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Sharpe's Christmas

The Sharpe Series
by Bernard Cornwell
Sharpe's Christmas (The Sharpe Series) by Bernard Cornwell
not yet rated

'Sharpe's Christmas' contains two short stories. In the title story Richard Sharpe, commanding the Prince of Wales's Own Volunteers, finds himself in a high, hard place with an enemy brigade on one side and a desperate force of Frenchmen fleeing their defeat in Spain on the other.

The second story, 'Sharpe's Ransom', is set in France, after the wars, when old enemies take Sharpe's woman and child hostage.

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Updated 04/11/2025
Category: Short Stories, Historical Fiction, Military
Release date: 2003

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Bernard Cornwell

Bernard Cornwell

Bernard Cornwell’s name is synonymous with sweeping historical epics, where battles are not just fought on the page, but also fought for the hearts and minds of his readers. With a talent for bringing history’s most dramatic moments to life, Cornwell crafts stories that resonate beyond the battlefield. His books blend grit, passion, and authenticity, drawing readers into vividly imagined worlds where the stakes are as high as human history itself.

Born in London in 1944, Cornwell’s early years were shaped by a love of history and a sense of adventure. After spending time in England and the United States, his diverse experiences ignited his fascination with the past, and he quickly became captivated by the idea of writing historical fiction. With a background that includes working in television, Cornwell honed his skills in storytelling, focusing on pacing, character development, and the art of creating tension. It was this combination of skills that would eventually lead him to pen his iconic Sharpe series—a saga that would not only shape his career but also define a genre.

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What makes Cornwell’s work so compelling is his ability to humanize history’s most notorious figures, from soldiers to kings. The Sharpe series, which follows the rise of Richard Sharpe in the Napoleonic Wars, is lauded for its detail, authenticity, and breathless action. Cornwell's ability to immerse his readers in the gritty realities of 19th-century warfare, while delving into the psychological and emotional toll it takes on those involved, sets him apart from many other historical novelists.

Cornwell’s characters are never merely pawns in a larger historical game—they are complex, multi-dimensional people shaped by the tumultuous times they live in. This depth of character shines through in his other works, including the The Saxon Stories (beginning with The Last Kingdom), a series set during the violent clash between the Saxons and the Vikings. With its richly detailed portrayal of medieval Britain, the series not only explores historical events but also examines themes of loyalty, identity, and the cost of war.

Throughout his career, Bernard Cornwell has been a master of weaving history and fiction into seamless narratives. His books are rich with the atmosphere of the times they portray, and yet they remain timeless in their exploration of human conflict, ambition, and survival. His ability to turn historical figures and events into thrilling, page-turning stories has earned him a devoted global following and a place among the most respected voices in historical fiction.

While Cornwell’s books are meticulously researched, they are never bogged down by academic detail. His writing is sharp, fast-paced, and filled with a tension that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. In fact, it’s often said that Cornwell’s writing feels like a front-row seat to history in the making—a quality that has made his work not just popular among history buffs but also beloved by fans of action-packed, character-driven fiction.

Whether it’s the triumph of the underdog, the intricacies of leadership, or the brutal realities of war, Bernard Cornwell’s books offer more than just historical events—they deliver a journey through time that is rich with emotion, tension, and unforgettable characters. In every page, Cornwell invites readers to feel the weight of history, to stand alongside his characters in the midst of epic battles, and to experience history as if they were living it themselves.

Photo: SarahSierszyn / CC BY 2.0

The Sharpe Series

In the heart-pounding world of The Sharpe Series, Bernard Cornwell takes readers to the brutal, blood-soaked battlefields of the Napoleonic Wars, where the stakes are life and death, and honor is forged in the fire of war. At the center of it all is Richard Sharpe, a complex and rugged hero who rises from humble beginnings to become one of the British Army's fiercest soldiers. With each book, Sharpe’s journey is not only one of military conquest but of personal transformation, loyalty, and survival in an unforgiving world.

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The series is a deep dive into the realities of war, its toll on soldiers and civilians alike, and the blurred lines between heroism and brutality. Cornwell’s meticulous research and masterful storytelling create a vivid tapestry of 19th-century Europe—its muddy battlefields, tense political landscapes, and the men and women who lived and died by the sword. Sharpe’s courage, wit, and ruthlessness make him a fascinating character, but it’s his unwavering sense of justice and his ability to survive against all odds that truly captivate readers.

Through Sharpe’s eyes, we experience both the horrors and the adrenaline of war. But The Sharpe Series is more than just a chronicle of battles—it's about the bonds formed in the heat of conflict, the price of ambition, and the heavy cost of war on the human soul. As Sharpe faces impossible odds, personal vendettas, and complex alliances, the series examines themes of loyalty, betrayal, and honor with a level of intensity that keeps readers eagerly turning pages.

What makes the series truly stand out is Cornwell’s ability to blend action with emotion. Whether it’s a brutal skirmish in Spain or the intimate, heart-wrenching moments between Sharpe and his comrades, the series never loses its human element. It's a saga of grit and perseverance, where victory is often hard-won, and survival is uncertain.

With its unflinching portrayal of war and its unforgettable protagonist, The Sharpe Series is a timeless tale of courage, loyalty, and the price of honor. It’s a journey through history’s most tumultuous era, where every victory feels earned, and every loss is deeply felt. For fans of historical fiction, military epics, and character-driven stories, this series is a pulse-pounding ride you won’t want to miss.


The Sharpe Series consists of twenty-three primary books, and includes one additional book that complement the series but is not considered mandatory reads — series is set to expand with the upcoming release of one more book. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.

Sharpe's Tiger (The Sharpe Series #1)
not yet rated
Sharpe's Triumph (The Sharpe Series #2)
not yet rated
Sharpe's Fortress (The Sharpe Series #3)
not yet rated
Sharpe's Trafalgar (The Sharpe Series #4)
not yet rated
Sharpe's Prey (The Sharpe Series #5)
not yet rated
Sharpe's Rifles (The Sharpe Series #6)
not yet rated
Sharpe's Havoc (The Sharpe Series #7)
not yet rated
Sharpe's Eagle (The Sharpe Series #8)
not yet rated
Sharpe's Gold (The Sharpe Series #9)
not yet rated
Sharpe's Escape (The Sharpe Series #10)
not yet rated
Sharpe's Fury (The Sharpe Series #11)
not yet rated
Sharpe's Battle (The Sharpe Series #12)
not yet rated
Sharpe's Company (The Sharpe Series #13)
  ★ 7.34 / 3
Sharpe's Sword (The Sharpe Series #14)
not yet rated
Sharpe's Enemy (The Sharpe Series #15)
not yet rated
Sharpe's Honor (The Sharpe Series #16)
not yet rated
Sharpe's Regiment (The Sharpe Series #17)
not yet rated
Sharpe's Siege (The Sharpe Series #18)
not yet rated
Sharpe's Revenge (The Sharpe Series #19)
not yet rated
Sharpe's Waterloo (The Sharpe Series #20)
not yet rated
Sharpe's Devil (The Sharpe Series #21)
not yet rated
Sharpe’s Assassin (The Sharpe Series #22)
  ★ 8.00 / 1
Sharpe's Command (The Sharpe Series #23)
  ★ 9.00 / 2
The Sharpe Series Book 24 (The Sharpe Series #24)
  ⧗ 8.00 / 1
Sharpe's Christmas (The Sharpe Series)
not yet rated


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