Sharpe's Prey (Sharpe, #5)

Title: Sharpe's Prey (Sharpe, #5)

Author: Bernard Cornwell

Published in: 2000

Date read: 16th July 2017

Score: 4/5

Genre: Historical fiction

Plot: (Warning, may contain spoilers):
"Sharpe's Prey" by Bernard Cornwell, published in 2000, is the twelfth novel in the Richard Sharpe series. It is chronologically set earlier in Sharpe's career, specifically in 1807, before his more famous exploits in the Peninsular War, and takes him to the treacherous political landscape of Copenhagen, Denmark.

The story finds Captain Richard Sharpe tasked with a seemingly mundane but highly sensitive mission: he is ordered by Wellesley (the future Wellington) to escort an English diplomat, the arrogant and rather useless Lord William Windham, on a secret mission to secure the neutrality of Denmark, or, failing that, to prevent the Danish fleet from falling into French hands. This mission is critical, as Napoleon's power is rising, and control of the Danish navy could shift the balance of power dramatically.

However, the mission is fraught with peril from the outset. Sharpe immediately distrusts Windham, whose incompetence and self-serving nature put them both at risk. They encounter the shrewd and ruthless French agent, Colonel Caron, who is also in Copenhagen with the goal of securing the Danish fleet for Napoleon.

Adding to the complexity and danger are the presence of a group of ruthless British spies and agents, led by the morally ambiguous Colonel Juptner, who operate outside the usual military chain of command and are willing to use any means necessary to achieve their objectives. Sharpe finds himself caught between the competing agendas of the French, the British intelligence services, and the increasingly desperate Danes, who are caught in the middle of a major power play.

The "prey" in the title refers to both the Danish fleet, which is being hunted by rival powers, and to Sharpe himself, who becomes a target for multiple factions in the chaotic city. He's an outsider, constantly under suspicion, and must navigate a treacherous world of diplomacy, espionage, and shifting loyalties where no one can be fully trusted.

The novel culminates in the Bombardment of Copenhagen, a real historical event where the British fleet, fearing the Danish neutrality would falter, brutally attacked and captured the city and its fleet. Sharpe finds himself involved in desperate street fighting, siege warfare, and high-stakes subterfuge within the besieged city. He must protect Windham (despite his uselessness), counter Caron's schemes, and survive the intense bombardment and ground assaults, often relying on his wits and the loyalty of his small band of riflemen, including Patrick Harper.

"Sharpe's Prey" is a tense, espionage-laden thriller that showcases Sharpe's resourcefulness and his ability to survive and fight in a complex political and military landscape, far from the open battlefields he is used to. It's a gripping tale of hidden agendas and desperate measures.

Comments:
I read all of the Sharpe books in chronological order, one after the other. When I have looked back, I have not separated them at all unless there is a specific thing to add which will be after saying that I suddenly loved historical fiction and anything that Bernard Cornwell writes.

Books that we've read by Bernard Cornwell (28):
Sharpe's Eagle (Sharpe, #8) (1981), Sharpe's Gold (Sharpe, #9) (1981), Sharpe's Company (Sharpe, #13) (1982), Sharpe's Sword (Sharpe, #14) (1983), Sharpe's Enemy (Sharpe, #15) (1984), Sharpe's Honour (Sharpe, #16) (1985), Sharpe's Regiment (Sharpe, #17) (1986), Redcoat (1987), Sharpe's Siege (Sharpe, #18) (1987), Sharpe's Rifles (Sharpe, #6) (1988), Sharpe's Revenge (Sharpe, #19) (1989), Sharpe's Waterloo (Sharpe, #20) (1990), Sharpe's Devil (Sharpe, #22) (1992), Sharpe's Battle (Sharpe, #12) (1995), Sharpe's Tiger (Sharpe, #1) (1997), Sharpe's Triumph (Sharpe, #2) (1998), Sharpe's Fortress (Sharpe, #3) (1999), Sharpe's Prey (Sharpe, #5) (2000), Sharpe's Trafalgar (Sharpe, #4) (2000), Gallows Thief (2001), Heretic (The Grail Quest, #3) (2003), Sharpe's Havoc (Sharpe, #7) (2003), The Last Kingdom (The Saxon Stories, #1) (2004), Sharpe's Escape (Sharpe, #10) (2004), Sharpe's Fury (Sharpe, #11) (2005), The Pale Horseman (The Saxon Stories, #2) (2006), Sword Song (The Saxon Stories, #4) (2007), Lords of the North (The Saxon Stories, #3) (2007)