Maurice Tiernay, Soldier of Fortune

"Maurice Tiernay, Soldier of Fortune" by Charles James Lever is a historical fiction novel set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, exploring themes of survival, identity, and the turmoil of revolution, through the story of its main character, Maurice Tiernay. The novel begins by detailing Maurice's family history and the tragic fate of his ancestors, setting the scene during the Reign of Terror, at which time Maurice is a young boy. The horrific events vividly display Maurice witnessing the execution of his father, which forever changes the course of his life. After his father's death, Maurice is taken in by Père Michel, a former acquaintance of his father. Maurice's upbringing and experiences lead him to navigate a world of violence and betrayal as he quests to make something of himself amid a dramatically changing society.