBC miniseries "Napoleon" written in part by Max Gallo, so closely that I had to check to see what one had been published first.

The narration of this story is brilliant though. Mr. Keeble does an outstanding job of bringing all the voices to life for me.

Well performed and expertly written

By far my favorite scarrow book. Jonathan performs superbly and his narration is very gripping.

Keeble is the best

Classic conflict.

Read by Jonathan Keeble.
As one commentator put it “Keeble could make reading the ingredient list off a can of vegetable soup riveting “

Superb!

I have read many historical fiction accounts of the Napoleonic Wars This is my favorite.

Just ... So well written, and narrated!

The story is epic and interesting because of the main characters ... but it's Mr. Scarrow that brings it all to life. From his exciting battle scenes, to a fluid narration of the political side of things, it's just masterful. And Mr. Keeble! What a treasure ... is it wrong that I delight in the sound of your voice? Thank you.

Napolean had a temper

Simon Scarrow does for Napolean and Wellington what Shaara did for for Lee and his generals in the Killer Angels.It is a worthy 2nd installment of a series which began with Young Bloods.Scarrow further develops Napolean's development from a Corsican Patriot into a meglomaniac genius rising to greatness on the blood of his soldiers .Not that he doesn't care for them but his attitude and philosopy contrasts with Wellington who is depicted as another great commander but with a totally different approach.
The Generals is a great way to learn and/or brush up on a period in the Napoleanic era and be entertained at the same time. One thought I had was that rising from the brutality of the French Revolution, if Napolean had not Seized power he probably would have been assassinated or executed.

Another great book

I loved Scarrow's eagle series and wanted to try this story line.I'm Glad I chose too as this hgas been very entertaining so far.

Great Historical Fiction

Since I was a child I have read everything I could find about Lord Wellington and Napoleon. I must admit that when I was younger it was Napoleon I read the most about. I was so happy when I came across Simon Scarrow’s series called Wellington and Napoleon. This is the second book in his historical fiction series.

The book begins in 1796. Arthur Wellesley (Lord Wellington) has been sent to India as Commander of the 33rd Regiment of Foot. Wellesley displays his skill and bravery that launches his movement up the ranks. Another excellent historical fiction series about Wellesley in India and fighting Napoleon in Europe is “Sharp” by Bernard Cornwell.
Scarrow opens the first section on Napoleon with his saving the seat of government from rebelling Royalist. Then they appoint Napoleon as Commander of the Army in Italy and then the Army of Egypt. He then returns to France to begin his rise to power. The sections alternate between the two men.

The book is well written and meticulously researched. Scarrow blends and weaves his story into the history of the two men and brings history to life. Scarrow writes excellent a battle scene that makes me feel as if I am right in the middle of the battle. There is so much written about both men but it is a delight to read this historical novel. If you are interested in either or both men and the Napoleonic War, this is a book for you. This is a fairly long book at about 21 hours.

Jonathan Keeble does a good job narrating the book. Keeble is a voice-over artist and audiobook narrator. Keeble narrating this first book in the series.

can't wait for the next book

Simon Scarrow has outdone himself. Great writing, great story, great slice of history juxtaposed by two great historical figures.

Excellent Story Telling!

If you are a student of Napoleonic History than you will love this volume of the Wellington and Napoleon story.