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David McK (3854 KP) rated The Savage Isle (Savage Isle Series book 1) in Books

Feb 22, 2026  
The Savage Isle (Savage Isle Series book 1)
The Savage Isle (Savage Isle Series book 1)
Michael Arnold | 2025
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
As a self-proclaimed ECW nerd, this is an unusual choice of setting for Michael Arnold: ancient Britain, just before the Roman Conquest, instead of (as in the Stryker series) during the 17th century period of the English Civil War.

It's been a while since I last read any by the author - indeed, a while since (I believe) he has published any - the last I read being, I believe, "Marston Moor", so I was a bit unsure if I would read this one or not.

In the end, I'm glad I did.

This is, largely, a 'coming of age' tale that sheds some light on the pre-Roman Britain and the culture therein, which modern evidence has shown to be more sophisticated than originally thought (after all, "history is written by the victors" and all that), following the main character of Cullen as his tribe (the Atrebates) is first destroyed by the Catuvellauni, and then finding himself fighting for the very same against the Roman invaders.

I reckon I'll pick up the inevitable sequel.
  
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David McK (3854 KP) rated Sharpe's Company (1994) in Movies

Oct 10, 2021 (Updated Apr 6, 2026)  
Sharpe's Company (1994)
Sharpe's Company (1994)
1994 | Action, Adventure, Drama
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Back when this was first shown on TV (it's a TV movie) in the mid 90s, this was based on what-was-then one of the mid entries in Cornwell's long-running series.

I say what was then, as there have since been more novels set before, during or even after The Napoleonic Wars, which provided the background for these movies.

This - both novel and movie - is the one that starts with the siege of Ciudad Rodrigo and ends with that of Badajoz, with (Sean Beans) Captain Richard Sharpe 'pushed aside' in the intervening period by those who can afford to buy his commission. This is also the one with the mad, twitching Obadiah Hakeswill (portrayed here by Pete Postlethwaite), who isn't so much a danger to Sharpe himself as he is too his men - Patrick Harper included - and who has a history with Sharpe.

I've said it before, and I'm sure I'll say it again: I so wish they had a proper budget for these movies!