When Mallinson began this series, his first book was set at Waterloo, which meant that he missed the opportunity to set dozens of stories during the preceding war — unless he plans on using the flashback device he used here. The 1826 setting and events really only served as an excuse to tell the story of 1808 and aren't much of a tale except that Hervey is taken prisoner at the very end of the book. But the writing was excellent and the characters are likeable — at least those who are supposed to be.