Rating: 
Summary: Enjoyable and Believable (quite rare qualities).
Review: I must say I love ACW novels, some are better then the rest. This one is one of the best I have ever read, I just loved the timetable and relation between time/space/distances the book offers, it puts you truly back in time.
So different an approach from UNTO THIS HOUR (more romantic/crude/ambitious/long) wich I also recommend vividly.
ENJOY.
Rating:
Summary: 1999 MICHAEL SHAARA AWARD FOR CIVIL WAR FICTION WINNER
Review: I recently learned that this book won the 1999 Michael Shaara Award for Civil War Fiction awarded by Louisiana State University. I don't know what books it competed against, but this one is clearly a winner.I read this book some time ago and will re-read it soon. What I liked best was the way the two main characters related to each other to achieve their goal. A young 15 year old still fighting for the south and a tough young 18 year old girl, ala Scarlet O'Hara AFTER the war ("I'll never go hungry again!") but more likable. If you're looking for a detailed book about the civil war, this is not it. If your looking for some new insight into Stonewall Jackson or some secret about why the south lost, this is not it. In fact, the novel succeeds because it is more a "period piece", an action story of ordinary people which just happened to take place in the 1860s. It is a book for all ages and I would especially encourage women, young and old, to read it as Kathleen is a strong willed heroine that I was happy to read about. Thank you for evaluating my review.
Rating:
Summary: This book will last for a long time.
Review: I've seen reviews of this book comparing it to Cold Mountain. It is nothing like Cold Mountain, which has very little to do with the Civil War. Cold Mountain could just as easily be about the Russian front in WWII. It's also very lyrical, a true poet's book. Stonewall's Gold truly brings alive the Civil War as I believe it must have been at that time and place. Its writing style is very spare with a wonderful sense of mood, weather, and evocative cinematic imagery. Personally, I can't think of a better Civil War novel since The Killer Angels. The writer also doesn't take sides. This could be a classic American movie if it is done well.
Rating:
Summary: A compelling story for all ages
Review: Like many Long Islanders who fondly remember Bob Mrazek it was a pleasure to encounter his first book. It is a winner! "Stonewall's Gold" is a beautifully constructed Civil War story that transports the reader into the Virginia Shenandoah Valley for a tale of adventure, suspense, and history. Former Congressman's Mrazek's storytelling is wondrous and the book is a real page turner right to the very end. While this book is written with an eye towards history, it is most appropriate for older children through adult-aged readers. It is especially wonderful to encounter BOTH a male and female hero in "Stonewall's Gold" and the book will no doubt pique the interest of its reader to learn more about the Civil War. Bob Mrazek's ability to spin a great story will hopefully yield future books / stories surrounding the Civil War period. This is not only a wonderful story, but also a rather historically accurate picture of the waning days of the confederate army in the closing days of our country's greatest struggle. Thank you Bob for a finely crafted story ... we anxiously await your next book. Tom Gellert - Northport, NY
Rating: 
Summary: Well crafted; well written
Review: The characters are believable, as is the setting. I did, however, find that the middle of the book really came to a screeching halt, around the time that the female lead shows up. But it is eventually over with, and the story moves on briskly.
However, toward the end, the whole "is the book real, or fiction!" aspect really got annoying. I would still recommend it, though.
Rating:
Summary: Belongs alongside Killer Angels.......
Review: The comparisons to Michael Shaara will be as inevitable as they are deserved. A gripping page-turner of Civil War intrigue that reflects Mrazek's meticulous attention to the historical details of both sides' manueverings in the Shenandoah Valley, animated with telling detail, punchy dialogue, and one hell of a good story line. (A word to the wise, you want 18 year old heroine Katherine Dandridge on your side of the war...trust me.) A final confession: I finished this book on the train, sitting in the station, after my ride to work. A half hour after we arrived, as I turned the last page, the conductor finally kicked me off. If this is Mrazek's fiction debut, I can't wait for his sophomore effort.
Rating:
Summary: TREASURE ISLAND REVISITED
Review: This a modern adventure story involving an innocent boy and an elfin girl in a historical setting. The most fascinating aspect of this book is the accurate description of the destruction the Civil War has wrought on the Shenandoah region. Against this bleak background of war-torn misery a quick paced adventure unfolds involving colorful charcters and realistic violence. If you appreciate tomboys, this is excellent reading. The main drawbacks of the book are its historic revisionism, giving its characters thoroughly contemporary American sensibilities, and that it tends to drag on and on in the end in order to give its protagonists historic credence instead of exploring directly whether the friendship between the two outlasted the war.
Rating:
Summary: Stonewall' Gold
Review: This Civil War book is worth reading. It is the first person story of Jamie Lockhart, a fifteen year old from Virginia. It is the amazing treasure hunt based on real events. There is high suspense and drama all the way through. The action begins when a Confederate private comes to the Lockhart farm looking for lodge. When Jamie decides to follow him on one of his mysterious midnight trips, he discovers a startling plot-and gets caught in the middle of it. The quick pace keeps the interest throughout the story. The book has a great cast as well. Jamie, Kate, and Major de Monfort are just a few. This book is worth your time.
Rating:
Summary: Action packed story
Review: This exceptionally well written story had me on the edge of my seat from one chapter to the next! The main character has some great adventures in the midst of a wonderful depiction of the Civil War. I passed this book along to my 14 year old. It is very easy reading and is appropriate for any age. If your homeschooler is studying the Civil War, I would recommend "Stonewall's Gold" as worthwhile supplemental reading. The author is very good at keeping the plot moving and exciting. Definitely add this book to your list of good reads for you and your family.
Rating:
Summary: Action packed story
Review: This exceptionally well written story had me on the edge of my seat from one chapter to the next! The main character has some great adventures in the midst of a wonderful depiction of the Civil War. I passed this book along to my 14 year old. It is very easy reading and is appropriate for any age. If your homeschooler is studying the Civil War, I would recommend "Stonewall's Gold" as worthwhile supplemental reading. The author is very good at keeping the plot moving and exciting. Definitely add this book to your list of good reads for you and your family.
| 
