A Divided Command (Pearce)

The next Pearce novel is now listed on the site A Divided Command

Haven't been able to figure out why the long delay between UK release (mid-Nov 13) and US release (mid-Feb 14) of the 'print edition'. However, they've just released the kindle version for the US market, so we've no longer to wait.

Got mine and will get back with my thoughts.

I can't think of any series that I've read over the years that is more of a 'continuing saga' than David Donachie's John Pearce series. Once again, the 10th book in the series A Divided Command reflects this truth. Even with the author's 'flashbacks' and allusions to earlier happenings, situations and characters, which do aid those committed to reading the series in order from publication of the first novel back in 2004 (at the rate of one/year) this truly remains a "read them in order series.

That being said, this is one of a small number of 'series' that are at the core of my continued HNF reading experience. Written by accomplished authors with charismatic protagonists most fall into the mold of 'continuing challenges' while very few could be deemed 'continuing quest'. The John Pearce series is one of the latter......and I've grown to love it and in doing so, have learned patience.

A Divided Command is 'chapter 10' in john Pearce's "quest" to rewind the story to early 'chapter 1' when he and the unlikely group, later to be known as 'the Pelicans' were 'free men' recently met and drinking in the Savoy. No one could have foretold the unlikely (possibly unbelievable) events that author Donachie's imagination would contrive to hold my interest while holding a parallel course to actual history.
The central "quest" continues to be joined by multiple 'cross currents' that intentionally (or unintentionally) force 'leeway' upon the plans of John Pearce, but not to the extent that they 'lose headway'. You know the way you want this story to 'turn out', so now you're along for the voyage having become more of a 'rooter' than a reader.

David Donachie's language is 'English public school' and his prose is 'crafted' not simply written. As such, I've found it as enjoyable to read as his story of John Pearce's "quest" is entertaining. They're all 10 in my library (the last 2 in kindle) and I recommend them to you.