Bernard Cornwell is a master of historical adventure novels. He is the author of several series, one set around King Arthur, one set around King Alfred, another set during the American Civil War and another set during The Hundred Years War. But he is best known for the Richard Sharpe books, a British soldier fighting against Napolean's forces. Fifteen of these have been made into excellent BBC America movies staring actor Sean Bean.

Sharpe's Tiger is the first of the Sharpe novels set in chronological order. Here he is still a private and sent on a spy mission to discover what The Sultan of Typoo, a rich warlord is up to, as the first three Sharpe novels are set in India. This is the very start as Sharpe begins his amazing career rise from ordinary soldier to honored officer. I urge all readers to read Mr. Cornwell, his books are brilliant on many levels, from outstanding history to fantastic entertainment. Sharpe's Tiger is the place to start.

Richard