Customer Reviews

Shiloh (The Civil War Battle Series, Book 2)

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

 

 

I reccomend that you read this series in order beginning with Manassas if for no other reason that you will miss a very good novel. You will be able to read this novel and enjoy it without doing so, but it would be a pity. This book again kept me interested throughout. At first I wasn't sure I liked Cory Brannon very much, but he earned my respect and quickly became a favorite. This novel brings a glimpse of life along the mighty Mississippi river and the exciting days of the steamboat trade leading up to the war. As the inevitable war erupts you are swept up in the battles of Fort Henry and Donaldson for the control of the upper Mississippi. Finally, the novel culminates in the horrendous battle of Shiloh and you are there for every vivid moment. Although the action is sweeping, it is the people caught in the currents of the back ebbys of the war you will learn to love and care about that keeps the pages turning. I highly reccomend this novel for your entertainment.

While reading "Manassas", the first of this eight volume fictional history of the U.S. Civil War is not absolutely necessary because the author subtly weaves in the backgound of a Culpepper, Virginia family's history, the enjoyment of this second volume is greatly enhanced if one does read volume one, first. Die-hard Civil War buffs may quibble that about the lack of an index indicating the serious research performed by the author. However, this skillfully woven tale is far too exciting to worry a great deal about accuracy. Mr. Reasoner lays the ground work for the oncoming war in his first volume and now moves into the scene at Shiloh faster and with more color. For lovers of adventure tales this second in the series may be more to their liking, but viewed in the broader context of the lengthy and costly war, it will be interesting to see where volume three carries us.

In SHILOH, we meet Corey Brannon, the prodigal son of the clan, who has wandered westward to make his fortune. Instead, he is living hand-to-mouth on the Mississippi River docks of New Madrid, Missouri. However, his life is soon to change, as fate thrusts him into the politics and intrigues of abolitionists and secessionists.

Meantime, in Culpepper, Titus continues his pursuit of Polly Ebersole, daughter of the wealthiest planter in the county. Will is off with the Confederate Army, while Mac, the second eldest, will also soon, along with the mysterious wild stallion he's tamed, be fighting for the cause of the South.

As is the preceding volume in James Reasoner's The Civil War Battle Series, SHILOH is a gripping, action-packed tale. the reader's interest is maintained throughout, and while the outcomes of the battles are, of course, never in doubt, the author maintains a high level of tension, keeping the reader guessing as to who will or will not survive.

"Shiloh," the second book in James Reasoner's "Civil War Battle Series," focuses primarily on Cory Brannon, the only member of the family we did not meet in the first volume. Cory is working as a wharf rat in New Madrid, Missouri when he becomes involved with Captain Zeke Farrell of the riverboat "Missouri Zephyr" and his lovely young daughter Lucille. Fleeing from abolitionist agitators and common thugs, the boat ends up in harm's way as Grant's Union forces move on the Confederate forts on the Tennessee River and then fight the book's title battle. Meanwhile, there are a few brief visits back east as Mac Brannon finally captures that stallion while the rest of the clan waits for the next novel.

Reasoner's Civil War soap opera is supposed to show the impact of the war on one family, the Brannons of Culpeper County, Virginia. The series title does these books a grave disservice because each "battle" pops up only briefly at the end, servicing as a backdrop for the personal problems and concerns of the book's characters. The main thrust of "Shiloh" is not the battle but Cory's adventures upon the river. You will not even find any tension regarding his love for Lucille, who simply loves him because that is simply the way this novel is written. Certainly Cory does not have any where near the problems of brother Titus back home. These books are easy reads and at this point in the series will not overly impress Civil War buffs.

I enjoyed the book. (also the first in the series, Manassas) However I found the level of writing somewhat more suited for a " young adult" rather than an adult. Very weak on battle details, however I don't think the intent was to teach about the civil war, just entertain. Also a fairly predictable story line with obivious plot development.

Cory Brannan a member of the Brannan family that we have not met was working on the river in New Madrid, Missouri. Here he meets Captain Farrell of the "Missouri Zephyr." This book is about Cory's adventures on the river and his love of Lucille, the captain's daughter. The author does tie Ft. Henry and Ft. Donelson into his story. Again Reasoner saves end of his book for the Battle of Shiloh. By Ruth Thompson author of `The Bluegrass Dream" and "Natchez Above The River"

I was very pleased with the book,and the prompt shipping. Everything was handled first-class.

I have all ten of the Civil War battle series books and enjoy each one. The Brannon family is a very interesting story line, and the battle descriptions are very thorough and well done. I think James Reasoner is a fine writter of historical fiction. I will definately read more of his books.

Even if you didn't read book one, this is a good read. This concentrates on the life of Cory Brannon, who was just slightly mentioned in book one. I had to get my hands on book three shortly after finishing this volume. Reasoner does a great job of mixing suspense in with historical significance from the Civil War.