The Company of Spears

Matthew Hervey, a cavalry officer in the British Army, travels to the Cape Colony in 1827 where tensions between settlers and native tribes threaten to erupt into violence. His regiment arrives during a period of unrest as the Xhosa people resist colonial expansion into their ancestral lands. Hervey must navigate complex political dynamics between the British administration, Boer settlers, and indigenous groups while preparing his troops for potential conflict. His military duties intertwine with personal challenges as he grapples with command responsibilities in an unfamiliar and hostile environment. The book presents a detailed portrait of colonial South Africa, incorporating historical elements from a pivotal period in the region's history. Military life, diplomatic relations, and the social structures of both European and African communities feature prominently in the narrative. Through its exploration of imperialism, duty, and cultural conflict, the novel examines questions of loyalty and justice in the context of colonial expansion. The story raises issues about the nature of civilization and the price of progress that remain relevant to modern discourse.

Readers found this entry in the Matthew Hervey series delivers solid military action and historical detail, with particular focus on the 1827 Cape Frontier campaign in South Africa. Liked: - In-depth portrayal of cavalry warfare and tactics - Research into Xhosa culture and British colonial history - Complex political and military situations - Continuation of character development from previous books Disliked: - Dense military terminology can be challenging for new readers - Some found the pacing slow in the first third - Multiple subplots make the story hard to follow at times Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (87 ratings) Amazon UK: 4.3/5 (31 reviews) Several reviewers noted this book works better for those familiar with the series. As one Amazon reviewer wrote: "The military detail and period atmosphere are excellent but you need to start with earlier books to fully appreciate the character relationships."

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🔹 Allan Mallinson served as a cavalry officer in the British Army for 35 years before becoming an author, bringing authentic military experience to his Matthew Hervey series. 🔹 The Company of Spears, set in 1827 South Africa, draws from actual historical events during the frontier conflicts between British colonists and the Xhosa people. 🔹 The book's protagonist, Matthew Hervey, is based at the Cape Colony during a pivotal time when the British were establishing control over what would become South Africa's Eastern Cape Province. 🔹 The title refers to the traditional Xhosa warriors' use of the assegai, a type of pole weapon or spear that proved highly effective in their fighting tactics against European forces. 🔹 The novel is the eighth in the Matthew Hervey series, which has been praised for its historical accuracy and compared to Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe series in its detailed portrayal of military life.