Customer Reviews

Chancellorsville (The Civil War Battle Series, Book 4)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is WONDERFUL! I've read all of them in the Civil War Battle Series and each one gets better, if that is possible. I only wish Mr. Reasoner could write faster and get them published quicker; it's gonna be hard to wait for #5 (Vicksburg) to come out in Spring 2001. His style of writing puts one right in the action, you feel as if you are in the middle of the battles. His facts are accurate and putting the Brannon family into the midst of the Civil War just makes the reading that much better. I would recommend these books to anyone who is interested in Civil War history. Keep them coming!!!

"Chancellorsville" is Book 4 by James Reasoner in The Civil War Battle Series, and from the title and the painting of Stonewall Jackson on the cover you know that this particular volume will end with the general's death after the battle. The question is which Brannon brothers will be around when Stonewall is shot by his own troops and dies from complications with pneumonia a few days later. After all the battles covered in the previous volume, "Antietam," this book is rather sparse on actual combat, saving both Fredericksburg and the title battle until the last chapters. Reasoner's narrative also suffers because the first half deals with the adventures of Cory Brannon in Vicksburg, which is not yet besieged by Grant's western Army. This presents several problems. First, the emphasis is more on the soap opera elements of the series, with Cory searching for his beloved Lucille Farrell. Second, the narrative switches back and forth between Cory in the west and the rest of the Brannons back in Virginia for the first half of the book before focusing entirely on the eastern theater for the last half (and the chronology does not seem to match up exactly). The soap opera elements are even more present back in Culpeper as Titus' marriage to Polly falls apart and he leaves to join the Army. Every time the soap opera elements intrude I have to resist the urge to skip ahead: Polly keeps visiting her father's room in the middle of the night, the new Preacher kisses Abigail, there is a rich Major who covets Mac's stallion, Nathan Hatcher keeps having chance encounters with the Brannon brothers. When we finally get to the two main battle of the book, it seems like too little too late. The Brannons continue to dodge the bullets for the most part, although there is one major setback, and their familiarity with famous Confederate generals a necessary convention. But I cannot believe they are all going to get out of this war alive, but the family is intact as of early 1863. The next volume is entitled "Vicksburg," which is interesting since the siege ends concurrently with the Confederate defeat at Gettysburg. Hopefully Reasoner will keep us closer to the battlefields next time around.

Fourth in the series by James Reasoner. The Brannon sons continue their adventures during the civil war. A quick, lite,enjoyable read yet very superficial with regard to historical details. You could read this book in a single sitting if you were so inclined.

This series is very enjoyable. Chancellorsville is the best one so far. I'm looking forward to the next one.

Very disappointed with this book. Seems to be written for pre-teens or at least by a pre-teen . The story about the Brannon family is totally unbelievable. A Brannon at the left side of General Jackson, (when he was shot) and another Brannon brother Just happened to be on his right side. Historically seems sound, but overdone on the fictional side of the story. Not a Quality Book, reminds me of an old B movie put into print. DId anyone actually edit this book? I know the author never did. Needless to say, I will not Purchase any more of the series.

This book's characters are busy with their individual lives. Cory is hunting for Lucille and Polly is still drawn to her father's bedroom at night. Polly and Titus' marriage has major problems and he takes his place in the military. Reasoner deals with Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville again at the end of he book, surprise! This is a very interesting family. It is a good read. By Ruth Thompson author of `The Bluegrass Dream" and Natchez Above The River"

With a vast array of characters from the dashing General Fitzhugh Lee to the strong matriarch, Abigail Brannon, there was no shortage of diversity. Even with the large cast and not having read the previous books in the series, I had no difficulty keeping the characters sorted. Yet, they were never explored beneath the surface, therefore, I never quite knew what made them unique.

An incredible amount of research went into the battle portrayals. The scenes, however, lacked the edge-of-your-seat feeling, and I felt more like a spectator than a participant. In spite of these disappointments, the pace is fast, and the basic plot of how one Southern family copes with the war in their own backyard is good. Chancellorsville does indeed hold its own, and I look forward to reading the remainder of the series.

The book was exactly as advertisd. Excellent condition and arrived quicker than I expected. Very satisfied with this order.

CHANCELLORSVILLE continues the story of the five Brannon brothers, their sister and mother. Many twists and turns emerge in this volume: Titus and Polly's romance goes further, while Will and Mac continue fighting with the Confederate Army in Virginia and Maryland.

Meanwhile, Cory, the wandering Brannon, heads for Vicksburg, Mississippi in search of his beloved Lucille. En route, he meets Pie Jones, who will become a good friend to Cory. Little does Cory know he and Pie, along with Lucille's uncle, Charles Thompson, will soon become instrumental in an endeavor to break the Union siege of Vicksburg. When Pie falls in love with Rachel, a serving girl in a Louisiana tavern, trouble soon follows.

As are the three previous volumes in The Civil War Battle Series, Chancellorsville is well-researched, tautly written, and fast-paced. A highly recommended book for any fan of historical fiction or Civil War buff.