The book vividly portrays the brutality of the English Civil War, focusing on the graphic and detailed descriptions of battles and sieges. The plot is complex but secondary to the intense combat scenes, making it a compelling read for fans of historical military fiction.
Michael Arnold's Devil’s Charge is a gripping historical novel that delves into the harsh realities of the English Civil War. The story follows mercenary soldier Innocent Stryker and his companions as they fight for the Royalist cause. The novel doesn't shy away from the brutal and graphic details of the war, including the sacking of Cirencester, the siege of Lichfield, and the battle of Hopton Heath. These real events are vividly described, making the historical context come alive. The plot is complex but largely irrelevant, as the focus is on the intense and well-detailed combat scenes. The romantic subplot is perfunctory, and the characters' deaths are described in graphic detail, adding to the overall intensity of the narrative. If you enjoy historical military fiction and are a fan of authors like Cornwell, you will likely appreciate Arnold's work. The novel is a testament to the brutal and devastating impact of the war on both soldiers and civilians, providing a stark contrast to the romanticized versions of history often portrayed in school textbooks.
Quick quotes
The body count among just the named characters is impressive, and their deaths are described in graphic detail.
The plot is complex and largely irrelevant, and the romantic interest (Lissette, the queen’s lady-in-waiting and special agent) is perfunctory.
As it says on the blurb, if you like Cornwell you will like Arnold.