Improvement on Flashman and the Draagon because it has a meatier, cohesive shape - the first Sikh War. And while it deals with a British success (never as much fun for Flashmans) it has a different slant - the rulers of the Punjab conspire with the British for the Sikh army to lose, forcing Flashman to get involved in strategy. This is fresh.
There are colourful characters - the American mercenaries - but a lot of it felt same-y: the northwest frontier setting, the various intrigues at court, the sex mad native ruler. I know it's all true, it just felt same-y. And this time I wish Fraser had started doing Flashmans in different locations: Khartoum, Zululand, Mexico. It's also stressful that Hardinge doesn't like Flashman - although that is at least different.
It's a solid entry, mind.
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