The Chill of the Irrawaddy

Name: The Chill of the Irrawaddy
Rating: 2.5 (5 reviews)

by Malcolm Archibald Book 3 in the The Soldier’s Son series.

First published 2024

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2.5(5)

Burma, 1885. Andrew Baird travels up the Irrawaddy as British forces move against King Thibaw’s kingdom, but his immediate purpose is to rescue a young girl held by a dacoit leader. The rapid occupation of Mandalay gives way to a less orderly struggle involving royal soldiers, local resistance and men whom colonial authorities classify simply as bandits.

The novel uses the Third Anglo-Burmese War to contrast the apparent ease of conquest with the instability that followed annexation. River transport, intelligence and uncertain local alliances place Andrew in a campaign where military victory does not settle who possesses legitimate authority.