Start reading The Callahans: The Complete Series on your Kindle in under a minute. Don't have a Kindle? Get your Kindle here.

Deliver to your Kindle or other device

 
 
 

Try it free

Sample the beginning of this book for free

Deliver to your Kindle or other device

Read books on your computer or other mobile devices with our FREE Kindle Reading Apps.
The Callahans: The Complete Series
 
 

The Callahans: The Complete Series [Kindle Edition]

Gordon Ryan
4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (42 customer reviews)

Digital List Price: $8.95 What's this?
Kindle Purchase Price: $8.95
Prime Members: $0.00 (borrow for free from your Kindle) Prime Eligible

  • Includes free wireless delivery via Amazon Whispernet

For Kindle Device Owners

Borrow this book for free on a Kindle device with Amazon Prime. Buy a Kindle today and start your Amazon Prime free trial to borrow this book at no cost.

With Prime, Kindle owners can choose from over 145,000 titles to borrow for free – including all seven Harry Potter books (available on June 19) and more than 100 current and former New York Times Bestsellers – as frequently as a book a month, with no due dates. Learn more about Kindle Owners' Lending Library.

Formats

Amazon Price New from Used from
Kindle Edition $8.95  
Paperback --  

Book Description

July 26, 2011
Author's Note: The Callahans: The Complete Series, in five volumes, is available in one Kindle book at Amazon with a discount price below the five separate novels.

Vol. I - Destiny: Fleeing an abusive father and a hopeless life in Ireland in 1895, nineteen-year-old Tom Callahan takes passage on a ship bound for America. On board, he meets Katrina Hansen, a young Norwegian woman traveling to Utah. It's not a likely match. The brash Irishman is a Catholic, a brawler and a young man without prospects. Katrina is a refined young woman, yet naive in the ways of the world. Lured into a polygamous marriage, she finds herself abandoned on a remote Mexican beach as the man she loves, unaware of her status, seeks his fortune in Alaska. Destiny is a sprawling historical novel set at the turn of the 19th century, played out in such far-flung places as New York City, the gold fields of Alaska and Old Mexico.

Vol.II - Conflict:  Tom Callahan strikes it rich in the Alaska goldfield while Katrina struggles to remain alive in Mexico. Demonstrating her determination and faith, the reader is shown the resilience of this young woman who has grown beyond her years. Continuing through 1912 and the disastrous voyage of HMS Titanic, Conflict will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Vol. III - Reunion: It's 1917 and American has entered World War I. Tom and Katie's son, in an effort to prove his worth to his father, has joined what President Woodrow Wilson is calling  - the fight to make the world safe for democracy-. As the war ends, Tommy is selected for appointment to the Naval Academy, while his father is arrested and imprisoned in Ireland for gun running in the great Irish Civil War. Set against turbulent events in world history and filled with vivid scenes as well as tender emotions, Reunion takes the reader around the world.

Vol. IV - Prelude: Tom and Katrina Callahan continue their story in the years between the two world wars. Their three children have grown up and are making their way in a world that is propelling itself toward World War II. Tess has her heart set on a Hollywood movie career; PJ is a successful sheep rancher in New Zealand and Tommy is pursuing his career in the Marine Corps and learning not only about war, but about the perils of romance. When Tommy finds himself in England prior to WWII, Winston Churchill calls on him to examine the economic growth of the German nation as they secretly prepare for war.

Vol. V - Reprisal - Continuing the series into WWII as Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Callahan III faces personal tragedy during the Blitz in London as the war presents a very personal face. As he leaves his Embassy post to return to the United States, America joins Europe in the worldwide conflagration. For the second time in his young life, the son of Thomas and Katrina Callahan finds himself immersed in front-line battle, torn between his duty and the love of a beautiful woman who desires only his safety.

The conclusion of The Callahans will leave you enthralled as the children and grandchildren of a once-young Irish immigrant and his Norwegian bride leave their mark upon the world.

Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought


Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Gordon Ryan has been a traditionally published author since 1994. In 2010, Pegasus Publishing republished each of his former novels and released his new thrillers, State of Rebellion and Uncivil Liberties.

Product Details

  • File Size: 1334 KB
  • Print Length: 822 pages
  • Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0966352998
  • Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
  • Publisher: Pegasus Publishing (July 26, 2011)
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B002S0NIRW
  • Text-to-Speech: Enabled
  • Lending: Enabled
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #23,722 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)
  •  Would you like to give feedback on images?


Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
156 of 177 people found the following review helpful
Misleading March 26, 2011
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
I wish that someone had written a review that mentioned that this book was written for the purpose of proselytizing re: the Mormon religion. I was quite disgusted with the recurring theme that Mormonism is better than every other religion and that they are somehow supreme beings and even people with sound Catholic beliefs should give up their god and buy into the LDS beliefs.
I am not a disgruntled Catholic, I am a spiritual person who lives according to two principles; "do unto others as you would have them do unto you" and 'love thy neighbour as thyself'. I do not subscribe to manmade rules and dogma of various religions and I am tolerant of the right of people to believe what they want to. I just don't like to have such negativism regarding other religions shoved down my throat under the guise of literature. I could not finish the whole book and would not recommend it to anyone.
Was this review helpful to you?
49 of 57 people found the following review helpful
Not What I Expected September 15, 2010
Format:Kindle Edition
I first saw this trilogy mentioned on the Kindle Boards and was delighted to find it since I love reading multigenerational historical novels. Having a Kindle made it even better since I looked forward to enjoying an entertaining epic (size is over 17,000 locations) without trying to juggle an oversized hard cover book. The premise also seemed sound dealing with immigrants to Utah with differing religions and backgrounds.

My rating is for the trilogy as a whole since there doesn't seem to be any sound reason to fragment it into three sections. I am disappointed that I can not rate it higher than three stars even though I believe that the author is a natural born story teller and writes in a very clear narrative style.

The problem I had with this book is that in order to sustain interest, the characters and story line should be compelling. I found that most of the characters including the two main ones, Tom and Katrina, to be one dimensional. The dialogue seemed wooden and completely absent of wit or humor.

The underlying theme of the book is their spiritual quest and it completely overshadows any other story line. Their spiritual angst and beliefs comprised a great deal of the book which had a heavy religious component throughout. I imagine that if this novel were summarized more accurately emphasizing this theme, it might capture a more appreciative audience.

As for the the other story lines, I felt as though I was reading a novel that was constructed by following a time line for the period listing all the major world events. It seemed as though the situations in the novel were expressly created to see how many famous personalities from that time frame could be incorporated into the story. Since so many historical events were included, they all received very superficial treatment.

I think the book would have benefited from having a more narrow focus and more multifaceted characters.
Was this review helpful to you?
30 of 36 people found the following review helpful
A beautiful read! February 2, 2011
Format:Kindle Edition
Spirit of Union Trilogy: Destiny (aka Book 1)
Of the three, this one is my favorite. A wonderfully thought out story line with well developed characters. This is a book for men or women, although, as a woman I found it very chivalrous and become quite fond of Thomas Callahan. Relationships between characters were en pointe with customary social standards of the time period this book was set. I enjoyed the romance involved with the two main characters, Thomas and Katrina Hansen. I was angry at Stromberg at his deception concerning Katrina and Theresa. I was amazed at Katrina's resilience (which continues throughout the series) and faith. I appreciate the author's reliance on God despite any religious differences I personally may have with the Catholic or Mormon belief systems. I was enthralled with a good, quality read that did not have questionable verbiage, situations or overly violent scenes.

Spirit of Union Trilogy: Conflict (aka Book 2)
The title explains it all. Historically the world is at war and you can bet that Thomas Callahan is somewhere in the midst of it, albeit financially or physically. As I reflect on my reading of this book there are many positive and prosperous situations that arise. The most prominent being the tragedy of the Titanic. Without divulging the events of this tragedy I am abhorred at Thomas in this book. I had tears in my eyes and the consequences of his actions on the life of his child just made me angry at him. Katrina becomes even more of a beautiful person to me--even after the loss of her first child in Book 1, her best friend, Teresa and the resilience she had after Teresa's death. I anticipated the end of this book so that I could jump into Book 3.

Spirit of Union Trilogy: Heritage (aka Book 3)
I loved watching the Callahan kids grow up and blossom into productive members of society. I was antsy when Thomas was wrapped up in the revolution and I couldn't believe that Katrina was able to accomplish the things that she did to get Thomas back to the United States. Although I don't necessarily find it difficult to believe that Tommy has received all the accolades and promotions in the Marine Corps we, as the reader, were there with every one of them. It seemed surreal and although we didn't experience the bombing of Pearl Harbor--I totally expected it. PJ almost totally disappears from the book and I would have loved to have seen him become more of a primary character. I loved the picture that was created with Thomas when he went for an escape on the mountain (the dream sequence). And Tess, isn't she just beautiful?! Like a parent who wants the best for their child I kept waiting and waiting for her to make better decisions regarding her marriage--to a man who loved her dearly. Tommy, poor Tommy...after all the successes in his career and his ultimate decision to settle down brings him the most horrific of endings. Wow, I just would have liked things to have worked out better for him in the long run!

Ultimately, with tears running down my face at the last chapter of the book, the last scene was the most beautiful written and touching I've ever read. This trilogy ended most appropriately. Again, I will not divulge the details, you MUST read them for yourself... but I would have wished nothing less on the Callahan family. A life that was undergirded with strong faith, a solid sense of family values, a hope for the best life has to offer and though there were many trials, in the end it was all beautiful.

Side note: Gordon, thanks for the opportunity to read this, I sincerely apologize for being two days late in my review. I hope I have not discouraged you from doing this again in the future!
Comment | 
Was this review helpful to you?
Most Recent Customer Reviews
I loved this series!
This is one of the best LDS series I have ever read. I havent been able to find out if its based on a true story or not; as there seems to be many factual indications all... Read more
Published 6 days ago by Megan Dargan
Wonderful Series
Started Book one and could not put it down. Went through the series quickly. I loved how each character was taken through their lives both individually and together with the... Read more
Published 13 days ago by MarilynO
Lovely book. Historical and a good read
I loved this book. I was sad when I finished. I felt like I had just part of my family and would miss reading about them. Read more
Published 1 month ago by P. Robles
Breath taking talented author. Swept me away from my everyday...
The best book I've read in years. Family struggles & history kept we running to read each book in the series. I can hardly wait to read more of Mr Ryan's novels. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Reno Kathy
Loved the series
I couldn't put it down. It should be made into a mini-series for TV. I learned a little bit about Mormonism, but love following the different directions of the family.
Published 1 month ago by Ricki Pitzner
A must read
Yes its about Mormons, (and Catholics), of which I am neither. I am a Christian but did not find this book offensive. It was a great series and covers about 70 years of history. Read more
Published 1 month ago by quiver of 8
A generations Experience
I think Gordon Ryan hit this book exactly right. Over years of living many good experiences come our way but also a few heart rendering moments must also tag along. Read more
Published 2 months ago by James Shugart
Didn't even finish the first one
The idea of such a sweeping historical fiction is certainly appealing. However, the book should be listed as 'religious fiction' because it is heavily religious. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Susie
Wonderful Book
I just finished reading this and I loved it. This book is not just about religion, it's about a family and their beliefs. Read more
Published 2 months ago by M. Beine
Callahans
I really loved these books. I didn't want the books to end. I felt their joy and felt their pain. I felt I was in the story. Read more
Published 2 months ago by happycat70
Search Customer Reviews
Only search this product's reviews

Book Extras from the Shelfari Community

(What's this?)

To add, correct, or read more Book Extras for The Callahans: The Complete Series , visit Shelfari, an Amazon.com company.


More About the Author

"... a writer of skill and originality." Midwest Book Review, 2004

GORDON W. RYAN (www.gordonryan.com) has been a traditionally published author since 1994. Ryan was a Recon Marine in the aftermath of the Cuban missile crises. He served in Bangkok with the Air Force during Vietnam and at the American Embassy in Dublin, Ireland, during the violent 70's.

Ryan holds a Bachelors degree with Honors in Political Science and has completed graduate work in Public Administration. During his career, Ryan has served as Chief Executive Officer or City Manager in multiple American and international communities. An accomplished public speaker, he frequently accepts invitations for public presentations.

Ryan is the author of the dynamic, newly released Pug Connor political military action series which includes State of Rebellion, Uncivil Liberties, To Faithfully Execute, and the forthcoming Blood & Treasure. (Also available in a Kindle boxed set single volume)

On a softer, more emotional note, Ryan's historical fiction family saga, The Callahans, in five volumes, has proven to be a Kindle bestseller. (Also available in a single five volume boxed Kindle set.)

What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?


Popular Highlights

 (What's this?)
&quote;
#4 Reprisal  Callahans &quote;
Highlighted by 7 Kindle users
&quote;
2011) Heritage  Callahans &quote;
Highlighted by 5 Kindle users
&quote;
We have little control over how life treats us, Señorita, but we have complete control over how we respond and how we treat others. &quote;
Highlighted by 4 Kindle users

Tags Customers Associate with This Product

 (What's this?)
Click on a tag to find related items, discussions, and people.
 
(28)
(18)
(16)

Your tags: Add your first tag
 

Customer Discussions

This product's forum
Discussion Replies Latest Post
No discussions yet

Ask questions, Share opinions, Gain insight
Start a new discussion
Topic:
First post:
Prompts for sign-in
 


Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
Search all Amazon discussions
   
Related forums