Into the warzone

Jul 4 2008 by Our Correspondent, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

WARRIOR, Allan Mallinson, £17.99

COLONEL Matthew Hervey of the 6th Light Dragoons is in London in 1828, trying to adjust to his new marriage and further a career on merit in the military, when he receives an from South Africa.

The colony may be on the brink of turmoil because of the warlike posturings of the Zulu king Shaka. Hervey returns to Africa to undertake a dangerous trip into the interior with a small force of cavalry and riflemen to negotiate a treaty, only to find himself in the middle of civil war.

This is the 10th in the compelling series that follows the life and career of Matthew Hervey. Written by a former cavalry officer in an elegant but nonetheless accessible style, these novels have character and persuasive period detail, as well as thrilling battle sequences.