Bernard Gallacher

Advantages: Good for young readers; great illustrations
Disadvantages: Might frighten parents

...Masquerading as a children's book, Not Now Bernard might perhaps be seen by many as one for the parents who read it aloud as a bedtime story to their little babes. The front cover acts as an introduction to the story, setting the scene. We see a small boy whom we presume to be Bernard, gazing wide eyed at what is obviously a monster, and a fearsome one at that, baring his teeth from on top of a mound. The monster is about as broad as he is tall and is almost all face, with short limbs attached. Opening the cover, we see the monster again, but this time he has his index finger on his mouth and looks as though he thinks he has done something wrong. On the title page we see a full-figure picture of Bernard, wide eyed again and with a minute dot for a mouth. Turn the page, and Bernard is saying hello to his Dad, pictured here banging a nail... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Readable, well researched
Disadvantages: None.

..."The Winter King" is the first volume in Bernard Cornwell's Warlord Chronicles trilogy, the story is narrated by Derfel Cadarn, one of Arthur's warriors. The novel (as would be expected in a telling of Arthurian legend) cover romance, battles and sorcery: But in a unique way. The battles are gory (as is usual with Bernard Cornwell), the characters are ofter cruel and unfeeling, and the magic is never obvious but can always be explained. In summary, the series is the most readable and certainly the most realistic telling of the legend of Arthur and "The Winter King" is a powerful mixture of intrigue, magic and warfare.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Good story, well researched
Disadvantages: None.

...This is the second of Bernard Cornwell's Richard Sharpe novels and is set around the battle of Talavera and Sharpe's quest to take a French Imperial Eagle because of his regiments dishonour in battle. The novel is an improvement on the first in the series (Sharpe's rifles), because the author seems to have developed the characters, and the story is more gripping. The novel is very well researched (Cornwell actually visited the site of the battle) giving a realistic flavour to the story. Definitely recommended to people who like historical novels.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful