Rating: 
Summary: Absolutely Fabulous
Review: A Civil War re-enactor myself, I began the Starbuck series with scepticism - believing that like most Civil War fiction - this would be more romanticized drivel. But... was I ever wrong. I've been to Sharpsburg, I've walked the Cornfield and west woods, and I am amazed by the accuracy and emotion conveyed by Starbuck and Company. The panic, the sheer bewilderment felt by those brave men on both sides is utterly captured by Mr. Cornwell. Though true "history's" are indespensible, the authors descriptions gave me a sense of being there that I've not experienced for some time. What a ride!
Rating:
Summary: An excellant novel with well developed characters.
Review: As in all of the Starbuck Chronicles, Cornwell's characters come alive in detailed and exciting battle action. It is easy to take sides for the Confederates' are protrayed as the underdogs (which they were) fighting not for a cause (and certainly not for slavery) but because they liked to fight. The spirit of the challenge of personal combat makes this a novel worth reading through the night
Rating:
Summary: The Bloody Ground
Review: As the book opens the once drunken Colonel Gordon Swinyard is a changed man, no longer a drunk but a rabid bible thumper. To escape these pressures and as a prelude to advancement on some other battlefield Starbucks is given a test a most difficult one. He is required to turn a bunch of convicts into soldiers. I have several problems with this book the first of which is that it has been so long between this book and any other new releases in the series. Doesn't Mr. Cornwell have anything better to do then come out with trite books like "The Archer's Tale"? These were wonderful books sir please get back to them. My second complaint is Luthifer the new character it just seems a little too P.C to have another black guy with a gun rebeling agienst his southern overlords. These points did not take away from a wonderful book however, and I hope Mr. Cornwell continues them.
Rating:
Summary: The Bloody Ground
Review: As the book opens the once drunken Colonel Gordon Swinyard is a changed man, no longer a drunk but a rabid bible thumper. To escape these pressures and as a prelude to advancement on some other battlefield Starbucks is given a test a most difficult one. He is required to turn a bunch of convicts into soldiers. I have several problems with this book the first of which is that it has been so long between this book and any other new releases in the series. Doesn't Mr. Cornwell have anything better to do then come out with trite books like "The Archer's Tale"? These were wonderful books sir please get back to them. My second complaint is Luthifer the new character it just seems a little too P.C to have another black guy with a gun rebeling agienst his southern overlords. These points did not take away from a wonderful book however, and I hope Mr. Cornwell continues them.
Rating: 
Summary: A good historical fiction story
Review: Finally, the 4th installment of the Starbuck Chronicles. As I have reviewed in the other 3 books, I find this series thoroughly enjoyable. Cornwell uses many of the same characteristic traits in Nathaniel Starbuck as he does in Derfel of the Winter King, and Thomas of Hookton in Archer's Tale.
I like the way he builds the characters. They are not entirely perfect and they have lapses in judgment, but I find myself rooting for them even in the midst of suffering or trials.
I found Bloody Ground to be the best of the 4 books, but not quite a 5 star (maybe a 4.25). If you are a fan of historical fiction, I am recommending you read this series. Cornwell has done better stuff, but you will be entertained nevertheless.
Rating:
Summary: Breathlessly waiting for more
Review: I cannot rate this book without talking about the brilliance of the whole series. Cornwell takes you from your reading room, and teleports you back to a simpler time. And you find out that it's not so simple. Set against the backdrop of the Eastern Theatre in the American Civil War, he portrays the massive carnage and greatest bravery in minute detail. You actually hear the cannons, and smell the rotting flesh of the wounded. Yet, the main plot does not take place amongst the gunfire outside. But, rather, within. It is a story of a soul, and his struggle with God, man, who he is, and what he stands for. Amidst the shouting, crying, blasting, and dieing...is a poor heart, searching for peace. I found Cornwell's protrayal of Nate Starbuck to be no less than perfect. I found myself rooting, questioning, hoping, and praying for this fictional character. For, I saw myself in Starbuck. The same questions, fears, and desires. When done, I walked away from this story with a different outlook on life, liberty, and what's truly important. As will you. Awesome series Bernard! I cannot wait until the saga continues...
Rating:
Summary: Breathlessly waiting for more
Review: I cannot rate this book without talking about the brilliance of the whole series. Cornwell takes you from your reading room, and teleports you back to a simpler time. And you find out that it's not so simple. Set against the backdrop of the Eastern Theatre in the American Civil War, he portrays the massive carnage and greatest bravery in minute detail. You actually hear the cannons, and smell the rotting flesh of the wounded. Yet, the main plot does not take place amongst the gunfire outside. But, rather, within. It is a story of a soul, and his struggle with God, man, who he is, and what he stands for. Amidst the shouting, crying, blasting, and dieing...is a poor heart, searching for peace. I found Cornwell's protrayal of Nate Starbuck to be no less than perfect. I found myself rooting, questioning, hoping, and praying for this fictional character. For, I saw myself in Starbuck. The same questions, fears, and desires. When done, I walked away from this story with a different outlook on life, liberty, and what's truly important. As will you. Awesome series Bernard! I cannot wait until the saga continues...
Rating:
Summary: Great
Review: I have read the entire Starbuck Series and really looking forward to seeing the next book in the series come out. This book is great and worth reading a first, second, third and even maybe a fourth time. It is full of action and suspense, that kept me reading non stop.
Rating: 
Summary: Not the best Starbuck, but excellent battlefield desciptions
Review: I have read the whole series and this book is not the best one. I think that the first two books- Rebel and Copperhead are better than the last two- Battle Flag and The Bloody Ground. The battlefield scene desciptions are very good and alone make it worth reading. I just was not impressed with the character development, especially for the new ones introduced in this book. I do hope that Mr. Cornwell continues the series, I would hate to see it end at this point.
Rating:
Summary: Not the best Starbuck, but excellent battlefield desciptions
Review: I have read the whole series and this book is not the best one. I think that the first two books- Rebel and Copperhead are better than the last two- Battle Flag and The Bloody Ground. The battlefield scene desciptions are very good and alone make it worth reading. I just was not impressed with the character development, especially for the new ones introduced in this book. I do hope that Mr. Cornwell continues the series, I would hate to see it end at this point.
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