Brutal Valour by James Mace follows several young soldiers from the 24th Regiment of Foot as their company undertakes an unsanctioned, illegal invasion into Zulu territory under the auspices of Sir Henry Bartle Frere.

This is a hefty book, coming in around 500 pages, and is full of rich, well-researched detail. Though a novel of fiction, the events described in Brutal Valour did happen. This isn’t a war I was familiar with, and I found it quite fascinating (as well as irritating. Reading stuff from colonial times can do that to me. The unmitigated arrogance of trying to take over so-called ‘less civilised’ countries because you want their resources, and thinking of these people as less. Just, no, son. Chill.)

Reading this inspired me to look further into this time and place in history. It’s such a shame that, despite a victory at Isandlwana, the Zulu suffered such horrific losses, and this set into motion a domino effect that would lead to eventual defeat in the overall war. Mace has an engaging writing style that made for easy reading. Interspersed are photos, maps, and drawing that help put perspective and a sharper focus on the reality underlying the story.

Highly recommended if you enjoy historical fiction or military fiction, especially of this era.   

***Many thanks to Silver Dagger Blog Tours and the author for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.